Bake’s Takes Volume 1, Issue 2

Aprio Insights on the Opportunity Zones Are Given New Life – A Tax Advisor’s Thoughts. Read the article.

Learn more about cost segregation studies and found out if performing one is a smart next step for your real estate portfolio.

Most business owners think about succession planning far too late. A Family Limited Partnership, when established early and managed with discipline, gives founders something rare: the ability to transfer economic value to the next generation gradually, deliberately, and on their own terms — without giving up operational control in the process. It is one of the most effective wealth transfer and succession planning tools available. It is also one of the most scrutinized by the IRS. Before you build one, make sure you understand what it takes to make it last.

Congress just handed manufacturers one of the most significant tax incentives in decades. Under the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act, qualifying businesses can now deduct 100% of the cost of a new production building in the very first year it is placed in service — instead of spreading that deduction over 39 years. For a business investing $5 million, $10 million, or more in a new or expanded facility, that difference could be transformational. But the rules are strict, the election is irrevocable, and the clock is already ticking. Read on to find out if your facility qualifies and what you need to do before you file.

The revised instructions address changes to the treatment of §174A domestic research expenditures and align with prior IRS guidance and clarifications on reporting requirements.

Two decades ago, 21 states had top income tax rates between 5 and 7 percent. Today, only 12 do. Meanwhile, 26 states now have rates below 5 percent or no income tax at all, while six states have climbed to double-digit rates. With more low-tax alternatives than ever before, businesses and high-net-worth individuals in high-tax states need to consider their options now—before policy changes catch them off guard.

The 2026 tax filing season brings several significant changes that could affect your refund timeline and filing approach. Between IRS staffing reductions, new postal service postmark rules, and a transition to electronic payments, taxpayers who wait until April to file or who rely on paper submissions may face unexpected delays and penalties. The good news? With a few proactive steps—filing electronically, mailing early, and setting up direct deposit—you can avoid these pitfalls and ensure a smooth filing experience.

529 plans offer more than just tax-free college savings. From funding K-12 tuition to repaying student loans and even reducing estate taxes, these versatile accounts provide powerful benefits that many families overlook. Learn how to maximize your education savings strategy with step-by-step guidance on setting up, funding, and managing 529 plans for your children or grandchildren.

The statistics are sobering: 70% of wealthy families lose their wealth by the second generation, and 90% have depleted it by the third. Yet despite these well-documented trends, most affluent families continue to focus primarily on tax optimization and asset protection while neglecting the most critical element of successful wealth transfer: preparing the next generation to be responsible stewards of family assets.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has reshaped QSBS. Are you structured to capture the full benefit?