Merchants Accounting Services, Inc.

Merchants Accounting Services, Inc. Merchants Accounting Services, Inc, is a full service tax, accounting and business consulting firm focused on the unique needs of restaurants, bars, and cafes.

Can business debt become personal? In some cases, yes. If you’re a sole proprietor or a general partner in a partnership...
06/23/2026

Can business debt become personal? In some cases, yes. If you’re a sole proprietor or a general partner in a partnership, you’re personally liable for business debts. Owners of corporations and limited liability companies are generally protected from personal liability, unless they personally guarantee a loan, commit fraud or fail to keep business and personal finances separate. Payroll taxes are different. The IRS can assess the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty to hold owners, officers or other responsible individuals personally liable for unpaid withheld payroll taxes, regardless of the business structure. This applies even if the business declares bankruptcy. Call us at (510) 653-9424 with questions.

Has administrative complexity discouraged your business from offering a 401(k) plan? Take a look at the safe harbor 401(...
06/22/2026

Has administrative complexity discouraged your business from offering a 401(k) plan? Take a look at the safe harbor 401(k). The employer contribution obligation generally exempts the plan from nondiscrimination testing and other onerous administrative duties. Plus, this plan enables highly compensated employees to max out their contributions and can help attract and retain workers. Typically, employees are eligible to participate if they're age 21 or older and have at least one year of service. Call us (510) 653-9424 for details.

A summer job is a great way for teens to earn extra cash, but it also comes with tax responsibilities. Anyone with self-...
06/19/2026

A summer job is a great way for teens to earn extra cash, but it also comes with tax responsibilities. Anyone with self-employed income over $400, such as earnings from mowing lawns or babysitting, must file an income tax return and may owe self-employment tax. If a teen works for an employer that withholds payroll taxes, the filing threshold is higher: $16,100 for 2026. In this case, the teen usually won’t owe income tax and may receive a refund if taxes were withheld. Call us at (510) 653-9424 with questions.

Your 2025 individual income tax return can provide a treasure trove of tax-planning ideas for 2026. We can dig into your...
06/17/2026

Your 2025 individual income tax return can provide a treasure trove of tax-planning ideas for 2026. We can dig into your 1040 and uncover potential strategies you can implement this year to reduce your 2026 taxes. We also can assist with filing extended 2025 returns. Call us at (510) 653-9424 to set up an appointment.

An estate plan helps ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. It also can minimize taxes, safeg...
06/16/2026

An estate plan helps ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. It also can minimize taxes, safeguard your minor children and support your charitable goals. If you haven’t reviewed your estate plan recently, call us at (510) 653-9424. We can help assess whether revisions are needed due to tax law changes or a major life event. If you don’t have an estate plan yet, we can help you get started.

Even when your finance and accounting (F&A) team seems to be firing on all cylinders, they may feel burdened with heavy ...
06/15/2026

Even when your finance and accounting (F&A) team seems to be firing on all cylinders, they may feel burdened with heavy workloads and tight deadlines. Bringing in an external accountant can ease the pressure on your internal team and keep your business running smoothly behind the scenes. If your accounting and bookkeeping workload is piling up, we’re here to help. Call us at (510) 653-9424 to learn how we can support your business.

Boat owners may qualify for federal income tax breaks — but only if the boat meets specific requirements. For example, a...
06/12/2026

Boat owners may qualify for federal income tax breaks — but only if the boat meets specific requirements. For example, a vessel with sleeping, cooking and toilet facilities could qualify as a home for the mortgage interest itemized deduction. Itemizers may also be able to deduct eligible state and local sales tax paid on a boat, subject to applicable limits. Vessels used in bona fide businesses, such as charter fishing or sightseeing, can generate deductible business expenses. Before assuming your boat delivers tax savings, contact us at (510) 653-9424 to learn more. We can help determine your vessel’s eligibility and provide guidance on substantiating any write-offs.

Do your employees pay out of pocket for business travel, meals or supplies? With a properly structured “accountable plan...
06/10/2026

Do your employees pay out of pocket for business travel, meals or supplies? With a properly structured “accountable plan,” reimbursements are tax-free to employees and deductible for your business. (Remember, meals are generally only 50% deductible.) Without an accountable plan, reimbursements count as taxable wages and trigger income taxes for the employee and payroll taxes for both the employee and your business. Contact us at (510) 653-9424 to help ensure your reimbursement practices comply with the tax rules and minimize unintended tax consequences.

Are you behind on federal tax payments or worried about defaulting on an IRS installment agreement? You might have more ...
06/09/2026

Are you behind on federal tax payments or worried about defaulting on an IRS installment agreement? You might have more options than you realize. If your finances have changed, the IRS may let you adjust your payment plan to lower monthly payments or a new schedule. If your agreement is terminated, you can request reinstatement. You can also consider an offer in compromise, which may allow you to settle for less than you owe. If you’re facing serious financial trouble and can provide evidence of undue hardship, the IRS sometimes allows up to six months to pay. It helps to act early. Call us at (510) 653-9424 with questions.

Your financial life is more interconnected than you may realize. Your tax, retirement and estate planning should work to...
06/08/2026

Your financial life is more interconnected than you may realize. Your tax, retirement and estate planning should work together to support your goals today and protect your legacy tomorrow. We can help you bring it all together with a coordinated strategy to reduce taxes, build retirement savings and achieve your estate planning objectives. Contact us at (510) 653-9424.

Address

1880 Pleasant Valley Avenue
Oakland, CA
94611

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(510) 653-9424

Website

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