Great Pine Financial Services

10/21/2026

The IRS says you’re deceased, but you’re very much alive. It sounds unbelievable, but this unusual situation can happen when an incorrect Social Security number (SSN) is entered on your tax return or when Social Security Administration (SSA) records mistakenly indicate that you or your spouse have died. If you receive IRS Notice CP01H, verify that the SSN on the return in question matches your Social Security card. If it does, contact the SSA to see whether its records need to be corrected. Then follow the notice instructions to unlock your IRS account. Call us at (207) 517-0303 for help resolving this issue promptly.

10/20/2026

When buying a business, financial due diligence is essential. Start by reviewing financial statements, tax returns and the accounting records behind the numbers. Receivables, inventory, bank reconciliations and related-party transactions may reveal risks that aren’t obvious at first glance. Adjustments may also be needed for expenses or financial arrangements that won’t continue after the sale. An independent quality of earnings (QoE) report can help determine whether reported earnings are sustainable. New U.S. Small Business Administration guidance requires QoE reports for certain change-in-ownership transactions. Contact us at (207) 517-0303 for help navigating the due diligence process.

10/20/2026

Congratulations Craignair Inn by the Sea!

The Craignair Inn by the Sea has once again been named The Best Inn or Bed & Breakfast in Maine by Down East Magazine readers. It's an incredible honor, and we could not be more thrilled.

10/19/2026

You must pay the alternative minimum tax (AMT) if your AMT liability exceeds your regular tax liability. An exemption of $90,100 is available ($140,200 for joint filers, half that for separate filers), but it phases out when income exceeds certain levels — which have dropped for 2026. Plus, the exemption is now phased out twice as fast as in 2025. Add to that the impact of a potentially larger state and local tax deduction (which isn’t AMT-deductible), and you might be at higher AMT risk this year. Call us at (207) 517-0303 for help assessing your risk and finding strategies to minimize your taxes.

10/15/2026

Limited partner status in a business generally offers valuable benefits, including liability protection and self-employment tax advantages. But it may also limit your ability to deduct partnership losses under the passive activity loss rules. Passive losses are usually deductible only against passive income unless you materially participate in the business. Limited partners face a tougher standard than general partners. Certain work, such as investor activities or tasks not customarily performed by owners, may not count toward material participation. Other limitations may also apply. Before investing in a limited partnership or claiming losses, contact us at (207) 517-0303 to discuss the tax implications.

10/14/2026

Reconstructing business mileage records months after the fact can be frustrating — and unreliable. If you or your employees use personal vehicles for business, establish a system for logging trips as they occur. QuickBooks users can take advantage of mobile tools that automatically track trips and classify business vs. personal mileage. Other mileage apps or a well-maintained manual log can also work. As year end approaches, make sure your records include key details, such as mileage and business purpose. Timely, accurate documentation is essential for bookkeeping, employee reimbursements and tax reporting. Call us at (207) 517-0303 for help improving your mileage tracking process.

10/13/2026

Are you ready for your next financial statement audit? A well-planned audit is typically more efficient, less disruptive and easier to manage than one that relies on last-minute preparation. Before fieldwork starts, inform your auditor about significant business developments, resolve accounting questions, review last year’s adjustments and control recommendations, and organize supporting documentation. Complete records, clear responsibilities and prompt responses can help avoid delays and minimize surprises. Contact us at (207) 517-0303 to coordinate audit planning and address potential issues early.

10/12/2026

Giving away assets during your life can reduce the size of your taxable estate. One option is to pay someone’s tuition or medical expenses. Such payments can be gift-tax-free — but only if you make them directly to a qualifying educational institution or medical provider. (Advancing the funds to a loved one or reimbursing previously paid expenses doesn’t count.) Unlike making gifts under the gift tax annual exclusion ($19,000 per recipient for 2026), there’s no limit on the amount of tuition or medical expenses you can pay tax-free. Call us at (207) 517-0303 to learn more about lifetime gifts.

10/08/2026

Does your business hold intangible assets? Intangibles are nonphysical, long-term resources that can add significant value to a business. Examples include copyrights, licenses and customer lists. The tax implications can be complex. IRS regulations require the capitalization of costs to 1) acquire or create intangibles; 2) create or enhance a separate, distinct intangible; 3) create or enhance a future benefit identified in IRS guidance as capitalizable; or 4) facilitate the acquisition or creation of intangibles. Capitalized costs can’t be fully deducted in the year paid or incurred. They generally must be ratably deducted over the asset’s life. Questions? We’re here to help. Call us at (207) 517-0303.

10/07/2026

Good news: IRS penalty relief just got easier for many individuals and businesses. The new Automatic Exemption from Penalty (AEP) process may provide automatic relief from certain failure-to-file, failure-to-pay and failure-to-deposit penalties if you’ve filed returns and paid federal taxes on time for the previous three years (or 12 consecutive quarters for quarterly returns). You must still pay any tax and interest due. AEP will replace First Time Abate relief for eligible returns with original due dates on or after Jan. 1, 2027. During the transition, some eligible taxpayers may still receive penalty notices. Contact us at (207) 517-0303 to determine whether you qualify for AEP or other penalty relief.