Aaron Pingle, CFA

📢 California Competes Tax Credit: Second Application Window Now Open GO‑Biz has opened the second application window for the California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) program, offering $308 million in available credits during this round—open now through January 26, 2026. Key Highlights: 🔹Competitive, discretionary California tax incentive for expansion, retention, or relocation projects 🔹Credits tied to job creation/retention, wages, and capital investment 🔹Six‑year carryforward available for unused credits 🔹Ideal for expansions, retention projects, relocations, and multi‑state site‑selection decisions 🔹GO‑Biz evaluates applications based on job growth, investment, strategic importance & economic impact With a total of $922M available for FY26, this window presents a timely opportunity for businesses planning California projects to secure meaningful incentive support. 👉 Read the full SALTy Alert for expert insights and next steps: https://ow.ly/tf5t30sSsHN

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Most accounting firm sellers think the AICPA 90-day notice is the gospel to transition their firms by. It isn’t the only one though! There are two big rules. AICPA 90-day notice: Ethics rule. Notify clients. No objection = presumed consent (after 90 days passes). IRC §7216: Federal law. If you prepare individual returns, you need affirmative written consent before sharing tax return information -even in a sale. Not implied. Not buried in your engagement letter. Signed. First. Different standard. Different timeline. Very different risk. And if you figure this out the week before closing? Good luck chasing 1,300 signatures while your seller note depends on retention. If selling is even a remote possibility, learn the rules and make a plan now.

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Tax professionals are closely watching how flexible a California agency will be in applying its long-awaited guidance on where consulting firms, asset managers, and other service-oriented businesses should assign the location of their sales for tax purposes.

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Tax Managers "Know Your Worth" in 2025 Back in 2015, the average Tax Manager in the Bay Area earned around $125K–$150K. Fast forward 10 years → Adjust for inflation + Bay Area cost of living increases, and that same role should now command $240K+ to maintain the same standard of living. Managing clients, partners, teams, and projects, while meeting deadlines is not easy. If you’re a Tax Manager in the Bay Area, you should know your bare minimum and be confident in asking for it. The math says $200K is the floor, not the ceiling in 2025. Don’t sell yourself short for $160K or $175K. At least ask for $200K or above, if not, start your own firm. #TaxManagers #Salary #KnowYourWorth #BayArea #TaxManager #SeniorTaxManager #PublicAccounting #AccountingCareers #TaxStrategy #Leadership #CPA #TaxProfessionals #Tax #PublicAccounting

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🚀 Boost Profits, Drive Innovation: R&D Tax Credits for AEC Companies Architecture, engineering, and construction companies may be leaving meaningful dollars on the table. Aprio, in collaboration with Lambda Alpha International (LAI) – Los Angeles, is hosting a webinar on how AEC firms can leverage R&D tax credits under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB)—including the permanent restoration of immediate R&D expensing. The session will be led by our very own Henry Fletcher, Senior R&D Manager, who specializes in federal and state R&D tax credits for AEC firms. I’m excited to be part of this conversation. At Aprio, our Real Estate & Construction team supports owners, developers, and operators by aligning project costs, execution, and financial reporting—making this topic especially relevant as firms evaluate R&D opportunities. 🗓 January 27, 2026 ⏰ 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM 💻 Virtual Event 📅 Key provisions expire July 6, 2026—now is the time to plan. #Aprio #LAILosAngeles #RealEstate #Construction #AEC #RDtaxcredits #AssuranceServices #Growth

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📉 The accounting profession is facing a recruitment crisis—but is lowering the bar the solution? Barry Melancon, outgoing CEO of the AICPA, says no. He’s standing firm on the 150-hour education requirement, arguing that even as technology transforms the field, rigorous standards are essential to maintaining trust and quality. At Acounta, we believe the future of accounting isn’t about shortcuts—it’s about smart tools, strong training, and empowering professionals to do their best work. #AccountingFuture #CPA #PracticeManagement #WorkIncredibly 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eyQEFvNW

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As year-end approaches, do not let an outdated ASC 842 Incremental Borrowing Rate (IBR) lead to audit challenges. ➡️ The IBR is not a “set it and forget it” assumption—regular updates are essential for accuracy and transparency. ➡️ Market volatility, credit changes, or corporate events may warrant a reassessment. ➡️ Auditors and regulators expect robust documentation and defensible methodology. Read the full article from VRC's Portfolio Valuation practice group team members, David Menke, CFA, CAIA and Benjamin Cutler >>> https://lnkd.in/gmhq3X2k #Valuation #ASC842 #LeaseAccounting

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Washington State Tax Alert – Major 2025 Updates Washington State is rolling out sweeping tax reforms that will significantly impact both businesses and high-net-worth individuals. Here's what you need to know: B&O Tax Overhaul - Rate hike to 2.1% for service income over $5M (from 1.75%) - New 3.1% classification for payment processors - Advanced computing surcharge jumps to 7.5% - Financial institutions face a 1.5% surcharge - Investment income deduction narrowed post-Antio decision Sales Tax Expansion - Now includes IT, website dev, staffing, advertising, data processing, and more - Luxury tax: 8% on cars >$100K, 10% on aircraft >$500K - Car rental tax rises to 11.9% in 2026, then adjusts to 9.9% in 2027 Capital Gains Tax Increase - Additional 2.9% on gains >$1M → Effective rate: 9.9% Estate Tax Changes - Exemption raised to $3M (indexed for inflation) - Top rate spikes to 35% → Combined marginal rate could hit 61% Wealth Tax on Hold (for now) - Proposed 0.5% annual tax on financial assets >$50M delayed until 2026 Why It Matters These changes add complexity and compliance risk. Now is the time to reassess tax strategies, entity structures, and estate plans. Need help navigating the changes? The Armanino SALT team is ready to support you. Link to full article on LinkedIn: https://ow.ly/Nxvh50WaZZe

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📝 San Francisco taxpayers can now benefit from two new programs (VDCP and AWD), designed to address tax liabilities and provide clarity on tax rules. These time-limited opportunities are available for the next three years. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gMQB6uvt

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Navigating Washington State’s 2025 Capital Gains Tax Thresholds Washington state’s capital gains tax remains a complex area for many high-net-worth individuals. With adjustments for the 2025 tax year, it is important to understand how these changes might impact your long-term financial strategy. The 2025 Landscape: For 2025, the standard deduction has increased to $278,000. Gains exceeding this threshold are generally subject to a 7% tax, while gains above $1 million face a 9.9% rate. Strategies to Evaluate: To help manage tax exposure and position your portfolio, your professional team might evaluate: Structuring sales across multiple tax years. Charitable giving via highly appreciated shares. Utilizing donor-advised funds to support your philanthropic goals. Unplanned sales can be costly. I recommend consulting with your qualified advisor, CPA, and legal team to better position your tax strategy for the upcoming year. For more resources and financial guidance, visit us at: https://lnkd.in/gC4VW6pM This material was prepared for SC Financial Group's use. SC Financial Group is not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor and member FINRA/SIPC. #TaxPlanning #WashingtonTax #WealthManagement #FinancialGuidance #CapitalGains

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The California Board of Accountancy is taking the news of impending licensing changes to prospective certified public accountants on college campuses across the state. In the process, the board is also slyly turning on its head the stereotype of the profession being dry and boring: The promotional materials for the CBA’s 2025-2026 Accountancy Campus Tour features a vibe that is more Lollapalooza-light than ledger-heavy. “We have a whole rock-band kind of imagery,” David Christopher Hemphill, CBA’s information and planning officer, told CFO Dive in an interview. “We try to make accounting a little fun.” #accounting #CPAs https://lnkd.in/e9HDkjH7

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CalCPA is taking a stand for California’s businesses and fairness in tax policy. In partnership with the AICPA and state CPA societies across the country, CalCPA has urged the Senate Finance Committee to protect the pass-through entity tax (PTET) deduction for all service professionals. The House-passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act would eliminate this deduction for specified service trades or businesses (SSTBs), including CPAs, doctors and other professionals. This unfair provision would raise taxes on tens of thousands of California businesses that rely on pass-through structures—and the CPAs who advise them. At a time when California’s economy needs stability and support, this policy would do the opposite—penalizing job creators and undermining local growth. We urge the Senate to preserve PTET and maintain tax parity for all businesses, regardless of profession. 📄 Read the letter: https://bit.ly/3SIkEFO #CPAadvocacy #PTET #CaliforniaBusiness #TaxPolicy #SmallBusinessSupport

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Washington State Tax Alert – Major 2025 Updates Washington State is rolling out sweeping tax reforms that will significantly impact both businesses and high-net-worth individuals. Here's what you need to know: B&O Tax Overhaul - Rate hike to 2.1% for service income over $5M (from 1.75%) - New 3.1% classification for payment processors - Advanced computing surcharge jumps to 7.5% - Financial institutions face a 1.5% surcharge - Investment income deduction narrowed post-Antio decision Sales Tax Expansion - Now includes IT, website dev, staffing, advertising, data processing, and more - Luxury tax: 8% on cars >$100K, 10% on aircraft >$500K - Car rental tax rises to 11.9% in 2026, then adjusts to 9.9% in 2027 Capital Gains Tax Increase - Additional 2.9% on gains >$1M → Effective rate: 9.9% Estate Tax Changes - Exemption raised to $3M (indexed for inflation) - Top rate spikes to 35% → Combined marginal rate could hit 61% Wealth Tax on Hold (for now) - Proposed 0.5% annual tax on financial assets >$50M delayed until 2026 Why It Matters These changes add complexity and compliance risk. Now is the time to reassess tax strategies, entity structures, and estate plans. Need help navigating the changes? The Armanino SALT team is ready to support you. Link to full article on LinkedIn: https://ow.ly/pIUX50WbaxS

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