Author: Alexis Long

Categories
General

Is it time for your business to start outsourcing?

By Brian Crafton, CPA | Outsourced Business Solutions Practice Leader

Outsourcing isn’t about giving up control; it’s about gaining capacity. As businesses grow, continuing to manage everything in-house can strain time, talent, and resources or expose the organization to unnecessary risk. The key is identifying which functions would improve efficiency, strengthen compliance, and allow leadership to focus on revenue-generating work.

Accounting and financial reporting are often among the first areas to benefit. With the right support, businesses can maintain accurate books, timely financial statements, and reliable close processes without the cost and complexity of expanding internal staff. Managed IT services can provide similar relief by reducing distractions caused by constantly changing technology while keeping systems secure, current, and dependable.

Outsourcing does require thoughtful planning. Selecting the right provider, protecting sensitive data, and maintaining clear communication are essential to building a successful long-term relationship. When approached strategically, outsourcing can become a meaningful advantage rather than a short-term fix.

Every business must determine when to outsource, which services make sense, and how to measure return on investment over time. Accounting and IT support are two of the most common functions businesses choose to outsource. If you’d like help evaluating whether these services are right for your organization, our team can provide guidance tailored to your needs. Contact ATA to schedule a consultation.

Categories
General

Contribution Opportunities are Expanding in 2026

By Gabrielle Lorbiecki, CPA, CPC, QKC, QPA, QKA | Employee Benefit Plan Practice Leader

Great news for employees participating in your company’s 401(k) plan: contribution opportunities are expanding in 2026, giving workers even more room to save for the future. The standard 401(k) contribution limit will increase to $24,500 in 2026, up from $23,500 in 2025.

For team members age 50 and older, the catch‑up contribution limit will rise to $8,000, bringing their total possible 2026 contribution to $32,500.

Additionally, SECURE 2.0 introduced an enhanced “super catch‑up” contribution for employees ages 60–63, allowing them to contribute an extra $11,250 — potentially increasing their total annual 401(k) savings to $35,750 depending on plan adoption. Please note, availability of this enhanced catch-up contribution is subject to plan adoption and may not be offered by all employer plans.

Beginning in 2026, higher‑earning employees (those with prior‑year wages above $150,000, indexed for inflation) will be required to make all catch‑up and super catch‑up contributions on a Roth (after‑tax) basis. These contributions still allow tax‑free growth and tax‑free qualified withdrawals, helping employees build long‑term, flexible retirement income.

As these changes roll out, many employers and employees will have questions about plan design, eligibility, and how to maximize the new opportunities. ATA is here to help you navigate what’s ahead and ensure your plan is prepared for 2026.

Categories
General

A New Year Checklist for Your Business: Preparing for a Strong 2026

The start of a new year is more than a fresh calendar, it’s an opportunity to reset, refocus, and strengthen your business for the months ahead. As 2026 begins, business owners should take time to evaluate operations, identify risks, and put the right resources in place to support sustainable growth. A thoughtful New Year checklist can help ensure nothing important gets overlooked.

1. Review financial performance and clean up your books.
Begin by reviewing last year’s financial statements. Are your books accurate, current, and telling a clear story? Timely reconciliations and reliable reporting are essential for informed decision-making. If in-house accounting has become stretched thin, outsourced accounting services can help streamline monthly close processes, improve reporting accuracy, and free your team to focus on higher-value work.

2. Plan proactively for taxes.
Tax planning shouldn’t start in April. Early in the year is the ideal time to review tax strategies, entity structure, and upcoming compliance requirements. With tax laws continuing to evolve, proactive planning can uncover opportunities to reduce liability, improve cash flow, and avoid surprises. Aligning tax planning with overall business goals is a critical step for 2026 success.

3. Evaluate technology and cybersecurity readiness.
Technology is no longer just a support function; it’s a business driver. Review whether your systems are secure, updated, and aligned with how your team actually works. Managed IT services can help ensure your network is protected, your data is backed up, and your technology supports growth rather than creating risk or downtime.

4. Assess internal processes and capacity.
As businesses grow, processes that once worked can become inefficient or risky. Take stock of who is handling key functions like accounting, payroll, HR, and IT. If critical responsibilities rest with one person or distract leadership from strategic priorities, outsourcing may provide scalability, consistency, and peace of mind.

5. Revisit growth and advisory needs.
A new year is the right time to clarify goals; think about expansion, succession planning, acquisitions, or operational improvements. Advisory support can help translate those goals into actionable plans, backed by data and practical guidance.

At ATA, businesses have access to integrated resources across tax, outsourced accounting, managed IT, advisory, and more, which are all designed to support smarter decisions and long-term success. Starting 2026 with the right checklist and the right partners can help position your business for a productive, confident year ahead. Schedule a consultation with our team.

Categories
Merger

ATA Expands into Indiana Through Combination with Vowells & Schaaf

Jackson, TN — [December 17, 2025] — ATA today announced a strategic combination with Vowells & Schaaf, LLP (V&S), a respected accounting and advisory firm serving clients across Evansville, IN and the surrounding region. The combination marks ATA’s entry into the Indiana market and reflects the firm’s continued expansion across the Midwest and South.  The firm will adopt the ATA name on January 1, 2026. 

The decision to combine is rooted in a strong strategic alignment between the two organizations. Both ATA and V&S are known for proactive, advisory-minded service, deep regional relationships, and a commitment to client success. ATA’s existing presence throughout Tennessee, Mississippi, and Kentucky, including its close proximity to Henderson and Owensboro, creates a natural extension into southern Indiana. Integrating Vowells & Schaaf’s long-standing Evansville footprint strengthens ATA’s regional position and enhances value for clients and team members alike. 

“From the outset, it was clear that our firms share the same values, the same vision for the future, and the same dedication to exceptional client service,” said John Whybrew, ATA’s Managing Partner. “This combination expands our collective capabilities while preserving the trusted relationships both firms have built over decades.” 

Clients of Vowells & Schaaf will continue working with their long-time advisors, now supported by ATA’s broader resources and expanded service offerings. Through the combination, clients will gain access to a range of new capabilities, including  Managed IT, HR Advisory, Cybersecurity, Automation & Integration Services, International Tax and Assurance. This expanded set of services positions the combined firm to support clients more holistically as they navigate increasingly complex business environments. 

For team members, the combination offers increased opportunities for growth within a larger, connected firm. V&S professionals will benefit from ATA’s established learning and development programs, leadership training initiatives, and expanded career pathways across its regional network. They will also integrate into ATA’s cultural framework, which is guided by the ATA Fundamentals, 25 core behaviors that shape how the firm communicates, collaborates, solves problems, and serves clients every day. 

“Joining ATA allows us to stay true to who we are while giving our clients and our team access to deeper resources, additional expertise, and a broader support system,” said Mark Aiton of Vowells and Schaaf. “It’s a natural fit and an exciting step forward for the future of our firm.” 

Vowells and Schaaf partners, Mark Aiton and Jason Stephens will join ATA as partners. 

### 

About ATA 

ATA delivers its professional services through ATA, PC and ATA Advisory, LLC, two entities united under the ATA brand. Established in 1940, ATA has grown into one of the region’s leading accounting and advisory firms, known for its expertise, client-centered approach, and strong community commitment. ATA Advisory, LLC provides tax, outsourced business solutions, and advisory services, including HR advisory, cybersecurity, managed IT, and automation and integration services, all designed to build value, drive growth, manage risk, and strengthen operations. ATA, PC delivers audit and attest services grounded in rigorous standards and deep industry knowledge. 

With more than 275 team members and 16 offices across Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Indiana, ATA serves clients ranging from emerging businesses to established market leaders. The firm supports organizations in key industries including agriculture, financial institutions, healthcare, nonprofit, utilities, construction and real estate, government, manufacturing and distribution, and private equity. Guided by a commitment to service, integrity, and continuous improvement, ATA combines proven expertise with genuine care to help clients and communities thrive. 

About Vowells and Schaaf 

Vowells & Schaaf, LLP is a full-service accounting firm based in Evansville, Indiana, with four locations across the region. The firm provides tax, accounting, and business consulting services to individuals and businesses, offering practical guidance and personalized support rooted in professionalism, responsiveness, and quality. Vowells & Schaaf is a member of the Indiana CPA Society and a Certified Intuit ProAdvisor. 

 

Categories
General

Secure, Scale, Save – Your 2026 Playbook

A strong 2026 starts with a strong foundation. This new article explores what it means to “secure” your organization across tax, HR, and IT and how the right steps today can reduce risk and protect the business tomorrow.

Tax: Securing Financial Integrity and Compliance Posture

Key Risks
Many companies approach 2026 with books and entity structures that cannot withstand regulatory scrutiny. Inaccurate or commingled financials block effective tax planning. QBI eligibility is frequently missed when income drifts outside optimal ranges. S corporation owners often lack reasonable compensation analyses, increasing audit exposure.

When a business grows but its entity structure does not, inefficiencies accumulate quietly and compound over time.

What Organizations Must Do
A secure tax environment begins with clean, separate books for each legal entity. Leaders should conduct annual reviews of entity structure to ensure alignment with tax policy changes and future planning goals. Modeling QBI thresholds helps keep income positioned to maximize deductions. Conducting reasonable compensation analyses reduces audit risk.

PTET elections and other strategic opportunities should be used intentionally and only when financial data is accurate and well-maintained.

HR: Securing People, Data, and Compliance Infrastructure

Key Risks
HR functions continue to manage more sensitive data than most leaders realize Social Security numbers, banking details, dependent records, and payroll histories often stored in spreadsheets, email attachments, or shared drives lacking basic protection. At the same time, compliance exposure grows through I-9 errors, misclassified workers, and inconsistent multistate payroll practices.

Poorly structured onboarding and o­ffboarding processes extend system access long after employment changes, creating preventable security gaps.

What Organizations Must Do
Strengthening HR security requires discipline and modernization. Sensitive information must be moved into secure systems, eliminating manual or ad-hoc data storage. Standardized onboarding and offboarding procedures ensure system access is granted and removed consistently. Annual compliance audits should validate worker classification, I-9 accuracy, and state payroll rules.

Finally, HR and IT must align, reinforcing training on cybersecurity awareness, data protection, and responsible use of emerging AI tools.

IT: Securing Digital Infrastructure and Cyber Defenses

Key Risks
AI-enabled cyber threats are accelerating in frequency and sophistication. Yet many organizations still lack baseline controls such as multi-factor authentication, centralized device management, and automated patching. Backups exist but are rarely tested, reducing confidence in recovery.

Slow detection times and inconsistent user-access management, especially during turnover, remain major sources of vulnerability.

What Organizations Must Do
A secure technology environment requires enterprise-grade standards applied consistently. Multi-factor authentication should be mandatory across all systems. Device management must be centralized to enforce updates, patches, and secure configurations. Backups should be automated, encrypted, and routinely tested.

Cybersecurity awareness training and phishing simulations reduce human-driven risk. Organizations lacking internal expertise should consider 24/7 monitoring to ensure real-time threat detection and rapid response.

Conclusion

Security is the foundation of sustainable growth in 2026. When HR protects sensitive data, Tax ensures financial integrity, and IT fortifies digital defenses, businesses reduce risk dramatically and unlock the strategic clarity needed to scale confidently.

Securing these core areas is not optional, it is the prerequisite for everything that comes next.

Categories
General

Top 5 Matters Keeping Business Owners Up at Night and How ATA Can Help 

 

By Rick Schreiber, CPA,CVGA, CGMA, M&AP | Advisory Practice Leader 

Schedule a Consultation

Running a business today is more complex than ever. From economic uncertainty to talent shortages, business owners are navigating a minefield of challenges. In our recent client survey, many of you shared that you weren’t aware of all the ways ATA can support your business, and that you’re looking for more proactive advice. This article is designed to highlight some of the most common challenges we hear, and how ATA and its growing advisory services is helping clients navigate them. 

  1. Financial Stress & Cash Flow Uncertainty

The Worry:
Business owners are constantly juggling cash flow, trying to make payroll, cover rising costs, and still turn a profit. Inflation, interest rate hikes, and supply chain disruptions have only added to the pressure. Many are unsure whether they’re pricing correctly, overstaffed, or missing opportunities to improve margins. The stress of not knowing if they’ll have enough cash next month or next quarter can be paralyzing. Without clear financial visibility, even strong businesses can feel like they’re flying blind. 

Our Suggested Solutions: 

  • Fractional CFO services to improve forecasting and cash flow discipline 
  • Cost and margin optimization to uncover savings and improve profitability 
  • Strategic planning to diversify revenue and reduce financial risk 
  1. Growing Revenue in a Crowded Market

The Worry:
Owners are feeling squeezed. Competitors are slashing prices, customers are more demanding, and digital disruption is changing how people buy. Many businesses are stuck in a cycle of flat growth, unsure how to break through. They may be relying too heavily on a few key clients or outdated sales tactics. The fear of stagnation or worse, decline is real. Without a clear growth strategy, even the best-run companies can lose ground.  

Our Suggested Solutions: 

  • Growth advisory to identify new markets, products, or pricing strategies 
  • Digital advisory to enhance online presence and customer experience 
  • Sales process and CRM optimization to improve conversion and retention
  1. Attracting and Retaining Talent

 The Worry:
The labor market has shifted and many business owners are struggling to keep up. Younger workers want more than a paycheck; they want purpose, flexibility, and growth. Meanwhile, experienced employees are being poached by competitors offering better benefits or remote options. Owners worry about losing institutional knowledge, training new hires, and maintaining morale. They know that without the right people, growth stalls, and culture suffers.  

Our Suggested Solutions: 

  • HR advisory to improve recruitment, onboarding, and retention 
  • Compensation, benefits, and retirement plan design to attract and retain top talent 
  • Culture and engagement assessments to strengthen morale and loyalty
  1. Regulatory Complexity & Compliance Risk

 The Worry:
From shifting tax codes to evolving labor laws and cybersecurity regulations, the compliance landscape is a moving target. Business owners worry about missing something critical, like a new reporting requirement or a data privacy rule that could lead to fines, audits, or reputational damage. Many don’t have the time or expertise to keep up, and they fear that one misstep could undo years of hard work. 

Our Suggested Solutions: 

  • Regulatory compliance reviews and risk assessments 
  • Internal audit and controls advisory 
  • Tax advisory to navigate evolving federal and state rules 
  1. Technology Disruption & Cybersecurity Threats

The Worry:
Technology is advancing faster than most businesses can adapt. Owners know they need to modernize but fear the cost, complexity, and potential for cyberattacks. They’re unsure which tools are worth the investment, how to train their teams, or how to protect sensitive data. The fear of a ransomware attack or system failure keeps many up at night. And without a clear digital strategy, they risk falling behind competitors who are already embracing automation and AI. 

Our Suggested Solutions: 

  • Digital transformation and automation advisory tailored to small and mid-sized businesses 
  • Cybersecurity readiness assessments and employee training 
  • Strategic tech planning to reduce complexity and future-proof operations

Closing Thought 

At ATA, our goal isn’t just to solve problems, it’s to be the partner who helps you seize opportunities, build resilience, and move forward with confidence, so you can sleep better at night. Let’s start the conversation today. 

Categories
News

IRS Updates: Refund Checks & Roth Catch-Up Contributions

By Elizabeth Russell Owen, CPA | Private Client Tax Services Practice Leader

Schedule a Consultation

Executive Summary

The IRS has rolled out two important updates that may affect how you receive tax refunds and how retirement plan contributions are handled. Here’s what you need to know as we head into 2026.

IRS to Phase Out Paper Refund Checks
Starting with individual taxpayers, the IRS plans to phase out paper refund checks in favor of direct deposit. The shift is designed to speed up payments, reduce fraud, and cut costs. Taxpayers who haven’t yet set up direct deposit may want to add banking information to their tax filings to avoid delays in receiving refunds.

Final Rules on Roth Catch-Up Contributions
The IRS and Treasury have also finalized regulations tied to the SECURE 2.0 Act. Beginning in 2026, high-earning employees age 50 and older who make catch-up contributions to 401(k), 403(b), or 457(b) plans will need to make those contributions on a Roth (after-tax) basis. This rule applies to participants with FICA wages above a certain threshold, while others can continue to choose pretax or Roth.

Next Steps
Our team can help you evaluate your withholding, banking information, and retirement contribution strategy in light of these updates.

Schedule a consultation today to discuss how these IRS changes may affect you.

Categories
General

Why a 401(k) is Better Than a SIMPLE IRA

By Gabrielle Lorbiecki, CPA, CPC, QKC, QPA, QKA | Employee Benefit Plan Practice Leader 

Schedule a Consultation

When business owners evaluate retirement plan options, two common choices are the 401(k) and the SIMPLE IRA (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees). While the SIMPLE IRA is often appealing for very small businesses due to its simplicity, the 401(k) generally provides more flexibility, higher contribution limits, and stronger long-term benefits for both employers and employees.

Below, we’ll break down why a 401(k) is typically the superior choice, including contribution maximums, employer flexibility, and important deadlines for converting a SIMPLE IRA into a 401(k).

Key Advantages of a 401(k) Over a SIMPLE IRA

  1. Higher Contribution Limits

A primary advantage of a 401(k) is the much higher contribution ceiling. Employees can defer significantly more of their salary, and employers can make discretionary contributions up to the annual IRS limits.

Plan Type (2025) Employee Deferral Limit Catch-Up (Age 50+) Employer Contribution  
401(k) $23,500 $7,500 Up to 25% of current IRS compensation limit
SIMPLE IRA $16,500 $3,500 Mandatory match (3%) or 2% nonelective
  1. Plan Design Options

401(k) plans can include:

  • Loans to participants.
  • Safe harbor provisions to simplify compliance.
  • Profit-sharing contributions that can be allocated strategically to owners or key employees.

SIMPLE IRAs, by design, lack these customization options. In addition, 401(k) plans may be designed to meet your company’s specific goals and can be updated as your business grows and changes over time.

  1. Better Long-Term Retirement Accumulation

Because of the higher contribution limits and employer discretion, 401(k) participants can build wealth faster than those in SIMPLE IRAs. This makes the 401(k) particularly advantageous for business owners seeking to maximize their own retirement savings.

Deadlines to Convert from a SIMPLE IRA to a 401(k)

If your business already has a SIMPLE IRA and you’d like to switch to a 401(k) effective January 1, 2026, employers must notify employees of any changes by November 2, 2025.

Schedule a Consultation

While a SIMPLE IRA may be suitable for very small or new businesses, the 401(k) offers greater savings potential, plan flexibility, and strategic advantages for business owners and employees alike. With higher contribution limits and advanced plan features designed to meet your company’s goals, a 401(k) is often the better long-term choice.

For businesses currently using a SIMPLE IRA, careful planning around the November 2 conversion deadline ensures a smooth transition to the more powerful 401(k) platform.

Ready to explore whether a 401(k) is right for your business? Contact our team today to review your retirement plan options and map out the best strategy for your company’s future.

Categories
Helpful Articles

The Power of Catch-Up Retirement Account Contributions After 50

Are you age 50 or older? You’ve earned the right to supercharge your retirement savings with extra “catch-up” contributions to your tax-favored retirement account(s). And these contributions are more valuable than you may think.

IRA Contribution Amounts

For 2025, eligible taxpayers can make contributions to a traditional or Roth IRA of up to the lesser of $7,000 or 100% of earned income. They can also make extra catch-up contributions of up to $1,000 annually to a traditional or Roth IRA. If you’ll be 50 or older as of December 31, 2025, you can make a catch-up contribution for the 2025 tax year by April 15, 2026. Extra deductible contributions to a traditional IRA create tax savings, but your deduction may be limited if you (or your spouse) are covered by a retirement plan at work and your income exceeds a certain amount. Extra contributions to Roth IRAs don’t generate any upfront tax savings, but you can take federal-income-tax-free qualified withdrawals after age 59½. There are also income limits on Roth contributions. Higher-income individuals can make extra nondeductible traditional IRA contributions and benefit from the tax-deferred earnings advantage.

Employer plan contribution amounts

For 2025, you can contribute up to $23,500 to an employer 401(k), 403(b) or 457 retirement plan. If you’re 50 or older and your plan allows it, you can contribute up to an additional $7,500 in 2025. Check with your human resources department to see how to sign up for extra contributions. Contributions are subtracted from your taxable wages, so you effectively get a federal income tax deduction. You can use the tax savings to help pay for part of your extra catch-up contribution, or you can set the tax savings aside in a taxable retirement savings account to further increase your retirement wealth.

Examples of how catch-up contributions grow

How much can you accumulate? To see how powerful catch-up contributions can be, let’s run a few scenarios.

Example 1: Let’s say you’re age 50 and you contribute an extra $1,000 catch-up contribution to your IRA this year and then do the same for the following 15 years. Here’s how much extra you could have in your IRA by age 65 (rounded to the nearest $1,000): 4% annual return: $22,000 8% annual return: $30,000. Keep in mind that making larger deductible contributions to a traditional IRA can also lower your tax bill. Making additional contributions to a Roth IRA won’t, but they’ll allow you to take more tax-free withdrawals later in life.

Example 2: Assume you’ll turn age 50 next year. You contribute an extra $7,500 to your company plan in 2026. Then, you do the same for the next 15 years. Here’s how much more you could have in your 401(k), 403(b), or 457 plan account (rounded to the nearest $1,000): 4% annual return: $164,000 8% annual return: $227,000. Again, making larger contributions can also lower your tax bill.

Example 3: Finally, let’s say you’ll turn age 50 next year and you’re eligible to contribute an extra $1,000 to your IRA for 2026, plus you make an extra $7,500 contribution to your company plan. Then, you do the same for the next 15 years. Here’s how much extra you could have in the two accounts combined (rounded to the nearest $1,000): 4% annual return: $186,000 8% annual return: $258,000.

The amounts add up quickly

As you can see, catch-up contributions are one of the simplest ways to boost your retirement wealth. If your spouse is eligible too, the impact can be even greater. Contact us if you have questions or want to see how this strategy fits into your retirement savings plan. © 2025

Categories
Memphis, TN Press Releases

ATA Names New Partner – Memphis, TN

Memphis, Tenn. – September 15, 2025 – ATA is proud to announce the promotion of Brian Weber, CPA, to Partner. Known for his practical approach to tax strategy and strong expertise, Brian has been a valued team member and trusted resource for clients throughout his career. 

Based in Memphis, Brian works with private clients, family-owned businesses, and corporate clients on a wide range of tax matters. He brings more than nine years of public accounting experience along with time in private industry, where he managed federal and state compliance for a complex business structure. His areas of expertise include multistate & federal income tax planning, and business and individual income tax services with a concentration in real estate and construction.

“Brian is a trusted advisor who brings strong technical skills and a practical approach to client service,” said Partner Terryl Viner. “He’s a natural leader and a great fit for the future of our firm.” 

Brian earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Memphis. He is a Certified Public Accountant and an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants. 

“I’m honored to step into this new role,” said Weber. “I’m grateful for the trust of our team and our clients, and I look forward to continuing to serve both with excellence.” 

To connect with Brian, contact ATA’s Memphis office at 901-684-1170.

### 

About ATA 

ATA is a regional advisory firm helping clients thrive through services that go far beyond traditional accounting. From financial planning and IT to digital marketing and M&A consulting, ATA brings integrated expertise to every stage of the business journey. 

Recognized as an IPA Top 150 firm, ATA serves clients across the Southeast and beyond. The firm is also an independent alliance member of BDO USA LLP, a top five global accounting network.