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6 Financial Changes to Make in 2026

6 Financial Changes to Make in 2026

Summer’s here, school’s out and vacations are ahead. That’s why now might be the perfect opportunity to carve out some time to make some positive changes in your financial life. Here’s a few ideas to get you started that are are significant, not too big or too small, and well within your reach.

Set Up a Safety Net

Rising costs and an uncertain geopolitical landscape make this more important than ever. If you already have sturdy savings, great. Having a three-to-six-month surplus is super smart. You never know when your fridge might go out, or you might have unexpected medical expenses. That said, consider increasing your contribution amount. If you’re living paycheck to paycheck, look where you might cut costs and get started. Putting away a little each month goes a long way. One smart way to boost this money is to open a high-yield savings or checking account. You can make balance transfers from your brick-and-mortar bank and glean higher interest rates from online funding sources.

Save 10K a Year with the $27.40 Rule

Talk about doable, this rule takes a daunting task and boils it down to an easy equation: $27.40 (a day) x 365 = $10,001 a year. Now, if you’re not sure how to achieve the strategy, you might start smaller by saving this amount every few days. The point is, after employing this simple habit, you’ll accumulate a little nest egg, which relates to the first idea of setting up a safety net. But you could also be saving for a dream vacay. It’s up to you!

Rebalance and Diversify Your Portfolio

If the rise and fall of the market have affected your assets by creating an imbalance, causing you to over-index certain investments, you can straighten this out. One way is to rebalance, which involves buying and selling holdings to change the ratio of the amount you have in stocks, bonds, and cash. In essence, you’re righting the equilibrium of your assets. The other is to diversify – mix things up – which is admittedly not new news, but it bears looking into from time to time. Otherwise, you might miss out on some significant growth opportunities.

Use the Snowball Method for Debt

To whittle away at your balances, list your debts from the smallest to the largest. Then make small, minimum payments on every account. But focus on the smallest and move your way up the list. When you can eliminate low-hanging fruit and experience quick wins, you’ll create momentum to keep going and ultimately live debt-free.

Dig Around for Lost Retirement Accounts

According to Yahoo! Finance, there are about 32 million forgotten or left-behind retirement accounts in the United States. Crazy, right? If you’ve been employed for a substantial amount of time, take some time to find them and roll them over. There’s a huge chance that your current employer’s retirement account or a personal IRA will offer smarter investments and lower fees/expenses. It’s worth a look.

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When you keep current on market changes and become proactive, not just let your assets sit there and earn interest, you are better able to maximize your net worth. If you don’t know where to start, consult your tax professional. They’ll be able to point you in the right direction. Reviewing relevant sources while enjoying your morning coffee just might be the best thing you do all day.

These are just a few tactics you can pursue mid-year. So, take a beat and review your assets. Time is money, and using it wisely is one of the smartest investments you can make.

Sources

6 Financial Changes To Make in 2026

How to make your money work for you: 9 ways to grow money | Fidelity

How to Pay Off Debt Fast: 8 Smart Strategies | 1st Ed CU

Windfall Planning Makes Sense for Everyone

Windfall Planning, what are Financial windfalls

Financial windfalls are not uncommon. Every year, entrepreneurs who build their businesses from scratch sell them for millions in profit. In 2024 alone, state lotteries paid out a combined $70.2 billion to prize winners. Additionally, over the next 20 years, around $84.4 trillion in wealth transfers are expected to take place, with $72.6 trillion of this going to heirs and the other $11.9 trillion going to charities.

After scrimping and saving for years, a large windfall of money can seem like a dream come true. However, there are many factors to consider when receiving a substantial sum of money all at once. The key to making a windfall last beyond initial purchases is to think about what you want your money to do for you. If it’s enough to substantially change your life, then you should take some time to figure out what you want your new life to look like. The bigger the windfall, the more time and professionals you’ll need to consult to determine how to manage your assets going forward.

The first step is to answer three questions:

  1. What are your short- and long-term financial goals? (And have they – or should they – change after learning about your windfall?)
  2. Who should be involved in the financial decision-making? (e.g., spouse/family, financial advisor, tax expert, estate planning attorney)
  3. What is the nature of the funds to be received? (e.g., cash, investments, property, a business, etc.)

Do not be rash with large sums of money. It can take three months or more to set up certain accounts, trusts, and various strategies for receiving and managing a windfall. Take plenty of time to make decisions and conduct transactions appropriately to ensure they minimize tax liability and meet your short- and long-term goals.

Speaking of which, start out by making a priority list. It’s a good idea to use a cash windfall to meet the first two goals in the list below before considering other options.

  • If you don’t already have one, establish a three to six-month emergency fund in a high-yield, liquid account.
  • Pay off debt such as credit cards, auto loans, medical bills, perhaps even your mortgage.
  • Consider the merits of allocating funds toward a variety of expenses instead of spending it all in one place. For example, consider the impact of appropriating money to investments in your house, your children’s education and retirement. Spreading your windfall across multiple accounts allows those dollars to grow even if you do not continue contributing – getting started with a little is better than having nothing growing toward those goals.
  • Consider how to use the money to make more money. For example, invest in a business or purchase property for rental income and/or equity growth.
  • If you’re thinking of making charitable gifts, consider how you can honor your benefactor (assuming the windfall comes from an inheritance) by donating money in their name. You might be able to offset your own tax liability by transferring a portion of the windfall directly to the charitable entity. Also consider creating your own private foundation or directing a donor-advised fund to manage the assets and donate to specific charities; this tactic enables the assets to continue growing for future charitable donations.

Family Business

Should you inherit a family business or partnership, consult with an experienced tax advisor to decide whether to continue participating in the business interest or even use it as collateral for other investments. This strategy positions the asset for continued growth so you don’t have to cash out and pay taxes on gains in order to use the money.

Lottery or Structured Settlement

If you win big with the lottery, you’ll need to decide whether to receive the assets as a lump sum or an annuity. Be aware that when you take the prize money all at once, the IRS automatically withholds 24 percent of the winnings off the top. Furthermore, if your windfall tops $640,600 for a single filer or $768,700 for a married couple filing jointly (2026), it will be subject to federal income tax at the 37 percent top tax rate. That money also may be subject to state and municipal taxes based on local laws. In some high-income-tax states, that could mean you lose half of the winnings.

If you opt to receive money as an annuity (i.e., guaranteed income spread out over time, such as 30 years), the total payout might be cumulatively higher because it spreads out your tax liability. Depending on your long-term income trajectory, you could avoid the highest income tax bracket. Other windfalls that function like a lottery payout include structured settlements from civil lawsuits (e.g., personal injury, wrongful death)and retirement pension plans.

Depending on the amount of money coming your way, it is highly advisable to consult with financial planning professionals, because how fund transfers are conducted and how much money you withdraw each year can greatly influence your tax bill. It is important to solicit one or more opinions to ensure that your financial moves address both your current and future objectives.

Understanding Horizontal Analysis

Understanding Horizontal Analysis, What is Horizontal Analysis

Horizontal Analysis provides businesses a method to examine financial statement entries by looking at the documents’ number for a specific accounting time frame compared to the same length of a historical period for the same accounting line item.

Breaking the Process Down

It’s a way to measure trends and variances by looking at the current year’s values versus the reference year. This helps an analyst figure out if the values increase or decrease. It’s either done on an absolute value or a percentage change basis. The analysis provides a company’s growth and financial position against competitors.

This method is different compared to vertical analysis because vertical analysis looks at a single reporting period and measures the proportional relationship between items, compared to horizontal analysis evaluating multiple periods and multiple ratios for a more comprehensive approach.

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) require uniform and standardized financial statements for adequate financial statement analysis. This entails consistent accounting practices and fundamental principles being employed annually. Comparability constraints mandates that the business’ financial statements are in a form that permits analysts to evaluate them against other competitors in the same field. This is where horizontal analysis comes into play, creating consistency.  

This analysis determines what impacts a company’s growth over time. For cyclical or seasonal companies, it lets analysts get a handle on what’s normal and what’s not. It also permits identification of variances in different product/business segments and how to project a company’s future performance.

Along with the three financial statements (balance sheet, cash flow statement, and income statement) providing working outcomes, it can similarly identify issues and strengths by looking at certain metrics like profit margins or the rate of inventory changing hands.  

If a company reports higher earnings per share due to increases in revenue or lowers its figures of the COGS (cost of goods sold), analysts looking at the interest coverage ratio or cash flow-to-debt ratio, for example, can use horizontal analysis to gauge if a business has enough liquidity for continued operations.

Real World Example of Horizontal Analysis

Let’s say Company X had revenue of $100 million in the previous year and accounts receivable of $200 million during the “base year.” This is compared to revenue of $300 million in the present year and accounts receivable of $600 million. Based on these numbers, the calculations are as follows:

Revenue Comparison

[($300 million – $100 million)/$100 million)] x 100 = 200 percent

Accounts Receivable

[($600 million – $300 million)/$300 million)] x 100 = 100 percent

When it comes to interpreting horizontal analysis, the process needs context to ensure it’s used appropriately. The most prominent consideration is understanding what contributed to the base year’s numbers and the current year’s numbers. Did the company sell off a segment that increased profitability, or did they face massive lawsuits or spend excessive amounts of capex to ensure their viability and competitiveness in the upcoming years?

The calculation is straightforward, but being able to delve into what happened – and why – is the role of the business owner and investor to determine the true health of the business.

The IRS Could Owe You Money Thanks to a Pandemic-Era Court Ruling

IRS Could Owe You Money, COVID Court Ruling

Here’s something that flew under the radar for most people: a court decision from late last year could put money back in your pocket if you got hit with IRS penalties during COVID. But you need to act fast! For some taxpayers, the deadline to file a claim is July 10.

What This Case Is Actually About

Remember when COVID was declared a federal disaster? That designation wasn’t just symbolic. It triggered real protections under the tax code, specifically Section 7508A, which lets the IRS push back deadlines and waive penalties when taxpayers are caught up in a disaster. We’re talking about failure-to-file and failure-to-pay penalties here, and those fees can add up to almost 50 percent of what you already owe, which is brutal!

The Kwong v. United States decision came down from the Court of Federal Claims in November 2025, and it changed the game. The court said the nationwide COVID emergency created a mandatory postponement running from Jan. 20, 2020, through July 10, 2023. Everything that came due in that window should have been bumped to July 11, 2023. In other words, a lot of people may have been penalized when they shouldn’t have been.

This Got Real on April 30

The case had been percolating quietly until the National Taxpayer Advocate (NTA) made some noise about it on April 30. That’s when things got interesting. According to the NTA, tens of millions of taxpayers could be eligible for refunds. Not just on the penalties themselves, but on the interest that piled up on top of those penalties.

The NTA isn’t being shy about this either. The office has pushed hard for the IRS to apply relief broadly instead of making people jump through hoops. They want systemic fixes, not case-by-case battles. And they’ve asked Congress to make sure procedural red tape doesn’t rob people of money they are owed.

There’s another wrinkle worth knowing about. Some refunds issued during 2020 through 2023 may have shortchanged taxpayers on interest because the IRS treated their returns as late. If Kwong holds up, you might be able to claim that missing interest, too.

Expats Had It Especially Rough

If you were living overseas when the pandemic hit, you know the chaos was next level. Borders slammed shut with no warning. People got stranded in countries they were just passing through. Others couldn’t get back to the places they’d been living for years.

Good luck reaching your accountant when consulates are closed, mail isn’t moving, and you’re dealing with a 12-hour time zone difference. Some folks couldn’t access their bank accounts. Others couldn’t get basic documents. And plenty of people were simply stuck, unable to go anywhere, when their filing deadlines rolled around.

Slapping penalties on taxpayers who were dealing with all of that? It misses the point entirely. The disaster relief rules exist for exactly these situations. The NTA has been clear: fair treatment means recognizing what people were actually going through.

You Need to File a Protective Claim

Here’s the practical part. If you want to preserve your right to get this money back, you have to file something called a protective claim. Think of it as a placeholder that keeps your options open while the legal dust settles.

For many people, the deadline is July 10, 2026, though it depends on the tax year involved. Don’t wait until the last minute to figure this out.

The good news is the paperwork isn’t complicated. You can use IRS Form 843 or just file an amended return. You need to list the tax years you’re claiming and note that your refund depends on how the Kwong case plays out. You don’t have to calculate the exact dollar amount right now. The whole point is just to get yourself on record before time runs out.

A Few Limitations to Know About

This relief is specifically about federal income taxes under the Internal Revenue Code. If you’re worried about Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) penalties, that’s a different animal. FBARs fall under the Bank Secrecy Act, so Kwong doesn’t automatically help there. That said, you might still have a reasonable cause argument based on the same COVID disruptions.

State taxes? Every state did its own thing. Most offered some pandemic extensions, but those programs were separate and usually more limited than what we’re talking about here.

Conclusion

If there’s any chance this applies to you, file that protective claim now. Especially if you were overseas during the pandemic years. Once that deadline passes, the door closes for good.

6 Tips for Your Mid-Year Check In

6 Tips for Your Mid-Year Check In

It might be hard to believe, but yes, it’s almost the middle of the year and the perfect time to take a look at how you’re doing financially: are you fiscally fit or do you need a few adjustments? Whether it’s saving more, paying down debt, or prepping for retirement, you still have time to effect change. Here are a few ways to get started.

Review Your 2026 Financial Goals

Kind of a no-brainer, but ask yourself:

  • Have I saved as much as I planned?
  • How’s my progress at paying off debt?
  • Have my priorities changed since the new year?

In addition to these things, other important goals might include building your emergency fund (broken dishwasher, for instance); saving for a vacation; and finally, the certainty no one can escape – tax preparation.

Go Over Your budget and Spending

Your habits might have shifted over the past few months, so places to put a lens on might be:

  • Where have I increased spending?
  • Do I really need all those subscriptions?
  • Can I pay a little more on debt?

In the second half of the year, other things to consider include insurance renewals, back-to-school expenses, and year-end medical costs.

Revisit Your Retirement Contributions

This might be far away or near soon. No matter, it’s critical to keep an eye on the following things:

  • Your 401(k) or employer retirement plan contributions
  • Employer match opportunities
  • IRA contributions

If you can increase funding for any of these, now’s the time to do so. Retirement comes along more quickly than you think.

Give Your Employee Benefits a Looksee

Take time to go over:

  • HSA or FSA contributions
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance and disability coverage

You might have other benefits, of course, to review. And while many people wait until open enrollment to give these a think, you don’t have to be one of them. Take action now to amend them so you’ll be better prepared for the rest of the year.

Start Your Taxes for Next Year

Between now and July, you can get a jumpstart by planning ahead – and you won’t be stressed when it’s actually tax time. Taking a look now can help you:

  • Estimate your taxes
  • Find ways to reduce your taxable income
  • Plan retirement contributions before year-end.

Recalibrate Your Plan for the Rest of 2026

So now that you’ve taken inventory of your finances, you can adjust for the remaining months. Your new plan might include:

  • Setting up an automatic transfer to savings – it’s so easy, and you’ll never miss it
  • Increase retirement contributions – even 2 percent makes a difference
  • Concentrate on one debt to pay off.

The idea is not to change everything all at once. Your goal should be to take small steps so you can move forward with confidence and finish the year strong. All it takes is a little time. And as we know, time is money. Make the last six months of 2026 count!

Sources

https://www.benefitandfinancial.com/blog/mid-year-financial-review-are-you-on-track-for-2026

Understanding the Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR)

What is BCR benefit-cost ratio

When it comes to making an informed investment decision, one way is to use the benefit-cost ratio (BCR).

Benefit-Cost Ratio Defined

The BCR calculates how profitable a project’s (or an asset’s) cash flows are via a present value cash flow analysis. It takes the value of all incoming cash flows and weighs it against the same project’s or asset’s outgoing cash flows. If the calculation results in a BCR higher than 1, then more than likely that asset and/or project will provide a positive outcome.

How the Benefit-Cost Ratio is Calculated

=  ((Moneys received / 1 + discount rate) ^ Cash flow time frames)) / ((Moneys expended / 1 + discount rate) ^ Cash flow time frames))

Money received can also be referred to as the cash flows’ benefits. Money expended is also referred to as cash flow. This formula essentially divides the discounted cash flows by the discounted cash outflows. It’s important to mention that the discount rate can also be referred to as the business’s or investor’s required return.

The following is an example of the different levels of cash flows:

  Start 1 Year Later 2 Years Later 3 Years Later
Outflows -$8,000 -$16,000 -$20,000 -$27,500
In-Flows — — $80,000 $120,000
Net Cash Flow -$8,000 -$16,000 $60,000 $92,500

Based on the calculations, the following illustrates the results for both Discounted Costs and Discounted Benefits:

Time Frame Discounted Costs Discounted Benefits
Start $8,000 0
After 1 Year -$16,000 / (1 + 10 percent)1 = $14,545.45 0
After 2 Years -$20,000 / (1 + 10 percent)2 = $16,528.93 $80,000 / (1 + 10 percent)2 = $66,115.70
After 3 Years -$27,500 / (1 + 10 percent)3 = $20,661.16 $92,500 / (1 + 10 percent)3 = $69,496.62

The final calculation sums up the Discounted Benefits and the Discounted Costs and then divides them, resulting in:

$135,612.32 / $59,735.54 = 2.27

Analyzing the Results

The resulting figure means that $2.27 is expected to be generated per $1 invested. It can be used by both internal stakeholders and potential external investors to gauge if the asset or project is worth the risk.

If the BCR came back at less than 1, it would indicate an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) that is lower than the discount rate. This reading would also show that the net present value of the project or asset is projected to be negative.

If the BCR is 1, this essentially means the net pre-set value is zero. The IRR would be equal to the discount rate.

If, however, the BCR is more than 1 – as in the example above – it means the IRR is higher than the discount rate, and the net present value is more than zero.

It’s important to consider that these are only assumptions. If, for example, the cash flow forecasting is incorrect or the discount rate is off, the ratio can provide wide variances.

Conclusion

Whether it’s an internal stakeholder or a potential investor, this ratio can and should be used as part of a holistic financial analysis program.

Understanding the EV/2P Ratio

What are the EV/2P Ratio

When it comes to raw materials, especially for fossil fuels, it’s essential to evaluate existing and potential production capabilities for such companies. Using the EV/2P Ratio is a powerful tool when evaluating fossil fuel-related companies.

Defining the Ratio

This ratio is calculated by dividing a business’ enterprise value into the company’s reserves. It provides financial analysts, investors and internal business stakeholders with a snapshot of a company’s reserves and the business’ likelihood of preserving operation growth. This standardizes valuations, thereby allowing analysts to compare company-to-company financials.

How to Calculate EV/2P

Enterprise Value (EV) / Total 2P Reserves

Defined as: Enterprise Value = Equity (open market price) + Debt (open market price) – Cash and Cash Equivalents

2P = Proven and Probable Reserves

Illustrating the Calculation

If a company’s capitalization is $300 million and debt consisting of $225 million, along with $30 million for proven reserve value, $20 million in probable reserves, and $25 million in possible reserves, the company’s resulting enterprise value becomes:

$300 million + $225 million = $525 million

The 2P reserves is:

$30 million + $20 million = $50 million

Plugging the numbers into the original formula, it’s: $525 million / $50 million = 10.5x (multiple)

Based on the resulting 10.5 multiple, this ratio provides a current valuation that translates to for every $1 in 2P reserves equals $10.50 of a market valuation.

Reserves are how internal/external stakeholders value the production/growth potential of oil/gas companies. It’s broken down into two categories:

1.) P1 are proven reserves, which are the highest caliber reserves. There’s at least a 9 in 10 percent likelihood (or more) of recoverable reserves. It’s also known as P90.

2.) Probable reserve (also known as P50) has an even chance of either non-recoverability or realized recoverability. This is the next best, but a lesser grade than P1.

These two resource categories are referred to as 2P.

Putting it in Perspective

Depending on the company’s calculated EV/2P Ratio, the business owner or investor can determine a course of action to take.

If it’s higher, it’s more highly valued than its competitors based on the same level of 2P reserves; therefore, the company’s shares are more expensive against its peers. This can give investors pause because other undervalued stocks are more attractive due to a higher likelihood they’ll appreciate.

However, if a company is valued higher, but the company is more efficient or a higher performer, investors also may be interested because its production and earnings justify the higher valuation. That’s why looking at the metric in a silo is not effective.

Debt Concerns

When it comes to debt and analyzing this ratio, fossil fuel businesses are often highly levered since they use massive sums of debt for research and development and continued operations.

Since the EV value looks at debt and equity concurrently, analyzing a company’s capital structure is essential when comparing companies’ valuations. Essentially, if a company has too much debt and if interest rates suddenly increase or it can’t service debt if the price of crude plummets, it may run into debt servicing issues.

While this ratio is effective in providing a level playing field for analytical uses, it’s important to remember that it needs to be used in conjunction with comprehensive financial analysis.

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The ROI of Autonomy: Measuring the Business Value of Agentic AI Workflows

Measuring the Business Value of Agentic AI Workflows

Businesses are moving beyond basic automation into a new era of intelligent, self-directed systems. While automation helps with streamlining repetitive tasks, agentic AI workflows enable systems to make decisions, take action, and continuously improve with minimal human oversight.

Most businesses adopting agentic AI have no structured way to prove it is working. Although they can feel the difference, they can’t measure it. Without measurement, return on investment (ROI) conversations stall, budgets get cut, and genuinely transformative tools get shelved.

What Makes Agentic AI Workflows Different

Agentic AI workflows are designed to operate with a degree of independence. Unlike traditional automation, which follows predefined rules, agentic systems are goal-oriented.

Once given an objective, they plan, execute, adjust, and complete tasks across multiple steps, tools, and decisions without requiring human intervention. For example, an agentic workflow may pull data from multiple systems, analyze it, draft a report, flag anomalies, and email a summary.

Another example is a supply chain AI agent that not only highlights anomalies but can also reorder stock, renegotiate pricing thresholds, and even reroute logistics as these actions fall within predefined objectives.

Agentic AI can also improve efficiency and productivity by identifying inefficiencies in workflows and adjusting them in real time.

For businesses facing rising labor costs and increasing demand for speed and personalization, this evolution is more than a technological advancement. It offers a strategic advantage.

Why ROI Measurement Is Different for Agentic AI

Traditional ROI models are rather straightforward as they compare the cost of a system to the output generated. ROI on projects using traditional models is measured based on cost savings, headcount reduction and cycle-time compression. However, agentic AI is more dynamic because the systems improve over time. This means the output isn’t static – rather, it compounds. These systems also reduce the need for ongoing supervision, operate continuously, and often uncover efficiencies that were not initially anticipated.

As a result, the ROI of agentic AI is not just immediate cost savings but also includes long-term gains. These gains include improved decision-making, faster execution, higher productivity, strategic agility and the ability to scale operations without a proportional increase in cost. Measuring this kind of value requires a broader, more forward-looking approach.

Key ROI Drivers of Agentic AI workflows

  1. Operational efficiency – unlike conventional automation that is vulnerable to dynamic environments due to fixed rules, agentic AI responds to changes automatically. These systems continuously learn and optimize, delivering ongoing improvements without additional manual effort.
  2. Real-time responsiveness – customers expect real-time interaction. Agentic workflows enable this through systems that are always on and context-aware.
  3. Scalability – businesses can handle increased demand without a corresponding increase in operational costs or headcount, allowing more efficient growth.
  4. Cross-departmental reach – Agentic AI agents can seamlessly connect workflows across different departments like HR, IT, and finance. This reduces operational friction between teams and enhances overall efficiency.
  5. Productivity gains – Agentic AI can operate 24/7, completing tasks faster and with greater consistency than human teams. This allows employees to focus on higher-value work, increasing overall organizational productivity.
  6. Cost reduction – by automating complex workflows, businesses can reduce reliance on manual labor, minimize errors, and eliminate inefficiencies. This can translate into significant savings.
  7. Revenue growth – Agentic AI enables faster go-to-market strategies and more personalized customer experiences. This can directly impact conversion rates and revenue.
  8. Improved decision quality – With access to real-time data and advanced analytics, agentic AI systems can make quick, informed decisions. This reduces human bias and enhances accuracy in areas like forecasting, inventory management, and customer engagement.

Strategies for Evaluating Agentic AI ROI

To measure agentic AI ROI, businesses need a structured approach that connects AI deployment to business outcomes.

  1. Identify high-impact workflows – repetitive, resource-heavy processes like IT support, sales operations, or compliance.
  2. Establish baseline measurements by documenting current costs, completion times, error rates, and headcount before deployment.
  3. Compare pre- and post-implementation performance by checking utilization rates, tasks completed, and infrastructure costs to confirm operational sustainability.
  4. Estimate agentic impact by projecting improvements in speed, cost, throughput, and quality.
  5. If implementing agentic AI in phases, use control groups to isolate its impact from other organizational changes.
  6. Measure real business outcomes, including cost reductions, revenue growth, and productivity gains.

Conclusion

Traditional automation delivered value by reducing manual effort. Agentic AI, on the other hand, reduces decision latency, operational friction, and coordination costs. Therefore, AI agents’ ROI is not defined by savings alone. Its real value lies in the ability to generate compounding returns across multiple dimensions of a business. By adopting a broader view of ROI, organizations can better assess impact, build stronger adoption cases, and identify new opportunities for optimization.

What to Expect with an IRS Audit

What to Expect with an IRS Audit

If the IRS sends notice that you’re being audited, you’re likely to become anxious. However, not all audits mean you did something wrong. In most cases, it is simply a matter of verifying information on a tax return or perhaps correcting a minor error. Knowing what to expect – and how to respond – can help alleviate stress and make the audit more manageable.

An IRS audit (also referred to as an examination) is a review of your records to confirm that the information on your tax return was reported accurately and follows tax law. The best way to prepare for an audit is to respond on time, present organized and complete records, be cooperative, and communicate professionally.

Technically, most audits are triggered via an automated scoring system referred to as the DIF, which stands for Discriminant Information Function. The system flags something on your tax return that stood out. This could be inconsistencies, missing income, unusually high deductions, or inputs that don’t match information the IRS already has. Here are three key facts about IRS timing for audits:

  • The IRS generally looks back three years based on the statute of limitations
  • Most audits are related to returns filed within the past two years
  • In cases of substantial errors, audits can extend up to the last six years, especially in cases where it is believed that more than 25 percent of gross income was omitted from the filing
  • There is no statute of limitations in cases of fraud or failure to file

The Audit Process

Almost all IRS audits start with a letter stating that your return has been selected for examination. This notice will be sent by mail – not a phone call, text, or email. The letter will include the name of your assigned reviewer, his or her IRS identification number, and phone number. You should call the IRS directly to verify this information, as scammers are known to impersonate the IRS to steal money or personal data.

You may be asked to provide a variety of specific documents based on what issue(s) triggered the audit. Be sure to provide copies, not originals. Depending on your situation, the requested documents could include:

  • Income records
  • Investment statements
  • Bank forms
  • Receipts and bills
  • Canceled checks
  • Legal documents (such as divorce or custody agreements)
  • Loan agreements and settlement statements
  • Travel logs, diaries, or ticket stubs
  • Medical and dental records
  • Theft or loss of documentation (insurance claims, photos, police reports)
  • Employment records
  • Schedule K-1 forms for partnerships or S corporations

The following are the three types of IRS Audits:

Correspondence Audit – These are the least complex and are conducted entirely by mail. Sometimes the IRS simply identifies a math error or missing income and asks for payment or clarification. You can either pay the amount due or respond with documentation if you believe the IRS is incorrect.

Office Audit – An office audit requires you to visit an IRS office with the requested records. You will receive an Information Document Request (IDR) form detailing what to bring. Showing up with organized records can help resolve these audits quickly.

Field Audit – The field audit is the most extensive. An IRS agent will come to your home or business to review records. Although you will receive an IDR in advance, the agent may decide to escalate the review if he notices any “large, unusual or questionable” (LUQ) items.

The key points to remember are that poor recordkeeping and/or lack of cooperation tend to trigger a more detailed and time-consuming audit.

Once the Audit Is Complete

After the audit, the IRS will issue a report describing its findings. It may determine that no changes are necessary to your return; that you owe additional tax; or that you may be owed a refund. Should you disagree with the findings, you have options:

  • Request to meet with an IRS manager
  • Use mediation or alternative dispute resolution
  • File an appeal with the IRS
  • Take the case to court if necessary

If you agree with the audit findings, you’ll need to sign the examination report and choose from various payment options if you owe any taxes.

Stalemates in Voting Rights and ICE Legislation; Small Business Funding Expanded

Stalemates in Voting Rights and ICE Legislation; Small Business Funding Expanded

Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (S 1383) – Also known as the SAVE America Act, this bill passed in the House on Feb. 11 but stalled in the Senate due to the Democrat filibuster. The bill would require states to verify documentary proof of citizenship and current residential address when Americans apply for federal voter registration. The easiest documentation would be a birth certificate or passport that confirms their current legal name (most women change their last name after marriage, so they require additional documentation, such as a marriage certificate). However, research from the Bipartisan Policy Center found that nearly 1 in 10 registered voters do not have access to their birth certificate, and 52 percent do not have an unexpired passport with their current legal name. Note that these registration requirements kick in any time current voters update their registration, such as for an address change or to switch political party affiliation. The bill also requires a specific type of photo ID to cast a ballot. A driver’s license is acceptable, but not student IDs or a tribal ID that lacks an expiration date (which tribal IDs do not contain). The president is also insistent that the legislation include unrelated restrictions for transgender Americans. The debate over this bill continues in the Senate.

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026 (HR 7744) – This is the bill that has held up appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2026. The bill was introduced by Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) on March 2 and passed in the House on March 5. However, it triggered a partial government shutdown and is under heated debate in the Senate. Republicans insist on passing the complete bill with increased funding for national security and border protection. The legislation also includes provisions prohibiting funds for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Critical Theory programs, as well as abortions and gender-affirming care for ICE detainees. Senate Democrats are seeking to include guardrails that would prohibit ICE agents from wearing masks or entering homes, schools, hospitals, etc., without a judicial warrant. Currently at a stalemate, Republicans will likely try to pass funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), more money for ICE, and components of the Save America Act through a budget reconciliation bill.

Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act (S 3971) – On March 3, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) introduced this bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) programs. These programs, also known as America’s Seed Fund, expired last September. The new bill enables certain agencies to award a portion of their funds to larger projects focused on technology transition, rather than incremental R&D. These agencies, which include the Departments of Defense, Energy and Homeland Security, the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, may award up to $30 million to small business projects that prioritize national security, customer demand and undercapitalized technology areas. The bill passed in the Senate on March 3, the House on March 17, and was signed into law by the president on April 13.

Tyler’s Law (S 921) – The purpose of this bill is to issue guidance for hospital emergency departments to implement fentanyl testing as a routine procedure for patients experiencing an overdose. The current standard procedure tests for marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, PCP, and natural and semisynthetic opioids, but not synthetic opioids like fentanyl – something many ER practitioners are unaware of. The bill is named for Tyler Shamash, a California teenager who died of an overdose after he passed a drug test in an emergency room that did not include fentanyl. The bipartisan bill was introduced by Sen. Jim Banks (R-IN) on March 10, 2025. It passed in the Senate on March 23, 2026, and is currently awaiting a vote in the House.

To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (HR 1689) – This bill was introduced on Feb. 27, 2025, and passed in the House on April 16, 2026. Amid rampant immigration enforcement, this bill is designed to extend temporary protected status for Haitian migrants through 2029. TPS is intended to provide a safe haven for foreign nationals whose home countries are experiencing temporary unsafe conditions, such as from a natural disaster or civil unrest, for which Haitians continue to qualify. This largely partisan legislation faces an uphill battle in the Senate, as well as a likely veto by the president. In February, the president revoked TPS status for approximately 330,000 Haitians in the United States. However, enforcement of that order is currently halted, and its constitutionality is under consideration by the U.S. Supreme Court.