Guests Nik Fahrer and Tom Haldiman return to the podcast to follow up on and take a deeper dive into nonfungible tokens (NFTs) with host Damien Martin. Here’s what they discuss: Who are Nik and Tom? @01:15 What’s the significance of digital assets and where are we going with all of this? @04:48 Core NFT concepts and a real-world example from Beepol…

FORVIS Private Client™ advisors Carlee Lynn, CFP® and Zach Swartz, CFA® join host Damien Martin to demystify the world of accumulating wealth and share real-world examples of the benefits of working with a financial planner. Here’s what they discuss: Who are Carlee and Zach and how did they get into the finance industry? [00:57] Who and what are th…

The New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) Program is a federally funded program designed to attract private investment into distressed communities. Investors are incentivized to provide outside capital in exchange for credits against their federal income tax liability. Host Damien Martin sits down with guest Wes Ernst to discuss this sometimes-overlooked i…

Five years ago today we released our very first episode of the “Simply Tax” podcast, Talking Tax Reform with Ed Karl. Host Damien Martin takes a look at a range of current tax topics as special guest Ed Karl—VP of taxation at the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA)—returns to the podcast to cut through the static of the headlines swirling in the tax…

FASB’s new lease standard requires lessees to recognize all leases with terms greater than 12 months on their balance sheet as lease liabilities with a corresponding right-of-use asset. After deferrals, this new standard is effective for fiscal years ending on or after December 31, 2022 for all private companies and private nonprofits. Host Damien …

For tax years beginning after December 31, 2021, the legislation informally known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act eliminated the option to deduct research and development (R&D) expenditures, which include software development costs. Host Damien Martin sits down with guest Mike Boenzi, the national leader of FORVIS’ R&D tax credit services, to break do…

What word comes to mind when you think about your Mondays? Host Damien Martin talks with returning guest Sam Allred about why he loves Mondays and uses them as his litmus test for navigating his career. Here’s what they cover: Why Sam loves Mondays and why it’s important [01:21] Play to your strengths—and get a clear understanding of where your str…

On June 1, 2022, FORVIS was created by the merger of equals of BKD, LLP and Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP (DHG). Host Damien Martin sits down with FORVIS CEO Tom Watson and FORVIS Governing Board Chair Matt Snow to discuss why and what it means for those inside and outside of the newly created firm, which ranks among the nation’s top 10 professional se…

What tax changes are possible in 2022? Will we see any of the proposals included in Build Back Better incorporated into other legislation? Guest Travis Lucas returns to the podcast with host Damien Martin to cut through the static of the headlines in Washington, D.C. Here’s what they cover: Where are we right now? What’s the timeline and what’s pos…

An optimal family wealth strategy is holistic and combines both investment and estate planning strategies. Do you know when and where to start? Host Damien Martin unpacks the important but often daunting task of planning for your wealth with BKD’s Troy Farmer. Here are the questions they cover: Who is Troy Farmer? [01:48] What is a wealth strategis…

Digital assets have the potential to start (or perhaps already are) significantly altering the global financial landscape. Yet the rapid evolution of the industry and a sea of unfamiliar technical terms has many feeling a bit lost and overwhelmed. Tune in as guests Nik Fahrer, Brian Condron, Jeremy Goss, Tom Haldiman, Neal Maddy, and Geron Morgan d…

What are environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards? How do they affect my business? Host Damien Martin sits down with guest Dirk Cockrum to define ESG, explain its potential effects, describe various ESG frameworks, and share how to get started on building your program. Here’s what’s covered: What’s ESG? Why businesses, owners, and inve…

As returning guest Ted Kontopoulos puts it, “The whole point about writing, like speaking, is communicating.” Host Damien Martin sits down with Ted to discuss the importance of writing and actionable items to help you become a better writer. Here’s what’s covered: Ted’s journey as a writer [02:00] Approaching the different types of writing [09:32] …

The CPA credential is a symbol of trust and professionalism in the world of business that unlocks a career of endless opportunities. Host Damien Martin sits down with Todd Shapiro—the CEO of the Illinois CPA Society—and Tom Murtagh—chairperson of the Illinois CPA Society’s board of directors and BKD tax partner—to discuss the opportunities and chal…

Innovation has become an increasingly popular word both at home and in the office—but what is it and why do you need to be focused on it? Guest Dustin Bobbitt joins host Damien Martin to break it down and share perspectives and insights on lessons learned as BKD’s director of innovation. Here’s what’s covered: How do you define innovation? [01:17] …

If you thought the twists and turns of 2020 made it difficult to keep up with tax court cases, 2021 gave you a run for your money! Frequent guest Tony Nitti joins host Damien Martin for our third annual look at key lessons from Tony’s top tax cases of the year. Here’s an overview and summary of the sources mentioned in the episode: #1: Holliday v. …

Employee stock ownership plans (ESOP) and business valuations often play a key role in succession and continuity planning. BKD’s Cara Benningfield and Shaun Duffin join host Damien Martin to explain what ESOPs and valuations are and break down the impact of the current environment to include the pandemic, uncertainty in the economy, and possible ta…

It’s been another year like no other amid tax law changes, a shifting economy, an ongoing global pandemic, and new regulations—and the BKD Year-End Tax Advisor is back with more than 20 articles to assist with crucial year-end planning decisions. Host Damien Martin caught up with five contributors to this year’s Tax Advisor to discuss their article…

Conversations on tax change are picking up steam with recent developments in the Washington. Frequent guest Ed Karl—vice president of taxation at the AICPA—returns to the podcast to break down the recently enacted Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and provide the latest on the Build Back Better Act (BBB) as we head into the Thanksgiving holida…

The threat and impact of cybercrime have become an unwanted part of our daily lives. Cy “the Cyber Guy” Sturdivant joins host Damien Martin to break down the biggest cybersecurity threats and provide best practices to help businesses and their owners identify and deter cyberattacks. Here’s what they cover: What is cybersecurity? [01:27] Who should …

A deal on budget reconciliation is proving elusive in Congress. Guest Travis Lucas is back with host Damien Martin to cut through the static of the headlines in Washington, D.C. Here’s what they cover: Impact of the 2022 elections Who’s against who Getting the requisite Democratic votes The new four tectonic plates Getting to a topline number Debt …

Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 1202 provides a meaningful exclusion for the gains from the sale of qualified small business stock (QSBS). Guest Rick Klahsen returns to the podcast with host Damien Martin to revisit how the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) impacted this powerful opportunity and explore what proposed changes might m…

Several provisions included in proposed legislative text approved by the House Ways and Means Committee on September 15, 2021, would significantly change the estate planning world if enacted. Guest Justin Miller, J.D., LL.M., TEP, AEP®, CFP®, joins host Damien Martin to break these proposals down and explain what they might mean for you. Here’s wha…

While the prospect of federal tax law changes has dominated the headlines and airwaves lately, there are several significant developments taking shape in the state and local tax (SALT) space that merit your attention as well. Guests Rick Najjar, J.D. and Ted Kontopoulos, J.D. join host Damien Martin to share and break down the developments you need…

Guest Travis Lucas returns to the podcast to join host Damien Martin in boiling down the thousands of pages of recently introduced proposed legislative text. Listen to find out what the proposals might mean for you, your business, and your family as the fast-moving tax reform train continues to pick up speed. Learn more about Travis and get the add…

An internship in public accounting can be one of the most rewarding yet nerve-racking experiences on the journey to a career in tax. Hear from four students who completed a summer internship with host Damien Martin as they share their advice, tips, and lessons learned. Here’s what’s covered: Meet our fantastic four tax interns [01:35] How the exper…

Join host Damien Martin in his ongoing quest for insights and best practices for affluent families and their advisors as he sits down with guest Jeff Davidson to unpack the often mystifying and sometimes daunting world of the family office. Here’s what’s covered: Who is Jeff Davidson? [02:35] Developing a national family business succession plannin…

Headlines are swirling in Washington D.C. on a bipartisan infrastructure deal in the U.S. Senate and a $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation deal between Senate Democrats. Host Damien Martin cuts through the static of the latest tax-related developments with guest Travis Lucas, managing principal of The Lucas Law Firm, and also checks in with BKD par…

How has the construction and real estate industry changed in the past year? What should executives in the hospitality industry be focused on? Is the possibility of tax change affecting decisions? Get answers to these questions and more as Jason Myers—the new national industry partner of BKD National Construction & Real Estate Group—joins host Damie…

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a CEO? Host Damien Martin caught up with Ted Dickman in his final days as BKD’s CEO to find out some of the lasting tips and memories from his career. In this episode, Ted reflects on his experience and shares tips to help anyone make the most of their career and enjoy the journey along the way. He…

The tax and investment worlds are buzzing with headlines about possible significant tax changes this year as we continue to learn more about President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda and the tax-related proposed provisions to pay for the agenda over 15 years. BKD’s Holly Pantzer and Jeff Layman join host Damien Martin to help you better understand…

The opportunities and options available for charitable giving can seem a bit daunting. Guest Bernadette Zita joins host Damien Martin to give an overview of current trends in charitable giving, offer tips to simplify this complex area, and explain the role a private foundation can play in your philanthropic strategy. Here’s what’s covered: Current …

“I’m 100 percent not you, and you’re 100 percent not me.” Find out why this powerful reminder from guest Cassie Atteberry is the key to making the “people stuff” easier for you, your family, and your organization. In this episode, Cassie joins host Damien Martin to share insights to help you to show up as the best version of yourself, build higher-…

Frequent guest Ed Karl, vice president of taxation at the AICPA, returns to the podcast amid a number of swirling tax headlines to break down the latest round of coronavirus-related relief, offer perspective on the tax filing season, and share insights on the areas to watch and outlook for tax policy changes in 2021 and beyond. Here’s what’s covere…

Step back in time for the thrilling radio drama conclusion of the case of “The Missing Deduction.” This follow-up to the short film brings you inside a day with—and the head of—host Damien Martin as he helps ace investigative reporter Annie Story boil down yet another complex aspect of Internal Revenue Code Section 199A following the shocking trans…

The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) Tax Policy & Advocacy Team and volunteer members continually monitor and advocate on legislative, regulatory, and administrative tax matters. The team has been off to an active 2021, following a remarkably busy 2020. Guests Amy Wang and Alex Scott of the AICPA Tax Policy & Advocacy Team join host Damien Martin…

Tax headlines are swirling after several tax-related developments following the enactment of the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act on December 27, 2020. Tune in as host Damien Martin cuts through the static of these significant changes with returning guests Jesse Palmer and Yelena Bosovik. Here’s what’s covered: Expanded and extended employee re…

The latest COVID-19-related relief package included key changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Get the practical insights you need from returning guests Tad Goodenbour and James Anderson as they discuss what these changes mean for borrowers and the interim final rules released January 6, 2021, by the U.S. Small Business Administration (S…

The twists and turns of 2020 made it difficult to keep up with tax court cases this year, but we’ve got you covered! Frequent guest Tony Nitti returns to the podcast again this year to boil down the key lessons from his top tax cases with host Damien Martin. Here’s what’s covered in our final episode of 2020: Bordelon v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo 202…

The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) Tax Policy & Advocacy Team and volunteer members continually monitor and advocate on legislative, regulatory, and administrative tax matters—and 2020 has been an exceptionally busy year. In this episode, guest Melanie Lauridsen, AICPA tax policy and advocacy senior manager, joins host Damien Martin to share wh…

The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) Tax Policy & Advocacy Team and volunteer members continually monitor and advocate on legislative, regulatory, and administrative tax matters—and 2020 has been an exceptionally busy year. Guest Amy Wang, AICPA tax policy and advocacy senior manager, joins host Damien Martin to share what the team has been up to…

It’s been a turbulent year amid a global pandemic and a cliffhanger of an election, making year-end tax planning more important than ever to create and maintain financial health for you, your family, and your business. National Tax Assistant Director Julia Dengel returns to the podcast to discuss some of the topics and articles within this year’s T…

Change of state residency is on the minds of many these days, as we navigate a pandemic that has increased the prevalence of remote working and led some individuals to reevaluate where they live and work. State and local tax (SALT) attorney David Hughes joins host Damien Martin for an in-depth discussion on the topic of residency and a constitution…

Catalyst for corporate culture change and podcast host John Garrett joins host Damien Martin to discuss John’s latest book, What's Your "And"?: Unlock the Person Within the Professional, and the importance of having personal passions outside of the workplace. John shares some of the highlights of writing his book, how his message can help when adap…

What should businesses and their advisors be considering when it comes to financial statement audits, given the recent disruptions caused by COVID-19? What role can analytics play in managing cash flow and forecasting? Guests Megan Stern and Greg Knight join host Damien Martin to offer their insights from working with businesses amid the pandemic i…

Why would anyone want to work in tax? Find out as guest Kent Klaus, a senior instructor at DePaul University, joins host Damien Martin to share insights from practicing and teaching in tax. Here’s what’s covered: How Kent Klaus came to teach @01:29 The opportunities of a career in tax @05:26 Becoming a subject matter expert and how to find your are…

Guests Mary Reiser and Jana Gradeva join host Damien Martin to unpack state and local tax (SALT) developments and discuss areas you should focus on amid an uncertain and rapidly changing environment. Here’s what’s covered: How state and local jurisdictions generally apportion a taxpayer’s employment income [01:53] What role does payroll play in app…

BKD campus recruiters Jerica Newby and Michael Nuttle join host Damien Martin to offer advice for students making one of the most important life decisions: Where should you work? Who is Jerica Newby? @01:46 Who is Michael Nuttle? @03:03 The accounting recruiting cycle @05:35 How to use campus recruiters to your advantage @10:08 Why you should consi…

We're back with part two of our conversation on managing change and driving innovation. Join host Damien Martin and change and project management specialists John Gamble and Gary Farrar as they continue their discussion on leading change in any organization that was tapped in front of a live audience at a Financial Executives International event in…

Managing change and driving innovation have rapidly become top priorities for financial executives; however, it’s often difficult to keep up with the fast pace of change and fit these challenging tasks into an already packed to-do list. Join host Damien Martin and change and project management specialists John Gamble and Gary Farrar for an informat…