Ask a DHJJ CPA
Ask a DHJJ CPA is the podcast for business owners, CFOs, and individuals who want practical answers, not accounting jargon. Each month, the experts at DHJJ, a full-service accounting and advisory firm in the Chicago area, tackle real questions about taxes, audits, business strategy, and financial planning.
From choosing the right CPA firm to improving cash flow and preparing for growth, you’ll get straightforward guidance to help you make smarter financial decisions and build long-term success.
All Episodes
Episode 9: What Business Decisions Create State Tax Problems?
Many state tax obligations begin with ordinary business decisions, not tax decisions. Hiring employees, expanding into new states, storing inventory, or acquiring another company can all create unexpected tax responsibilities. This episode explores the business activities that often lead to state tax exposure. In this episode of Ask a DHJJ CPA, host Emma Yurchik sits down with Alexander Rivas, Senior Tax Manager in DHJJ's State and Local Tax (SALT) practice, to discuss how growing businesses unknowingly trigger state tax nexus and what they can do to stay ahead of potential compliance issues. Whether you're expanding your team, growing your e-commerce business, or planning an acquisition, this episode will help you better understand when it's time to involve a SALT advisor before small decisions become expensive surprises. What This Episode Answers • Which business decisions can create new state tax obligations? • What should business owners think about before expanding? • When should a CPA or SALT advisor be involved? • How can businesses avoid unexpected compliance issues?.png)
Episode 8: When Should Business Owners Start Mid-Year Tax Planning?
Many business owners stop thinking about taxes once tax season ends, but that's often when the most valuable tax planning begins. In this episode of Ask a DHJJ CPA, host Emma Yurchik sits down with Angela Adams, Senior Tax Manager at DHJJ, to discuss why the middle of the year is one of the best times to review your business's financial performance and tax strategy. They discuss what business owners should review before August, why waiting until year-end can limit tax-saving opportunities, how estimated tax payments impact cash flow, and why everyday business decisions can have unexpected tax consequences. The conversation also covers one topic that creates anxiety for many business owners: IRS notices. Angela explains what the most common notices mean, when you should contact your CPA, how to recognize IRS scams, and why every business owner should create an IRS online account and Identity Protection PIN. Whether your business is growing, expanding into new states, or simply trying to avoid unexpected tax bills, this episode provides practical advice to help you stay proactive throughout the year. In This Episode Why July is the ideal time for mid-year tax planning What financial reports every business owner should review How to avoid year-end tax surprises Why estimated tax payments matter Common business decisions that affect taxes The most common IRS notices businesses receive What to do if you receive an IRS notice How to recognize IRS scams Why an IRS online account and Identity Protection PIN are worth setting up Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:00 Why July Is the Best Time for Mid-Year Tax Planning 14:25 What Every Business Owner Should Review Before August 16:15 Understanding IRS Notices 27:16 IRS Scams and How to Protect Your Business 31:30 Why Every Business Owner Should Create an IRS Online Account 34:30 Final Takeaways and Next StepsEpisode 7: When Does a Growing Business Need a CFO?
At some point, “good enough” financials stop being enough. As businesses grow, financial decisions become more complex, and many owners realize they need more than bookkeeping and historical reporting. They need strategic financial guidance. In this episode of Ask a DHJJ CPA, Emma Yurchik sits down with Mark Ruenz from DHJJ’s Outsourced CFO team to discuss what it really means to think like a CFO and when growing businesses should start making that shift. They cover the differences between bookkeeping, accounting, controllers, and CFOs, why budgeting and forecasting matter more than most business owners realize, and how proactive financial planning can help businesses reduce stress, improve decision-making, and prepare for growth. Mark also explains the value of fractional CFO services, how forecasting supports tax planning and cash flow management, and the warning signs that a business may have outgrown reactive financial management. Whether you’re experiencing growth, preparing for major decisions, or simply wondering if your business finances are keeping up with your goals, this episode offers practical insight into what strategic financial leadership looks like.Episode 6: Do You Need a 401(k) Audit? What Business Owners Need to Know Before Hitting 100 Employees
When do you actually need a 401(k) audit and is it really as simple as hitting 100 employees? In this episode of Ask a DHJJ CPA, Colin Shaw breaks down what triggers a 401(k) audit, including how participant counts work, why former employees still matter, and how the 80/120 rule can impact your timing. He also walks through what happens during an audit, how to prepare, and what business owners often get wrong. Whether you’re approaching the threshold or already there, this episode will help you stay ahead and turn a compliance requirement into a strategic advantage. What This Episode Answers Do I need a 401(k) audit yet? What counts as a participant in a 401(k) plan? Do former employees count toward the 100-participant rule? What is the 80/120 rule for 401(k) audits? Can I delay a 401(k) audit? What happens during a 401(k) audit? How do I prepare for a 401(k) audit? How do I choose the right audit firm?