Ask a DHJJ CPA

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?

Episode 5: What Happens When Your CPA Is Also Your Financial Planner?

What’s the difference between a CPA and a CFP® and when does it make sense to work with someone who is both? In this episode of Ask a DHJJ CPA, host Emma sits down with Dana Anderson, CPA, CFP®, to talk about how tax planning and financial planning work together, why that matters in real life, and how having one advisor looking at both can help people make more confident financial decisions. They cover the difference between a CPA and a certified financial planner, common financial mistakes people make on their own, why a big tax refund is not always a good thing, and why complexity often matters more than wealth when deciding whether to work with a financial advisor. Whether you are planning for retirement, navigating a major life change, managing a strong income year, or simply trying to make smarter financial decisions, this conversation offers practical insight into how a more integrated approach can help. In this episode, we discuss: 00:00 Introduction 01:45 What a CPA does vs. what a CFP® does 04:45 Why people choose to work with a financial advisor 07:15 The emotional side of managing money 11:05 Why tax planning and financial planning should work together 15:00 What to think about after a really good income year 18:15 Financial mistakes that show up at tax time 21:50 Who benefits most from working with someone who is both a CPA and CFP® 26:00 Why DHJJ’s approach is different 28:40 Rapid-fire financial advice Key questions this episode answers: - What is the difference between a CPA and a CFP®? - Why should tax planning and financial planning be coordinated? - Is working with a financial advisor only for wealthy people? - What financial mistakes do people commonly make on their own? - What should someone do after a big income year? - What should you ask before hiring a financial advisor? About Dana Anderson: Dana Anderson, CPA, CFP®, is part of DHJJ’s financial advisory team. He works with clients on retirement planning, investments, estate planning, and tax-aware financial strategies, helping people make decisions with both their financial goals and tax implications in mind. Learn more about DHJJ: DHJJ.com Explore DHJJ Financial Advisory: DHJJFinancial.com Read the full transcript and related resources: Connect with DHJJ: https://dhjj.com/schedule-a-consultation/ About Ask a DHJJ CPA: Ask a DHJJ CPA is the podcast where real CPAs answer real questions from business owners and individuals. Each episode breaks down important tax, accounting, financial, and advisory topics into practical conversations designed to help listeners make better decisions. If you found this episode helpful, subscribe so you do not miss future conversations. #CPA #CFP #FinancialPlanning #TaxPlanning #RetirementPlanning #WealthPlanning #BusinessOwners #DHJJ #Podcast

Episode 4: What’s Changed for Individual Taxes in 2026? OBBBA Updates Explained by a CPA

In this episode of Ask a DHJJ CPA, I’m joined by tax manager Dominic Martin to discuss vital updates for individual taxpayers this tax season. We dive into the complexities of filing a 1040, including common surprises that can arise from investment income and changes in tax legislation, specifically the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Dominic shares insights on how this new law impacts income thresholds, deductions, and credits, as well as significant considerations for high earners and business owners with pass-through income. Whether you’re filing W-2 income, managing multiple income streams, or navigating new retirement account options, this episode equips you with essential strategies to optimize your tax planning. Tune in to ensure you're prepared for a successful tax season.

Episode 3: When Does Your Business Create Sales Tax Nexus? SALT Rules for Growing Companies

As your business grows beyond one state, sales tax and state and local tax (SALT) rules get more complicated fast. In this episode of Ask a DHJJ CPA, we break down one of the most common (and costly) questions growing companies face: When do you officially create sales tax nexus? We cover: – What “nexus” really means in plain English – How physical presence (employees, warehouses, offices) triggers tax obligations – How economic nexus works when you sell into other states – Common scenarios that surprise business owners – What to do once nexus is established Whether you’re expanding your sales footprint, hiring remote employees, or shipping products across state lines, understanding nexus is critical to staying compliant and avoiding penalties. If you’re unsure where your business stands today, this episode will help you know what questions to ask and when to get help.

Episode 2: A Proactive Tax Season for Business Owners: Year-End Lessons & January Moves

Tax season doesn’t have to be chaotic, but for many business owners, it feels that way. In this episode of Ask a DHJJ CPA, host Emma Yurchik sits down with Mirella Hernandez, Principal at DHJJ and leader of the firm’s Tax Practice, to break down what business owners can learn from the 2025 tax season and what they should be doing right now to make this year smoother and start planning ahead for 2026. Rather than focusing on filing forms, this conversation takes a step back to look at the real causes of tax season stress, from last-minute cleanups and communication gaps to business acquisitions, growing complexity, and missed planning opportunities. Mirella shares practical guidance on what to prioritize in January, how to spot early warning signs that a business is heading into tax season unprepared, and why ongoing communication with your CPA is one of the most important factors in avoiding surprises. They also discuss when it makes sense to clean up records, amend returns, or bring in outside accounting support, especially for lean teams and growing businesses. In this episode, you’ll learn: The most common issues that delay returns and create unnecessary stress What documents and conversations to prioritize right now How transactions, acquisitions, and growth impact tax timelines and risk Why proactive, year-round tax planning leads to better long-term outcomes Whether you’re a business owner wearing multiple hats, managing a growing company, or preparing for a future transaction, this episode will help you approach tax season with clarity, confidence, and a plan.