Miriam Shealy, CPA

10/14/2026

2026 TAX PLANNING: THERE'S STILL TIME TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

As we approach the end of 2026, now is the perfect time to take a look at where you stand financially and what that could mean for your taxes.

The time for tax planning is NOT over! In fact, some of the most valuable tax-saving decisions can be made during the final months of the year.

Tax preparation looks at what happened LAST year. Tax planning looks at what you can still do THIS year.

Has your income increased or decreased this year?

Have you made major purchases, sold property, or experienced other financial changes?

If you own a business, are there expenses, equipment purchases, or other strategies worth considering before December 31?

Are your estimated tax payments and withholding sufficient to avoid an unpleasant surprise in April?

At Shealy LLC, we believe good tax planning starts with understanding where you are today, where you want to be financially, and what steps you can take to get there.

There is still time to make thoughtful decisions that could reduce your 2026 tax liability. But many opportunities disappear once December 31 passes.

Don't wait until tax season to find out what you could have done differently.

Send a message to learn more

07/31/2026

Happy August!!

We are taking a little time to focus on family this August.

Family is one of life's greatest blessings, and I'm looking forward to spending some quality time with mine over the next several weeks.

While away, we will still be checking emails and voicemail messages and will respond as we are able. Response time may be a little slower than usual, and we greatly appreciate your kind patience.

If you have outstanding tax extensions, need tax advice, financial planning, or would like to schedule an appointment, we will be back and available for appointments beginning in mid-September.

Thank you all for your understanding and continued trust. I truly appreciate each of my clients and look forward to helping you this fall and the coming tax season.

Wishing everyone a wonderful end to the summer!

Send a message to learn more

07/06/2026

💰 Trump Accounts Are Now Live!

The new Trump Accounts are now available, giving eligible families a new way to save for a child's future with tax advantages established under the recently enacted law.

If you have children or grandchildren, now is a good time to learn how these accounts work and whether they fit into your family's financial and tax planning.

Some of the key questions to consider include:
✔️ Who is eligible to open an account?
✔️ How much can be contributed each year?
✔️ What tax benefits do these accounts provide?
✔️ What are the rules for withdrawals?
✔️ How do these accounts compare with 529 college savings plans and other investment options?

As with any new tax law, the details matter. Choosing the right savings strategy depends on your family's goals, your tax situation, and how you plan to use the funds in the future.

Our office is ready to help you:
• Understand the new rules.
• Determine whether a Trump Account makes sense for your family.
• Coordinate this new savings opportunity with your overall tax and financial plan.

📞 For questions, call our office 803-944-2600. We're here to help you make informed decisions and take advantage of new tax planning opportunities.

Trump Accounts provide eligible American children with tax-advantaged investment accounts courtesy of President Donald J. Trump.

06/19/2026

🎓 Important Changes to Federal Student Loan Repayment

Beginning July 1, 2026, major changes are taking effect for federal student loan borrowers.

✅ The SAVE plan is ending.
✅ New borrowers will generally have only two repayment options:
• A Standard Repayment Plan
• The new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP)

✅ Existing borrowers will still have access to some current plans, but SAVE, PAYE, and ICR are being phased out over the next two years.

⚠️ Borrowers currently in the SAVE plan should watch for notices from their loan servicer and review their options carefully. Those who do not choose a new plan may be automatically moved into a standard repayment plan with potentially higher monthly payments.

If you have federal student loans, now is a good time to log in to your account, understand your repayment options, and plan ahead.

06/10/2026

The Return That Matters Most Isn't What You Earn — It's What You Keep.

As a CPA, I've noticed a pattern when preparing tax returns. Some investment accounts generate significant taxable gains and income because investments are traded frequently throughout the year. Yet many of these accounts do not outperform the overall market.
The result? Investors may be paying taxes on investment transactions that are not creating additional wealth.

In a taxable account, frequent trading can reduce the amount of money available to remain invested and compound over time. That's why it's important to look beyond investment returns and ask:
✔️ How often are investments traded?
✔️ Is performance measured after taxes?
✔️ What tax-management strategies are being used?

For many long-term investors, broad diversification, low costs, low turnover, and tax-efficient investing can be powerful wealth-building tools.

The most important question isn't: "What return did the investment earn?"
It's: "How much of that return did I actually keep after fees and taxes?"

To discuss this further, or to explore tax planning strategies that may help you keep more of your investment returns, contact our office at 803-944-2600.

04/12/2026

Tax season is almost behind us, and what a great season it’s been!

We’re so grateful for the trust our clients place in us year after year—it’s truly a privilege to serve you.

As things begin to slow down, we’re looking forward to continuing to support you throughout the rest of the year with planning, guidance, and peace of mind.

And of course, we’ll be ready and excited to do it all again next tax season!

Thank you for being the best part of our business!