McCullough and Associates, LLC

10/15/2026

Limited partner status in a business generally offers valuable benefits, including liability protection and self-employment tax advantages. But it may also limit your ability to deduct partnership losses under the passive activity loss rules. Passive losses are usually deductible only against passive income unless you materially participate in the business. Limited partners face a tougher standard than general partners. Certain work, such as investor activities or tasks not customarily performed by owners, may not count toward material participation. Other limitations may also apply. Before investing in a limited partnership or claiming losses, contact us at (417) 883-1212 to discuss the tax implications.

10/14/2026

Read the latest issue of Retire Wise here:

October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and for retirees and near-retirees, that awareness matters more than most people realize. Scammers increasingly…

10/14/2026

For small businesses that carry inventory, managing it effectively can help improve cash flow, reduce waste and keep customers happy. Make sure your staff is well trained to regularly review stock levels, track sales trends, and reorder products in a timely, cost-conscious manner. It’s also wise to identify slow-moving items and adjust purchasing decisions accordingly. Wondering how inventory management affects your financial performance? Contact us at (417) 883-1212 for insights and practical guidance tailored to your business needs.

10/13/2026

If you’ve recently received a legal settlement or award, it’s critical to understand the tax implications. Generally, compensation for physical injuries or sickness is tax-free. But awards for lost wages, emotional distress and punitive damages typically are taxable. Attorneys’ fees are another area that can trip up recipients. Even if your lawyer is paid directly out of your settlement, you’re generally taxed on the full amount before fees are deducted. This means you may owe tax on money you never actually receive. The bottom line is that the way a settlement is structured can significantly affect your tax liability, making professional guidance essential. Call us today at (417) 883-1212 for assistance.

10/12/2026

Inflation is back in the spotlight as the Fed prepares for its next meeting. This week's CPI and PPI reports are expected to tell two different stories: higher headline inflation driven by rising energy prices, but potentially softer core inflation beneath the surface.
Join CIO Gene Goldman on this week's episode of as he breaks down what the latest inflation data could mean for Fed policy, interest rates, and the path forward for markets.

“Cetera Financial Group” refers to the network of independent retail firms encompassing, among others, Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. All firms...

10/12/2026

Now is a good time to review your year-to-date investment gains and losses. If you have net capital gains, consider selling investments that have declined in value to help offset your gains — a strategy known as “loss harvesting.” If you have net losses, harvesting gains by selling appreciated investments can allow you to recognize some or all of the gains tax-free. You can also generally use up to $3,000 of net capital losses to offset ordinary income. Contact us at (417) 883-1212 to discuss year-end tax planning for your investments.

10/09/2026

Stocks finished the third quarter mixed. The S&P 500 gained 2.03%, and the Nasdaq Composite rose 2.47%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 2.70%. Halloween is next on the calendar, with U.S. consumers expected to spend \$13.5 billion USD this year and 6.26 million Canadian children in their trick-or-treating years.

Quarterly Market Insights | October 2026 U.S. and Canadian Markets Stocks were mixed in the third quarter as economic, geopolitical, and corporate earnings news pushed the broad market higher while weighing on the Dow Industrials. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 2.03 percent, while the Nasd...

10/08/2026

Are you thinking of launching a new business as a C corporation? Beware of double taxation. First, the company will pay tax at the entity level. Then the individual shareholders may owe additional tax when they receive dividends and other taxable distributions or sell their shares. Reducing corporate taxable income can lessen the impact. For example, the company can generally deduct reasonable salaries, bonuses and eligible fringe benefits provided to shareholder-employees. This strategy also has potential downsides. Choosing your business entity requires careful consideration. Contact us at (417) 883-1212 to compare your options and determine whether a C corporation is the right structure for your start-up.

10/07/2026

Tax problems can leave you tied in knots. Whether you’re dealing with an IRS notice, penalty or another tax issue, you don’t have to sort through the complexities alone. We can help untangle the issues, explain your options and determine your next steps. Contact us at (417) 883-1212 to discuss your situation.

10/06/2026

Are you paid to care for a family member? Don’t overlook the tax implications. Depending on the arrangement, a family caregiver may be considered a household employee, which can create employment tax and Form W-2 obligations for the person receiving care. In other situations, the caregiver may not be an employee but still must report the payments as income. Self-employment tax may also apply if the caregiver operates a trade or business providing care services. But employment tax or self-employment tax exceptions may apply when caring for a spouse, parent, child or other relative. Contact us at (417) 883-1212 to discuss your family’s situation.