Supporting Our Communities Through Community Impact Day
Recently, team members from our Holland, South Haven, and Grand Haven offices participated in local Community Impact Days organized through area chambers of commerce. These volunteer events gave our teams the opportunity to support …
Recently, team members from our Holland, South Haven, and Grand Haven offices participated in local Community Impact Days organized through area chambers of commerce. These volunteer events gave our teams the opportunity to support organizations serving important needs across West Michigan.
Our Holland and South Haven teams partnered with Gateway Mission, helping clean and organize the storefront and plaza areas, fill parking lot potholes, and assist with shop and sorting spaces. Gateway Mission supports individuals across Ottawa and Allegan counties by addressing homelessness, poverty, and addiction while helping people work toward long-term stability and recovery.
In Grand Haven, team members volunteered at Camp Blodgett to help prepare the camp for the summer season. Camp Blodgett provides traditional summer camp experiences for children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend, creating space for connection, growth, and lasting memories.
Community Impact Day is an opportunity to support organizations doing meaningful work in the communities where we live and work. We are grateful to partner with local organizations making a difference every day and proud of our team members who dedicated their time to serve alongside them.
What Not-for-Profits Should Watch as Federal Tax Changes Affect Charitable Giving
Changes to federal tax policy often create uncertainty for not-for-profit organizations, especially those that rely heavily on individual or corporate donations. While recent legislation may encourage more households to give overall, new research suggests …
Changes to federal tax policy often create uncertainty for not-for-profit organizations, especially those that rely heavily on individual or corporate donations. While recent legislation may encourage more households to give overall, new research suggests total charitable giving could still decline compared to previous projections.
According to a study from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, charitable giving in the United States in 2026 could decrease by approximately $5.69 billion under recent federal tax law changes. At the same time, researchers estimate the number of households making charitable contributions could increase significantly due to the introduction of a universal charitable deduction.
For not-for-profit organizations, these changes may create both challenges and opportunities.
Below are three areas organizations should evaluate as donor behavior continues to shift.
Understand How Your Donor Base May Be Affected
Not all organizations will experience these tax changes in the same way. The impact may depend heavily on where donations currently come from and how donors structure their giving.
Organizations that rely primarily on major gifts or corporate contributions could experience more pressure if tax incentives become less favorable for high-income donors and businesses. Meanwhile, organizations supported by broad community-based giving may benefit from increased participation tied to the universal charitable deduction.
Understanding donor concentration, giving patterns, and corporate funding exposure will become increasingly important as organizations evaluate future fundraising strategies.
Prepare for Changes in Donor Timing and Giving Patterns
The research also suggests some donors may begin adjusting how and when they give. Households or corporations near deduction thresholds may choose to “bunch” contributions into certain years to maximize tax benefits.
For not-for-profits, this could create fluctuations in annual giving patterns and cash flow timing. Organizations may need to adjust campaign strategies, donor communications, and financial forecasting to account for less predictable contribution schedules.
Smaller-dollar giving may also become more important over time. As more households become eligible for charitable deductions regardless of itemization status, organizations may have opportunities to strengthen recurring giving programs and broader donor engagement efforts.
Reevaluate Corporate Fundraising Strategies
One of the more significant findings from the research involves corporate giving. Researchers estimate corporate charitable contributions could decline under the new tax structure, reducing traditional tax-related incentives for businesses to donate.
As a result, not-for-profits may need to position corporate partnerships differently moving forward. Organizations that focus solely on tax advantages may face greater challenges than those emphasizing community impact, brand alignment, employee engagement, and long-term partnership value.
Corporate donors may still prioritize philanthropy, but the motivations behind those decisions could continue shifting away from tax strategy alone.
Balancing Uncertainty With Long-Term Planning
Tax policy changes rarely affect charitable giving overnight. Researchers note that donor awareness and behavior often evolve gradually as individuals and businesses become more familiar with new regulations and incentives.
For not-for-profit organizations, this creates an important opportunity to strengthen donor education, diversify fundraising strategies, and better understand how changing tax policies may influence long-term giving behavior. Organizations that proactively evaluate donor trends and communicate effectively with supporters may be better positioned to adapt as the philanthropic landscape continues to evolve.
At DBC, we work with not-for-profit organizations to strengthen financial planning, evaluate fundraising sustainability, and navigate evolving regulatory and economic conditions. Thoughtful planning and proactive communication can help organizations remain resilient during periods of change.
To read the original article by Paul Clolery, please visit:
https://thenonprofittimes.com/npt_articles/federal-tax-changes-might-cost-nonprofits-5-69b/
What Not-for-Profits Should Prioritize When Funders Rethink Due Diligence
For many not-for-profit organizations, due diligence can feel like a high-pressure compliance process focused primarily on identifying weaknesses or operational risk. Financial reviews, governance assessments, and policy evaluations are often necessary parts of securing …
For many not-for-profit organizations, due diligence can feel like a high-pressure compliance process focused primarily on identifying weaknesses or operational risk. Financial reviews, governance assessments, and policy evaluations are often necessary parts of securing funding, but traditional due diligence processes do not always reflect the realities organizations face, particularly those operating in resource-constrained or politically sensitive environments.
As philanthropy continues to evolve, many funders are beginning to rethink how due diligence should work. Increasingly, organizations are shifting away from rigid vetting procedures and toward approaches that emphasize partnership, long-term sustainability, and organizational growth.
Below are three areas not-for-profits should pay close attention to as these conversations continue to evolve.
Understand Whether the Process Encourages Partnership
The tone and structure of a due diligence process can reveal a great deal about how a funder approaches its relationships with grantee partners. Processes focused entirely on compliance or deficiencies can create unnecessary barriers and discourage transparency from the beginning.
More collaborative funders are beginning to approach due diligence as a conversation rather than simply a checklist. Open-ended discussions give organizations the opportunity to explain operational realities, regional challenges, and long-term goals in a more meaningful way.
For not-for-profits, this shift creates opportunities to build stronger relationships with funders who value understanding context alongside financial oversight.
Evaluate Whether Funders Support Organizational Growth
Many not-for-profit organizations operate with limited administrative resources while still delivering meaningful community impact. Traditional due diligence frameworks often treat operational limitations as disqualifying rather than developmental.
Some funders are now recognizing that long-term sustainability may require investment beyond direct programming. Capacity-building support, governance training, improved financial systems, and operational development can all strengthen organizations over time.
Not-for-profits should pay attention to whether funders are willing to support organizational infrastructure alongside mission-driven work. In many cases, that support plays a significant role in long-term stability and effectiveness.
Pay Attention to How Funders Approach Risk
Organizations operating in challenging political, legal, or economic environments often face obstacles that make traditional compliance expectations difficult to meet. In some cases, strict funding requirements may unintentionally exclude organizations doing important community-based work.
Funders taking a more thoughtful approach to due diligence are beginning to recognize that meaningful impact sometimes requires flexibility and shared problem-solving. Alternative funding structures, regional partnerships, and customized operational approaches may help organizations continue serving their communities while strengthening governance and internal controls over time.
For not-for-profits, understanding how a funder approaches risk can provide important insight into whether the relationship will support long-term sustainability or create unnecessary operational strain.
Building Stronger Relationships Between Funders and Not-for-Profits
Due diligence remains an important part of responsible philanthropy, but it can also serve as an opportunity to strengthen communication, improve operational support, and build more sustainable funding relationships.
For not-for-profits, thoughtful due diligence processes often signal a funder’s willingness to invest not only in programs, but in the long-term health and sustainability of the organization itself.
At DBC, we work with not-for-profit organizations to strengthen financial oversight, improve governance practices, and support long-term operational sustainability. Strong financial management and meaningful partnership can work together to create more resilient organizations and stronger community impact.
To read the original article by Geraldine Moreno, please visit https://ssir.org/articles/entry/due-diligence-deeper-partnerships
Employee Spotlight: Kipp Harper
Since joining De Boer, Baumann & Company in 2022 as an IT Support Specialist with DB&C NetWerks, Kipp Harper has become an essential part of the firm’s day-to-day operations. His work often happens behind …
Since joining De Boer, Baumann & Company in 2022 as an IT Support Specialist with DB&C NetWerks, Kipp Harper has become an essential part of the firm’s day-to-day operations. His work often happens behind the scenes, but the impact is felt across the entire organization. From troubleshooting issues to supporting new initiatives, Kipp helps ensure everything runs smoothly so the team can stay focused on serving clients.
Kipp’s role spans software, hardware, and network support, along with providing service and consulting for external IT clients. His ability to navigate both internal and client-facing needs brings a practical, solutions-oriented approach to every situation. Whether responding to immediate technical challenges or helping implement long-term improvements, Kipp approaches his work with consistency and a clear focus on keeping systems reliable and efficient.
Kipp was drawn to IT by the rapid growth and opportunity within the field. Recognizing early on that technology would continue to evolve and shape how businesses operate, he pursued a path that allows him to stay engaged in a dynamic, ever-changing environment. That mindset continues to show in the way he approaches his work today.
Outside of the office, Kipp enjoys making the most of warmer weather by spending time outdoors with his dog, often hiking or camping. He also brings a strong sense of service to his community, having served as a part-time Firefighter/EMT over the past several years, an accomplishment he is especially proud of.
Kipp’s steady presence and willingness to step in wherever needed make him a valued member of the team. We’re proud to spotlight Kipp and the role he plays in supporting both our people and our clients every day.
Checking Your Federal Refund Status Is Easy
As you are no doubt aware, the IRS has made a significant shift in its approach to issuing tax refunds by discontinuing the practice of sending refunds via paper checks. This change is part …
As you are no doubt aware, the IRS has made a significant shift in its approach to issuing tax refunds by discontinuing the practice of sending refunds via paper checks. This change is part of an ongoing effort to enhance efficiency and security in processing tax returns. By moving towards electronic transfers, the IRS aims to reduce the risk of lost or stolen checks, expedite the refund process, and minimize costs associated with printing and mailing. The IRS has implemented alternative methods to accommodate taxpayers who do not have a bank account such as prepaid debit cards.
Regardless of the delivery method, if you have already filed your federal tax return and are due to receive a refund, you can check the status of your refund online.
Where’s My Refund? is an interactive tool on the IRS website.
Regardless of whether you have split your refund among several accounts or opted for a direct deposit into one account, Where’s My Refund? will give you online access to your refund information nearly 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
If you e-file, you can use this tool to get your refund information 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of your return. Nine out of 10 taxpayers typically receive refunds in fewer than 21 days when they use e-file with direct deposit. If you file a paper return, refund information will be available starting four weeks after mailing your return. When you go to check the status of your refund, have a copy of your federal tax return handy. To access your personalized refund information, you must enter:
- Your Social Security Number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number),
- The tax year (options include 2025, 2024 and 2023),
- Your filing status on that return (single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household, or qualifying widow(er)/surviving spouse), and
- The exact refund amount shown on your tax return.
Once you have entered your personal information, one of several personalized responses will come up:
- Acknowledgement that your return has been received and is being processed,
- Refund was approved and the IRS is preparing to issue it by the date shown.
- Refund Sent – the IRS has sent the refund to your bank or to you in the mail. It may take 5 days for it to show in your bank account or several weeks for your check to arrive in the mail.
Where’s My Refund? also includes links to customized information based on your specific situation. The links guide you through the steps to resolve any issues that are affecting your refund. For example, if you do not receive your refund within 28 days of the mailing date shown on Where’s My Refund?, you can start a refund trace online.
Where’s My Refund? is also accessible to visually impaired taxpayers who use the Job Access with Speech screen reader with a Braille display. Where’s My Refund? is compatible with various modes of this screen reader.
IRS2Go is a free IRS smartphone app that lets taxpayers check on the status of their tax refunds. For download information, visit IRS2Go. It is available for both Apple and Android.
Where’s My Refund? provides the most up-to-date information that the IRS has. There’s no need to call the IRS unless Where’s My Refund? tells you to do so. Where’s My Refund? is updated every 24 hours (usually overnight), so you only need to check it once a day.
While the IRS tools provide helpful, real-time updates, DBC is available to assist if you encounter any issues or have questions along the way. We can help review your refund status, address delays or discrepancies, assist with initiating a refund trace if needed, and interpret any IRS notices you may receive.
In addition, we can provide guidance on how your refund fits into your overall tax situation, including applying it toward estimated payments or future planning strategies. If anything seems unclear or does not align with expectations, please reach out so we can help ensure everything is resolved efficiently.
Sold Your Home Before Meeting the Gain Exclusion Requirements? You May Still Qualify for a Partial Exclusion
When selling a principal residence, taxpayers turn to Section 121 of the Internal Revenue Code to mitigate potential capital gains taxes. Under this provision, homeowners can exclude up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 for …
When selling a principal residence, taxpayers turn to Section 121 of the Internal Revenue Code to mitigate potential capital gains taxes. Under this provision, homeowners can exclude up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 for qualifying joint filers) from the sale. To fully qualify, individuals must have owned and lived in the home as their primary residence for at least two out of the five years preceding the sale date. However, life sometimes unfolds in ways that prevent individuals from satisfying the full requirements for this lucrative exclusion. Thankfully, the IRS provides relief through partial exclusions for those who need to sell their home due to a change in the place of employment, health issues, or unforeseen circumstances before meeting the two out of the five years standard requirement. This article delves into understanding how these exceptions operate, offering insights into when taxpayers can still benefit from a Section 121 gain exclusion despite not meeting the standard criteria.
Change in Place of Employment – The most common reason for a partial exclusion is a job-related move that causes the taxpayer to sell their home before the 2-of-5 years tests were met. To meet the “safe harbor” for this category, your new place of work must be at least 50 miles farther from your home than your old workplace was. If you didn’t have a previous workplace, your new one must be at least 50 miles from the home you are selling.
- The taxpayer.
- The taxpayer’s spouse.
- A co-owner of the home.
- Anyone else for whom the home was their primary residence.
Health-Related Moves – A move is considered health-related if the primary reason is to obtain, provide, or facilitate the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, or treatment of a disease, illness, or injury. It also covers moving to provide medical or personal care for a family member. Note that a move for “general health and well-being” (e.g., moving to a warmer climate just because you like it) does not qualify; a doctor must generally recommend the change in residence.
- The taxpayer, spouse, or co-owner.
- Family members, specifically parents, grandparents, stepparents, children (including adopted, foster, or stepchildren), grandchildren, siblings, in-laws, aunts, uncles, nephews, and nieces.
- Any resident of the home.
Unforeseen Circumstances – An “unforeseen circumstance” is an event you could not have reasonably anticipated before purchasing and occupying the home. If your situation does not fit a specific safe harbor, the IRS looks at factors like whether the event and sale were close in time, or if your financial ability to maintain the home was materially impaired. But merely deciding after you’ve lived in a home for a while that you don’t like the neighborhood won’t qualify as an unforeseen circumstance.
The Safe Harbor List – The IRS provides a specific list of events that automatically qualify as unforeseen circumstances:
- Involuntary conversion (e.g., the home is destroyed or condemned).
- Natural or man-made disasters or acts of terrorism resulting in a casualty loss.
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Death of a qualified individual (taxpayer, spouse, co-owner, or resident).
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Divorce or legal separation.
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Eligibility for unemployment compensation.
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Change in employment status that leaves the taxpayer unable to pay basic living expenses (food, housing, taxes, etc.).
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Multiple births from the same pregnancy.
How the Partial Exclusion is Calculated – The partial exclusion is not a flat rate; it is a fraction of the maximum exclusion ($250,000 or $500,000).
- The Formula – You take the shortest of the following periods (in days or months) and divide it by 730 days (or 24 months):
- The time you owned the home during the 5-year period before the sale.
- The time you used the home as your primary residence during that same period.
- The time since you last claimed the Section 121 exclusion for another home.
Example: If you are a single filer who lived in your home for 12 months before moving for a new job 100 miles away, and had last claimed the exclusion 6 years ago, you have met 50% of the 24-month requirement. You can exclude $125,000 (50% of $250,000) of your gain from taxes.
Navigating IRS Section 121 can be complex, especially when determining if your specific “facts and circumstances” meet the threshold for an unforeseen event. If you are planning a move or have recently sold a home before reaching the two-year mark, please contact DBC for assistance in calculating your exclusion and ensuring your documentation meets IRS standards.
Why Spring Is the Perfect Time to Fix Your QuickBooks (Before Small Problems Get Expensive)
By springtime, most business owners have closed the books on last year, filed (or started filing) their taxes, and moved on. Here’s what many don’t realize: Spring is actually one of the most important …
By springtime, most business owners have closed the books on last year, filed (or started filing) their taxes, and moved on. Here’s what many don’t realize: Spring is actually one of the most important times of the year to clean up QuickBooks.
Why? Because small bookkeeping issues that look harmless now often turn into expensive problems later, from missed deductions to cash flow surprises to tax-time headaches.
Here’s why March through May is the perfect checkpoint and what business owners should focus on right now.
Why QuickBooks Issues Show Up in the Spring
The first two months of the year are usually reactive. Businesses are:
- Closing the prior year
- Gathering documents for tax prep
- Reconciling year-end accounts
- Issuing 1099s
- Expenses landing in the wrong categories
- Duplicate or missing transactions
- Uncleared balances lingering for months
- Reports that don’t match reality
The Most Common QuickBooks Problems We See in Spring
- Misclassified expenses
- Personal transactions in business books
- Duplicate income entries
- Missing Deposits
- Duplicate charges
- Incorrect balances
- Negative asset balances
- Loans recorded incorrectly
- Uncategorized equity entries
Why Fixing It Now Saves Money Later
- Cleanup work becomes more expensive
- Deductions may go unclaimed
- Tax planning opportunities shrink
- Cash flow decisions become guesswork
What Business Owners Should Do Right Now
- Review financial reports for accuracy
- Reconcile every account
- Clean up uncategorized transactions
- Meet with DBC for a “year-to-date”
Even one focused DBC cleanup session can prevent hours of stress later.
QuickBooks Is a Tool, Not a Strategy
QuickBooks is excellent at tracking numbers. But it doesn’t evaluate them. It won’t tell you:
- If your margins are slipping
- If you’re underpaying estimated taxes
- If you’re overspending in key areas
- If your pricing needs adjustment
- Accurate reporting
- Smarter decisions
- Fewer surprises
- Lower stress at tax time
Estimated Tax Payments Are Not Just for the Self-Employed
Unlike employees, who have income, Social Security, and Medicare taxes withheld from their wages, self-employed individuals must prepay their taxes by making periodic estimated tax payments. These are referred to as estimated tax payments …
Unlike employees, who have income, Social Security, and Medicare taxes withheld from their wages, self-employed individuals must prepay their taxes by making periodic estimated tax payments. These are referred to as estimated tax payments because the self-employed individual must estimate his or her net earnings for the year and pay taxes per an IRS schedule according to that estimate. Failure to do so will result in interest penalties.
The self-employed are not the only ones who are subject to estimated tax payment requirements; anyone who has income on which no income tax has been withheld, and even those whose taxes are not sufficiently withheld, should be making estimated tax payments. Thus, if you have income from stock sales, property sales, investments, taxable alimony, partnerships, S-corporations, inherited pension plans, or other sources that are not subject to withholding, you may also be required to pay either estimated taxes or an underpayment penalty. Others subject to making estimated payments are individuals who must pay special taxes such as the 3.8% tax on net investment income or the employment tax on household employees.
Although these payments are often termed “quarterly” estimates, the periods they cover do not usually coincide with a calendar quarter.
2026 ESTIMATED TAX INSTALLMENTS DUE DATES
| Quarter | Period Covered | Months | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | January through March | 3 | April 15th, 2026 |
| Second | April and May | 2 | June 15th, 2026 |
| Third | June through August | 3 | September 15th, 2026 |
| Fourth | September through December | 4 | January 15th, 2027 |
An underestimate penalty does not apply if the tax due on a return (after withholding and refundable credits) is less than $1,000; this is the “de minimis amount due” exception. When the tax due is $1,000 or more, underpayment penalties are assessed.
These underpayment penalties are determined per the periods as shown in the above table, so an underpayment in an earlier period cannot be made up for in a later period; however, an overpayment in an earlier period is applied to the following period.
The amount of an estimated payment is determined by estimating one fourth of the taxpayer’s tax for the entire year; the projected tax is paid in four installments. When the income is seasonal, sporadic, or the result of a windfall, the IRS provides a special form, and the underpayment penalty is based on actual income for the period.
For individuals who do not want to take the time to estimate their tax for the current year but who still want to avoid the underpayment penalty, Uncle Sam also provides safe-harbor estimates. However, even these can be tricky.
Generally, a taxpayer can avoid an underpayment penalty if his or her withholding and estimated payments are equal to or greater than:
- 90% of the current year’s tax liability or
- 100% of the prior year’s tax liability.
- 90% of the current year’s tax liability or
- 110% of the prior year’s tax liability.