Charitable giving has long been a cornerstone of wealth management, offering both philanthropic impact and strategic tax benefits. Yet, as recent legislative changes are reshaping the next era of charitable giving, high-net-worth individuals and their advisors must be adaptable—balancing generosity with compliance and forward-thinking planning.

On October 7, 2025, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Witmer signed a budget package that updates important state tax rules, including decoupling from portions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), updating conformity to the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), and creating the Comprehensive Road Funding Tax Act to divert some tax revenue to road funding.

With the passage of the OBBBA, shifting interest rates, and evolving policies, proactive tax planning is essential for both individuals and businesses. To help you navigate these changes, EHTC is proud to offer two year-end tax planning resources. These guides are designed to help you identify opportunities, mitigate risks, and make informed decisions as you prepare for 2026 and beyond.

The IRS has furloughed nearly half of its employees after updating its government shutdown contingency plan last week, and the agency is now set to permanently lose nearly 1,500 employees as the administration pushes broad reductions in force. The moves could freeze audit activity, slow down new guidance, and create processing backlogs.

Executive Order 14247 directs the Treasury to end paper checks for federal payments, including tax refunds, effective September 30, 2025, and transition to electronic payment methods. The order aims to reduce costs, delays, and risks associated with paper payments, and the EHTC Tax Services team is here to discuss how the executive order applies to you.

The president signed into law a sweeping reconciliation tax bill in a July 4 signing ceremony, capping a furious sprint to finish the legislation before the self-imposed holiday deadline. The Senate approved the bill in a 51-50 vote on July 1 after making a number of last-minute changes following intense bicameral negotiations.

The U.S. House of Representatives voted 215 to 214 on May 22 to advance a nearly $4 trillion tax bill after reaching a compromise on key tax issues, but significant challenges await in the Senate.

Drake is the head coach of GVSU Bass Anglers, a competitive bass fishing club sport at Grand Valley State University. This year, his two worlds converged in a meaningful way: EHTC signed on as the title sponsor of Bass Anglers’ 2025 competitive season.

As 2024 draws to a close, business leaders are gearing up for year-end audit preparation. Even for well-prepared organizations, audits can be a challenging process.

Effective planning and goal-setting are crucial for success—neglecting these steps can lead to failure. This insight highlights key points, best practices, and important reminders for leaders to consider as they begin their audit preparations.

Full-service CPA firm, EHTC, announces the hiring of Joanna (Jo) Gould, CPA as a Director in the Tax Department.

Gould has over nine years of experience in public accounting, with most of her career spent at a “Big Four” accounting firm in Grand Rapids. Gould specializes in tax compliance and planning for closely held businesses and their stakeholders, family offices, and high net-worth individuals.