Ask a DHJJ CPA

Ask a DHJJ CPA is the podcast for business owners, CFOs, and individuals who want practical answers, not accounting jargon. Each month, the experts at DHJJ, a full-service accounting and advisory firm in the Chicago area, tackle real questions about taxes, audits, business strategy, and financial planning.From choosing the right CPA firm to improving cash flow and preparing for growth, you’ll get straightforward guidance to help you make smarter financial decisions and build long-term success.

10 episodes

19d ago latest

fortnightly cadence

English language

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Episodes 10

Episode 9: What Business Decisions Create State Tax Problems?
19d ago · 27:52
Many state tax obligations begin with ordinary business decisions, not tax decisions. Hiring employees, expanding into new states, storing inventory, or acquiring another company can all create unexpected tax responsibilities. This episode explores the business activities that often lead to state tax exposure. In this episode of Ask a DHJJ CPA, host Emma Yurchik sits down with Alexander Rivas, Senior Tax Manager in DHJJ's State and Local Tax (SALT) practice, to discuss how growing businesses unknowingly trigger state tax nexus and what they can do to stay ahead of potential compliance issues.
Episode 8: When Should Business Owners Start Mid-Year Tax Planning?
1mo ago · 37:03
Many business owners stop thinking about taxes once tax season ends, but that's often when the most valuable tax planning begins. In this episode of Ask a DHJJ CPA, host Emma Yurchik sits down with Angela Adams, Senior Tax Manager at DHJJ, to discuss why the middle of the year is one of the best times to review your business's financial performance and tax strategy. They discuss what business owners should review before August, why waiting until year-end can limit tax-saving opportunities, how estimated tax payments impact cash flow, and why everyday business decisions can have unexpected tax
Episode 7: When Does a Growing Business Need a CFO?
2mo ago · 36:34
At some point, “good enough” financials stop being enough. As businesses grow, financial decisions become more complex, and many owners realize they need more than bookkeeping and historical reporting. They need strategic financial guidance. In this episode of Ask a DHJJ CPA, Emma Yurchik sits down with Mark Ruenz from DHJJ’s Outsourced CFO team to discuss what it really means to think like a CFO and when growing businesses should start making that shift. They cover the differences between bookkeeping, accounting, controllers, and CFOs, why budgeting and forecasting matter more than most busin
Episode 6: Do You Need a 401(k) Audit? What Business Owners Need to Know Before Hitting 100 Employees
3mo ago · 15:43
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 D
Episode 5: What Happens When Your CPA Is Also Your Financial Planner?
4mo ago · 33:53
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 matt
Episode 4: What’s Changed for Individual Taxes in 2026? OBBBA Updates Explained by a CPA
5mo ago · 29:44
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
Episode 3: When Does Your Business Create Sales Tax Nexus? SALT Rules for Growing Companies
5mo ago · 35:30
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
Episode 2: A Proactive Tax Season for Business Owners: Year-End Lessons & January Moves
5mo ago · 33:32
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
Episode 0: Your Introduction to Ask a DHJJ CPA
5mo ago · 1:31
Welcome to Episode 0! In this quick teaser, host Emma Yurchik shares what Ask a DHJJ CPA is all about and why we created it. DHJJ is a full-service CPA and business advisory firm, and each month, we’ll break down real financial and accounting questions businesses are navigating every day. Consider this your preview of what’s ahead, and why you’ll want to subscribe.
Episode 1: How to Pick a CPA Firm You Can Trust (With 40 Years of Insight)
5mo ago · 34:32
Choosing the right CPA firm is one of the most important financial decisions a business owner can make, and yet most people don’t know what to look for. In this episode of Ask a DHJJ CPA, host Emma Yurchik sits down with Ed Brooks, CPA and Chief Growth Officer at DHJJ, who brings nearly four decades of experience helping clients grow, adapt, and make confident decisions at every stage of business. Together, Emma and Ed break down the key factors that matter most when evaluating a CPA firm, whether you’re selecting one for the first time or reconsidering your current relationship. Ed shares pra