News & Insights
What “Audit Readiness” Really Means for Employee Benefit Plans
For many plan sponsors, audit readiness often gets boiled down to having schedules prepared and being able to respond quickly to audit requests. While that is part of the process, it is not what auditors or regulators ultimately focus on. True audit readiness goes...
William A. Taylor, Jr. Appointed Managing Partner Following Two-Year Leadership Transition at McConnell Jones
Houston, TX — March 9, 2026 — McConnell Jones, recognized as the largest African American‑owned CPA firm in the U.S., is pleased to announce the appointment of William A. Taylor, Jr. as Managing Partner, effective at the conclusion of a structured two-year transition...
McConnell Jones Recognized as a Leading Workplace in Houston for 2025
McConnell Jones is proud to announce that it has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2025 honor by the Houston Chronicle. This recognition continues a tradition of excellence, as McConnell Jones was also honored as a Top Workplace from 2021 through 2023. The firm’s repeated...
McConnell Jones Recognized Among Top 300 CPA Firms for Fourth Consecutive Year
We’re honored to announce that McConnell Jones has once again been included on INSIDE Public Accounting’s (IPA) Top 300 CPA Firms list for 2025. Ranked at #223, this is the fourth consecutive year the firm has been recognized on the list of the nation’s leading...
Year-End Tax Tips for Businesses & Individuals
As 2025 comes to an end, it’s a good time to take proactive steps for both individuals and businesses to thoroughly assess the effects of recent tax legislation—particularly the comprehensive “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA)—to optimize tax outcomes before filing...
Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET)
RecordingOverview Gain insight into reducing your federal taxable income and explore the strategic implications of the Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET)—Strategies for Owners of S Corporations and Partnerships at the McConnell Jones webinar. If you own an S Corporation...
Fidelity Bond vs. Fiduciary Liability Insurance: Do You Know the Difference?
Retirement plan fiduciaries face a complex framework of legal duties and liabilities. Insurance coverage, often overlooked, is crucial for compliance and risk protection. Under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), certain types of coverage are...
McConnell Jones Achieves ISO/IEC 27001 & 27701 Certifications, Reinforcing Commitment to Data Security
McConnell Jones, a nationally recognized CPA firm delivering tailored assurance, tax, and advisory services across a wide range of industries, announced its successful completion of its ISO/IEC 27001 and 27701 certifications. To reinforce our commitment to data...
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): An Effective Approach to Tax Reduction
With the continued increase in healthcare costs, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) have become an effective strategy for managing medical expenses while also offering tax advantages. Considering recent legislative changes and enhanced benefits, 2025 is positioned to be a...
Maximize Your Tax Savings: What Homeowners Need to Know About the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit Before It Ends
As part of the federal government’s push toward sustainability, the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (also known as the Section 25C credit) has helped millions of homeowners reduce their energy bills while receiving valuable tax incentives. However, recent...
Understanding the October 2025 U.S. Government Shutdown: What It Means for You
On October 1, 2025, the U.S. Federal government commenced a shutdown as a result of Congress not approving a funding bill for the new fiscal year, or a continuing resolution (CR) to provide temporary funding while permanent appropriations are being negotiated and...
Seven Key Topics Every Retirement Plan Oversight Meeting Should Address
If your organization lacks an employee benefit plan oversight committee, establish one now to comply under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) fiduciary requirements and strengthen governance. The committee should ideally include senior leaders from...
One Big Beautiful Bill Act
RecordingOverview Gain insight into recent legislative developments and explore strategic implications at the McConnell Jones webinar, “One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Key Provisions Affecting Small Business and Individuals.” This session is designed to provide...
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act: A New Era for Charitable Giving
Signed into law on July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduces sweeping changes to the U.S. tax code, with significant implications for charitable giving. Building on the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), the OBBBA aims to broaden participation in...
DOL Updates Guidance on Alternative Assets in 401(k) Plans: Changes Affect Retirement Investment Options
On August 12, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) officially rescinded its December 2021 supplemental statement, which had previously advised fiduciaries of smaller 401(k) plans against including alternative assets—such as private equity—as part of their...
Understanding Tax Net Operating Losses (NOL)
In the unpredictable world of business and personal finance, income can vary dramatically year to year. Whether driven by economic challenges, startup investments, or unforeseen events, these fluctuations may result in financial setbacks. When allowable deductions...
Enhancing Cybersecurity Measures in Benefit Plan Operations
Following the recent article titled "The Importance of Cybersecurity Measures in Benefit Plan Operations," this statement highlights the increasing significance of cybersecurity in benefit plan operations. As cyber threats increase in complexity and focus,...
Five Practical Steps to Stay Compliant with Notice Requirements for Your Benefit Plan
Timely distribution of required plan notices is a critical component of fiduciary responsibility under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Notices such as Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs), Summary Annual Reports (SARs), and fee disclosures...
The Importance of Cybersecurity Measures in Benefit Plan Operations
In an era where digital threats are escalating, benefit plans—including 401(k)s, pensions, and health savings accounts—have become prime targets for cybercriminals. These plans contain immense amounts of sensitive personal and financial data, thereby making...
EBP Auditor’s Tip: Guide to Best Practices for Plan Administrators
Are You Reviewing Your Retirement Plan Fees Regularly? Here’s Why You Can’t Afford to Skip This Step What if you discovered that high fees were impacting on your retirement plan participants’ savings and potentially placing fiduciaries to liability for failing to act...