News & Insights
2026 Year-End Tax Planning
Speaker(s): Tenesha Hartgrove, CPA, EA, PFS, CFP® | Partner, Tax Practice, McConnell Jones Khalid Elshaikh, CPA | Tax Experienced Staff, McConnell Jones 2026 is the first full tax year under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Tax rates are now permanent, and several...
Making Charitable Contributions Count: 2026 Tax Planning Considerations for High-Income Taxpayers
When advising high-income taxpayers on charitable giving, the focus should extend beyond the year-end check. A thoughtful structured gift can support a meaningful cause while aligning with your tax, investment, and financial plans. Changes taking effect in 2026 make...
IRC Section 530A Child Investment (Trump Account) Election Checklist
The IRC Section 530A Child Investment Account Election Checklist is designed to help families navigate the requirements, eligibility rules, and key considerations associated with these new accounts. Use the resource below as a quick reference of information needed to...
Understanding IRC § 530A Child Investment Accounts (Trump Accounts)
IRC § 530A Child Investment Accounts (Trump Accounts) are more than a savings vehicle; they are a potentially powerful wealth creation tool. The combination of an early start, ongoing contributions, and long-term compounding creates an opportunity for significant...
Charitable Giving Changes in 2026: Three Things Every Taxpayer Should Know
Giving to charitable organizations you care about is usually a personal decision first and a tax decision second. However, when charitable giving is already part of your financial plan, understanding the tax rules can help you make your contributions more...
Trump Accounts: A New Option to Assist in Securing your Child’s Financial Future
When planning for a child's future, families often consider savings and investment options such as 529 plans, custodial accounts, and traditional savings accounts. Now, Trump Accounts add another option to the financial planning toolkit. Who Can Open a Trump Account?...
Is Your TPA’s SOC-1 Report Sitting Unread? It Could Be a Fiduciary Risk.
Many employee benefit plan sponsors receive a SOC-1 report from their third-party administrator (TPA) each year, but many are uncertain about their responsibility once it is received. Should it be reviewed and if so, by whom? A common misconception is that because the...
How 529 Plan Contributions Affect Taxes
What Is a 529 Plan? A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings vehicle designed to help families save for future education expenses. While contributions are not deductible for federal income tax purposes, the investments within the account grow tax-free, and qualified...
McConnell Jones Recognized Among the Nation’s Top 300 Accounting Firms for 2026
McConnell Jones is proud to be recognized among INSIDE Public Accounting’s (IPA) Top 300 Firms for 2026. Ranked #215, the firm has earned a place on the prestigious list for the fifth consecutive year, reflecting its continued growth, client-focused service, and...
QSBS Planning: Key Tax Considerations for Founders, Investors, and Business Owners
If you own stock in a growing business or are considering a future business sale, Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) may help you significantly reduce or even eliminate—federal capital gains tax. What is Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS)? Qualified Small...
Building on Momentum: Tenesha Hartgrove to Lead McConnell Jones’ Durham Office
Houston, TX — June 23, 2026 — McConnell Jones (MJ) announced the appointment of Tenesha Hartgrove, CPA, EA, CFP®, as successor managing partner of the firm’s Durham, North Carolina office, effective July 1, 2026. This appointment reinforces MJ’s strategic focus in...
Audit Reimagined: The Role of AI for Tomorrow’s Assurance
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more embedded in organizational processes, auditors face a dual responsibility of using AI to enhance audit quality while also evaluating AI-generated evidence, decisions, and risks. As a result, the auditor’s role is evolving...
AI in Audit, Tax & Advisory: A Practical Advantage—When Used Responsibly
Artificial intelligence (AI) is widely regarded as one of the most meaningful technological advancements, especially in the evolution of audit, tax, and advisory services. While questions about governance, privacy, and reliability are valid, the opportunity is clear:...
McConnell Jones Announces the Retirement of Tax Partner Kenneth Gibbs
Houston, TX — April 13, 2026 — McConnell Jones, recognized as the largest African American‑owned CPA firm in the U.S., announces the retirement of Kenneth Gibbs, CPA, Esq. effective June 30, 2026, after a notable career in public accounting. As a Tax Partner, Ken has...
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...