BE Informed
BE Informed brings practical accounting, tax, audit, and consulting insights directly to business owners and finance professionals. Hosted by Brown Edwards, CPA, each episode offers clear, accessible guidance on essential financial topics that impact your business. From explaining tax regulations to discussing effective financial management strategies, we provide straightforward advice to support your decision-making.
All Episodes
Sales & Use Tax Audits Demystified: What to Expect and How to Prepare
In this episode of BE Informed, I delve into the often intimidating world of sales and use tax audits with tax experts Richard Headley and Jarrod Brown. We break down what to expect when you receive an audit notice, emphasizing the importance of staying calm and seeking professional guidance early in the process. From understanding the differences between desk and field audits to knowing what documents auditors typically request, we provide essential tips on preparation and compliance. We also discuss the significance of proper documentation and the audit periods involved. Tune in to gain insights that will empower you to navigate audits with confidence and reduce potential risks.Personal Property Tax 101: What Every Business Needs to Track
In this episode of SALTy Bits, Jared Brown (Partner, Bristol, TN office) sits down with Kim Bell, Senior Manager in the Lynchburg office and member of the SALT team, to break down the often-overlooked world of personal property tax reporting. They cover what qualifies as personal property (tangible business assets like computers, phones, and furniture) versus intangible assets like software, and clarify how the IRS's $2,500 de minimis election affects income tax reporting but not personal property tax returns. Kim shares practical tips for tracking assets — including using barcode software or a simple Excel spreadsheet — and stresses the importance of recording purchase date, cost, and location for each asset, especially for businesses with multiple locations. They also discuss filing deadlines (typically January through March), extension policies, and billing cycles. The takeaway: good record-keeping and accurate location tracking are key to staying on top of personal property tax obligations.
Meet the Team: Brown Edwards Audit Managers & Seniors on Benefit Plan Audits
In this episode of BE Informed, join me, Brittany Quinn, as I introduce you to the talented audit managers and seniors from Brown Edwards who specialize in employee benefit plan audits. You'll hear from Dean, Kaitlyn, Megan, Rebecca, and Shannon as they discuss their roles, share insights on common audit findings, and outline what clients can expect when collaborating with them. Our team prides itself on delivering quality and trust while ensuring compliance with industry standards. Tune in to learn how we can help you navigate the complexities of benefit plan audits and enhance your organization's financial health. If this episode resonates with you, don't forget to share and subscribe for more valuable insights!Audit Readiness: How to Set Your Employee Benefit Plan Audit Up for Success
In this episode of the Brown Edwards Benefits Buzz Podcast, host Brittany Quinn, audit partner at Brown Edwards, sits down with EBP audit professionals Jessica Hite and Shannon Cook to discuss how plan sponsors can prepare for a smoother, less stressful audit experience. Together, they break down the key drivers of audit success — from proactive communication and early coordination with TPAs, to organizing core documentation like census data, payroll reports, and compliance testing results. Whether you're heading into your first audit or looking to refine your process, this episode offers practical, experience-backed advice for building an audit-ready approach that pays off year after year.