Your Q3 estimated taxes are due soon. And yes, we could remind you of the due date and tell you to double-check your numbers. But honestly? That’s not the conversation we should be having right now.

While everyone else is focused on paying their quarterly taxes, smart business owners are looking ahead—specifically at Q4.

September is more than just a deadline. It’s a pivot point.

You’ve got nine months of income, expenses, payroll, and cash flow behind you. And you’ve got just enough time left in the year to make strategic moves that could lower your tax bill, boost your profitability, or set you up for a stronger January.

This is the month to zoom out for a look at the big picture. Instead of just asking, “Did I pay enough in estimated taxes?” ask:

• Am I on track with income goals—or did I quietly blow past them in Q2?
• Are there planned purchases or investments I can make before year-end to lock in deductions?
• Have I reviewed my payroll strategy to see if I need to adjust owner compensation or bonuses before December?
• Am I properly documenting everything I want to deduct—or will I be stuck guessing at tax time?
• And maybe most important of all: have I set myself up to keep more of what I earn?

Quarterly taxes are just a small part of the larger picture. They reflect how your business is performing—but they don’t help you control the outcome. That’s where planning comes in.

Too often, we see business owners get blindsided in January. They assumed everything was fine because they paid their quarterly estimates. But when we finally dig into the books, we discover missed opportunities. Missed write-offs. Missed timing strategies. And in some cases? A much larger tax bill than expected—because no one sat down to do a real projection before the year ended.

Let’s not do that this year.

If you’re already paying estimated taxes, you’re ahead of the game. But let’s not stop there. Let’s use this moment to shape what your Q4 looks like—not just file reports about what happened after the fact.

September and October are great times to look at the big picture and make sure you’re on track with your end-of-year tax strategy.  As, your trusted advisor, Dillwood Burkel & Millar can help – call today to schedule a year-end tax-planning consultation.

As your trusted accounting advisors, we’re not just here to help you file taxes and balance books—we’re here to protect your financial well-being. Fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated, targeting individuals and small businesses alike with schemes that can jeopardize your hard-earned money and sensitive data.

Here’s what you need to know to stay one step ahead.

The Most Common Scams Affecting Our Community

1. Tax Scams

Scammers impersonate IRS agents or tax professionals, threatening audits or demanding payment.

• What to Watch For: Calls or emails demanding immediate payment, threats of arrest, or requests for personal info.
• Our Advice: The IRS will never call or email you to demand payment. Always verify with us before responding.

2. Business Email Compromise (BEC)

Hackers pose as vendors, executives, or employees to redirect payments or steal data.

• What to Watch For: Sudden changes in payment instructions, unfamiliar email addresses, urgent requests.
• Our Advice: Confirm payment changes by phone. Use multi-factor authentication and secure email practices.

3. Phishing & Identity Theft

Emails or texts mimic banks, payroll providers, or even accounting firms to steal login credentials.

• What to Watch For: Misspelled URLs, unexpected attachments, or requests for login info.
• Our Advice: Never click suspicious links. Contact us directly if you’re unsure about a message.

4. Investment and Retirement Scams

Fraudsters offer “guaranteed” returns or push unregistered investment opportunities.

• What to Watch For: Pressure to act fast, secrecy, or too-good-to-be-true promises.
• Our Advice: Consult with us before making any major financial moves. We’ll help vet opportunities.

5. Payroll and Employee Fraud

Scammers target payroll systems or impersonate employees to reroute direct deposits.

• What to Watch For: Requests to change bank info via email, unusual login activity.
• Our Advice: Use secure HR platforms and verify changes with a phone call or in-person confirmation.

Smart Habits for Financial Safety

• Keep Software Updated: Outdated systems are vulnerable to breaches.
• Use Strong Passwords: And change them regularly—especially for financial accounts.
• Review Statements Regularly: Spotting fraud early is key to minimizing damage.
• Lean on Us: If something feels off, reach out. We’re here to help you assess and respond.

Final Thoughts

Fraud prevention isn’t just about caution—it’s about confidence. With our team as your partner, you can navigate financial decisions with clarity and peace of mind. Let’s keep your finances secure, your data protected, and your future fraud-free.

If you’d like a personalized fraud risk review or want to learn more about secure financial practices, contact us today.

When it comes to selecting an accounting firm, the decision goes far beyond financial statements and tax returns. You’re choosing a trusted advisor —one that should understand your business, your community, and your values. In today’s globalized world, it’s tempting to look for the cheapest option, but savvy clients know that quality, trust, and local commitment are what truly count.

So how do you choose the right one? Start local.

Local Firms, Local Impact

Choosing a local accounting firm means investing in your own community. These firms are deeply rooted in the local economy—they understand the regional business climate, state regulations, and industry-specific challenges that national or overseas firms might overlook. At Dillwood Burkel & Millar (DBM), we’re proud to hire graduates from Sonoma State University and other northern California universities, keeping top-tier talent right here at home. When you choose local, you’re investing in the future of our amazing county.

• We’re just down the street when you need us—not across the country or halfway around the world.
• You’re not just a number at DBM. We offer face-to-face meetings, quick responses, and a genuine interest in your success.
• We support local nonprofits, sponsor community events, and shop locally ourselves.

Why Outsourcing Can Be Risky

Some firms cut costs by outsourcing accounting work overseas. While this might look efficient on paper, it often comes at the expense of quality, security, and accountability.

Locally focused accounting firms like DBM:

• Keep all work in-house, ensuring your sensitive financial data is handled by professionals bound by U.S. regulations and ethical standards.
• Maintain direct oversight, so nothing gets lost in translation or delayed across time zones.
• Build long-term relationships, not transactional ones.
• Provide peace of mind and trusted advisers who are truly invested in your success.

What to Look For in an Accounting Firm

If you’re evaluating accounting firms, here are a few questions to ask:

• Do they have strong ties to the local business community?
• Are their employees active members of the community?
• Is all work performed locally, without international outsourcing?
• Can the firm offer references from other local businesses?

Choosing the right accounting firm isn’t just about crunching numbers—it’s about choosing a team that understands your world and stands beside you in it.

Let’s Talk

Thinking about switching firms? Curious about how your current setup compares? We’d love to sit down and chat—no pressure, just coffee and conversation.

At the end of the day, accounting is about trust, relationships, and building something great together—right here in Sonoma County.

As we approach the final stretch of 2025, several federal energy tax credits are nearing expiration—and some deadlines are closer than you might think. For clients considering energy-efficient upgrades or electric vehicle purchases, now is the time to take action and lock in valuable savings before these incentives disappear.

Electric Vehicle Credit — Deadline: September 30, 2025

New or Used Clean Vehicle Credit

• Up to $7,500 for qualifying new electric vehicles
• Contracts must be signed by September 30, 2025, even if delivery occurs later
• Vehicles must meet final assembly and battery sourcing requirements

There are income limits and vehicle price caps, as well, so please contact our office if you’re planning to take advantage of these soon-to-expire credits.

Residential Energy Credits — Deadline: December 31, 2025

Residential Clean Energy Credit

• 30% credit for solar panels, solar water heaters, and battery storage systems
• Systems must be installed by December 31, 2025

Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit

• Covers 30% of qualified expenses for upgrades like insulation, windows, doors, and energy audits
• Annual limits include:
  • $1,200 total for general improvements
  • $600 for windows/skylights
  • $250 per door (up to $500)
  • $150 for home energy audits
  • $2,000 for heat pumps, water heaters, and biomass stoves

These credits are part of the Inflation Reduction Act and are designed to encourage cleaner, more efficient energy use at home.

What Homeowners Should Do Now

• Confirm installation dates: Credits apply only to systems installed—not just purchased—before the deadline
• Keep documentation: Save receipts, product certifications, and audit reports
• Consult your tax advisor: We can help determine eligibility and ensure proper reporting on your tax return

Final Thoughts

These energy credits offer a rare chance to reduce your tax bill while investing in long-term savings and sustainability. If you’re considering upgrades or purchases, don’t wait—these opportunities may not be around next year.

For more details, visit IRS.gov or contact our office to discuss your options.