Trade Talk Podcast Tax Updates Every Construction Entrepreneur Needs to Know for 2026
- Apr 6
- 2 min read
Season 2, Episode 1
Special Guest: Rebecca Kelly
Taxes are changing again—and if you’re a contractor who tends to push tax planning to the back burner, this episode is one you can’t afford to skip.
In the Season 2 premiere of Trade Talk, hosts Sarah and Lindsay sit down with local CPA Rebecca Kelly of Testu & Taylor to break down what construction business owners need to know heading into 2026. From depreciation strategies and accounting methods to QBI and 1099 reporting, this conversation cuts through the noise and focuses on the real-world decisions contractors face every year.
Why This Matters Now
Tax planning isn’t just a year-end task—it’s a year-round strategy.
With new legislation, shifting deductions, and evolving reporting requirements, staying proactive can make a significant difference in your cash flow and overall business health. This episode highlights how small decisions made throughout the year can lead to major financial impacts when tax season arrives.
What You’ll Learn
In this episode, Rebecca shares practical guidance tailored specifically to the construction industry, including:
What the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” means for contractors in 2026
A breakdown of upcoming changes and how they may impact your business planning.
How Section 179 and bonus depreciation really work (and when not to use them)
Understanding the long-term implications of accelerating deductions.
Why your accounting method (cash vs. accrual) matters more than you think
And how choosing the right method can affect both taxes and financial visibility.
What’s changing with meals and entertainment deductions
Plus what’s still deductible—and what’s not.
Common 1099 mistakes in construction—and how to avoid year-end scrambling
Practical tips to stay organized and compliant throughout the year.
Why QBI is now permanent—and how that impacts entity structure decisions
What this means for long-term planning and profitability.
The habits that separate proactive contractors from reactive ones
Simple shifts that can help you stay ahead instead of playing catch-up.
Real Talk: Cash Flow Drives Everything
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is the connection between tax planning and cash flow—something every contractor understands.
“Cash flow is a focus for the construction industry — and that drives how we do tax planning.”— Rebecca Kelly, Testu & Taylor (3:09)
This perspective reinforces a key theme: tax strategy shouldn’t be isolated from your day-to-day operations—it should support how your business actually runs.
Plan Smarter, Not Later
Too often, contractors wait until the end of the year to think about taxes—when many of the best opportunities are already off the table.
This episode encourages a shift in mindset: treat tax planning as part of your overall business strategy, not just a compliance task. The earlier you start, the more control you have.
Listen & Subscribe
🎧 New episodes of Trade Talk drop every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music.
Be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review to support the show and stay up to date on future episodes. Have a topic in mind? We’d love to hear from you.
Send your ideas or feedback to info@beespokeconsulting.com or submit them at contractors-connect.com/podcast.
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