21 Hats Podcast Dashboard: Why 2026 Will Be a Big Year for Small Businesses
13 snips
Jan 16, 2026 
Gene Marks, a CPA and small-business commentator, brings a refreshing wave of optimism regarding the future for small businesses. He discusses upcoming tax cuts that may stimulate consumer spending, particularly in 2026. Gene also analyzes new tax rules affecting overtime and tips, projecting potential refunds for employees. He predicts falling inflation and interest rates could revive housing demand. Additionally, he highlights how AI adoption will enhance productivity, offering real examples of businesses benefiting from replacing traditional roles with technology.
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Proactively Share Payroll Details With Staff
- Employers should proactively provide employees with tipped-income and eligible-overtime figures to avoid tax-filing errors and audits.
- Work with payroll and accounting now to produce accurate numbers before tax season.
2025 Deductions Could Fuel 2026 Investment
- Many businesses will receive tax refunds or amend returns because new 2025 deductions for equipment and R&D reduce taxable income.
- That influx can act as a near-term stimulus for investment and hiring in 2026.
Tariffs' Impact Is Uneven, Often Mitigated
- Tariffs raised costs for some importers, but many suppliers and buyers have absorbed or mitigated the increases.
- Gene sees limited tariff impact for most of his small-business clients so far, though some firms (e.g., India imports) face heavy burdens.