2026 Tax Changes Every Dental Practice Owner Should Know

Key Takeaways

  • Estate tax thresholds are increasing, creating new opportunities for wealth transfer and succession planning.
  • Standard deductions and tax brackets are increasing for 2026, which could impact how much you owe or how much you save.
  • Credits and exclusions, including the adoption credit and earned income tax credit, are getting inflation adjustments that could benefit your household.
  • Business-related benefits, like the childcare tax credit and flexible spending limits, are rising, offering more ways to manage expenses.

The IRS has announced its annual inflation adjustments for 2026, and they can add up to big differences for dental practice owners and their families. These changes will apply to tax returns filed in 2027, but now is the time to start planning so you’re not caught off guard.

Bigger Standard Deductions for Most Filers

One of the most notable updates is the higher standard deduction, which reduces the amount of income subject to tax. For 2026, the new amounts are:

  • $32,200 – Married couples filing jointly
  • $16,100 – Single filers or married filing separately
  • $24,150 – Heads of household

This means you’ll keep more of your income tax-free, which can be especially valuable if you’re reinvesting profits into your practice or saving for retirement.

Updated Tax Brackets: Where Your Income Falls Matters

While the top marginal tax rate remains 37%, income thresholds are shifting upward. Here’s how the 2026 brackets break down for single filers (married filing jointly thresholds in parentheses):

  • 35% for income over $256,225 ($512,450)
  • 32% for income over $201,775 ($403,550)
  • 24% for income over $105,700 ($211,400)
  • 22% for income over $50,400 ($100,800)
  • 12% for income over $12,400 ($24,800)
  • 10% for income below $12,400 ($24,800)

For practice owners, these bracket shifts could affect how you time income, bonuses, or equipment purchases. Strategic planning now can help reduce your overall tax liability.

Planning for the Future: Estate and Gift Tax Updates

Succession planning is essential for any dental practice, and new thresholds may open the door for more tax-efficient transfers:

  • Estate Tax Exemption: Rises to $15 million, up from $13.99 million.
  • Annual Gift Exclusion: Remains at $19,000, while gifts to a non-U.S. citizen spouse increase to $194,000.

If you’re thinking about transitioning your practice or passing wealth to the next generation, these changes could significantly reduce your tax burden.

Business and Employee Benefits: Expanded Opportunities

Running a practice isn’t just about patient care; it’s also about smart business decisions. Several inflation adjustments for 2026 could impact how you compensate and support your team:

  • Child Care Tax Credit: Increases from $150,000 to $500,000 for employer-provided care (up to $600,000 for eligible small businesses).
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): The annual salary reduction limit increases to $3,400, with a $680 carryover option.
  • Qualified Transportation Benefits: Monthly limits increase to $340.

These higher limits provide more ways to offer competitive benefits, which can support retention and reduce turnover in a tight labor market.

Key Personal and Family Tax Benefits

In addition to practice-level planning, individual taxpayers will see changes that can impact household finances:

  • Adoption Credit: Up to $17,670, with $5,120 refundable.
  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): The maximum credit for families with three or more children increases to $8,231.
  • Foreign Earned Income Exclusion: Rises to $132,900.

These adjustments offer new planning opportunities, particularly for dental professionals with growing families or global income considerations.

Why Early Planning Matters for Dental Practices

These changes don’t just affect your next return; they can shape your entire tax strategy. Whether it’s timing revenue and expenses, updating your compensation structure, or planning for succession, proactive tax planning is key to minimizing what you owe and maximizing what you keep.

At Edwards & Associates, we work exclusively with dental professionals to translate IRS changes into actionable strategies for your practice and personal wealth. The earlier we start planning, the more opportunities we have to protect your income and grow your financial future.

The 2026 tax landscape is shifting in ways that could directly affect your practice, your team, and your personal finances. Don’t wait until tax season to react; plan ahead for the most flexibility.

What the Government Shutdown and IRS Furlough Mean for You

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS is operating at half capacity as roughly 34,000 employees have been furloughed during the government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025.
  • Electronic filing and payments continue as normal, but audits, taxpayer phone support, and correspondence are on hold until the government reopens.
  • Taxpayers who filed extensions until October 15 should still file and pay on time. The IRS continues to process returns, but delays in confirmations or refunds are likely.
  • Dental practice owners can expect slower IRS communication and potential backlogs, but filings submitted electronically remain secure.
  • For current Edwards & Associates clients, no action is required. Our team continues managing all submissions and monitoring IRS updates on your behalf.
  • If you aren’t yet a client, reach out to us to talk about working with a firm experienced in managing filings during government shutdowns and IRS delays.

The federal government shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, is not significantly impacting the IRS.

On October 8, the agency furloughed nearly half of its 74,000 employees after using leftover Inflation Reduction Act funds to stay open for the first few days of the shutdown. What does that mean for taxpayers, especially dental practice owners who filed extensions and are approaching the October 15 deadline? In short, the IRS is still accepting returns and payments, but response times and certain processes are already slowing down. Here’s what we know and what we don’t.

What’s Still Running

While roughly 34,000 employees are furloughed, the IRS is keeping some “excepted” operations active, including:

  • Electronic filing and payment processing, which continue automatically
  • Limited computer systems maintenance to prevent data loss or system failure
  • Criminal investigations and disaster relief processing which fall under essential services.

Everything else, from taxpayer assistance lines to audit reviews and correspondence, is on hold. That means if your return needs manual review, or if you’re waiting on a reply or refund check, you can expect delays. 

What This Means for Dental Practices

For our clients, the good news is that we’ve already submitted or are finalizing your extension returns, and those filings are being processed electronically. The IRS’s digital systems are still functioning, and electronic payments continue to post normally.

However, some ripple effects are possible in the weeks ahead:

  • Delayed confirmations or correspondence from the IRS, especially for returns that trigger additional review
  • Longer response times to questions, adjustments, or refund requests
  • Potential backlog growth that could affect future filings if the shutdown lasts several weeks.

In other words, your filings are safe, but don’t expect the usual pace of communication or updates from the IRS until the government reopens.

What We Don’t Yet Know

Like much of the tax community, we’re still waiting for clarity on:

  • How quickly furloughed employees will return once funding is restored
  • Whether the backlog will affect next year’s filing season
  • Whether certain enforcement or compliance activities will be delayed or compressed later in the year.

The Taxpayer Advocate Service is also shut down during the furlough, removing one of the few safety valves for those caught in IRS delays.

What Our Clients Should Do

If you’re already a client of our firm, rest assured: we’re monitoring developments daily and will reach out if anything changes that could affect your filings, payments, or correspondence with the IRS. You don’t need to take any action right now. Our team will continue managing everything on your behalf and keeping you informed.

If you aren’t currently working with us but are concerned about your upcoming filing or payments, now is the time to line up a tax advisor who understands the system and how to navigate unexpected disruptions like this one. While we can’t help new clients with their 10/15 filings, we’re here to assist with future extension filings, electronic submissions, payment verification and tracking, and IRS correspondence once operations resume.

Hang Tight

The IRS shutdown is another reminder of how unpredictable the tax landscape can be. For most dental practices, this won’t create immediate problems, but it does underscore the value of having a team that stays ahead of every detail, especially when communication with the IRS is limited.

At Edwards & Associates, we keep a close eye on developments like these, so you don’t have to. If you have questions about your filing, or if you’d like to make sure your tax plan is protected no matter what happens in Washington, our team is just a call or email away.

The HIRE Act and What It Could Mean for Your Dental Practice

Key Takeaways

  • The HIRE Act targets accounting outsourcing. If passed, the Halting International Relocation of Employment (HIRE) Act would add a 25% tax on payments to foreign contractors and remove the ability to deduct outsourcing costs — making offshore accounting services much more expensive.
  • Dental practices could face higher accounting fees. Many CPA firms that outsource would likely pass these new costs on to clients, raising the price of tax preparation, bookkeeping, and other accounting services for dental practices.
  • Outsourcing adds risks beyond cost. Offshore accounting work can create challenges with data security, oversight, accountability, and consistency in client service.
  • Edwards & Associates provides U.S.-based accounting support. Because the firm never outsources, dental practices avoid surprise fee increases and know their financial data is handled by trusted, in-house professionals.

Congress is considering new legislation called the Halting International Relocation of Employment (HIRE) Act, introduced in September 2025. Although still in its early stages, the bill could significantly increase the cost for accounting firms that outsource client work overseas. Why does this matter to you as a dental practice owner or administrator? Because if your accounting firm relies on outsourcing, you may end up paying the price.

What the HIRE Act Would Do

The HIRE Act is designed to discourage companies from offshoring work and instead encourage U.S. job growth. It does this in two big ways:

  • New 25% tax on outsourcing payments: Any U.S. business, including accounting firms, that pays foreign contractors for work benefiting U.S. clients would owe a 25% excise tax on top of those payments.
  • Loss of tax deductions: Today, outsourcing costs are deductible business expenses. Under the HIRE Act, that deduction would disappear, meaning firms would owe income tax as if those expenses never happened.

Together, those changes could greatly increase the effective cost of outsourcing. For example, if a firm currently pays $100,000 a year to an offshore provider, the real after-tax cost could jump to around $150,000 under the HIRE Act.

While the HIRE Act is still only a proposal, most experts believe it is unlikely to pass in its current form. That said, legislation often changes shape as it moves through Congress, and some version of it could eventually become law. That’s why we’re keeping a close eye on it now so we can help explain what it would do and what it could mean for your practice if it advances.

Why That Matters for Dental Practices

For firms that outsource, these higher costs won’t stay behind the scenes. They’ll almost certainly be passed on to clients in the form of higher fees. And here’s the frustrating reality: when many firms first turned to outsourcing to cut their own costs, very few passed those savings along to their clients. Yet if the HIRE Act passes and outsourcing becomes more expensive, it’s very likely those same firms will shift the added costs to the practices they serve. In other words, clients could pay more for the same work, all because of a business decision they didn’t make.

On top of cost, outsourcing has always raised other concerns like reduced oversight, less accountability, and potential risks to the security of sensitive financial data.

Why Edwards & Associates Is Different

At Edwards & Associates, we don’t outsource your work. Everything is handled by our U.S.-based team, with the people and processes you already know and trust. That means:

  • No surprise fee increases tied to outsourcing legislation
  • No hidden risks about who is handling your financial data
  • A consistent, client-first focus on supporting your practice

While the HIRE Act is still making its way through Congress, it highlights an important truth: there is risk involved when your accounting firm outsources. With Edwards & Associates, you don’t have to worry about unexpected costs or hidden trade-offs. Our commitment is, and always has been, to keep your work in-house so we can focus on what matters most: helping your practice thrive.

Podcast Recap: Unlock Hidden Revenue in Your Dental Practice with Mobile Specialty Care

In this episode of Beyond Bitewings, host Ash sat down with Cindy Lozano, co-founder of Nomad Mobile Dental Specialists, to discuss how her company helps general dental practices keep specialty procedures in-house. Rather than referring patients to outside specialists for endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, or even advanced procedures like all-on-four implants, Nomad provides the specialists, assistants, and equipment directly to the general practice. This approach allows practices to keep both the patient relationship and the associated revenue under their own roof.

Cindy explained that Nomad handles nearly everything needed for specialty services, from training staff on specialty insurance verification to bringing in their own assistants and disposables for procedures. The only responsibilities left to the practice are managing patient payments, filing insurance claims (if they choose), and providing sterilization space and the dental chair. Nomad carries malpractice insurance and works with practices to integrate seamlessly, tailoring the arrangement to each office’s workflow.

Financially, the model is designed to be simple and low-risk for practices. Instead of paying upfront, practices agree to share a pre-set percentage of the specialty production with Nomad, while retaining the rest. Cindy shared examples of practices that have grown dramatically, with one office increasing daily production from $3,000 to $25,000 through consistent use of Nomad’s services. In some cases, practices that never realized they needed specialty support have seen up to $90,000 in monthly production once Nomad helped them identify patient opportunities.

Flexibility is central to Nomad’s approach. Some practices schedule visits every few weeks, while others bring Nomad in multiple times a month. The service is not one-size-fits-all; Cindy emphasized that each partnership is tailored to patient demand and practice needs. Even offices that handle some specialty cases themselves can rely on Nomad for complex or high-risk procedures, allowing them to provide a broader scope of care without losing patients to outside referrals.

The conversation also touched on implementation. Nomad typically introduces itself through a lunch-and-learn with the office team, followed by a pilot day about six to eight weeks later. From there, the frequency of visits is set based on patient volume. Cindy underscored that their model isn’t about running another practice’s operations but creating a genuine partnership that adds value on both the patient and business side. For practices, that means less lost revenue, greater patient satisfaction, and a more complete set of services under one roof.

The New Roth Catch-Up Rule: What Dentists Should Know

Key Takeaways

  • What dentists need to know about the new SECURE 2.0 Roth catch-up contribution rules
  • How dental practice owners can prepare for retirement plan changes starting in 2026
  • Roth catch-up contributions explained for dentists and other high-income professionals
  • Financial planning tips for dentists navigating SECURE 2.0 updates to 401(k) and retirement savings

Retirement rules are changing, and if you’re age 50 or older (or will be soon), this might affect how you save in your 401(k) or other retirement plans. On September 15, the IRS finalized regulations under the SECURE 2.0 Act that add a new wrinkle: certain catch-up contributions must now go into Roth (after-tax) accounts instead of traditional pre-tax accounts.

Here’s what’s happening and what you should watch for:

What’s Changing

  1. Mandatory Roth treatment for higher earners: Under the new rules, if your prior-year wages from your employer exceeded $145,000 (subject to indexing for annual inflation), any catch-up contributions you make beginning in 2026 must go into a Roth account. This means you will pay taxes on them now rather than later. This is a significant shift for high earners who have relied on pre-tax catch-up contributions.  
  2. Higher catch-up limit for ages 60-63: SECURE 2.0 also includes an increase in the catch-up contribution limit for people who turn 60, 61, 62, or 63 during the year. The new “super catch-up” limit is 150% of the standard catch-up amount. For 2025, that means $11,250 instead of $7,500. In doing so, the law gives older savers an opportunity to boost savings more steeply.  
  3. Implementation timeline & flexibility built in: The final regulations become effective November 17, 2025, and generally apply to contributions made in tax years beginning after December 31, 2026. However, during 2026, the IRS allows “reasonable, good-faith interpretation” of the rules, giving plan administrators some flexibility in the transition. Plans without a Roth option face a tough reality: participants subject to the new rule may not be allowed to make any catch-up contributions (pre-tax or Roth).  

Why This Matters for Dentists & Practice Owners

These changes may seem technical, but they have real implications for your tax, retirement, and practice decisions:

  • Possible higher tax hit in peak earning years: If your wages exceed the $145,000 threshold, your catch-up contributions must go into a Roth account. That means no upfront tax deduction, potentially increasing your adjusted gross income (AGI) and affecting eligibility for other deductions, credits, or phase-outs. For dentists in high-margin years, the difference can be meaningful.
  • Catch-ups require Roth access: Beginning in 2026, high earners can only make catch-up contributions into a Roth account. If a plan doesn’t offer a Roth option, those participants can’t make catch-ups until the plan is amended. Practices should review plan design now to avoid limiting savings.
  • Planning assumptions shift: Until now, many planners assumed catch-up contributions would remain pre-tax, and in effect, act as a tax deferral. These new rules force planners to rethink projections of after-tax income in retirement. Because Roth withdrawals are typically tax-free, the shift may benefit those who expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement, but it’s a gamble.
  • Opportunity for older savers
    The “super catch-up” for people ages 60-63 gives a window to increase savings significantly later in your career. For dental professionals closing in on retirement or looking to accelerate contributions, that is a useful tool, but it must still adhere to the Roth rule if you’re above the $145,000 wage threshold.

What You Should Do Now

To adapt to these changes and ensure your retirement strategy stays on track, here are steps to consider:

  • Review your retirement plan offerings: Talk with your plan administrator or financial advisor to confirm whether your plan offers Roth contributions. If not, it may be time to evaluate adding one.
  • Model both scenarios: Run projections under both tax-deferred vs. Roth catch-up assumptions. See how much after-tax income you’d net under expected tax rates in retirement. Consider tweaks to your non-retirement savings or charitable planning to offset the tax change, if required.
  • Phase in changes: With the good-faith window in 2026, you might be able to ease into the changes. But don’t assume unlimited flexibility.
  • Communicate with your compensation and benefits teams: If you run a dental practice with associates or employees, these changes will affect them too. Make sure plan design, employee communications, and payroll systems are ready well before 2026.
  • Stay current on indexing and thresholds: The $145,000 threshold will be indexed for inflation. What applies now may change, requiring recalibration year to year.

Starting in 2026, higher earners aged 50 and up will no longer enjoy the luxury of making catch-up contributions in a tax-deferred bucket. That means paying the tax now rather than later. For dentists, whose best earning years often come later in a career, this shift could bite if not anticipated. But with careful planning, design updates, and scenario modeling, it’s still possible to adjust your strategy so your retirement goals remain intact, and maybe even enhanced with the right moves.

If you’d like help modeling how this change affects your situation, whether as a practice owner or in your personal retirement projections, we’re ready to help you explore the best path forward.

IRS Phasing Out Paper Checks on September 30

In March 2025, the White House issued an Executive Order on Modernizing Payments to and from America’s Bank Account (essentially the IRS’s system for payments and refunds). As part of this effort, the U.S. Treasury announced that, starting September 30, 2025, it will no longer send paper checks for IRS payments. From that date forward, refunds and other federal tax payments will only be issued electronically.

For dental practice owners, this may not feel like a big shift since you’re probably already paying and receiving funds electronically. However, it’s important to understand what’s happening and how to help family members who may still rely on paper checks prepare for the change.

Why the Change Is Happening

This particular shift is part of a broader government initiative to modernize payments. Electronic transfers are faster, more secure, and more cost-effective than paper checks, and they also reduce the risk of mail theft, fraud, or lost payments, something that has grown in recent years.

What It Means for You

  • Refunds: If you typically get your IRS refund by check, you’ll need to provide direct deposit details or another electronic option going forward.
  • Payments: While details are still emerging, the IRS is expected to encourage or even require more electronic tax payments. 
  • Exceptions: Some taxpayers, such as individuals without bank accounts or those facing specific hardships, may still be able to request paper checks, but these allowances will be rare.

Why We’re Sharing This

While this change may not affect you directly, we want to ensure everyone is as informed as possible. You may have family members, especially older relatives, who still depend on paper checks. For them, this shift could feel like a big adjustment. Passing along this information now gives them time to prepare before the next tax season and allows them to set up direct deposit or look into alternatives like prepaid debit cards.

What To Do Now

  • Confirm your bank information with the IRS if you normally get refunds. You can confirm or update your bank account information through secure IRS tools like Direct Pay, EFTPS, and the IRS Online Account.
  • Encourage family members who still depend on paper checks to talk to their bank or financial advisor about electronic options.
  • Stay informed: The IRS is expected to release additional guidance on payment acceptance and exceptions over the coming days. We will do our best to keep you updated as new information is released.

Note For Those Yet to File Their 2024 Tax Return

If you have not yet filed your 2024 tax return, but plan to before the October 15 deadline, keep in mind that the new rules will apply to you. Beginning September 30, 2025, IRS refunds will only be issued electronically, and any balance due will be paid the same way. If you don’t provide valid banking information for your refund, you risk delays or even having the payment held until those details are confirmed.

At the end of the day, this change is about making the system faster and more secure. If you have any questions or want help, just let us know. We are here to help make this transition as seamless as possible. 

Podcast Recap: Key Metrics Every Dentist Should Track for Practice Success

In a recent episode of Beyond Bitewings, host Ash welcomed CJ Carroll from Dental Intelligence to talk about something many practice owners wrestle with: turning mountains of practice data into meaningful, actionable insights.

CJ works with more than 12,000 practices across the country and has seen firsthand how analytics can drive growth when used the right way. While every practice collects information through its management software, whether Dentrix, Eaglesoft, or Open Dental, most of that data stays buried. Dental Intelligence helps surface it in a clearer, more user-friendly way.

What Analytics Can Reveal

CJ highlighted a few key performance indicators (KPIs) that can shine a spotlight on both strengths and weak spots in a practice:

  • Hygiene reappointment percentage: A measure that can make or break long-term patient retention.
  • Provider pulse: A breakdown of production by provider, showing where inefficiencies or training opportunities might exist.
  • Morning huddles: Reports designed to prepare the team for the day’s patients, making conversations more focused and productive.

For owners, these numbers also tie directly into compensation agreements with associates, helping ensure arrangements are fair and financially sustainable.

Accuracy Matters

As CJ explained, analytics are only as good as the data that goes in. One common mistake is leaving old treatment plans open in the system. While some practices think they need to “clean house” before using an analytics platform, CJ suggests the opposite: let the software expose those gaps so they can be addressed systematically over time.

Growing Without More Marketing Spend

A surprising takeaway was that many practices already have untapped growth potential sitting in their systems. Dental Intelligence often reveals outstanding treatment that hasn’t been scheduled or patients who haven’t been back in 18 months. Instead of sinking more money into marketing, a practice can reactivate these patients and see significant production gains.

Using Data for Smarter Management

Beyond tracking growth and retention, analytics can support bonus structures or compensation plans by tying completed tasks to actual production. That makes it easier for owners to evaluate whether incentive programs are really working.

Your practice already has the numbers it needs to grow. The challenge is translating that information into action. As CJ and Ash discussed, analytics can be a powerful tool for making better decisions, boosting patient retention, and supporting team performance without the guesswork.

Don’t Let Bad Tax Advice Drill Into Your Finances

Dentists are no strangers to misinformation. Patients walk in with something they read on the internet about whitening hacks or miracle cavity cures, and you have to set the record straight. The same thing is happening with taxes, only the consequences can be far more expensive.

The IRS recently sounded the alarm about a wave of misleading tax tips spreading on social media. These aren’t just minor misunderstandings; they can lead to audits, rejected claims, and stiff financial penalties. As James Clifford, Director of Return Integrity and Compliance Services, explained: “People who follow this advice could end up with rejected claims and a penalty of up to $5,000 in addition to any other penalties that might apply.” So far, the agency has imposed more than 32,000 penalties, costing taxpayers more than $162 million. That’s a high price to pay for taking advice from a TikTok video.

It’s easy to see how these schemes hook people. Who wouldn’t want to believe there’s a hidden credit that could reduce your tax bill? But just like those too-good-to-be-true dental “hacks,” tax shortcuts you see online can do more harm than good.

The Lure of Fake Deductions

The most common scams promise credits that most taxpayers simply don’t qualify for. A few of the recent offenders include:

  • Fuel Tax Credit: This is real but reserved for very narrow uses like farming equipment or off-highway machinery. Most dentists driving to and from the office don’t qualify.
  • Pandemic-Era Leave Credits: Any claims for sick or family leave credits expired well before 2025 and are no longer available to most taxpayers. 
  • Employee Retention Credit (ERC): Designed for businesses hit by pandemic-related disruptions, but it has also expired. There were so many people filing under questionable circumstances that the IRS permanently paused new claims. 
  • R&D Tax Credits: Unless you’re inventing new dental technology in your spare time, you are very unlikely to qualify for this credit. Practice improvements will not count as “research and development.”
  • Charitable Deduction Scams: You must donate to IRS-qualified organizations to claim this deduction. Inflating donations or picking unqualified groups won’t fly, even if online promoters say otherwise. If you are unsure whether a nonprofit qualifies, we can help verify it for you. 

For dental practice owners and associates alike, falling for one of these “strategies” doesn’t just delay your refund; it can also result in penalties that eat into your hard-earned income.

Why Dentists Are Particularly at Risk

Running a practice or working as an associate often means long hours and little time to dig into the fine print of tax law. It’s tempting to lean on what you see shared by colleagues or on social platforms. But what worked (or appeared to work) for someone else could land you in serious trouble. Just as every patient case is different, every tax situation is unique.

Another danger? Unscrupulous tax preparers. Some promise outsized refunds, but don’t sign the return themselves. This is a huge red flag that you might be working with a “ghost preparer.” If the IRS comes calling, you’ll be left holding the bag. Others may use your information for identity theft.

The Case for Professional Guidance

The reality is simple: tax law is complex, and dentists face unique challenges when balancing personal and practice-related finances. From equipment depreciation to managing associate pay, your situation is nothing like the “average” taxpayer’s. That’s why advice pulled from Facebook or a message board is more likely to cause problems than provide solutions.

When you work with a qualified CPA who knows dentistry, you get:

  • Tailored advice that factors in your practice’s structure, your long-term goals, and your family’s financial picture.
  • Protection from penalties that could far exceed any short-term gain from a dubious deduction.
  • Accountability and peace of mind because your return is signed, accurate, and backed by someone who will stand by you if questions arise.

Stay Smart, Stay Safe

Just like patient care, your finances deserve expertise, not quick fixes. The internet may be full of “hidden” tax tips, but the only truly reliable path is working with a professional who understands both the IRS and the business of dentistry.

Don’t let misinformation eat away at your bottom line. If you’re unsure about a credit, deduction, or strategy you’ve heard about online, check with us before making a move. We are happy to help!

Podcast Recap: What Should Dental Students Know About the Business Side Before Graduating?

In a recent Beyond Bitewings episode, Ash sat down with David Mitchell, Meija, a D3 dental student at Texas A&M, to discuss what dental students really need to know before entering the profession. While most of dental school focuses on clinical training, the conversation highlighted how critical it is to also prepare for the business and financial realities of running or joining a practice.

Mitchell, who earned an accounting degree before attending dental school, shared his curiosity about the practical steps new dentists should take to be ready for life after graduation. Ash’s first piece of advice was to recognize that no one succeeds alone. He emphasized the importance of building a team of experts early on, including professionals such as CPAs, lenders, and legal advisors, who can help navigate decisions about location, financing, and contracts. While it’s possible to research these topics independently, having trusted advisors makes it easier to sort through information and apply it to your unique situation.

Location and financing topped the list of early concerns for aspiring practice owners. Ash noted that choosing the right place to live and work impacts not only a dentist’s professional success but also their family life. Financing is another hurdle, and knowing what terms, structures, or lenders make sense for a new practice is often best evaluated with expert guidance. Building these relationships before graduation helps new dentists hit the ground running.

The discussion also turned to associate agreements. Too often, new graduates sign contracts without fully understanding compensation models, restrictive covenants, or exit clauses. Ash urged dental students to have these agreements reviewed by experienced professionals who know what’s typical for a given market. Negotiating for terms that reflect fair compensation and realistic restrictions can make a significant difference in long-term career flexibility.

Financial literacy was another recurring theme. From setting aside money for taxes to starting retirement savings early, new dentists must shift quickly from the world of student loans to managing real income. Ash stressed the value of working with financial professionals to create plans for debt repayment, tax compliance, and long-term savings. Starting early with even modest contributions can harness the power of compounding growth over time.

Finally, Mitchell asked about the differences between corporate dentistry (DSOs) and private practice. While Ash acknowledged there are benefits to both, he explained that DSOs, driven by investors, often prioritize efficiency and volume, which can sometimes reduce time spent with patients. This model may not suit every dentist, particularly those who value longer patient interactions. As the profession continues to evolve, understanding these differences will help new dentists choose the path that aligns best with their personal and professional goals.

How IRS Staffing Cuts & System Strain Impact Taxpayers

Most dentists don’t spend much time thinking about how the IRS runs until something goes wrong. But when staffing levels are cut and outdated technology struggles to keep up, the ripple effects land directly on taxpayers and their advisors.

We saw this vividly during the COVID-19 years: mailrooms backed up, phone lines overwhelmed, and millions of paper-filed documents literally shredded. Unfortunately, even today, the IRS is still working with decades-old computer systems and a shrinking workforce. That combination makes routine tax administration harder than it should be, and it shows.

Longer Waits and Slower Processing

For dental practice owners expecting refunds, requesting transcripts for a business loan, or trying to resolve a tax notice, patience will be required. Reduced staffing means:

  • Refund delays can stretch for weeks or months beyond normal timelines.
  • Loan application slowdowns when lenders can’t get timely IRS transcripts to verify income.
  • Tax notices drag on, with responses and resolutions sometimes taking months or years.

Fewer Ways to Reach Real Help

Calling the IRS has never been easy, but reduced staff only makes it worse. Hold times of 30–60 minutes used to be considered long; now, taxpayers often face dropped calls or phone lines that simply aren’t staffed.

On the paper side, even though electronic filing has expanded, the IRS still requires many documents to be mailed. When those pile up, processing lags, and sometimes correspondence goes missing altogether. That leaves taxpayers in limbo, waiting for updates that may never come without repeated follow-ups.

The Cost to Small Business Owners

For busy dental professionals, the biggest hidden cost of IRS delays is time. When an issue drags on, accountants and advisors have to chase down answers, resend documents, and make repeated attempts to get clarity. That extra effort translates into higher costs for taxpayers, especially when something simple gets stuck in the system.

Why This Matters for Dental Practices

Dental practices often need timely IRS documentation to move forward with loans, refinancing, or business expansions. Delays can disrupt cash flow planning and add stress to already complex business decisions. And when the IRS is slow to process credits, refunds, or responses to tax notices, it ties up both money and attention you’d rather devote to your patients.

Looking Ahead

Ideally, government leaders would reduce tax complexity and restore IRS staffing and systems so that taxpayer services remain effective. However, under current plans, the IRS is facing deep operating and enforcement cuts, with no clear indication that Congress will reverse course anytime soon. It remains crucial for taxpayers, especially small business owners, to prepare for extended response times and reduced service levels:

  • File electronically whenever possible.
  • Keep thorough records in case correspondence is misplaced.
  • Build in extra time for loans or financial transactions that require IRS transcripts.

As your advisors, we’ll keep monitoring IRS developments and advocate for solutions that make the system work better. In the meantime, know that we’re here to help you navigate delays and reduce stress wherever possible.

Why Remitting Payroll Taxes on Time Is Critical

As a dental practice owner, your focus may be on patients, but the IRS requires just as much attention to payroll taxes. These aren’t just another line item; they’re legally classified as “trust fund taxes.” That means when you withhold federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare from your employees’ paychecks, you’re holding those funds on behalf of the government. In the eyes of the IRS, failing to send them in promptly is more than a mistake. It’s theft, and the consequences include fines, criminal charges, and even prison time.

Real-World Cases: Payroll Tax Non-Compliance Comes at a High Cost

The IRS has made it clear that no business owner is too small or too specialized to be held accountable. Here are just a few examples.

  1. Nevada Dentist: A licensed pediatric dentist pled guilty to failing to remit payroll taxes, proving that even small dental practices face criminal enforcement.
  2. Virginia Business Owner: A Chester, VA, business owner was sentenced to two years in prison for withholding payroll taxes from employees’ wages but failing to send them to the IRS.  
  3. New Hampshire CEO: A tech company CEO in New Hampshire withheld but never paid millions in payroll taxes between 2014 and 2021. He received a 2½-year sentence and had to pay restitution exceeding $639,000. 
  4. Florida Payroll Provider: In an example of someone who definitely knew better, a payroll company owner diverted client tax funds for personal use and was sent to prison for more than four years. 
  5. Reality TV Personality: Peter Thomas, of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, was sentenced to 18 months and ordered to repay $2.5 million for failing to pay employment taxes across several businesses.  

Why This Matters for Your Practice

Payroll taxes are one of the most serious obligations you carry as a business owner. Even if you delegate payroll tasks to a staff member, accountant, or outside service, the IRS still holds you personally responsible.

Some owners convince themselves they’ll “borrow” from payroll tax funds to get through a tough month. But even a short delay counts as willful evasion in the eyes of the IRS. The result? Mounting penalties, damaged reputations, and, in the worst cases, criminal charges.

For dental practice owners already juggling patient care, staff management, and overhead costs, the added risk of payroll tax missteps is too great to ignore.

How to Stay Compliant

For most dental practices, the simplest and safest option is to partner with a reputable payroll provider, like ADP, that takes on the legal responsibility of calculating and remitting payroll taxes on time and in the correct amounts. Be sure to confirm that if the IRS ever issues a payroll-tax notice, they will handle the response at no additional charge. That shifts the risk away from your practice, so you and your team can focus on running the business and caring for patients, not trying to master the complexities of payroll law. And considering that IRS fines can be steep, as we established above, the cost/benefit ratio – and ability to sleep well at night – makes sense for most practices.

If you decide not to outsource, you’ll need to put strong guardrails in place to stay compliant:

  1. Fund immediately – Treat payroll tax liability as untouchable. Set the money aside as soon as payroll runs.
  2. Know your schedule – IRS deposit rules vary. Some practices remit monthly, others semi-weekly. Understand which applies to you.
  3. Automate where possible – Payroll software can reduce the risk of human error, but it won’t assume legal responsibility the way a provider like ADP does.
  4. Keep funds separate – Always store payroll taxes in a dedicated account so they are never mixed with operating funds.
  5. Act fast if you fall behind – The IRS offers options like installment agreements and voluntary disclosure, but only if you address problems quickly.

Remitting payroll taxes on time isn’t optional; it’s a legal non-negotiable. Whether you rely on a provider or manage it in-house, the key is to treat these funds as sacred. For many practice owners, outsourcing is the easiest way to eliminate the risk and sleep better at night.

If you’re ever unsure about your payroll tax process or if you’ve already fallen behind, reach out to us immediately. The cost of prevention is always lower than the cost of IRS enforcement, whether measured in dollars, reputation, or even freedom.