BELLINGHAM, Wash., June 29, 2026 — VSH CPAs has promoted Natalie Trudell, CPA, to Director of Tax, effective July 1, 2026. The newly created position marks the first Director of Tax role in the firm's history and reflects the continued growth of VSH's tax practice

Today’s manufacturing tax leaders are working hard to do more with less. Squeezed margins, tight working capital, and deferred investment decisions now define the 2026 operating environment, leaving tax departments to navigate pressure across multiple fronts. Ongoing tariff volatility, federal tax reform, and growing state and local tax (SALT) complexity are also contributing to one of the most demanding compliance environments in recent years.

The conversation around AI in finance has shifted from what’s possible to what’s practical and what delivers measurable impact. Finance leaders are focused on outcomes that they can track and validate. The shift is starting to show up in how finance teams operate day to day.

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A recent decision from the Court of Federal Claims has drawn significant attention to filing claims for the abatement or refund of penalties and interest assessed during COVID. In Kwong v. United States, No. 23-267 (2025), the court analyzed the application of Section 7508A in the context of the federal COVID disaster declaration.

Recent tax law changes have created new opportunities for high-income business owners to reduce taxes and preserve more of their earnings through proactive planning. Strategies such as SALT cap workarounds, QSBS planning, tax credits, and year-round tax planning can help improve cash flow, support long-term growth, and maximize available tax benefits.