Behind the Numbers

Hosts Cody Melton and Taylor Rhoads unpack the S‑corporation and C‑corporation debate, explaining payroll tax impacts, reasonable owner compensation, shareholder basis limits, and state tax and compliance considerations. They offer practical thresholds for when to consider each structure, highlight IRS risks of low owner salaries, and discuss strategic benefits like fringe benefits and the qualified small business stock exclusion for C corporations.

In this episode of Behind the Numbers, the TC Advisors team reflects on their intense tax season, sharing what surprised them, how they managed heavy workloads, and memorable client moments. They cover trends in refunds and balances due, common missing documents, extension advice, and practical tips for planning year-round rather than just in April. The hosts also reveal stress-management habits, post-season priorities, and small wins that helped the team get through the busiest weeks.

In this episode of Behind the Numbers we walk through the emotional five stages of tax season — from excitement and confusion to panic, regret, and acceptance — and explain why proactive tax planning matters for business owners and employees alike. Hosts cover deadlines for pass-through entities, the difference between net profit and cash flow, withholding tips, effective tax-rate benchmarks, and practical steps to turn a surprising tax bill into a strategic opportunity.

Hosts Cody Melton and Taylor Rhodes sit down with Maddie Jeffries and Jerri-Ann of Native Star Group to explore the company’s origins, its work as a women- and Native American-owned general contractor in the SBA 8(a) government contracting space, and how their construction and mechanical specialties grew from family experience into a staffed business. The conversation covers challenges with a previous national accounting firm, a complete restructuring and tax plan implemented with TC Advisors, and the real tax savings and operational changes that followed. Maddie and Jerri-Ann also share lessons for aspiring business owners about starting, persisting, and using strategic financial planning to protect and grow a company.

In this special family episode of Behind the Numbers, host from TC Advisors brings his sons Micah and Luke to ask curious, kid-friendly questions about money, taxes, and what grown-ups do at the office. The dad explains what taxes pay for, why paying them matters, and how investing and saving work. Between laughs and wild million-dollar wishes, listeners get a light, clear introduction to basic financial concepts and practical advice for staying legal and making smart money choices.

In this episode Cody and Taylor break down the money habits that separate consistently successful local business owners from the rest. They cover the three key figures owners must track—cash balance, net profit, and owner distributions—why profit and cash flow are different, and how simple budgets and intentional systems prevent surprises. The hosts also discuss practical tax and financial strategies, including timely planning, proper entity structure, depreciation, retirement savings, knowing margins over emotions, and asking for help before a crisis. The episode focuses on actionable steps to keep a business profitable and sustainable year after year.

In this episode of Behind the Numbers, hosts Cody Melton and Taylor Rhodes talk with Curtis Cole of Medari Advisors about the financial and regulatory complexities of medical businesses, especially pharmacies. They cover how insurance billing, delayed reimbursements, and inventory management can mask true profitability. The conversation highlights the most important financial tools—monthly reviews of cash flow statements, P&Ls, and KPIs—plus strategies like compounding, diversifying revenue, tax planning, entity structuring, and qualifying for R&D credits to improve margins and reduce tax bills. Listeners learn practical steps to clean up financial statements, implement tax-efficient plans, and seek targeted advisory support to turn accounting data into better business decisions.

Hosts Taylor and Cody break down key mid‑tax‑season updates: why some refunds are larger this year, recent law changes affecting seniors, overtime and tip reporting, and the shift away from paper checks. They explain common filing problems—IP PINs for identity verification, Form 1095‑A reconciling marketplace premium tax credits, and PATH Act delays for certain refunds—and give practical advice on what documents to gather and steps to take to avoid rejections and surprises.

This episode breaks down retirement planning into three simple buckets—employer plans (401k/403b), individual accounts (IRA/Roth), and taxable brokerage accounts—and explains how each is taxed and used. Hosts discuss the key choice between traditional and Roth accounts, the importance of employer matching, time and compounding, HSAs as a retirement vehicle, and qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) for those 72+. Practical takeaways: know your numbers, diversify tax treatment, increase contributions when possible, and review your plan regularly.

Hosts Taylor and Cody break down the famous saying "nothing is certain except death and taxes," explaining how taxes and estate planning affect everyday finances. They cover different tax types, why taxes can be the largest lifetime expense, and how proper planning can produce major savings. The episode also explains wills vs. trusts, probate, transfer-on-death deeds, step-up in basis, and practical steps listeners can take to protect assets and reduce costs for heirs.

Hosts Taylor and Cody explain why the start of the year is the best time to move tax planning from an annual scramble to a year‑long strategy. With the individual 1040 season opening, they encourage proactive steps to avoid costly surprises. Actionable tips include reviewing last year’s return, checking W‑4 withholdings and estimated payments, maximizing tax‑advantaged accounts (401(k), HSA), and scheduling a mid‑year tax check‑in. They stress regular communication with a tax advisor to spot opportunities and make small changes that compound into significant savings. The episode emphasizes that tax planning is for everyone, not just the wealthy — thoughtful, timely decisions reduce taxes legally and lead to fewer surprises and better financial outcomes throughout the year.

A practical episode covering year-end tax tasks: issuing W-2s and 1099s, collecting W-9s, key deadlines, 2026 reporting changes, and tips for smoother tax-season planning.

In this episode Cody Melton sits down with Todd Fannin, founder of Tack Designs, to trace his journey from printing shirts to fund an international adoption to building multiple successful businesses serving national and industrial clients. Todd shares key moments—landing big contracts, adopting the EOS operating system, financial rules like Profits First, and practical leadership and culture lessons—along with advice for entrepreneurs on scaling responsibly and managing cash.

In this episode Taylor Rhodes sits down with Cookie, a Realtor who transitioned from corporate life to real estate and built a successful business through grit, mentorship, and relentless customer service. She shares real-world insights on the realities of the job: mountains of paperwork, last-minute hurdles before closing, and the importance of managing taxes as a self-employed agent. Cookie also offers practical advice for new agents and buyers — find a mentor, save rather than splurge on commissions, get prequalified, and focus on relationships to earn repeat and referral business.

Host Taylor Rhoads interviews Nettie Plank, owner of Nettie Ann’s Bakery in Chouteau OK, about her 23-year journey from a small start-up to a thriving local bakery. The episode covers early challenges (long hours, startup costs, hiring), standout products like sourdough and oatmeal whoopie pies, and how faith, community, and mentorship shaped the business and its team. Listeners will get practical advice for starting a business and a heartfelt look at how a bakery can become both a livelihood and a ministry.

Join Taylor and Cody for a rapid-fire episode of Behind the Numbers where they answer listener questions about taxes, accounting, and personal finance in a casual, approachable way. Topics include the choice between standard and itemized deductions, IRAs versus precious metals, differences between CPAs and EAs, reporting illegal income, and whether to buy land or invest. They cover practical tips like reviewing your W-4 withholding, using Health Savings Accounts, keeping receipts for deductions, and estimated tax payment rules for business owners. Tune in for clear, real-world guidance and easy next steps to get your finances in order.

In this episode, Taylor Rhodes and Cody Melton explain how TC Advisors moved beyond traditional compliance work to proactive advisory and tax coaching, helping business owners plan years ahead to reduce taxes, optimize cash flow, and prepare businesses for sale. They cover common client pain points (like accrual vs. cash accounting), valuable tax credits and timing strategies, the role of certified tax planning, the limits of AI, and why a trusted team of advisors is essential for long-term financial success.

This episode breaks down the tax and accounting essentials for new business owners, including entity selection, funding options, and common tax pitfalls like self-employment tax. Hosts Taylor Rhodes and Cody Melton explain practical steps—forming an LLC, S-corp elections, bookkeeping, separating business funds, and estimated taxes—to protect your business and save money. They also cover funding routes (SBA, HELOC, farm loans), the importance of professional advisors, and proactive tax planning to maximize opportunities and avoid surprises.

Host Taylor Rhodes interviews Kelly Dixon, HR manager at TC Advisors, about how human resources intersect with financial performance. They discuss the costs of disengagement, how HR data and tools help spot burnout and improve decision-making, and why recognition and real-time feedback matter. Kelly emphasizes that culture, clear communication, and listening are investments that don’t show up on a balance sheet but directly affect productivity, client service, and long-term growth.

In this episode, Cody and Taylor explain how seasonal businesses can manage cash flow when busy months end, covering forecasting, reserve funds, flexible expenses, and the Profit First method. They offer practical steps—cashflow calendars, separate bank accounts, and off‑season revenue ideas—plus a short tax tip to help businesses stay financially resilient. Click here for the Profit First book!

This episode explains why tax planning matters, how it differs from tax prep, and practical strategies to lower your tax bill. Hosts Taylor Rhodes and Cody Melton cover reviewing income and expenses, retirement contributions, strategic charitable giving, business deductions and depreciation, and choosing the right entity structure. They emphasize proactive planning, working with an advisor, and avoiding surprises.

Hosts Taylor, Zach, and Grant break down the key difference between profit and cash flow, explain accrual vs. cash-basis accounting, and share practical strategies to forecast, manage, and protect business liquidity. Learn simple tips like building a cash reserve, timely invoicing, forecasting 90 days ahead, and using your accountant for cashflow planning so profitable businesses don’t run out of cash.

Hosts Cody Melton, Tommy Parker, and Taylor Rhoads interviews Sean Farnsworth of the Keeping It Dutch YouTube channel about his journey from Marine veteran to homesteader and full-time creator. They discuss how Sean started filming to leave a legacy for his children, the slow grind to monetization, and the leap to full-time content creation. The episode covers business growth and diversification — rentals, merch, a dog-boarding venture — plus practical financial lessons like hiring a CPA, planning for inconsistent income, and the importance of consistency, faith, and perseverance in building a sustainable business.

In this episode, Cody Melton sits down with Jacob Wallace, founder of Redeemed Digital, for a deep dive into how artificial intelligence is reshaping coaching and marketing. From automating client engagement to optimizing ad spend, Jacob shares practical insights and real-world examples that business owners and financial professionals can apply today.

Ally Parker takes over the mic to explore how marketing and storytelling bring accounting to life. From employee spotlights and client stories to branding, engagement, and myth-busting, this episode reveals the people and strategies behind the spreadsheets. Listen for fun moments, a lightning round on marketing myths, and practical takeaways about listening to clients and making numbers relatable.

In this myth-busting episode of Behind the Numbers, Cody and Taylor take on one of the most misunderstood topics in business — the IRS. From audit triggers to common misconceptions, they break down how the IRS actually works and why it’s not the monster under your financial bed. You’ll learn: What really causes an audit (hint: it’s not filing an extension) How to stay audit-ready with simple habits and tools The difference between mistakes and fraud — and why most audits are just paperwork Why good documentation is your best defense Whether you’re a small business owner, freelancer, or just someone who dreads tax season, this episode will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and maybe even a little less afraid of the tax man. Subscribe and share — because clarity beats fear every time.

In this flavorful episode of Behind the Numbers, Cody Melton and Taylor Rhoads sit down with Wes Miller, the entrepreneurial force behind the beloved Amish Cheese House in Chouteau, Oklahoma. From crafting cheeses to building a business rooted in tradition and hospitality, Wes shares how he’s blended community values with smart financial strategy to create a thriving local brand. You’ll hear: How the Amish Cheese House grew from a roadside stop to a regional destination The role of cash flow in seasonal retail and food service Why customer experience is the ultimate marketing tool Lessons in inventory, staffing, and scaling without losing your soul Whether you’re a foodie, a founder, or just curious about how small-town businesses stay profitable, this episode delivers a rich slice of insight. Subscribe, share, and stay curious — because behind every great business is a story worth telling.

In this episode of Behind the Numbers, hosts Cody Melton and Taylor Rhodes break down what write-offs are, which deductions are legitimate, and which ones commonly draw IRS attention. They cover home office rules, vehicle and mileage deductions, business meals vs. entertainment, startup costs, charitable limits, audit myths, and practical recordkeeping tips (including apps like MileIQ) to keep your taxes clean and defensible.

In this episode, Cody Melton and Taylor Rhoads dive into the details of the One Big Beautiful Bill — the new tax law that reshapes how individuals and small businesses approach taxes and financial planning. With their signature clarity and insight, the hosts break down what the bill includes, why it matters, and how it could impact individuals and companies in Oklahoma and beyond. Whether you're a business owner, taxpayer, or just curious about how legislation affects your bottom line, this episode offers a practical, easy-to-understand look at a complex topic. 🔍 Topics Covered: What the One Big Beautiful Bill is all about Key provisions and potential changes How it could affect local clients and small businesses

In this debut episode, hosts Cody Melton and Tommy Parker introduce Behind the Numbers, a podcast dedicated to demystifying the world of tax, accounting, and financial strategy for individuals and business owners alike. Learn what inspired the show, what listeners can expect in future episodes, and how TC Advisors is using this platform to bring clarity to complex financial topics. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just trying to make sense of your personal finances, this episode sets the stage for insightful conversations, expert interviews, and practical advice — all designed to help you make smarter decisions with confidence. 🔍 Topics Covered: The mission behind Behind the Numbers Who the podcast is for A preview of upcoming episodes and guests