Check out our August newsletter!
NORTON NEWSLETTER
THE REAL ESTATE TAX PRO ™
NortonAccountingServices.com 985-690-4498 Info@NortonAccountingServices.com AUGUST 2025
EASE OF MIND • AVAILABILITY • FLEXIBILITY • INDIVIDUAL APPROACH • EXPERIENCE • TAX SAVINGS OPPORTUNITIES
Breaking Down Cost Seg Studies
REAL ESTATE’S OVERLOOKED TAX TOOL
Cost segregation doesn’t come up in everyday conversation, but it probably should if you own real estate. Most people I talk to have heard the term somewhere but aren’t sure what it means — just that it has something to do with taxes and depreciation. That’s fair. It does sound like a mouthful. But once you understand what it actually does, it starts to feel like a rare but powerful and underused tax strategy. In short, it’s a way to break down property into parts that can depreciate faster, which can mean significant tax savings early on. Most people know real estate has great tax benefits. Depreciation is one of the biggest. You’re getting a deduction for something you didn’t pay for out of pocket. I sometimes call it “writing off air” since the bank usually funds the deal, but you still get the full depreciation. Cost segregation takes that a step further. It separates pieces of the property that wear out faster — appliances, carpet, or fixtures — and puts them in a five-year category. Land improvements, like fencing or parking areas, usually fall into a 15-year bucket. What’s left goes into the standard 27.5- or 39-year
category, depending on whether residential or commercial. The more you can shift into those shorter timelines, the more you can deduct upfront.
This used to be something only large-scale investors used. The studies weren’t cheap, so it only made sense on bigger deals. But that changed in 2018. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made it possible to take 100% bonus depreciation on anything with a useful life of 20 years or less. Suddenly, you could write off all those five- and 15-year components in year one. That’s when things really opened up for smaller investors. Bonus depreciation started phasing out in 2023. With the passage of the Big Beautiful Big on July 4, bonus depreciation has been reset to 100% for properties placed in service after Jan. 19, 2025. So, when’s the right time to explore a study? Usually right after you close. You don’t have to decide before buying, but the study needs to be complete before you file taxes. The earlier we talk, the more options we’ll have. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth doing, I can help. I’ll look at the purchase price, estimate the potential depreciation, and compare it to the cost of the study. For mid-size properties, the tax savings usually far exceed the cost. It’s a real deduction for money you didn’t actually spend. That’s a win in my book. And here’s something a lot of people don’t realize: You can still do a study on a property you bought a year or two ago. It’s not too late. We just need to file some extra paperwork to catch things up. Another perk? The study gives us a full breakdown of the property’s parts. Let’s say you replace the roof a few years down the line. With that breakdown, we can write off whatever value’s left in the old one. It’s a deduction many often miss.
So, here’s the bottom line. If you’ve picked up real estate recently or plan to soon, and lowering your tax bill sounds good, let’s talk. This is one of the simplest, most overlooked tools out there. And if the tax code hands you a way to save, it makes sense to use it.
–Bob Norton
985-690-4498 • 1
SCROLL SMART A Parent’s Guide to Helping Kids Navigate Social Media Social media is a huge part of growing up today. From sharing pictures to keeping up with friends and family, it’s become a daily routine for many kids. But it also comes with serious risks. Here’s how to help your kids use social media wisely. How old should they be? The American Academy of Pediatrics advises children to be at least 13 before opening a social media account. But that is not an absolute: Some kids may be ready at 13, others not until 16. Research has identified serious negative effects on children under 13, such as not enough sleep, poor body image, and cyberbullying. Start the conversation on your terms. Before your child opens their first account, ensure they know social media isn’t just likes and filters — it’s a public space where people share their lives and opinions. Help them understand the permanence of what they post. Even if something “disappears,” screenshots and digital footprints last forever. Chat about privacy. Privacy settings are your child’s first defense, but they are not perfect. Explain why it’s important to protect personal information. Ensure they never share things like their school name, home address, or phone number online — even with people they think they know. And never become “friends” with anyone they don’t know in person. Remind them that kindness counts. The internet can be a harsh place, but it doesn’t have to be. Teach your kids to treat others with kindness online, just like they would in person. If they wouldn’t say it face-to-face, they shouldn’t post it. It’s also important to talk about how what they post today could impact them in the future, from college applications to job opportunities. Be a good role model. If you constantly scroll or overshare, kids will think that’s normal. Show them what balanced, thoughtful social media use looks like. Put the phone down. Enjoy time offline.
When your head hits the pillow, are you counting sheep but not catching any z’s? It’s time to hit snooze on nights of tossing and turning and wake up refreshed with a better sleep routine! Getting the proper amount of rest every night is crucial to living a healthy life and can even help prevent mental health issues like depression and anxiety. A sweet slumber starts with the proper routine. Here’s the dreamy plan to wake up feeling your best. Bedtime Boundaries Consistency and bedtime boundaries can help your body and mind get into a regular rhythm to reach REM sleep. Try to go to bed around the same time every night to train yourself to get sleepy regularly. It doesn’t matter what time you choose as long as you stick as close to your sleep schedule as possible. You should also select a time before bed when you consistently turn off your phone, computer, and other devices. The blue light from electronics makes your mind think it’s daytime and can distract you from dreaming. Relax, Rewind, Rest You can use many tools to help relax and unwind from the day and prevent intrusive thoughts and tension from keeping you up at night. Listening to gentle music before entering the bedroom can put you in a sleepy state of mind. Journaling or writing a to-do list before it’s time to nod off can remove lingering stresses or racing thoughts. Try meditation or yoga to ease your muscles, focus your mind, and eliminate anxious feelings. Dine Right, Sleep Tight Though a late-night snack or a delayed dinner might seem harmless, it can make drifting off difficult. Your digestive system takes time and energy to break down food, which can keep you awake if you eat too late. Eat light, healthy suppers so your stomach can take a snooze with you, and avoid eating anything several hours before you plan to hit the hay. Prep for Your Best Rest Yet Pillow Talk
Keep the conversation going. Social media is always evolving, and so are its challenges. Let your child know they can come to you if something makes them uncomfortable or if they’re unsure about what to do. Being smart on social media is a life skill. With the right guidance, kids can enjoy everything it offers, without falling into the pitfalls. A frank conversation now can make a big difference later.
2 • NortonAccountingServices.com
Desert Hero Rancher’s Dog Rescues Toddler Lost in the Desert
A tiny desert town along Route 66 in Arizona is home to a new hero — a big, shaggy ranch dog who rescued a toddler lost in the desert this past April. Two-year-old Boden Allen was missing from his Seligman, Arizona, home for 16 hours when a 6-year-old Anatolian Pyrenees named Buford appeared in his master’s driveway with the child at his side — 7 miles from Boden’s home. Buford’s owner, Scotty Dunton, had heard about the child’s disappearance. “I noticed my dog was sitting by the entrance (to his ranch),” he said, “and the little kid’s standing there with my dog!” He calmed the child, who was unharmed except for a few scrapes and nicks, and gave him water and food while calling authorities. Dunton was overjoyed. “I was ecstatic that he was okay and that my dog found him,” he said. SPINACH, FETA, AND EGG STUFFED PEPPERS
Dunton asked Boden if he had been walking all night, and the child told him no, he had been lying under a tree. “Did my dog find you?” Dunton asked Boden. He wasn’t surprised when the child said yes. Dunton traced the little boy’s tracks more than a mile from his ranch, with Buford’s paw prints beside them. “That’s what he does,” Dunton said of Buford. “He loves kids. I can imagine he wouldn’t leave him when he found him.” Dunton’s discovery of the little boy ended an anxious 16-hour search by more than 40 search- and-rescue volunteers, sheriff’s deputies, and state public-safety officers. Wearing only a tank top and pajama pants, Boden had wandered away at about 5 p.m. into rugged desert terrain, where two mountain lions were spotted later that night. Boden’s frantic parents had reported his absence to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office.
Dunton says he wasn’t surprised by Buford’s protective behavior. “He is a guardian dog. He patrols all night and keeps coyotes away,” he says. The Anatolian Pyrenees is a crossbreed, a combination of a Great Pyrenees and an Anatolian shepherd, known for its intelligence, gentleness, and protective nature. In appreciation for their neighborhood hero, Buford’s admirers piled chew toys, bones, and other gifts on Dunton’s doorstep for days after the rescue.
TAKE A BREAK
Inspired by EatingWell.com
Ingredients
• 2 large bell peppers, any color • 1/2 tsp salt • 4 large eggs • 2 tbsp reduced-fat milk • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 1/2 cup chopped onion • 2 cups chopped spinach • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. Halve peppers lengthwise; remove and discard seeds. 3. Place peppers cut-side up in an 8-inch-square microwave-safe dish. Microwave on high 2 1/2–3 minutes until tender; pat dry and sprinkle with salt. 4. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and black pepper. 5. To a medium skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil, then add onion and cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes until softened and beginning to brown. 6. Add spinach and cook, stirring 1–2 minutes more until spinach is wilted. 7. Divide spinach mixture evenly among pepper halves. Sprinkle with feta, and top with egg mixture. 8. Bake 30–35 minutes until filling is set.
Beer Family Leo Lunchbox
Mustard Peridot
Twins Vacation Watermelon Zucchini
Poppy Sisters
985-690-4498 • 3
Norton Accounting Services, LLC
THE REAL ESTATE TAX PRO ™
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
NortonAccountingServices.com 985-690-4498 Info@NortonAccountingServices.com
1527 Gause Blvd. Ste. 132 Slidell, LA 70458
INSIDE 1
The Strategy More Clients Are Using
2
Helping Kids Stay Safe in the Social Media World
Your Guide to Dreamy Sleep Habits
3
Against All Odds, a Ranch Dog Brings a Lost Toddler Home
Spinach, Feta, and Egg Stuffed Peppers
4
Host the Perfect Late-Summer Bash Before Fall Rolls In
Your Guide to the Ultimate End-of-Summer Party
Feature a Curated Playlist Music sets the tone for any gathering. Create a playlist that starts with mellow tunes during dinner and transitions to more upbeat tracks as the evening progresses. This progression keeps the energy lively and encourages dancing or sing-alongs — the best way to entertain guests. Arrange Themed Decor Choose a theme to tie your party together. A tropical luau, garden party, or rustic picnic theme can guide your decorations, attire suggestions, and menu choices. Incorporate elements like themed tableware, centerpieces, and signage to reinforce the vibe you’re opting for. Choose Engaging Activities Plan interactive games or activities to entertain guests. Popular lawn games like cornhole, bocce ball, or a ring toss are crowd-pleasers. Or, you can get creative and set up a photo booth with fun props — those always promise a fun time. Remember, hosting a late-summer party is a great way to celebrate the last few months of the season. With thoughtful planning, your party will be a hit!
As summer winds down, there’s still time to host a memorable late-summer gathering that captures the season’s warmth and joy. Here’s how to plan an unforgettable party any guest would enjoy! Embrace the Golden Hour Schedule your party in the late afternoon so your guests can enjoy the sunset and cooler evening temperatures. Enhance the party vibe with lanterns, string lights, or candles to create a cozy atmosphere as daylight fades. Serve Refreshing Beverages Set up a self-serve drink station featuring a variety of options to cater to all guests. Include a signature cocktail, such as a fruit-infused sangria or a sparkling mocktail, citrus-infused water, and sodas and juices. This approach keeps guests hydrated and adds a festive touch. Pick a Seasonal Menu Opt for a menu that highlights all things summer. Grilled vegetables, fresh salads, and light proteins like chicken or fish are great choices. For dessert, try a build-your-own ice cream sundae bar or fruit skewers with yogurt dip.
4 • NortonAccountingServices.com
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4www.nortonaccountingservices.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator