Podcast
Behind the Numbers
Hosted by Cody Melton · EN
Welcome to Behind the Numbers, the podcast that demystifies the world of accounting and taxes for individuals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. Hosted by the experts at TC Advisors, LLC, each episode dives into the stories, strategies, and insights that live beyond the spreadsheets — helping you make smarter financial decisions with confidence.
Whether you're navigating tax season, planning for growth, or just trying to understand what your accountant is really saying, we break it all down in plain English. No jargon. No fluff. Just practical advice, real-world examples, and a touch of humor to keep things interesting.
Tune in and take control of your financial future — one number at a time.
17episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Student Loans & Taxes: How to Save, Claim, and Avoid Costly Mistakes
2d ago00:22:53Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Behind the Numbers, Taylor and Cody break down how student loans and tuition affect your tax return — from the student loan interest deduction to education credits and 529 plans. Learn the key limits and income phaseouts (including the $2,500 student loan interest cap and the American Opportunity Credit rules), what expenses qualify, how scholarships and Form 1098‑T can change your eligibility, and common mistakes that cost taxpayers money.
Transcribe →AI, Advisory, and Palm Trees: Accountants Wrap Up a Game-Changing Symposium
1w ago00:15:59Tap to summarizeThe team wraps up a California conference where Grant, Zach, and Cody discuss the conference highlights: AI’s growing role, practical tools to try, and the value of peer collaboration. They share two main takeaways—prioritizing advisory work by delegating low-value tasks and using AI as a human-led tool to turn unstructured expertise into clearer, client-ready guidance—and plan firm-level changes after reflecting together.
Transcribe →Sun, Sand, and CPA Chats: Behind the Numbers from Huntington Beach
1w ago00:22:39Tap to summarizeJoin the TC Advisors team recording from Huntington Beach as they mix conference insights with light-hearted conversations on AI, advisory services, tax strategy, and the perks of remote work—plus a few suitcase surprises and beach tales.
Transcribe →Oklahoma Tax Secrets: Cash Back for Growing Businesses
2w ago00:18:00Tap to summarizeThis episode breaks down Oklahoma’s most valuable tax incentives for businesses and individuals, including the Quality Jobs programs, investment and new jobs credits, workforce and industry-specific credits, patent royalty exemptions, rural and historic credits, and recent tax reform changes. Hosts Cody Melton and Taylor Rhoads explain who qualifies, how the programs work, and why talking to a tax strategist can help you claim real dollars instead of leaving money on the table.
Transcribe →Short‑Term Rentals, Big Tax Wins: Unlocking Airbnb & VRBO Strategies
3w ago00:24:12Tap to summarizeHosts Taylor Rhoads and Cody Melton explore how short‑term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO) can become powerful tax strategies, explaining passive vs. active rental rules, the real estate professional designation, material participation, and cost segregation/bonus depreciation. The episode outlines how proper structure, documentation, and participation can create accelerated, non‑cash deductions to offset ordinary income, and stresses the importance of planning and tracking hours before buying.
Transcribe →When to Outsource Your Accounting: Save Time, Reduce Stress
May 1800:19:28Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Behind the Numbers, hosts Cody and Taylor break down when business owners should outsource their accounting. They cover common red flags—behind books, chaotic tax seasons, spending too much time on bookkeeping, and growth without financial clarity—and explain the practical benefits of outsourcing, from payroll support and tax planning to cash‑flow analysis and strategic advice. Listeners will learn what a proper onboarding looks like, how to choose an accountant who understands your industry, and why starting with professional guidance can save time and money long term. If accounting is costing you sleep or keeping you from running your business, this episode shows how outsourcing can bring confidence and clarity.
Transcribe →Payroll Pitfalls: How Small Mistakes Can Cost You Thousands
May 1100:19:54Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Behind the Numbers, the hosts from TC Advisors break down common payroll mistakes—misclassifying workers, missed tax deposits, missed deadlines, and overtime errors—that can quickly become costly due to penalties, interest, and audits. They explain the importance of proper payroll systems, year-end reconciliations, and staying current with reporting changes, and offer practical tips: use professional payroll software, separate trust-fund taxes, and address issues early to minimize risk.
Transcribe →S Corp vs C Corp: When to Switch and Why It Matters
May 400:27:55Tap to summarizeHosts 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.
Transcribe →Post Tax Season Q&A
Apr 2800:39:28Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →From Profit Panic to Tax Power: The 5 Stages of Tax Season
Apr 2800:20:24Tap to summarizeIn 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.
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