Chris Holman welcomes Matt Latham, CPA, Principal, CEPA, Maner Costerisan, Lansing, MI.

Topic: Maner Costerisan’s Matt Latham earns Certified Exit Planning Advisor designation.

CHRIS HOLMAN INTRO: My guest today is Matt Latham, CPA and principal in Maner Costerisan’s tax department. Maner is a full-service business consulting, wealth management, technology, and public accounting firm located in Lansing, with an additional Grand Rapids office. Matt recently earned the prestigious Certified Exit Planning Advisor or CEPA designation from the Exit Planning Institute, which is a huge achievement and will benefit Maner’s clients.
CHRIS HOLMAN: First, tell me just how excited you are that tax season is finally behind us and that you can finally have time to relax a bit. (Laughs). Okay. In all seriousness, tell me briefly about the CEPA designation you recently earned, what it means to you personally, and how it will benefit Maner’s clients.
MATT LATHAM:
· First, earning this credential is a significant professional achievement and one for which I worked extremely hard. To obtain the CEPA designation and be among the elite group of business advisors worldwide who have earned the distinction, you must complete an intensive five-day educational program involving 100 hours of pre-course study, 30 hours of classroom instruction, and a three-hour, closed-book proctored exam.
· The CEPA credential showcases my proven expertise in master planning and exit strategy.
· More importantly, it will allow me to guide our clients through the strategic exit planning process and ensure their financial futures and goals are secure.
CHRIS HOLMAN: There continues to be much chatter in the media and even in the day-to-day about how so many people—we’re talking millions here—are set to retire soon and what a drastic shift and disruption that will create. How does this type of credential allow you to help people navigate that unprecedented situation?
MATT LATHAM:
· I’m so glad you asked that question because it does relate to the value-add of this CEPA designation.
· ·According to the Alliance for Lifetime Income, an estimated 4.1 million Americans are set to retire annually through 2027.
· ·To break that down further and provide context, that equates to roughly 11,200 people retiring DAILY vs. 10,000 retirements over a decade in the past.
· ·Therefore, all those looking to retire will need the help of a trusted advisor to help them navigate and truly understand the issues and complexities surrounding their personal and professional situations.
· My job and this credential, in a nutshell, is to eliminate the fear of the unknown and ensure clients facing this next stage in life are set up for success.
CHRIS HOLMAN; So Matt you look well rested after a busy tax season, tell me about the challenges you and businesses experienced this year?...
CHRIS HOLMAN: Wow, that is incredible, both in terms of the number of retirees coming down the pike and your unique ability to help them navigate it all. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
MATT LATHAM:
· Yes, thank you! I am incredibly grateful that I can work at Maner and that they are committed to my success and investing in my career and future so that I can help serve our clients better and more effectively. 
· Also, if you’re looking for a trusted advisor or a resource on any complex exit planning issue, please do not hesitate to contact me at Maner Costerisan.

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Michigan Business Beat | Maner Costerisan, Matt Latham Certified Exit Planning Advisor Designation

Chris Holman welcomes Kevin Todd, CPA and Senior Manager, Maner Costerisan, Lansing, MI.

Q1: For listeners who may not be familiar, can you share more about what the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is?
A: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025, is a sweeping, nearly 900-page piece of legislation that touches on everything from taxes and health care to energy policy. It makes many provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent and introduces new tax rules—some temporary, some permanent—that will impact both individuals and businesses. While the goal was simplification and economic growth, the reality is that the law is complex, and its impact will vary depending on your situation.

Q2: The law brings back something called “bonus depreciation” for businesses, can you explain what that is?
A: Bonus depreciation allows businesses to write off the full cost of certain equipment or property in the year they buy it, instead of spreading out the deduction over time. By making this permanent, the OB3 Act gives business owners a big incentive to invest in things like machinery, equipment, technology, or other assets. The 100% bonus depreciation is for property acquired and placed in service on or after January 19, 2025. It’s a way to reduce taxes while growing your business.

Q3: There are also changes to how businesses can deduct research and development expenses. Why is that important?
A: The law raises the limit on how much businesses can deduct right away for research and development if that work is done in the U.S., which helps with cash flow. In contrast, expenditures on R&D that is conducted outside the U.S. must still be deducted over 15 years. This encourages businesses to invest in new ideas and products while benefiting from tax savings sooner. For example, paying engineers, chemists, or software developers who work on new products or process improvements in the U.S. can now be an immediate deduction.

Q4: Talk to me about Section 179 expenses. I know there were changes there too that are good for businesses.
A: Yes, the OB3 Act increases the amount businesses can expense to $2.5 million per year. This includes things like office furniture, technology, supplies, business vehicles and other tangible items. Whether you’re replacing outdated equipment or expanding operations, Section 179 helps make it more financially viable to reinvest in your business right away.

Q5: This is obviously a complex and wide-ranging law. What advice do you have for business owners or individuals trying to navigate these changes—and how can the experts at Maner help?
A: With so many new rules—and some taking effect at different times—it’s smart to get ahead of the changes and to build them into your business plans. Whether you’re considering making a big equipment purchase, investing in R&D, or just want to brainstorm about how these new rules can benefit your business, we can help. We have technical experts on staff who read the legislation and provide direction on how to make the most of the opportunities in the new tax laws. We can help you sort through the details and figure out what works best for your situation. Connect with us at 517.323.7500 or at manercpa.com.

Michigan Business Beat | Kevin Todd, Maner Costerisan, Upcoming Impacts - One Big Beautiful Bill Act

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