In this latest installment of the Crowe ExPErtise Webinar Series, professionals from Crowe and ITR Economics, a Crowe LLP subsidiary, unpack the 2026 economic outlook and the tax implications of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) for private equity firms and portfolio companies. Speakers explore how macroeconomic uncertainty, inflation, labor costs, and consumer behavior will shape growth strategies, while also diving deep into federal and state tax conformity challenges that will significantly impact tax planning, compliance, and deal modeling in 2026 and beyond.
Gain actionable insights into economic forecasting, merger and acquisition (M&A) trends, multistate tax complexity, bonus depreciation, SALT deductions, interest expense limitations, and research and development (R&D) expensing, with a clear focus on how to navigate risk and drive value creation in a highly fragmented tax and economic environment.
Economic forecast for 2026: Growth, inflation, consumers, and M&A trends (2:51)
Hear a data-driven forecast covering GDP growth, inflation trends, consumer spending behavior, and industrial production. This section highlights divergent market performance, slowing M&A activity tied to confidence indicators, and why consumer health remains a key driver of economic stability in 2026.
Inflation, labor costs, and profitability risks for businesses (17:28)
This segment focuses on persistent inflation, rising labor costs, and the risk of “profitless prosperity.” Speakers discuss how increasing wages, materials, and energy costs will pressure margins and why businesses must stress-test pricing models and cost structures to remain profitable through 2027 and beyond.
Tax reform deep dive: OBBBA and federal versus state tax conformity (27:30)
Understand key tax changes from the OBBBA related to SALT deductions, bonus depreciation, interest expense limitations, R&D capitalization, and international tax provisions. The segment emphasizes how state tax conformity and nonconformity are creating significant complexity, requiring advanced multistate tax modeling and planning.
Strategic tax & economic takeaways for 2026 planning (46:41)
The webinar concludes with practical takeaways for business leaders, private equity firms, and portfolio companies, stressing the importance of state-by-state tax analysis, proactive planning, and data-driven decision-making.
Note: Only attendees of the live webinar are eligible for CPE or CLE credit for qualifying webinars. If you view the webinar recording on this page you may not be eligible for CPE or CLE. For questions about CPE, contact [email protected].
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