News and Posts

During the pandemic, cash has been tight for many small businesses, which may make it hard to attract and retain skilled workers. In lieu of providing cash bonuses or annual raises, some companies may decide to give valued employees a share of their future profits. While corporations generally issue stock options, limited liability companies (LLCs) use a relatively new form of equity compensation called “profits [...]

As a business owner, you should be aware that you can save family income and payroll taxes by putting your child on the payroll. Here are some considerations.  Shifting business earnings You can turn some of your high-taxed income into tax-free or low-taxed income by shifting some business earnings to a child as wages for services performed. In order for your business to deduct the [...]

The IRS is reminding taxpayers that even though many federal tax deadlines were extended from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021, there are some April 15 tax deadlines still in effect. Among the April 15 deadlines that remain include paying first-quarter 2021 individual estimated taxes, filing calendar year 2020 trust and estate income tax returns and paying any previously unpaid tax, filing 2020 calendar [...]

The IRS has updated its FAQs on higher education emergency grants to address questions related to the CARES Act. Enacted in 2020, it allows institutions of higher education to use certain funds to support students with expenses and financial needs related to the COVID-19 crisis. For example, the IRS explains that emergency financial aid grants for unexpected expenses, unmet financial need, or expenses related to [...]

The IRS’s Get My Payment tool provides taxpayers with information about the status of their 2021 Economic Impact Payments. So, what information can you expect to receive when using the tool? Among other things, a payment status will inform you of whether your payment has been processed and whether it will be sent by direct deposit or mail. It will also provide a payment date [...]

High-net-worth individuals donated $5.8 billion during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic — generous giving by most standards. This is according to a recent report, “Philanthropy and COVID-19 in the first half of 2020,” from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy and information service Candid. However, that $5.8 billion amount is deceptive, because nearly three-quarters of it came from one donor, Mackenzie Scott (the ex-wife of [...]

U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen has called for a global corporate minimum tax rate. “We’re working with G20 nations to agree to a global minimum corporate tax rate that can stop the race to the bottom,” said Yellen. “Together, we can use [the minimum tax rate] to make sure that the global economy thrives based on a more leveled playing field in the [...]

When you file your tax return, you must check one of the following filing statuses: Single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household or qualifying widow(er). Who qualifies to file a return as a head of household, which is more favorable than single? To qualify, you must maintain a household, which for more than half the year, is the principal home of a [...]

On March 30, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) published an updated accounting standard on events that trigger an impairment test under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). This simplified alternative may provide relief to private companies and not-for-profit entities that have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s what you should know. Simplified options for certain entities Under GAAP, goodwill appears on a [...]

The IRS has announced that the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes, purchased for the primary purpose of preventing the spread of the COVID-19, is a deductible medical expense. Amounts paid by an individual taxpayer for PPE for use by the taxpayer, the taxpayer’s spouse or dependents that aren’t compensated for by insurance are otherwise deductible so [...]

Are you considering buying or replacing a vehicle that you’ll use in your business? If you choose a heavy sport utility vehicle (SUV), you may be able to benefit from lucrative tax rules for those vehicles. Bonus depreciation  Under current law, 100% first-year bonus depreciation is available for qualified new and used property that’s acquired and placed in service in a calendar year. New and [...]

Many not-for-profits are just starting to emerge from one of the most challenging environments in recent memory due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even if your organization is in good shape, don’t get too comfortable. Financial obstacles can appear at any time and you need to be vigilant about acting on certain warning signs. Consider the following. Budget variances Once your board has signed off on [...]

With many taxpayers working from home due to COVID-19, you may be wondering about the possibility of claiming home office deductions on your tax return. Unfortunately, employees aren’t currently eligible. However, self-employed homeowners and renters who are otherwise eligible can claim deductions. Deductible expenses include mortgage interest, insurance, utilities, repairs, maintenance, depreciation and rent. Taxpayers must meet certain requirements to deduct home expenses, and the [...]

If you have a life insurance policy, you may want to ensure that the benefits your family will receive after your death won’t be included in your estate. That way, the benefits won’t be subject to federal estate tax. Current exemption amounts For 2021, the federal estate and gift tax exemption is $11.7 million ($23.4 million for married couples). That’s generous by historical standards but [...]