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Returning Value Blog

The Standard Business Mileage Rate Increased in 2025

Posted by Murry Guy, CPA on Jan 22, 2025

The nationwide price of gas is slightly higher than it was a year ago, and the 2025 optional standard mileage rate used to calculate the deductible cost of operating an automobile for business has also gone up. The IRS recently announced that the 2025 cents-per-mile rate for the business use of a car, van, pickup, or panel truck is 70 cents. In 2024, the business cents-per-mile rate was 67 cents per mile. This rate applies to gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles as well as electric and hybrid-electric vehicles.

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Posted in Business Tax

Small Business Strategy: A Heavy Vehicle Plus a Home Office Equals Tax Savings

Posted by Murry Guy, CPA on Jan 15, 2025

New and used “heavy” SUVs, pickups, and vans placed in service in 2025 are potentially eligible for big first-year depreciation write-offs. One requirement is that you use the vehicle more than 50% for business. If your business usage is between 51% and 99%, you may be able to deduct that percentage of the cost in the first year. The write-off will reduce your federal income tax bill and your self-employment tax bill, if applicable. You might get a state tax income deduction too.

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Posted in Business Tax

How Section 1231 Gains and Losses Affect Business Asset Sales

Posted by Nick Wheeler, CPA on Jan 14, 2025

When selling business assets, understanding the tax implications is crucial. One area to focus on is Section 1231 of the Internal Revenue Code, which governs the treatment of gains and losses from the sale or exchange of certain business property.

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Posted in Business Tax

Now or Later: When Should Your Company Implement the New Crypto Reporting Guidance?

Posted by Lesley L. Price, CPA on Jan 09, 2025

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) made favorable changes to the accounting rules for crypto assets in December 2023. The updated guidance benefits reporting entities and external stakeholders alike. It’s effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, including interim periods within those years. Here’s what you should know — and why many companies are choosing to implement the changes before they’re required to do so.

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Posted in Business Tax

Understanding Key Payroll Changes for 2025

Posted by Katelyn Parks on Jan 08, 2025

As we approach 2025, it is essential for businesses to stay updated on recent changes impacting payroll, benefits, and compensation. This year brings several key updates, including an increase in the IRS standard mileage rate for business use, adjustments to 401(k) contribution limits, and a significant legal decision affecting overtime regulations. Below, we break down these changes and their implications for your payroll operations.

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Posted in Payroll, HR & Benefits

The Tax Treatment of Intangible Assets

Posted by Nick Wheeler, CPA on Dec 27, 2024

Intangible assets, such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, and goodwill, play a crucial role in today’s businesses. The tax treatment of these assets can be complex, but businesses need to understand the issues involved. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions.

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Posted in Business Tax

Balancing the Books: Regular Bank Reconciliations Are Essential for a Successful Business

Posted by Chris Earnest on Dec 24, 2024

How often do you reconcile your company’s internal financial records against your bank statements? Bank reconciliations are an essential internal control procedure that busy owners and managers sometimes overlook or neglect. Here’s why it pays to perform them regularly.

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Posted in Accounting & Outsourcing

Preparing for the 2024 Tax Season

Posted by Jessica L. Pagan, CPA on Dec 19, 2024

There are many tax uncertainties to consider as we face the end of 2024. Chief among them is whether proposals from the new administration will affect our taxes, including changes that may be retroactive.

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Posted in Tax Planning

How Do Auditors Verify Account Balances and Transactions?

Posted by Aaron K. Waller, CPA on Dec 17, 2024

Audit season is just around the corner for calendar-year entities. Understanding the types of source documents your audit team might request can minimize disruptions during audit fieldwork and maximize your audit’s effectiveness. Here are some common sources of “substantive evidence” that auditors gather to help them form an opinion regarding your financial statements.

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Posted in Audit & Assurance

What Are Retained Earnings —  and Why Do They Matter?

Posted by Murry Guy, CPA on Dec 16, 2024

Owners’ equity is the difference between the assets and liabilities reported on your company’s balance sheet. It’s generally composed of two pieces: capital contributions and retained earnings. The former represents the amounts owners have paid into the business and stock repurchases, but the latter may be less familiar. Here’s an overview of what’s recorded in this account.

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Posted in Business Advisory

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