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Returning Value Blog

Jessica L. Pagan, CPA

Jessica Pagan has worked with Machen McChesney since 2003. She specializes in reviews, business and individual tax and construction accounting. She participates in core processes, mentoring and training at the firm.

Recent Posts

New Tax Law Gives Pass-through Businesses a Valuable Deduction

Posted by Jessica L. Pagan, CPA on Jan 12, 2018

Although the drop of the corporate tax rate from a top rate of 35% to a flat rate of 21% may be one of the most talked about provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), C corporations aren’t the only type of entity significantly benefiting from the new law. Owners of noncorporate “pass-through” entities may see some major — albeit temporary — relief in the form of a new deduction for a portion of qualified business income (QBI).

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Posted in Business Tax

This Year's Company Holiday Party is Probably Tax Deductible, But Next Year's May Not Be

Posted by Jessica L. Pagan, CPA on Dec 21, 2017

Many businesses are hosting holiday parties for employees this time of year. It’s a great way to reward your staff for their hard work and have a little fun. And you can probably deduct 100% of your 2017 party’s cost as a meal and entertainment (M&E) expense. Next year may be a different story.

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Posted in Business Tax

5 Tips For Companies On The Move

Posted by Jessica L. Pagan, CPA on Dec 04, 2017

Do you plan to relocate or expand your business in 2018?

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Posted in Business Advisory

Getting Around the $25 Deduction Limit For Business Gifts

Posted by Jessica L. Pagan, CPA on Nov 20, 2017

At this time of year, it’s common for businesses to make thank-you gifts to customers, clients, employees and other business entities and associates. Unfortunately, the tax rules limit the deduction for business gifts to $25 per person per year, a limitation that has remained the same since it was added to law back in 1962. Fifty-five years later, the $25 limit is unrealistically small in many business gift-giving situations. Fortunately, there are a few exceptions.

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Posted in Business Tax

Tax Relief on Tap for Disaster Victims

Posted by Jessica L. Pagan, CPA on Nov 01, 2017

How to qualify for casualty loss deductions

Catastrophic events, such as hurricanes Harvey and Irma—or tornados, earthquakes, wildfires and the like—can severely damage your personal or business property. Small consolation: You may be entitled to deduct a casualty loss on your tax return.

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Posted in Individual Tax

Which Tax-advantaged Health Account Should Be Part Of Your Benefits Package?

Posted by Jessica L. Pagan, CPA on Oct 17, 2017

On October 12, an executive order was signed that, among other things, seeks to expand Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs). HRAs are just one type of tax-advantaged account you can provide your employees to help fund their health care expenses. Also available are Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Which one should you include in your benefits package? Here’s a look at the similarities and differences:

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Posted in Business Advisory

Tax Break Helps Storm Survivors

Posted by Jessica L. Pagan, CPA on Oct 02, 2017

 

How to claim the casualty loss deduction after a disaster.

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Posted in Individual Tax

2017 Q4 Tax Calendar: Key Deadlines for Businesses and Other Employers

Posted by Jessica L. Pagan, CPA on Sep 20, 2017

Here are some of the key tax-related deadlines affecting businesses and other employers during the fourth quarter of 2017. Keep in mind that this list isn’t all-inclusive, so there may be additional deadlines that apply to you. Contact us to ensure you’re meeting all applicable deadlines and to learn more about the filing requirements.

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Posted in Business Tax

How Caregivers Can Catch a (Tax) Break

Posted by Jessica L. Pagan, CPA on Aug 25, 2017

Ways to ease the financial burden of caring for elderly relatives.

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Posted in Individual Tax

New HRA Heals Health Care Reimbursement Pain

Posted by Jessica L. Pagan, CPA on Aug 11, 2017

Small employers now have a treatment for an Affordable Care Act ailment.

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Posted in Business Advisory

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