Returning Value Blog

Your business may be able to claim big first-year depreciation tax deductions for eligible real estate expenditures rather than depreciate them over several years. But should you? It’s not as simple as it may seem.

Not-for-profit organizations exist to achieve nonfinancial or philanthropic goals, not to make money or build value for investors. But they still need to monitor their financial health — that is, how much funding is coming in from donations and grants and how much the organization is spending on payroll, rent, and other operating expenses.

Each company’s path toward sustainability is unique but effective environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies and programs have something in common — they help companies better navigate uncertainty and cultivate resiliency.

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, employers with tipped workers can take a "tip credit," which allows them to pay tipped workers less than the federal minimum wage if the employees' tips make up the difference.

Most companies spend 20% to 30% of their annual revenue on payroll. The exact amount varies based on the employer's size, industry, staffing, and operational needs. In some industries, such as service, it's not uncommon for payroll to encompass up to 50% of revenue. For other industries, such as manufacturing and food and beverage, it usually takes up no more than 20% to 30%.

Three years after the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, the hospitality industry, like others, is still recovering. Though 2022 saw some significant growth with a public eager to travel for leisure, particularly to locations offering unique experiences, the pandemic has markedly changed business travel patterns and consumer behavior. An ongoing labor shortage and emerging competition from resort hospitality locations have further strained some hospitality markets still adapting to shifting consumer demands.

Working capital — the funds your company has tied up in accounts receivable, accounts payable, and inventory — is a critical performance metric. During times of rising inflation and interest rates, managers search for ways to free up cash and eliminate waste. However, determining the optimal amount of working capital can sometimes be challenging.

Many businesses use independent contractors to help keep their costs down — especially in these times of staff shortages and inflationary pressures. If you’re among them, be careful that these workers are properly classified for federal tax purposes. If the IRS reclassifies them as employees, it can be an expensive mistake.

Traditional business models in many sectors have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical uncertainty, rising costs, and falling consumer confidence. If your company is planning a major strategic shift this year, management may need to comply with the updated accounting rules for reporting discontinued operations that went into effect in 2015.

Outsourced HR services are designed to streamline functions, reduce expenses and help meet your firm's operational goals. You may hire a third party to oversee some or all of your HR functions, including payroll processing, employee benefits administration, and talent acquisition.