Returning Value Blog

On August 30, 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released a proposal to raise the minimum weekly salary. 

Data is the lifeblood of any modern organization — a critical asset that is not only used to operate the business but can also fuel innovation, reduce costs, and increase revenue. But managing data assets effectively comes with a set of challenges that can be difficult for organizations to navigate. Creating an effective data governance policy can help organizations mitigate risk and capitalize on opportunities.

On September 6, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) unanimously voted to finalize new accounting rules on cryptocurrency assets — less than five months after the proposed standard was issued for public comment. Here’s what companies that hold these assets should know.

In most cases, employees anticipate receiving a raise after working a certain amount of time at your firm — usually six months to a year. Top performers who consistently exceed expectations expect to be paid a salary that reflects their hard work and level of responsibility. You look to offer competitive compensation to retain your best workers.

Are employees at your business traveling and frustrated about documenting expenses? Or perhaps you’re annoyed at the time and energy that goes into reviewing business travel expenses. There may be a way to simplify the reimbursement of these expenses. In Notice 2023-68, the IRS announced the fiscal 2024 special “per diem” rates that became effective October 1, 2023. Taxpayers can use these rates to substantiate the amount of expenses for lodging, meals, and incidentals when traveling away from home. (Taxpayers in the transportation industry can use a special transportation industry rate.)

Do you use an automobile in your trade or business? If so, you may question how depreciation tax deductions are determined. The rules are complicated, and special limitations that apply to vehicles classified as passenger autos (which include many pickups and SUVs) can result in it taking longer than expected to fully depreciate a vehicle.

The Social Security Administration recently announced that the wage base for computing Social Security tax will increase to $168,600 for 2024 (up from $160,200 for 2023). Wages and self-employment income above this threshold aren’t subject to Social Security tax.

Machen McChesney would like to bring to your attention a recent announcement from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) and a special withdrawal process introduced to address concerns about ineligible claims and protect small businesses from scams. This announcement is part of a broader effort by the IRS to safeguard small businesses and organizations from the barrage of suspect ERC advertising. This announcement could be helpful if you or someone you know might be affected by improper filing ERC via suspicious 3rd parties.

Does your company struggle to close its books at the end of each month? The month-end close requires accounting personnel to round up data from across the organization. This process can strain internal resources, potentially leading to delayed financial reporting, errors, and even fraud. Here are some simple ways to streamline your company’s monthly closing process.

Here are some key tax-related deadlines affecting businesses and other employers during the fourth quarter of 2023. 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.