Returning Value Blog

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684) will inject approximately $3 trillion into upgrading and expanding U.S. infrastructure, presenting a long horizon of opportunity for the construction industry.

Finding talent is an issue for nearly all businesses. There are many reasons for this, but the top three may be (1) adjusting to a new normal that is not yet fully formed, (2) the generational shift in leadership, and (3) the scarcity of talent. The result of this confluence of issues is that leaders must be able to be flexible. One of the ways they need to be flexible is learning new ways to manage a multigenerational workforce.

Recent supply shortages may cause unexpected problems for some businesses that use the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for their inventory. Here’s an overview of what’s happening so you won’t be blindsided by the effects of so-called “LIFO liquidation.”

Solar energy is a popular choice for businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint through alternative energy sources. In addition to supporting a company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy, converting to solar energy can potentially lock-in lower energy rates. Further, Section 48 of the Internal Revenue Code provides businesses that invest in solar energy a 26% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) on qualifying solar property placed in service before January 1, 2026 — but only if construction begins on the property before January 1, 2023. Otherwise, the credit is phased down to as low as 10%.

As the COVID-19 pandemic wears on, trends in the life insurance industry remain unpredictable. Policy sales have changed substantially, payouts have soared to levels not seen in over a century, and clients have grown more accustomed to personalized digital experiences. As COVID-19 vaccination rates rise and the economic recovery continues, life insurers are embracing new digital practices to meet a new set of customer expectations.

For the final six months of 2022, the standard mileage rate for business travel will increase by 4 cents per mile, from 58.5 to 62.5 cents per mile, according to IRS Announcement 2022-13. The rate for deductible medical or moving expenses will likewise increase from 18 to 22 cents per mile.

There’s a valuable tax deduction available to a C corporation when it receives dividends. The “dividends-received deduction” is designed to reduce or eliminate an extra level of tax on dividends received by a corporation. As a result, a corporation will typically be taxed at a lower rate on dividends than on capital gains.

Do you outsource HR and IT but feel squeamish about letting someone else get too close to your numbers? You probably have a fluctuating need for a bookkeeper, an accountant, a controller, and a chief financial officer. You could hire all these people, but outsourcing can provide these services when you need them at significant cost savings.

Here’s an interesting option if your small company or start-up business is planning to claim the research tax credit. Subject to limits, you can elect to apply all or some of any research tax credits that you earn against your payroll taxes instead of your income tax. This payroll tax election may influence some businesses to undertake or increase their research activities. On the other hand, if you’re engaged in or are planning to engage in research activities without regard to tax consequences, be aware that some tax relief could be in your future.

Payroll compliance is about meeting your payroll obligations as required by law. Learn how your organization can stay compliant.