Returning Value Blog

Under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), financial statements are normally prepared based on the assumption that the company will continue normal business operations into the future. When liquidation is imminent, the liquidation basis of accounting may be used instead.

The restaurant industry is no stranger to the critical role data plays in running a business. Yet, in many cases, the restaurateur struggles to identify the proper data from the sheer volume that may be available through countless sources — POS terminals, online ordering services, social media, and more. It’s this array of data sources that, if properly accessed, holds great value in guiding the success of the business.

Sometimes, bigger isn't better: Your small- or medium-sized business may be eligible for some tax breaks that aren't available to larger businesses. Here are some examples.

The concept of “tax risk” is an increasingly important and regular topic of discussion across organizations and in boardrooms, and for good reason. Businesses that operate across state lines or internationally can, in certain cases, trigger tax liabilities in jurisdictions where they do not have a physical presence. In addition, many countries are adopting policies requiring greater transparency in tax and financial reporting, providing tax administrations more information with which to raise investigations and issue assessments. As companies place additional focus on social responsibility and fiscal transparency, the benefits of having a tax risk policy in place can be substantial. Given the rapidly changing global tax environment combined with the continued demand for tax departments to add value to the organization, an effective tax risk policy is a necessity for any business needing to better manage tax risk.

U.S. businesses have been hit by the perfect storm. As the pandemic continues to disrupt supply chains and plague much of the global economy, the war in Europe further complicates the landscape, disrupting major supplies of energy and other commodities. In the U.S., price inflation has accelerated the Federal Reserve’s plans to raise interest rates and commence quantitative tightening, making debt more expensive. The stock market has declined sharply, and the prospect of a recession is on the rise. Further, U.S. consumer demand may be cooling despite a strong labor market and low unemployment. As a result of these and other pressures, many businesses are rethinking their supply chains and countries of operation as they also search for opportunities to free up or preserve cash in the face of uncertain headwinds.

Health savings accounts are paired with high-deductible health plans for an especially adaptable insurance and savings program. HDHPs have large deductibles that members must meet before receiving coverage. Participants meet those deductibles by contributing their own money to HSAs. The government does not tax these funds as long as they're used to pay for qualified medical expenses.

The pandemic has presented numerous challenges for businesses, but it also taught us how to be resilient, cost-conscious, and adaptable. Over the last few years, we’ve learned that remote working arrangements offer many benefits, including reducing the time and cost of performing many tasks. Here’s how these lessons translate to the work auditors do to prepare your company’s financial statements.

This year the State of Alabama will be participating in the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Weekend beginning at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 15, 2022, and ending at midnight Sunday, July 17, 2022. Alabama’s 17th annual sales tax holiday for school-related items allows shoppers to purchase certain school supplies, computers, books, and clothing free of the state’s four percent sales or use tax.

The updated lease accounting standard is currently in effect for private companies. After several postponements during the pandemic, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) voted unanimously to move forward with the changes. That means private companies and private, not-for-profit entities that follow U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) must adopt the new standard for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. Surprisingly, some organizations still haven’t completed the implementation process, however. (Note: The updated accounting rules for long-term leases took effect for public companies in 2019.)

Sadly, many businesses have been forced to shut down recently due to the pandemic and the economy. If this is your situation, we can assist you, including taking care of the various tax responsibilities that must be met.