Returning Value Blog

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.

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.)

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.

Machen McChesney is committed to keeping you informed about critical developments that may impact your business. Today, we would like to bring to your attention an important update from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) concerning the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) program.

From utilities and interest expense to executive salaries and insurance, many overhead costs have skyrocketed over the last few years. Some companies have responded by passing along the increases to customers through higher prices of goods and services. Is this strategy right for your business? Before implementing price increases, it’s important to understand how to allocate indirect costs to your products. Proper cost allocation is essential to evaluating product and service line profitability and, in turn, making informed pricing decisions.

Does your business receive large amounts of cash or cash equivalents? If so, you’re generally required to report these transactions to the IRS — and not just on your tax return.

Does your organization offer health care and retirement benefits for its employees? Benefit plans with 100 or more participants are generally required to have their annual reports audited under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Here’s some guidance to help plan administrators fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities for hiring independent qualified public accountants to perform audits.

The issue of raising the debt limit has been resolved, at least until January 2025, and we can all breathe easier now that the United States can continue to pay its debts. Hopefully, in the future, Congress will find a way to eliminate this boondoggle or at least work around it, as was done under 1979’s Gephardt Rule.

The past few years of pandemic recovery, rising inflation and interest rates, and legislative changes have created tremendous shifts and challenging obstacles within the real estate industry. As economic uncertainty applies pressure to sources of traditional capital, the industry is turning to private capital and small and regional banks while managing a decline in government funding.

Healthcare Has a Margin Erosion Problem

The past few years have significantly destabilized the healthcare industry’s financial footing. According to our 2023 Healthcare CFO Outlook Survey, 60% of healthcare CFOs could not meet the terms of their bond or loan covenants in 2022 — up from 41% in 2021.