Did you know that the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) recently extended the simplified private-company accounting alternatives to not-for-profit organizations? Many merging nonprofits, including educational institutions and hospitals, welcome these practical expedients. Here are the details.
Nonprofits:New Alternatives for Reporting Goodwill & Other Intangibles
Posted by Lesley L. Price, CPA on Oct 15, 2019
Posted in Business Tax
Understanding and Controlling the Unemployment Tax Cost of Your Business
Posted by Murry Guy, CPA on Oct 08, 2019
As an employer, you must pay federal unemployment (FUTA) tax on amounts up to $7,000 paid to each employee as wages during the calendar year. The rate of tax imposed is 6% but can be reduced by a credit (described below). Most employers end up paying an effective FUTA tax rate of 0.6%. An employer taxed at a 6% rate would pay FUTA tax of $420 for each employee who earned at least $7,000 per year, while an employer taxed at 0.6% pays $42.
Posted in Business Tax
The Chances of an IRS Audit Are Low, but Business Owners Should Be Prepared
Posted by Lisa Albritton on Oct 02, 2019
Many business owners ask: How can I avoid an IRS audit? The good news is that the odds against being audited are in your favor. In the fiscal year 2018, the IRS audited approximately 0.6% of individuals. Businesses, large corporations, and high-income individuals are more likely to be audited but, overall, audit rates are historically low.
Posted in Business Tax
2019 Q4 Tax Calendar: Key Deadlines for Businesses and Other Employers
Posted by Jessica L. Pagan, CPA on Sep 09, 2019
Here are some of the key tax-related deadlines affecting businesses and other employers during the fourth quarter of 2019. 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.
Posted in Business Tax
The use of a company vehicle is a valuable fringe benefit for owners and employees of small businesses. This benefit results in tax deductions for the employer as well as tax breaks for the owners and employees using the cars. (And of course, they get the nontax benefits of driving the cars!) Even better, recent tax law changes and IRS rules make the perk more valuable than before.
Posted in Business Tax
Operating a business as an S corporation may provide many advantages, including limited liability for owners and no double taxation (at least at the federal level). Self-employed people may also be able to lower their exposure to Social Security and Medicare taxes if they structure their businesses as S corps for federal tax purposes. But not all businesses are eligible — and with changes under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, S corps may not be as appealing as they once were.
Posted in Business Tax
The IRS is Targeting Business Transactions in Bitcoin and Other Virtual Currencies
Posted by Nick Wheeler, CPA on Aug 05, 2019
Bitcoin and other forms of virtual currency are gaining popularity. But many businesses, consumers, employees, and investors are still confused about how they work and how to report transactions on their federal tax returns. And the IRS just announced that it is targeting virtual currency users in a new “educational letter” campaign.
Posted in Business Tax
Working from home has its perks. Not only can you skip the commute, but you also might be eligible to deduct home office expenses on your tax return. Deductions for these expenses can save you a bundle if you meet the tax law qualifications.
Posted in Business Tax
Businesses Can Utilize the Same Information IRS Auditors Use to Examine Tax Returns
Posted by Lisa Albritton on Jul 22, 2019
The IRS uses Audit Techniques Guides (ATGs) to help IRS examiners get ready for audits. Your business can use the same guides to gain insight into what the IRS is looking for in terms of compliance with tax laws and regulations.
Posted in Business Tax