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Returning Value Blog

5 Reasons to Outsource Your Bookkeeping

Posted by Chris Earnest on Nov 05, 2024

Running a closely held business is challenging. Owners usually prioritize core business operations — such as managing employees, serving customers, and bringing in new sales — over tedious bookkeeping tasks. Plus, the accounting rules can be overwhelming.

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Posted in Accounting & Outsourcing

How Can You Build a Golden Nest Egg If You're Self-Employed?

Posted by Marty Williams, CPA on Nov 04, 2024

If you own a small business with no employees (other than your spouse) and want to set up a retirement plan, consider a solo 401(k) plan. This is also an option for self-employed individuals or business owners who wish to upgrade from a SIMPLE IRA or Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plan.

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Posted in Retirement & Wealth Management Planning

Employers: In 2025, the Social Security Wage Base Is Going Up

Posted by Murry Guy, CPA on Oct 23, 2024

As we approach 2025, changes are coming to the Social Security wage base. The Social Security Administration recently announced that the wage base for computing Social Security tax will increase to $176,100 for 2025 (up from $168,600 for 2024). Wages and self-employment income above this amount aren’t subject to Social Security tax.

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Posted in Business Advisory

Preparing for the 2024 Tax Season

Posted by Lesley L. Price, CPA on Oct 17, 2024

There are many tax uncertainties to consider as we face the end of 2024. Chief among them is whether proposals from the presidential candidates will affect our taxes; new legislation may be enacted this year, or changes may occur that will be retroactive.

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Posted in Business Tax

Recordkeeping for Tax Purposes

Posted by Lesley L. Price, CPA on Oct 15, 2024

Any recordkeeping system that suits you and your company and clearly shows your income and expenses is OK with the IRS. It's the business you're in that affects the type of records you need to keep for federal tax purposes.

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Posted in Business Tax

Charting the Future of Tax Policy: An Essential Guide for Corporate Boards

Posted by Michael D. Machen, CPA, CVA on Oct 14, 2024

The upcoming U.S. election cycle gives rise to ambiguity in business tax planning. Companies must prepare for a shifting tax landscape while considering differing priorities of Republicans and Democrats regarding U.S. tax policies, such as the approaching expiration of some components of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). This environment emphasizes the importance of the board’s oversight role and its understanding of a company's total tax strategy, emerging compliance complexities, the impact of potential election results and associated tax planning scenarios, and the need for a broad perspective on total tax posture and associated social responsibility of the company.

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Posted in Business Advisory

Reminder: Profits and Cash Flow Aren't the Same

Posted by Nick Wheeler, CPA on Oct 10, 2024

Profitable businesses often experience cash flow shortages, particularly if they’re experiencing rapid growth. Business owners may wonder why they owe taxes when they regularly struggle to find cash to cover their bills. The answer can be found by understanding the key differences between profits and cash flow.

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Posted in Business Advisory

Eyes on the Income Statement

Posted by Melissa Motley, CPA on Oct 10, 2024

When reviewing their income statements, business owners tend to focus on profits (or losses). But focusing solely on the bottom line can lead to mismanagement and missed opportunities. Instead, you should analyze this financial report from top to bottom for deeper insights.

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Posted in Audit & Assurance

Advantages of Keeping Your Business Separate From Its Real Estate

Posted by Jessica L. Pagan, CPA on Oct 07, 2024

Does your business require real estate for its operations? Or do you hold property titled under your business’s name? It might be worth reconsidering this strategy. With long-term tax, liability, and estate planning advantages, separating real estate ownership from the business may be a wise choice.

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Posted in Business Tax

Quiet Vacationing: A Question of Company Culture

Posted by Amber Cochran on Oct 04, 2024

First quiet quitting, now quiet vacationing. What is going on? This is a good question with complicated answers.

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Posted in Payroll, HR & Benefits

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