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What to Tell Your Employees About Your Anti-Fraud Efforts
Surveillance is common in many workplaces, yet companies monitoring employee activities may keep the practice under wraps. This may be a mistake, because when workers know they’re being watched, they’re generally less likely to be dishonest. For example, several surveys have shown that clearly visible security cameras discourage employees from stealing inventory. The challenge is [...]
How Business Valuation Pros Use Transaction Databases
Transaction databases contain the details of thousands of real-life public and private stock sales. They’re used by business valuators when they apply the guideline transaction method. This method — also known as the merger and acquisition method — is a subset of the market approach. It derives a company’s value from prices paid for companies [...]
Facing a Future Emergency? Two New Tax Provisions May Soon Provide Relief
Perhaps you’ve been in this situation before: You have a financial emergency and need to get your hands on some cash. You consider taking money out of a traditional IRA or 401(k) account but if you’re under age 59½, such distributions are not only taxable but also are generally subject to a 10% penalty tax. [...]
The Social Security Wage Base for Employees and Self-Employed People is Increasing in 2024
The Social Security Administration recently announced that the wage base for computing Social Security tax will increase to $168,600 for 2024 (up from $160,200 for 2023). Wages and self-employment income above this threshold aren’t subject to Social Security tax. Basic details The Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) imposes two taxes on employers, employees and self-employed [...]
How Some Taxpayers Get Snared by Tax-Avoidance Scams
Although most tax preparers are ethical and help ensure their clients file timely and accurate tax returns, a small percentage abuse their position of trust. They may, for example, engage in fraudulent activities that harm taxpayers. The IRS has warned about tax “promoters,” which the agency defines as entities that “undermine voluntary compliance by marketing [...]
Are Scholarships Tax-Free or Taxable?
With the rising cost of college, many families are in search of scholarships to help pay the bills. If your child is awarded a scholarship, you may wonder about how it could affect your family’s taxes. Good news: Scholarships (and fellowships) are generally tax-free for students at elementary, middle and high schools, as well as [...]
Assessing Lost Business Value as a Source of Economic Damages
The survival of many companies depends on relationships between key customers or vendors (or both). When one of these relationships is disrupted, for whatever the reason, one party may incur financial damage — perhaps even leading to its demise. And business valuation professionals often evaluate this lost value as a source of economic damages. Going, [...]
Business Automobiles: How the Tax Depreciation Rules Work
Do you use an automobile in your trade or business? If so, you may question how depreciation tax deductions are determined. The rules are complicated, and special limitations that apply to vehicles classified as passenger autos (which include many pickups and SUVs) can result in it taking longer than expected to fully depreciate a vehicle. [...]
Tax Implications of Renting Out a Vacation Home
Many Americans own a vacation home or aspire to purchase one. If you own a second home in a waterfront community, in the mountains or in a resort area, you may want to rent it out for part of the year. The tax implications of these transactions can be complicated. It depends on how many [...]
How IRS Auditors Learn About Your Business Industry
Ever wonder how IRS examiners know about different industries so they can audit various businesses? They generally do research about specific industries and issues on tax returns by using IRS Audit Techniques Guides (ATGs). A little-known fact is that these guides are available to the public on the IRS website. In other words, your business [...]
How Job-Juggling Remote Workers Can Threaten Your Company
Although some businesses now require employees to work full-time in the office, many others allow employees to work remotely one or more days a week. The popularity of remote positions can make attracting and retaining employees easier. However, some workers may be tempted to take on multiple remote jobs without informing their employers. In addition [...]
Casualty Loss Tax Deductions May Help Disaster Victims in Certain Cases
This year, many Americans have been victimized by wildfires, severe storms, flooding, tornadoes and other disasters. No matter where you live, unexpected disasters may cause damage to your home or personal property. Before the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), eligible casualty loss victims could claim a deduction on their tax returns. But currently, there [...]
ESOP Valuations Under Increased IRS Scrutiny
An employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) can facilitate the transfer of a business to the owner’s children or employees over a period of years in a tax-advantaged way. However, the IRS recently issued a statement warning businesses about a range of compliance issues related to ESOPs and announcing plans to ramp up compliance enforcement. The [...]
What Types of Expenses Can’t be Written Off by Your Business?
If you read the Internal Revenue Code (and you probably don’t want to!), you may be surprised to find that most business deductions aren’t specifically listed. For example, the tax law doesn’t explicitly state that you can deduct office supplies and certain other expenses. Some expenses are detailed in the tax code, but the general [...]
What are the Tax Implications of Winning Money or Valuable Prizes?
If you gamble or buy lottery tickets and you’re lucky enough to win, congratulations! After you celebrate, be aware that there are tax consequences attached to your good fortune. Winning at gambling For tax purposes, it doesn’t matter if you win at the casino, a bingo hall or elsewhere. You must report 100% of your [...]
Disclaimer
This blog is designed to provide competent and reliable information regarding the subject matter covered. However, it is being provided with the understanding that the blogmaster is not engaged in rendering investment advice. Laws and practices often vary from state to state and if investment assistance is required, the services of a licensed investment professional should be sought. The blogmaster resolutely encourages the reader/viewer to do their own research and due diligence before acting on any information contained herein. As such, Roger Rossmeisl specifically disclaims any liability that is incurred from the use or application of the contents of this blog. It should also be noted that the views contained in this blog are not necessarily representative of the opinions/beliefs of the other owners, management and/or employees of Kho & Patel CPAs.
