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Inheriting Stock or Other Assets? You’ll Receive a Favorable “Stepped-up Basis”
If you’re planning your estate, or you’ve recently inherited assets, you may be unsure of the “cost” (or “basis”) for tax purposes. How do the rules work? Under the current fair market value basis rules (also known as the “step-up and step-down” rules), an heir receives a basis in inherited property equal to its date-of-death [...]
Potential Roadblocks to Valuing a Business in Divorce Proceedings
Divorce is never easy. But when the marital estate includes a private business interest, matters can become especially complicated. Here are some challenges that may be encountered when divorce proceedings require a business valuation. Data sharing Because divorce often is adversarial, the parties may withhold or slant information to protect their financial interests. For example, [...]
Use an S Corporation to Mitigate Federal Employment Tax Bills
If you own an unincorporated small business, you probably don’t like the size of your self-employment (SE) tax bills. No wonder! For 2023, the SE tax is imposed at the painfully high rate of 15.3% on the first $160,200 of net SE income. This includes 12.4% for Social Security tax and 2.9% for Medicare tax. [...]
That E-mail or Text from the IRS: It’s a Scam!
“Thousands of people have lost millions of dollars and their personal information to tax scams,” according to the IRS. The scams may come in through email, text messages, telephone calls or regular mail. Criminals regularly target both individuals and businesses and often prey on the elderly. Important: The IRS will never contact you by email, [...]
Starting a Business? How Expenses will be Treated on your Tax Return
Government officials saw a large increase in the number of new businesses launched during the COVID-19 pandemic. And the U.S. Census Bureau reports that business applications are still increasing slightly (up 0.4% from April 2023 to May 2023). The Bureau measures this by tracking the number of businesses applying for Employer Identification Numbers. If you’re [...]
How “Phoenix” Companies Abuse Bankruptcy Protection and Defraud Investors
According to S&P Global, there have been at least 230 corporate bankruptcy filings thus far in 2023 (through early June). That’s more than twice the number of filings over the same period in 2022. Such growing numbers represent bad news for the companies involved, obviously, but also potentially for their vendors, customers and other business [...]
The Best Way to Survive an IRS Audit is to Prepare
The IRS recently released its audit statistics for the 2022 fiscal year and fewer taxpayers had their returns examined as compared with prior years. But even though a small percentage of returns are being chosen for audits these days, that will be little consolation if yours is one of them. Recent statistics Overall, just 0.49% [...]
The Trust Fund Recovery Penalty: Who Can it be Personally Assessed Against?
If you own or manage a business with employees, there’s a harsh tax penalty that you could be at risk for paying personally. The Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (TFRP) applies to Social Security and income taxes that are withheld by a business from its employees’ wages. Sweeping penalty The TFRP is dangerous because it applies [...]
How the Pros Use Public Data to Value Private Businesses
Business valuation professionals often use public stock market data to value private businesses — even though there are critical differences between closely held and publicly traded companies. Here’s an overview of how valuators modify their analyses to take advantage of objective, market-based indicators of value. Recognizing key differences Public companies differ from private ones in [...]
Are You Married and Not Earning Compensation? Your May be Able to Put Money in an IRA
When one spouse in a married couple is not earning compensation, the couple may not be able to save as much as they need for a comfortable retirement. In general, an IRA contribution is allowed only if a taxpayer earns compensation. However, there’s an exception involving a “spousal” IRA. It allows contributions to be made [...]
2023 Q3 Tax Calendar: Key Deadlines for Businesses and Other Employers
Here are some of the key tax-related deadlines affecting businesses and other employers during the third quarter of 2023. 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. July [...]
Minimizing Fraud Risk When Operating Abroad
Expanding operations into foreign countries can help U.S. businesses reduce labor and operating costs. It can also provide them with access to new markets and potentially higher profits. You may be attracted to a country by a plentiful labor supply, significant tax benefits or government incentives. But, beware: Some foreign business environments present serious fraud [...]
When Can Seniors Deduct Medicare Premiums on Their Tax Returns
If you’re age 65 and older and have basic Medicare insurance, you may need to pay additional premiums to get the level of coverage you want. The premiums can be costly, especially for married couples with both spouses paying them. But there may be an advantage: You may qualify for a tax break for paying [...]
Advantages and Disadvantages of Claiming Big First-Year Real Estate Depreciation Deductions
Your business may be able to claim big first-year depreciation tax deductions for eligible real estate expenditures rather than depreciate them over several years. But should you? It’s not as simple as it may seem. Qualified improvement property For qualifying assets placed in service in tax years beginning in 2023, the maximum allowable first-year Section [...]
Valuing Professional Practices
There are many types of professional practices. Examples include medical, architecture, engineering, accounting, advertising, design and law. From a business valuation perspective, it’s important to recognize the common denominators these businesses share. Reliance on intangible assets Professional practices provide services rather than sell products (at least primarily). In addition, education, licensing and continuing education requirements [...]
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.
