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Preventing “Privileged User” Fraud and Abuse
In most companies, employees need a user identity to access work-related hardware and software. Privileges to use certain applications or open certain files usually are provided to workers based on their department, role and level of authority. Over their tenure, employees might accumulate various privileges they no longer need. For example, someone who once worked [...]
Investing in the Future with a 529 Education Plan
If you have a child or grandchild who’s going to attend college in the future, you’ve probably heard about qualified tuition programs, also known as 529 plans. These plans, named for the Internal Revenue Code section that provides for them, allow prepayment of higher education costs on a tax-favored basis. There are two types of [...]
Worried About an IRS Audit? Prepare in Advance
IRS audit rates are historically low, according to a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, but that’s little consolation if your return is among those selected to be examined. Plus, the IRS recently received additional funding in the Inflation Reduction Act to improve customer service, upgrade technology and increase audits of high-income taxpayers. But with [...]
Business Valuations Needed for Private Stock Donations
Charitable contributions can be an effective way to lower taxes for the current tax year, but they don’t necessarily have to be made with cash. Charities also welcome donations of company stock, which offer a hidden bonus to donors if the shares have appreciated in value over the years. To reap the tax benefits on [...]
Year-End Tax Planning Ideas for Individuals
Now that fall is officially here, it’s a good time to start taking steps that may lower your tax bill for this year and next. One of the first planning steps is to ascertain whether you’ll take the standard deduction or itemize deductions for 2022. Many taxpayers won’t itemize because of the high 2022 standard [...]
Work Opportunity Tax Credit Provides Help to Employers
In today’s tough job market and economy, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) may help employers. Many business owners are hiring and should be aware that the WOTC is available to employers that hire workers from targeted groups who face significant barriers to employment. The credit is worth as much as $2,400 for each eligible [...]
The Future of the Dealer Franchise
As posted to the Bellavia Blatt YouTube Channel on 9/30/22, and the Fixed Ops Roundtable YouTube Channel on 10/8/22 (Run Time: 17 min, 52 sec) With automakers speeding toward electrification, many are more than hinting at a new distribution model for those electrified vehicles involving customers ordering vehicles online. Are dealers at risk of being [...]
Don’t Let Tax ID Thieves Steal Your Refund
Any form of identity theft can be costly, unsettling, and take months — sometimes years — to fully recover from and repair. But tax-related identity theft can be particularly disturbing because it involves the IRS, about which many people already harbor suspicion and anxiety. Although the IRS has taken significant steps in recent years to [...]
IRS Announces the “Dirty Dozen” Tax Scams for 2022
The IRS has compiled the annual Dirty Dozen list for more than 20 years as a way of alerting taxpayers and the tax professional community about scams and schemes. The list is not a legal document or a literal listing of agency enforcement priorities. It is designed to raise awareness among a variety of audiences [...]
Don’t Forget Income Taxes When Planning Your Estate
As a result of the current estate tax exemption amount ($12.06 million in 2022), many estates no longer need to be concerned with federal estate tax. Before 2011, a much smaller amount resulted in estate plans attempting to avoid it. But now, because many estates won’t be subject to estate tax, more planning can be [...]
Putting a Price Tag on Intangible Assets
Intangible assets — such as patents, copyrights and trademarks — are essential to the operations of many companies, but they’re rarely reported on the balance sheet. And even when they are reported due to an acquisition, book value is often based on historical cost under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). However, historical cost may [...]
Can Homeowners Deduct Seller-Paid Points?
In its latest report, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) announced that July 2022 existing home sales were down but prices were up nationwide, compared with last year. “The ongoing sales decline reflects the impact of the mortgage rate peak of 6% in early June,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. However, he added that [...]
Don’t Let Fraud Break the Bonds of Your Family Business
According to Family Enterprise USA, 87% of U.S. companies are family businesses, which are responsible for 54% of gross domestic product or $7.7 trillion. Although family businesses are an economic pillar of strength, several studies have found that they’re more vulnerable to occupational fraud than other companies. Here’s what you need to know if you [...]
Separating Your Business From Its Real Estate
Does your business need real estate to conduct operations? Or does it otherwise hold property and put the title in the name of the business? You may want to rethink this approach. Any short-term benefits may be outweighed by the tax, liability and estate planning advantages of separating real estate ownership from the business. Tax [...]
Is Your Income High Enough to Owe Two Extra Taxes?
High-income taxpayers face two special taxes — a 3.8% net investment income tax (NIIT) and a 0.9% additional Medicare tax on wage and self-employment income. Here’s an overview of the taxes and what they may mean for you. 3.8% NIIT This tax applies, in addition to income tax, on your net investment income. The NIIT [...]
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.
