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Don’t Let Vendor Fraud Infiltrate Your Organization
Vendor fraud can be costly — particularly when several perpetrators are involved. The median loss of a fraud scheme conducted by two individuals is $200,000, according to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. Losses rise precipitously to more than $500,000 when four or more people commit the fraud. These schemes typically involve the collusion of [...]
Tax Depreciation Rules for Business Automobiles
If you use an automobile in your trade or business, you may wonder 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. Cents-per-mile vs. [...]
Will you Owe Tax on Profits from Selling Your Personal Residence?
Many homeowners across the country have seen their home values increase recently. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median price of homes sold in July of 2021 rose 17.8% over July of 2020. The median home price was: $411,200 in the Northeast, $275,300 in the Midwest, $305,200 in the South, and $508,300 in [...]
No Disaster Scammer is Safe from the NCDF
What do COVID-19, major hurricanes and West Coast wildfires have in common? All three have attracted scam artists, who have bilked disaster victims, charitable donors, insurance companies and government agencies out of billions of dollars. Also, all of these disasters — and the criminals who take advantage of them — are the focus of The [...]
Which are the Most Private Browsers?
As posted to the Naomi Brockwell YouTube Channel on 4/30/21 (Run Time: 8 min, 13 sec) In this informative video from her Privacy Series, Naomi Brockwell compares the most popular browser options available to help you make an informed decision as to which will work best for your personal situation. With web browsers being your [...]
California Main Street Small Business Tax Credit II Begins 11/1/21
California Assembly Bill No. 50 (AB-50) established the California Main Street Small Business Tax Credit II, which will provide COVID-19 financial relief to qualified small business employers. Overview Beginning 11/1/21, and ending 11/30/21, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) will be accepting applications through their online reservation system for qualified small business [...]
3 Ways Fraud Experts Use Data Analytics
Forensic accountants have long used technological tools to uncover fraud schemes. But recent advances in “big data” have provided even better, more efficient techniques for identifying suspicious activities and dishonest employees. These are three common ways fraud experts use data analytics: 1. Association analysis This method can help identify suspicious relationships by quantifying the odds [...]
Planning for Year-End Gifts with the Gift Tax Annual Exclusion
As we approach the holidays and the end of the year, many people may want to make gifts of cash or stock to their loved ones. By properly using the annual exclusion, gifts to family members and loved ones can reduce the size of your taxable estate, within generous limits, without triggering any estate or [...]
Claiming a Theft Loss Deduction if Your Business is the Victim of Embezzlement
A business may be able to claim a federal income tax deduction for a theft loss. But does embezzlement count as theft? In most cases it does but you’ll have to substantiate the loss. A recent U.S. Tax Court decision illustrates how that’s sometimes difficult to do. Basic rules for theft losses The tax code [...]
Tax Breaks to Consider During National Small Business Week
The week of September 13-17 has been declared National Small Business Week by the Small Business Administration. To commemorate the week, here are three tax breaks to consider. 1. Claim bonus depreciation or a §179 deduction for asset additions Under current law, 100% first-year bonus depreciation is available for qualified new and used property that’s [...]
Roundabouts vs Traffic Signals
As posted to the John Stossel YouTube Channel on 6/1/21 Run time: (4 minutes, 30 seconds) Do you get frustrated when you’re the only car stopped at a traffic signal? John Stossel aims to show that roundabouts are a solution to that, and more. In an interview with Carmel, Indiana mayor Jim Brainard, the mayor [...]
Casualty Loss Tax Deductions Can Only Be Claimed in Certain Situations
In recent weeks, some Americans have been victimized by hurricanes, severe storms, flooding, wildfires 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 there [...]
How to Conduct a Remote Fraud Investigation
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, most fraud investigations took place in the office or other work facility. This made it easy for investigators to gather and analyze data and interview suspects and witnesses in a face-to-face setting. But if your company allows employees to work from home — either temporarily or permanently — you may need [...]
What IRS Auditors Know About Your Business Industry
In order to prepare for a business audit, an IRS examiner generally does research about the specific industry and issues on the taxpayer’s return. Examiners may use IRS “Audit Techniques Guides (ATGs).” A little-known secret is that these guides are available to the public on the IRS website. In other words, your business can use [...]
Tax Consequences of Employer Provided Life Insurance
Employer-provided life insurance is a coveted fringe benefit. However, if group term life insurance is part of your benefit package, and the coverage is higher than $50,000, there may be undesirable income tax implications. Tax on income you don’t receive The first $50,000 of group term life insurance coverage that your employer provides is excluded [...]
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.
