Keeping meticulous records is the key to tax deductions and painless IRS audits
Posted January 31, 2022 / No comments
If you operate a business, or you’re starting a new one, you know you need to keep records of your income and expenses. Specifically, you should carefully record your expenses in order to claim all of the tax deductions to which you’re entitled. And you want to make sure you can defend the amounts reported
Read MoreEBSA increases penalties for ERISA violations
Posted January 28, 2022 / No comments
Any employer that sponsors a pension plan or a qualified retirement plan, such as a 401(k), is undoubtedly familiar with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). The law also applies to employer-sponsored health maintenance organization plans, Flexible Spending Accounts, and life and disability insurance. Established in 1974, ERISA holds plan fiduciaries responsible for their
Read MoreThe ABCs of activity-based costing
Posted January 28, 2022 / No comments
Revenue and expenses, as reported on your company’s income statement, have limited usefulness to people inside the organization. Managers often need information presented in a different format in order to make operational and strategic decisions. That’s where activity-based costing comes into play. This costing system is commonly used in the manufacturing and construction sectors to
Read MoreDoes your trust need protection?
Posted January 27, 2022 / No comments
Designing an estate plan can be a delicate balancing act. On the one hand, you want to preserve as much wealth as possible for your family by protecting it from estate taxes and creditors’ claims. On the other hand, you want to have some control over your assets during your life. Unfortunately, these two goals
Read MoreSmooth sailing: Tips to speed processing and avoid hassles this tax season
Posted January 26, 2022 / No comments
The IRS began accepting 2021 individual tax returns on January 24. If you haven’t prepared yet for tax season, here are three quick tips to help speed processing and avoid hassles. Tip 1. Gather all documents needed to prepare an accurate return. This includes W-2 and 1099 forms. In addition, you may have received statements
Read MoreEntrepreneurs and taxes: How expenses are claimed on tax returns
Posted January 24, 2022 / No comments
While some businesses have closed since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, many new ventures have launched. Entrepreneurs have cited a number of reasons why they decided to start a business in the midst of a pandemic. For example, they had more time, wanted to take advantage of new opportunities or they needed money due
Read MoreHow to look for missing 401(k) plan participants
Posted January 22, 2022 / No comments
It’s a common problem every year. Employers discover that, when their 401(k) plans must make required minimum distributions, the addresses on file for some distributees have become invalid. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the IRS have both offered guidance about dealing with participants and beneficiaries who are unresponsive or cannot be located —
Read MorePreparations vs. compilations
Posted January 21, 2022 / No comments
Your business needs financial statements so management can monitor performance, attract investment capital and borrow money from a bank or other lender. But not all financial statements are created equal. Audited statements are considered the “gold standard” in financial reporting. While public companies are required to issue audited statements, smaller, privately held organizations have options.
Read MoreHelp safeguard your personal information by filing your 2021 tax return early
Posted January 20, 2022 / No comments
The IRS announced it is opening the 2021 individual income tax return filing season on January 24. (Business returns are already being accepted.) Even if you typically don’t file until much closer to the April deadline (or you file for an extension until October), consider filing earlier this year. Why? You can potentially protect yourself
Read MoreEducate your children on wealth management
Posted January 20, 2022 / No comments
If you’ve worked a lifetime to build a large estate, you undoubtedly would like to leave a lasting legacy to your children and future generations. Educating your children about saving, investing and other money management skills can help keep your legacy alive. Teaching techniques There’s no one right way to teach your children about money.
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