Now or later: When’s the right time to transfer your wealth?
Posted February 11, 2021 / No comments
To gift or not to gift? It’s a deceptively complex question. The temporary doubling of the federal gift and estate tax exemption — to an inflation-adjusted $11.7 million in 2021 — is viewed by some people as a “use it or lose it” proposition. In other words, you should make gifts now to take advantage
Read More2021 tax calendar
Posted February 3, 2021 / No comments
To help you make sure you don’t miss any important 2021 deadlines, we’ve provided this summary of when various tax-related forms, payments and other actions are due. Please review the calendar and let us know if you have any questions about the deadlines or would like assistance in meeting them. Date Deadline for February 1
Read MoreThe power of the tax credit for buying an electric vehicle
Posted February 2, 2021 / No comments
Although electric vehicles (or EVs) are a small percentage of the cars on the road today, they’re increasing in popularity all the time. And if you buy one, you may be eligible for a federal tax break. The tax code provides a credit to purchasers of qualifying plug-in electric drive motor vehicles including passenger vehicles
Read MoreUpdated guidance on the employee payroll tax deferral
Posted January 29, 2021 / No comments
In late January, the IRS updated Notice 2020-65. It provides guidance regarding an executive memorandum signed last summer that allowed employers to defer the withholding, deposit and payment of certain payroll tax obligations in 2020. The update reflects the changed deferral rules contained in the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA). A brief history On August 8, 2020, a
Read MoreFootnote disclosures: The story behind the numbers
Posted January 29, 2021 / No comments
The footnotes to your company’s financial statements give investors and lenders insight into account balances, accounting practices and potential risk factors — knowledge that’s vital to making well-informed business and investment decisions. Here are four important issues that you should cover in your footnote disclosures. 1. Unreported or contingent liabilities A company’s balance sheet might
Read MoreIRS issues final regs on ICHRAs
Posted January 22, 2021 / No comments
In mid-January, the IRS issued final regulations that clarify the application of employer shared responsibility provisions under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), as well as nondiscrimination rules, to Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs). The regs also address Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs). These accounts allow employers to make tax-deductible contributions to reimburse employees for part
Read MoreAccounting for property, plant and equipment assets
Posted January 22, 2021 / No comments
Businesses and not-for-profit entities capitalize machines, furniture, buildings, and other property, plant and equipment (PPE) assets on their balance sheets. Here’s a refresher on some common questions about how to properly report these long-lived assets under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). What’s included in book value? PPE is reported on the balance sheet at
Read MoreWhat does a trustee do?
Posted January 21, 2021 / No comments
Your estate plan may include several different trusts. The reason is that various types of trusts can accomplish a myriad of estate planning goals. Thus, it’s critical to understand the role of a trustee. The trustee’s duties The trustee is the person who has legal responsibility for administering the trust on behalf of the interested
Read MoreNew law provides option to delay implementing the updated CECL standard
Posted January 8, 2021 / No comments
The Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), signed into law on December 27, 2020, includes a variety of economic relief measures. One such measure allows certain banks and credit unions to temporarily postpone implementation of the controversial current expected credit loss (CECL) standard. Here are the details. Updated accounting rules The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting
Read MoreIs this the year for a 360-degree performance feedback program?
Posted January 8, 2021 / No comments
More and more employers have established 360-degree performance feedback programs to give themselves a broader perspective on how well employees are performing and interacting. Under this model, an employee is evaluated by not only his or her supervisor, but also direct reports (if applicable), peers — and sometimes even vendors or customers. If you think
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