It’s the middle of the calendar year. How are things going? You can answer specifically by choosing and calculating key performance indicators (KPIs). For example, the current ratio indicator helps you assess your cash flow by dividing current assets by current liabilities. But KPIs aren’t limited to widely used ratios. You can make up your…
If you hire from certain “targeted groups” and get proper certification, you can claim the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) on your 2019 tax return. You can claim it for eligible workers whose employment begins before January 1, 2020. Targeted groups include qualified veterans, eligible summer youth, the long-term unemployed, ex-felons and certain government assistance…
If payroll taxes withheld from employees’ paychecks aren’t remitted to the IRS, a severe tax penalty can be personally imposed on “responsible” individuals. The IRS can assess a penalty of 100% of the unpaid tax amount on shareholders, owners, directors, officers, employees and others. The Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (or “100% Penalty”) is assessed when…
Customer relationship management software can help you build long-term relationships with those most likely to buy your products or services. These solutions are generally designed to gather and organize customer data and then integrate it with other systems and platforms (including social media). The right product can help you track leads, forecast and track sales,…
Life presents us with many choices. A common conundrum for business owners is whether to buy or lease their companies’ equipment. Some still take pride in owning their assets. If you do, work to pass along this dedication to employees. Also, consider enhanced tax breaks under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act for purchasing. Meanwhile,…
To save money, your business may treat workers as independent contractors, rather than employees. Be aware that the IRS looks for businesses that improperly classify workers. It’s best to handle independent contractors so the relationships comply with tax law. This includes not controlling HOW the workers perform their duties, not treating them like employees, and…
Have you recently started a new business or are you contemplating starting one? Keep in mind that not all start-up expenses can be deducted on your federal tax return right away. Some expenses probably must be amortized over time. You might be able to make an election to deduct up to $5,000 currently, but the…
You probably spend a bundle “wining and dining” customers, vendors and employees. Under current tax law, entertainment expenses are no longer deductible. But you can still deduct 50% of the cost of business-related food and beverages, if you meet certain requirements. What if you buy food and beverages at an entertainment event? You can still…
If you’re getting a divorce, you know it’s a highly stressful time. But if you’re a business owner, tax issues can complicate matters more. For example, you can generally divide most assets, including business ownership interests, between you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse without any federal income or gift tax consequences. When an asset falls under…
If your company is merging with or acquiring another business, it’s important to understand how the transaction will be taxed. For tax purposes, a transaction can basically be structured in two ways: stock (or ownership interest) or assets. For tax and nontax reasons, buyers usually prefer to purchase assets, while sellers generally prefer stock sales.…