If your business is considering upgrading its facility, or moving to or constructing a new one, be prepared to encounter “smart” buildings. A smart building is one equipped with sensors that gather and track information about energy usage. With this data, the building’s energy consumption can be more accurately tracked and regulated to lower costs.…
There aren’t too many things businesses can do after a year ends to reduce tax liability for that year. But you might be able to pay employee bonuses for 2018 in 2019 and still deduct them on your 2018 tax return. To be eligible for this favorable tax treatment, you must be an accrual-basis taxpayer…
If you own a business, an exit strategy should be part of your tax planning so that taxes don’t trip you up when you retire or leave the business for some other reason. An exit strategy is a plan for passing on responsibility for running the company, transferring ownership and extracting your money from the…
Most business owners would agree that selling to existing customers is easier than finding new ones. Yet many companies squander potential sales to long-term customers because they don’t create awareness of all their products or services. Learn everything you can about your best customers’ missions, plans and operations. Also, instruct your sales staff to regularly…
Tax planning is a year-round activity, but there are still some year-end strategies you can use to lower your 2018 tax bill. Here are six last-minute tax moves business owners should consider: 1) Postpone invoices. 2) Prepay expenses. 3) Buy equipment. 4) Use credit cards. 5) Contribute to retirement plans. 6) Qualify for the new…
As the year winds to a close, most businesses see employees taking a lot of vacation time. After all, it’s the holiday season, and workers want to enjoy it. But some businesses find themselves particularly short-staffed because they don’t allow unused paid time off (PTO) to be rolled over to the new year. There are…
Those who run family-owned businesses often underestimate the need for a succession plan. But you can’t assume an ownership transition will go smoothly just because everyone involved is family. Some family members may want to continue with the business; others may want to sell it. A thorough succession plan will answer questions about future ownership…
It’s a great time of year for businesses to show their appreciation for employees and customers by giving them gifts or hosting holiday parties. Gifts to customers are generally deductible up to $25 per recipient per year. De minimis, noncash gifts to employees aren’t included in their taxable income yet are still deductible by you.…
The cash method of accounting offers greater tax-planning flexibility, allowing some businesses to defer taxable income. Under the TCJA, if your business’s average gross receipts for the previous three tax years are $25 million or less, you generally will now be eligible for the cash method for federal tax purposes, regardless of how your business…
In a strong economy, some companies cut back on marketing while others overspend on it. A better approach is to get more from your investment so you can cut back or ramp up as prudent. Start with digital marketing: Use search engine optimization, social media and Internet-only deals to improve customer focus. And don’t assume…