Insights: Consulting Services
Labor Department Issues Guidance for States on Unemployment Eligibility of Individuals Affected by COVID-19
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has issued guidance to states regarding unemployment compensation (UC) eligibility for individuals affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) [DOL Unemployment Program Letter No. 10-20, 3/12/20]. The DOL has said that the unemployment Insurance program requires individuals to be able and available for work and to actively seek work. However, states…
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Reasons why married couples might want to file separate tax returns
Married couples often wonder whether they should file joint or separate tax returns. The answer depends on your individual tax situation. It generally depends on which filing status results in the lowest tax. But keep in mind that, if you and your spouse file a joint return, each of you is “jointly and severally” liable for…
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Getting help with a business interruption insurance claim
To guard against natural disasters and other calamities, many companies buy business interruption insurance. These policies provide cash flow to cover revenues lost and expenses incurred while normal operations are limited or suspended. But buying coverage is one thing — making a claim and receiving the funds is quite another. Depending on the scope of…
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Do you want to go into business for yourself?
Many people who launch small businesses start as sole proprietors. Here are nine tax rules and considerations involved in operating as that entity. 1. You may qualify for the pass-through deduction. To the extent your business generates qualified business income, you are eligible to claim the 20% pass-through deduction, subject to limitations. The deduction is…
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Do your employees receive tips? You may be eligible for a tax credit
Are you an employer who owns a business where tipping is customary for providing food and beverages? You may qualify for a tax credit involving the Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes that you pay on your employees’ tip income. How the credit works The FICA credit applies with respect to tips that your employees…
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Numerous tax limits affecting businesses have increased for 2020
An array of tax-related limits that affect businesses are annually indexed for inflation, and many have increased for 2020. Here are some that may be important to you and your business. Social Security tax The amount of employees’ earnings that are subject to Social Security tax is capped for 2020 at $137,700 (up from $132,900…
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Contingency Funding Plans: What to Expect from Examiners
With liquidity remaining a regulatory hot button, many examiners are taking a harder look at the areas of Contingency Funding Plans (CFPs) and the stress testing of those plans. This article discusses the key elements that go into developing an effective CFP along with some of the more common exam findings in this area. The…
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4 new law changes that may affect your retirement plan
If you save for retirement with an IRA or other plan, you’ll be interested to know that Congress recently passed a law that makes significant modifications to these accounts. The SECURE Act, which was signed into law on December 20, 2019, made these four changes. Change #1: The maximum age for making traditional IRA contributions is…
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Why You Need to Know the Value of Your Business
According to The Exit Planning Institute (EPI), a national educator for those who specialize in helping business owners sell or transition their businesses, an estimated 4.5 million businesses representing more than $10 trillion in value will transition over the next decade or so. Of those 4.5 million businesses, only 20% to 30% of them that…
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New law helps businesses make their employees’ retirement secure
A significant law was recently passed that adds tax breaks and makes changes to employer-provided retirement plans. If your small business has a current plan for employees or if you’re thinking about adding one, you should familiarize yourself with the new rules. The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act) was signed…
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