Reasonable compensation is an issue that comes into play in divorce, shareholder disputes and tax cases. It’s also a common financial statement adjustment that valuators make when valuing a business. Although experts are often hired to make the calculations, business owners and attorneys should understand how they do it. Multiple factors Valuators weigh a variety […]
Employers tend to prioritize things such as maintaining or boosting productivity, accomplishing strategic objectives, and fulfilling their missions. All too often, managing payroll is taken for granted and not given much oversight once the checks start rolling out. But this can lead to problems as big as a federal investigation or as small (relatively speaking) […]
In July 2023, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) published a report that highlights common areas of audit deficiencies for public companies. Private companies face similar challenges when reporting their financial results. Internal accounting personnel and external auditors can use the PCAOB’s report to identify high-risk areas in financial reporting that may warrant additional […]
When it comes to fraud, it may seem there’s nothing new under the sun. Unfortunately, fraud perpetrators are always finding novel ways to swindle businesses. Here are some recent scams — and how your business can protect against them. Influencer shakedowns Scam: So-called social media influencers ask restaurants and bars for complimentary meals and drinks […]
If you have family members with disabilities, there may be a tax-advantaged way to save for their needs — without having them lose eligibility for the government benefits to which they’re entitled. It can be done though an Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account, which is a tax-free account that can be used for […]
As the Fed continues to do battle with inflation, and with fears of a recession not quite going away, companies have been keeping a close eye on the costs of their health insurance and pharmacy coverage. If you’re facing higher costs for health care benefits this year, it probably doesn’t come as a big surprise. […]
Every business should dedicate time and resources to cybersecurity. Hackers are out there, in many cases far across the globe, and they’re on the prowl for vulnerable companies. These criminals typically strike at random — doing damage to not only a business’s ability to operate, but also its reputation. One way to protect yourself, at […]
The airwaves and internet are inundated these days with advertisements claiming that businesses are missing out on the lucrative Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC). While some employers do indeed remain eligible if they meet certain criteria, the IRS continues to caution businesses about third-party scams related to the credit. While there’s nothing wrong with claiming credits […]
It can be difficult for business owners to navigate the tax code and monitor tax law developments. One area of special concern is financial reporting for uncertain tax positions (UTPs). Here’s some insight to help clarify matters. Recognition standard Companies that follow U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) must identify, measure and disclose UTPs using […]
The IRS has issued new guidance providing transitional relief related to recent legislative changes to the age at which taxpayers must begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts. The guidance in IRS Notice 2023-54 also extends relief already granted to taxpayers covered by the so-called “10-year rule” for inherited IRAs and other defined contribution plans. […]
Do-it-yourself business valuations and the use of unqualified financial experts can increase the odds of making an error, misstatement or erroneous deviation from customary valuation practice. These faux pas could trigger (or worsen) an IRS inquiry or perhaps lead to an embarrassing courtroom mishap. Here are three common valuation pitfalls that qualified valuation professionals are […]
When a loved one passes away, you might think that the options for his or her estate plan have also been laid to rest. But that isn’t necessarily the case. Indeed, there may be postmortem tactics the deceased’s executor (or personal representative), spouse or beneficiaries can employ to help keep his or her estate plan […]