More parents may owe “nanny tax” this year, due to COVID-19
In the COVID-19 era, many parents are hiring nannies and babysitters because their daycare centers and summer camps have closed. This may result in federal “nanny tax” obligations. Keep in mind that the nanny tax may apply to all household workers, including housekeepers, babysitters, gardeners or others who aren’t independent contractors. If you employ someone […]
5 common accounting software mistakes to avoid
No company can afford to operate without the right accounting software. When considering whether to buy a new product or upgrade their current solutions, however, business owners often fall prey to some common mistakes. Here are five gaffes to avoid: 1. Relying on a generic solution. Some companies rush into buying an accounting system without […]
Thoughtful onboarding is more important than ever
Although many businesses have had to reduce their workforces because of the COVID-19 pandemic, others are hiring or may start adding employees in the weeks or months ahead. A thoughtful onboarding program has become more important than ever in today’s anxious environment of safety concerns and compliance challenges. Crucial opportunity Onboarding refers to “[a formal] […]
File cash transaction reports for your business — on paper or electronically
Does your business receive large amounts of cash or cash equivalents? Business accounting principles indicate you may be required to submit forms to the IRS to report these transactions. A little tax planning can assist you. Filing requirements Each person engaged in a trade or business who, in the course of operating, receives more than […]
The tax implications of employer-provided life insurance
Does your employer provide you with group term life insurance? As an Indianapolis accountant, we have seen this scenario many times. So if you do and if the coverage is higher than $50,000, this employee benefit may create undesirable income tax consequences for you. “Phantom income” The first $50,000 of group term life insurance coverage […]
2020 – 07/28 – Are scholarships tax-free or taxable?
If your child has been awarded a scholarship, congratulations! But be aware that there may be tax implications. Scholarships and fellowships are generally tax-free for students at elementary, middle and high schools, as well as those attending college, graduate school or accredited vocational schools. It doesn’t matter if the scholarship makes a direct payment to […]
Why do partners sometimes report more income on tax returns than they receive in cash?
If you’re a partner in a business, you may have come across a situation that gave you pause. In a given year, you may be taxed on more partnership income than was distributed to you from the partnership in which you’re a partner. Why is this? The answer lies in the way partnerships and […]
Reopening concepts: What business owners should consider
A widely circulated article about the COVID-19 pandemic, written by author Tomas Pueyo in March, described efforts to cope with the crisis as “the hammer and the dance.” The hammer was the abrupt shutdown of most businesses and institutions; the dance is the slow reopening of them — figuratively tiptoeing out to see whether […]
Even if no money changes hands, bartering is a taxable transaction
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many small businesses are strapped for cash. They may find it beneficial to barter for goods and services instead of paying cash for them. If your business gets involved in bartering, remember that the fair market value of goods that you receive in bartering is taxable income. And if you […]
Does your business have a unique selling proposition?
Many business owners — particularly those who own smaller companies — spend so much time trying to eliminate weaknesses that they never fully capitalize on their strengths. One way to do so is to identify and explicate your unique selling proposition (USP). Give it some thought In a nutshell, a USP states why customers […]
