DOs and DON’Ts to help protect your business expense deductions
June 25, 2025 | Brian Hare, CPA, CGMA
How to help protect your business expense deductions and to stand up to an IRS inspection.
Read MoreMedical expenses: Can you qualify for a tax deduction?
December 16, 2020 | Paula Kennedy, EA
You may be able to deduct some of your medical expenses, including prescription drugs, on your federal tax return. However, the rules make it hard for many people to qualify. But with proper planning, you may be able to time discretionary medical expenses to your advantage for tax purposes. Itemizers must meet a threshold For […]
Rightsizing your sales force to maximize profits
December 16, 2020 | Brian Hare, CPA, CGMA
With a difficult year almost over, and another one on the horizon, now may be a good time to assess the size of your sales force. Maybe the economic changes triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic led you to downsize earlier in the year. Or perhaps you’ve added to your sales team to seize opportunities. In […]
Should you add a IT executive to your staff?
December 9, 2020 | Ryan Burke, CPA, MSF
The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic impact have hurt many companies, especially small businesses. However, for others, the jarring challenges this year have created opportunities and accelerated changes that were probably going to occur all along. One particular area of speedy transformation is technology and hiring an IT executive. It’s never been more important for […]
The QBI deduction basics and a year-end tax tips
December 7, 2020 | Paula Kennedy, EA
If you own a business, you may wonder if you’re eligible to take the qualified business income (QBI) deduction. Sometimes this is referred to as the pass-through deduction or the Section 199A deduction. The QBI deduction: Is available to owners of sole proprietorships, single member limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and S corporations, as well […]
Maximize your 401(k) plan to save for retirement
December 7, 2020 | Brian Hare, CPA, CGMA
Contributing to a tax-advantaged retirement plan can help you reduce taxes and save for retirement. If your employer offers a 401(k) or Roth 401(k) plan, contributing to it is a smart way to build a substantial sum of money. If you’re not already contributing the maximum allowed, consider increasing your contribution rate. Because of tax-deferred […]
Family business owners: Succession and estate planning
December 4, 2020 | Brian Hare, CPA, CGMA
It’s been estimated that there are roughly 5 million family-owned businesses in the United States. Annually, these companies make substantial contributions to both employment figures and the gross domestic product. If you own a family business, one important issue to address is how to best weave together your succession plan and estate planning. Rise to […]
Cash in on depreciation tax savers
December 1, 2020 | Paula Kennedy, EA
As we approach the end of the year, it’s a good time to think about whether your business needs to buy business equipment and other depreciable property to cash in on depreciation tax savers. You may find benefits from the Section 179 depreciation tax deduction for business property. The election provides a tax windfall to […]
Steer clear of the “wash sale” rule when selling stocks
December 1, 2020 | Brian Hare, CPA, CGMA
Are you thinking about selling stock shares at a loss to offset gains that you’ve realized during 2020? If so, it’s important not to run afoul of the “wash sale” rule. IRS may disallow the loss Under this rule, if you sell stock or securities for a loss and buy substantially identical stock or securities […]
Employees: Don’t forget about your FSAs fund
November 30, 2020 | Brian Hare, CPA, CGMA
Many employees take advantage of the opportunity to save taxes by placing funds in their employer’s health or dependent care flexible spending arrangements (FSAs). As the end of 2020 nears, here are some rules and reminders to keep in mind. Health FSAs A pre-tax contribution of $2,750 to a health FSA is permitted in both […]
The importance of S Corporations elections
November 30, 2020 | Brian Hare, CPA, CGMA
S corporations can provide tax advantages over C corporations in the right circumstances. This is true if you expect that the business will incur losses in its early years because shareholders in a C corporation generally get no tax benefit from such losses. Conversely, as an S corporation shareholder, you can deduct your percentage share […]