IRS Stops Processing Employee Retention Claims
On September 14th, IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel announced an immediate halt to processing ERC claims, citing concerns over improper/fraudulent claims. To date, the IRS has processed 3.6 million claims. In the last 90 days, 600,000 claims have been received – 15% of total claims submitted. The fear is many of the newly submitted claims do…
Read More
2023 Changes for First Year Expensing of Business Property
As we get closer to year-end, it’s a good idea to consider first-year expensing for eligible property and equipment already purchased and any anticipated purchases before year-end. In 2023, there are two options for businesses to take accelerated first-year depreciation deductions: (1) Section 179 and (2) bonus depreciation. Section 179 Deduction IRC Section 179 allows…
Read More
Jefferson County & Alabama Property Tax Overview
Valuation Process Jefferson County recently sent out valuation notices for properties with an increase in value or change in boundary. The county utilizes a mass appraisal process set forth by the Alabama Department of Revenue. When a sale within a neighborhood indicates an increase or decrease, valuations are adjusted. If you received a notice and…
Read More
Guidance Provided for Overtime Pay Exempt from Alabama Income Tax
In June, we reported that the Alabama Legislature passed HB217, which eliminates the 5% withholding tax on overtime from January 2024 through June 2025. Employers are subject to reporting for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Now, the Alabama Department of Revenue has published reporting guidance and FAQs. Historical 2023 overtime data must be submitted by January…
Read More
IRS Offers Relief on IRA Withdrawals
The SECURE Act of 2019 required non-spouse beneficiaries who inherited an IRA after December 31, 2019, to withdraw all the funds within ten years of the original owner’s death. The ACT also increased the RMD age from 70 ½ to 72. Next, the SECURE 2.0 Act increased the RMD age to 73 beginning in 2023….
Read More
A Personal Experience with Identity Theft
Two weeks ago, someone gained access to our joint bank account through my wife’s login. We still don’t know and understand how. My wife uses an iPad a never uses public WIFI. Somehow the perpetrator was able to log in and change the password, email address and phone number. No notification was sent to the…
Read More
Tips for Improving Cybersecurity
Unfortunately, we live with the constant threat of cyber breaches and stolen data. Individuals are at risk for the loss of personal data & financial loss. If you’re a business owner, there is a real risk of someone gaining access to your network through an employee’s careless click. Ransomware is a real threat, with an…
Read More
Supply Chain Risks Likely to Continue
S&P Global recently released a report titled “Look Forward: A World in Disruption.” The report details all the risks to the global economy and supply chain. The world is in more debt than ever before with the total estimated at $300 trillion or $37,500 for every person in the world compared to GDP per person…
Read More
What Triggers an IRS Letter or Audit?
IRS audit rates remain historically low. According to the 2022 General Accounting Office, .25% of all individual returns were audited in 2019 versus .90% in 2020. Letters for matching errors or return discrepancies are much more common. So how does the IRS check returns and decide who gets a letter or audit? IRS Matching Program…
Read More
Alabama Department of Revenue Letters Misreporting Nonpayment by Taxpayers
Following this most recent 2022 filing season, many taxpayers in Alabama have reported receiving letters regarding nonpayment. This situation has caused concern among taxpayers and highlighted the need for effective communication and guidance. Nonpayment Letters Nonpayment letters have been particularly prevalent in the case of fiduciary returns, specifically Trust Returns (Form 41). Although the reasons…
Read More