The Benefits of Outsourced Accounting
In today’s business environment, companies are constantly seeking ways to optimize operations and enhance efficiency. One strategy gaining prominence is outsourcing, particularly accounting functions. Outsourcing accounting services can offer a myriad of benefits, revolutionizing a business’s financial landscape. Firstly, outsourcing allows companies to tap into a pool of skilled professionals without the burden…
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$1 Billion in Unclaimed Property Held by the Alabama Treasury
We run this post periodically, and each time, several people report finding funds held by the State of Alabama. Each year, unclaimed or abandoned assets are turned over to Alabama Unclaimed Property by financial institutions and businesses that lose contact with the owners. Currently, approximately $1 billion in unclaimed funds is being held by the…
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Structure Disability Benefits to be Tax-Free
Many employers provide long-term disability benefits to employees. It’s a great benefit, but no one considers the tax side. Typical policy benefits pay the equivalent of 50%-70% of the normal salary. That could be adequate if the benefits are not taxable. If they are taxable, you’ll wind up with significantly less income. For example, let’s…
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Alabama Business Privilege Tax Changes for 2024
Alabama House Bill 391 reduced the minimum state business privilege tax in 2023 from $100 to $50. Beginning in 2024, businesses that are subject to the minimum tax ($100 or less) are completely exempt from paying the tax and filing a Business Privilege Tax Return (BPTIN/CPT/PPT). This means many single-member entities will no longer be…
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Interpreting Financial Statements: The Story Behind the Numbers
Financial statements serve as a window into the health and performance of a business, offering valuable insights for investors, analysts, and stakeholders. The statements, including the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement, provide a comprehensive view of a company’s financial position (and health). Let’s dive into what these statements can reveal: Income Statement:…
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Update on the CPA Profession
When talking with clients, I always like to know how their business is going. I love to hear about everything: their team, sales, challenges, etc. When asked the same question, I usually respond, “Business is great, and we’re looking for more.” However, one of the accounting profession’s biggest challenges is the need for more people…
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Stepped Up Basis – What is it and Why it’s Important
The stepped-up basis applies to assets inherited at someone’s death. The IRS resets the asset’s original cost basis to its value at the decedent’s date of death. If the asset is later sold, the heir pays capital gains on the gain (if any) on the sale proceeds less the stepped-up basis. So, if sold immediately…
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Employee Fraud, Internal Control and Segregation of Duties
Employee Fraud, Internal Control and Segregation of Duties Unfortunately, employee theft is rising at the rate of 15% annually. The US Department of Commerce reports that $50 billion annually is lost to employee theft. While the average theft is small and relatively short-lived, it isn’t uncommon for theft to last multiple years and cost millions…
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Beneficial Ownership Reporting in 2024
The Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”) was a significant piece of U.S. legislation signed into law in January 2021. The CTA was created to address issues related to money laundering, fraud, and other financial crimes, including those committed by anonymous shell companies. Shell companies are set up without revealing their true owners and can be exploited…
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IRS Increases Enforcement on Aggressive Employee Retention Credit Claims
The IRS announced enforcement action against dubious Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claims by sending over 20,000 letters to taxpayers notifying the recipients of disallowed ERC claims. This compliance effort results from a review revealing many taxpayers didn’t meet the ERC criteria. Recipients not eligible for the credit will receive Letter 105 C, “Claim Disallowed.” The…
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