Generative AI can help prevent, detect and investigate fraud
January 23, 2024 Knowledge Center
Generative AI can help prevent, detect and investigate fraud

You may already be familiar with artificial intelligence (AI) and even use it in business applications. What about generative AI (Gen AI)? Gen AI typically is used to create new content (such as text, images, code and video) from raw data and includes such popular systems as ChatGPT and DALL-E. Gen AI can also help […]

Is your organization subject to OSHA’s new final rule on electronic recordkeeping?
January 18, 2024 Knowledge Center
Is your organization subject to OSHA’s new final rule on electronic recordkeeping?

Most employers are familiar with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The government agency’s stated mission is “to ensure the safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.” One important new development involving OSHA is its final rule on electronic recordkeeping […]

Auditing concepts: Close-up on materiality
January 18, 2024 Knowledge Center
Auditing concepts: Close-up on materiality

As audit season begins for calendar-year entities, it’s important to review issues that may arise during fieldwork. One common issue is materiality. This concept is used to determine what’s important enough to be included in — and what can be omitted from — a financial statement. Here’s how materiality is determined and used during an […]

Court awards and out-of-court settlements may (or may not) be taxed
January 12, 2024 Knowledge Center
Court awards and out-of-court settlements may (or may not) be taxed

Monetary awards and settlements are often provided for an array of reasons. For example, a person could receive compensatory and punitive damage payments for personal injury, discrimination or harassment. Some of this money is taxed by the federal government, and perhaps by state governments. Hopefully, you’ll never need to know how payments for personal injuries […]

Don’t overlook taxes when contemplating a move to another state
January 11, 2024 Knowledge Center
Don’t overlook taxes when contemplating a move to another state

When you retire, you may think about moving to another state — perhaps because the weather is more temperate or because you want to be closer to family members. Don’t forget to factor state and local taxes into the equation. Establishing residency for state tax purposes may be more complex than you think. Pinpoint all […]

Key 2024 inflation-adjusted tax amounts for individuals
January 9, 2024 Knowledge Center
Key 2024 inflation-adjusted tax amounts for individuals

The IRS recently announced various 2024 inflation-adjusted federal tax amounts that affect individual taxpayers. Most of the federal income tax rate bracket thresholds are about 5.4% higher than for 2023. That means that you can generally have about 5.4% more income next year without owing more to the federal government. Standard deduction  Here are the […]

The “nanny tax” must be paid for nannies and other household workers
January 5, 2024 Knowledge Center
The “nanny tax” must be paid for nannies and other household workers

You may have heard of the “nanny tax.” But if you don’t employ a nanny, you may think it doesn’t apply to you. Check again. Hiring a housekeeper, gardener or other household employee (who isn’t an independent contractor) may make you liable for federal income and other taxes. You may also have state tax obligations. […]

Accounting: How to embrace cutting-edge technology
December 29, 2023 Knowledge Center
Accounting: How to embrace cutting-edge technology

Technology is transforming the accounting profession. When businesses moved from paper ledgers to spreadsheets, it improved the timeliness, accuracy and integrity of accounting-related data. Likewise, cloud computing and the ability to remotely access real-time data have allowed accounting departments to be far more responsive to an increasingly distributed workforce. Artificial intelligence (AI) is the latest […]

A hybrid DAPT can offer the asset protection you need
December 29, 2023 Knowledge Center
A hybrid DAPT can offer the asset protection you need

Asset protection is a vital part of estate planning. Indeed, you want to pass on as much of your wealth to family and friends as possible. This can be achieved only if you shield your assets from frivolous creditors’ claims and lawsuits. One option available is to establish a domestic asset protection trust (DAPT) in […]

What is your external auditor’s responsibility for cybersecurity?
December 28, 2023 Knowledge Center
What is your external auditor’s responsibility for cybersecurity?

Data breaches can be costly. The average total cost of a data breach has risen to roughly $4.45 million, according to a 2023 survey of information technology (IT) security professionals by the Ponemon Institute (a research center dedicated to privacy, data protection and information security policy). That figure has grown 15% overall in the last […]

Fraud prevention strategies for entrepreneurs and small businesses
December 22, 2023 Knowledge Center
Fraud prevention strategies for entrepreneurs and small businesses

Fraud occurs in companies of every size. But small businesses, especially new ones, have special risks because they generally can’t invest in expensive fraud-prevention programs. Thankfully, there are simple yet effective strategies that can reduce the likelihood of fraud, however small or new your company is. Understand the risk Fraud schemes can involve employees (occupational […]

2024 limits and thresholds for qualified retirement plans
December 21, 2023 Knowledge Center
2024 limits and thresholds for qualified retirement plans

In Notice 2023-75, the IRS recently announced the dollar limits and thresholds for qualified retirement plans in 2024, reflecting the latest cost-of-living adjustments. Here are some relevant amounts to be aware of: Contribution limits for 401(k)s and other defined contribution plans. The annual limit on contributions will increase to $23,000 (up from $22,500) for 401(k), […]