The cost (or asset-based) approach to valuing a business focuses on the balance sheet. This financial statement reports “book values” for the company’s assets and liabilities. Here’s how the cost approach works and when it might be an appropriate method of valuation. Book value vs. fair market value Amounts reported on a company’s balance sheet […]
The IRS announced it is opening the 2021 individual income tax return filing season on January 24. (Business returns are already being accepted.) Even if you typically don’t file until much closer to the April deadline (or you file for an extension until October), consider filing earlier this year. Why? You can potentially protect yourself […]
It’s a common problem every year. Employers discover that, when their 401(k) plans must make required minimum distributions, the addresses on file for some distributees have become invalid. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the IRS have both offered guidance about dealing with participants and beneficiaries who are unresponsive or cannot be located — […]
A primary purpose of estate planning is to ensure that your wealth is distributed according to your wishes after you die. But if a family member challenges the plan, that purpose may be defeated. If the challenge is successful, a judge will decide who’ll inherit your property. Will contests and similar challenges often occur when […]
While Congress didn’t pass the Build Back Better Act in 2021, there are still tax changes that may affect your tax situation for this year. That’s because some tax figures are adjusted annually for inflation. If you’re like most people, you’re probably more concerned about your 2021 tax bill right now than you are about […]
In recent years, Congress has undertaken efforts to protect American health care consumers from “surprise billing.” This problem occurs when those covered by health insurance suddenly find themselves hit with unexpected medical bills — often of several thousand dollars or more — because of hard-to-detect coverage gaps. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, passed in December 2020, included […]
Ineffective inventory management and reporting can result in bloated working capital and impaired business profits. In industries that rely on overseas suppliers, best practices for managing inventory may have recently changed. In today’s uncertain marketplace, it’s clearly a good idea to review your current approach and make adjustments as needed. What’s the right reporting method? […]
In Tax Tip 2021-103, the IRS recently reminded employers to undertake a thorough selection process when choosing a payroll services provider. Proceeding carefully is critical to both lessening the likelihood of fraud and ensuring that your compliance obligations are met. When deciding on a payroll service provider, employers should clearly understand their payroll and employment tax […]
The number of people engaged in the “gig” or sharing economy has grown in recent years. In an August 2021 survey, the Pew Research Center found that 16% of Americans have earned money at some time through online gig platforms. This includes providing car rides, shopping for groceries, walking dogs, performing household tasks, running errands […]
The “stretch” IRA generally no longer exists. But if you have a substantial balance in a traditional IRA, a properly designed charitable remainder trust (CRT) can allow you to replicate many of its benefits. SECURE Act’s effects on stretch IRAs For years, a stretch IRA was an effective tool that allowed your children or other […]
Valuation experts often use discounted cash flow (DCF) techniques to determine the value of a business or estimate economic losses. A critical input in a DCF model is the cost of capital. This is the rate that’s used to discount future earnings into today’s dollars. Small changes in this rate can have a major impact […]
Although your will or revocable trust governs the distribution of many or most of your assets, certain assets — such as retirement plans, insurance policies, and bank or brokerage accounts — require you to name a beneficiary (or beneficiaries). This can be an advantage, because when you die, the funds can pass directly to your […]