Forensic accountants are professionals who have received specialized training to uncover fraud and protect against fraud threats. They’re uniquely qualified to review financial statements and business records and to interview employees to find evidence of misrepresentations and theft. In many cases, they’re able to help recover missing funds. So if you suspect fraud and possibly […]
If you’re planning your estate, or you’ve recently inherited assets, you may be unsure of the “cost” (or “basis”) for tax purposes. The current rules Under the current fair market value basis rules (also known as the “step-up and step-down” rules), an heir receives a basis in inherited property equal to its date-of-death value. So, […]
A charitable remainder trust (CRT) allows you to support a favorite charity while potentially boosting your cash flow, shrinking the size of your taxable estate, and reducing or deferring income taxes. In a nutshell, you contribute stock or other assets to an irrevocable trust that provides you — and, if you desire, your spouse (or […]
Analytical software tools will never fully replace auditors, but they can help auditors do their work more efficiently and effectively. Here’s an overview of how data analytics — such as outlier detection, regression analysis and semantic modeling — can enhance the audit process. Auditors bring experience and professional skepticism When it’s appropriate, instead of manually […]
Without trust between you and your employees, your business probably wouldn’t be very successful. Delegating responsibility, sharing ideas, working as a team — all require a certain level of trust. However, too much trust can lead to occupational fraud and conflicts of interest. To maintain the proper balance, establish a policy that outlines your disclosure […]
Businesses rely on internal controls to help ensure the accuracy and integrity of their financial statements, as well as prevent fraud, waste and abuse. Given their importance, internal controls are a key area of focus for internal and external auditors. Many auditors use detailed internal control questionnaires to help evaluate the internal control environment — […]
In some cases, it may be desirable to move a trust to a more favorable jurisdiction. But moving a trust from one state to another can present significant risks, so don’t attempt to do so without considering all the benefits, limitations and risks, and obtaining professional advice. Reasons to move a trust There are many […]
A critical deadline is approaching for many of the businesses that have received loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which was created in March 2020 by the CARES Act. If these borrowers don’t take action before the deadline expires, their loans will become standard loans, and the borrowers could be responsible for repaying the […]
In a recent press release, the Social Security Administration (SSA) advised employers to use its Business Services Online (BSO) Portal to correct employee name and Social Security number (SSN) errors. Doing so will ensure accurate wage reporting for employees. In addition, the SSA announced that it will no longer mail Employer Correction Request Notices (EDCORs) […]
As weather-related events continue to occur with great frequency and severity across the country, it’s possible that one of your 401(k) participants might request a hardship distribution to pay for home repairs. Employers that sponsor 401(k) plans must be prepared to properly determine whether the damage to a participant’s home qualifies for the casualty loss […]
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), signed into law earlier this year, amended and extended the tax credits available to eligible employers that provide paid sick and family leave. This relief is consistent with the COVID-related leave originally provided under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act enacted in March of 2020. Just last month, the […]
Agility — or the ability to react quickly — is essential to surviving and thriving in today’s competitive landscape. Though agile techniques were originally used in the realm of software development, this concept has many applications in the modern business world, including how companies approach their internal audits. Here’s an overview of agile auditing and […]