3 steps to “stress test” your business
August 27, 2020 Knowledge Center
3 steps to “stress test” your business

During the COVID-19 crisis, you can’t afford to lose sight of other ongoing risk factors, such as cyberthreats, fraud, emerging competition and natural disasters. A so-called “stress test” can help reveal blind spots that threaten to disrupt your business. A comprehensive stress test requires the following three steps. 1. Identify the risks your business faces […]

What happens if an individual can’t pay taxes
August 27, 2020 Knowledge Center
What happens if an individual can’t pay taxes

While you probably don’t have any problems paying your tax bills, you may wonder: What happens in the event you (or someone you know) can’t pay taxes on time? Here’s a look at the options. Most importantly, don’t let the inability to pay your tax liability in full keep you from filing a tax return […]

Unmasking fraud during this economic downturn
August 25, 2020 Knowledge Center
Unmasking fraud during this economic downturn

Fraud tends to flourish during periods of prosperity. The reason is simple: When companies experience fast-growing revenues and rising net profits, they may lack a strong incentive to divert resources to preventing and detecting fraud. Fraud schemes can go undetected for months, even years. Furthermore, the sheer volume of legitimate transactions during thriving economic times […]

Will You Have to Pay Tax on Your Social Security Benefits?
August 25, 2020 Knowledge Center
Will You Have to Pay Tax on Your Social Security Benefits?

If you’re getting close to retirement, you may wonder: Are my Social Security benefits going to be taxed? And if so, how much will you have to pay? It depends on your other income. If you’re taxed, between 50% and 85% of your benefits could be taxed. (This doesn’t mean you pay 85% of your […]

The tax implications of employer-provided life insurance
August 21, 2020 Knowledge Center
The tax implications of employer-provided life insurance

Does your employer provide you with group term life insurance? If so, and if the coverage is higher than $50,000, this employee benefit may create undesirable income tax consequences for you. “Phantom income” The first $50,000 of group term life insurance coverage that your employer provides is excluded from taxable income and doesn’t add anything […]

More parents may owe “nanny tax” this year, due to COVID-19
August 20, 2020 Knowledge Center
More parents may owe “nanny tax” this year, due to COVID-19

In the COVID-19 era, many parents are hiring nannies and babysitters because their daycare centers and summer camps have closed. This may result in federal “nanny tax” obligations. Keep in mind that the nanny tax may apply to all household workers, including housekeepers, babysitters, gardeners or others who aren’t independent contractors. If you employ someone […]

5 good reasons to turn down an inheritance
August 20, 2020 Knowledge Center
5 good reasons to turn down an inheritance

You may use a qualified disclaimer to refuse a bequest from a loved one. Doing so will cause an asset to bypass your estate and go to the next beneficiary in line. What are the reasons you’d take this action? Here are five reasons: 1. Gift and estate tax savings. This is often cited as the […]

5 common accounting software mistakes to avoid
August 18, 2020 Knowledge Center
5 common accounting software mistakes to avoid

No company can afford to operate without the right accounting software. When considering whether to buy a new product or upgrade their current solutions, however, business owners often fall prey to some common mistakes. Here are five gaffes to avoid: 1. Relying on a generic solution. Some companies rush into buying an accounting system without stopping […]

Reporting CAMs in the COVID-19 era
August 18, 2020 Knowledge Center
Reporting CAMs in the COVID-19 era

Starting in 2019, auditors’ reports for certain public companies must contain a new element: critical audit matters (CAMs). The requirement was in effect for audits of large accelerated filers (with market values of $700 million or more) in fiscal years ending on or after June 30, 2019. It goes into effect for smaller public companies in fiscal […]

Fortify your assets against creditors with a trust
August 17, 2020 Knowledge Center
Fortify your assets against creditors with a trust

You may think of trusts as estate planning tools — vehicles for reducing taxes after your death. While trusts can certainly fill that role, they’re also useful for protecting assets, both now and later. After all, the better protected your assets are, the more you’ll have to pass on to loved ones. Creditors, former business […]

Journal entries may signal financial statement fraud
August 14, 2020 Knowledge Center
Journal entries may signal financial statement fraud

With a median loss of $954,000, financial statement fraud is the costliest type of white-collar crime, according to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. Fortunately, auditors and forensic accountants may be able to detect inflated income and other financial manipulation by testing journal entries. Unearthing suspicious entries Financial statement frauds come in many forms. For […]

Because of COVID-19, college-aged children need a basic estate plan
August 13, 2020 Knowledge Center
Because of COVID-19, college-aged children need a basic estate plan

It’s August, and that means it’s time to get ready to go back to school for many students. If your child recently graduated from high school and is heading to college in the next few weeks, besides assembling the essentials — such as clothing, toiletries, bedding and a laptop — consider having your child “pack” […]