Payroll Tax Changes and Other Related Matters for 2020

The FICA tax calculation is comprised of two components: Social Security (SS) and Medicare (MDCR). The federal unemployment tax wage base will remain the same for 2020.

What Employers Should Know About the SECURE Act

The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act was mainly intended to help individuals save more for retirement. But the new law also contains provisions that help simplify the administration of retirement plans for employers and allow more employees to participate in 401(k) plans. Here are some provisions that may affect business owners.

New Spending Law Contains Holiday Surprises

On December 20, President Trump signed into law the annual government spending package, which includes amendments to the tax law, the repeal of certain Affordable Care Act (ACA) taxes and various retirement measures. Here’s an overview of key changes that will affect businesses and individual taxpayers.

National Tax Security Awareness Week

This week marked the 4th National Tax Security Awareness Week. A joint effort between the Internal Revenue Service, state tax agencies, and the nation’s tax industry, this week seeks to raise awareness among taxpayers regarding the importance of online security awareness steps that everyone should take to safeguard their personal information.

Estate Planning Isn’t Just for the Wealthy

Nearly everyone should consider updating his or her estate plan. This is smart advice even if you’re not currently exposed to the federal estate tax.

Using Your 401(k) Plan to Save this Year and Next

Have you been contributing enough in 2019 to your employer’s 401(k) plan or Roth 401(k)? Here are the contribution limits for this year and the just-announced limit for 2020.

Business owners, your bad debts may be deductible

Business owners who hold a business-related debt that’s become worthless or uncollectible may be able to claim a “bad debt” deduction. But there are a few hoops to jump through and not all debts are eligible. This article examines those hoops and touches on the accounting concept of “charge-offs” when it comes to business bad debts.

Understanding and Controlling the Unemployment Tax Costs of Your Business

As an employer, you must pay federal unemployment (FUTA) tax on amounts up to $7,000 paid to each employee as wages during the calendar year. The rate of tax imposed is 6% but can be reduced by a credit. Most employers end up paying an effective FUTA tax rate of 0.6%.

New Overtime Pay Rules Finalized for 2020

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has issued the long-anticipated final version of its overtime eligibility rules. The changes will take effect on January 1, 2020. As a result, the DOL estimates that 1.3 million workers will be newly eligible for overtime pay. Are any of them on your payroll? Read on to find out.

Cost Segregation Studies Can Benefit Business Owners

Any business owner who’s acquired, constructed or substantially improved a building this year — or even in previous years — should read up on the tax benefits of a cost segregation study. This article explains how undertaking one may lead to accelerated depreciation deductions, which reduce current taxes and boost cash flow.