Federal Tax News for Businesses

Businesses Targeted for Identity TheftThe IRS is warning businesses that they may be prime targets for identity theft. How do you know if your company’s identity has been stolen? According to the IRS, you should investigate if you receive a: rejection notice for an electronically, filed tax return because a return is already on file notice about…

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How Elements of Control Affect Value

We’ve all heard the phrase that the “whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” But you might not know this theory can apply when valuing business interests.  Control Is ValuableWhen a publicly traded business is acquired in the whole by an outside buyer, it’s often purchased for a greater value on a per share…

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Estate Planning Isn’t Just for the Wealthy

Thanks to today’s favorable federal gift and estate tax rules, most people haven’t amassed enough wealth to worry about federal estate taxes. However, even if you haven’t had the good fortune to win the lotto or inherit millions from a wealthy relative, you still need an estate plan to protect your assets and your loved ones.…

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Learn From Departing Employees

If you want the truth about your company, ask people on the way out. Exit interviews can deliver important inside information. The way departing employees view your organization might be the way things really are. Below is an exit interview questionnaire you can print and give to staff members who are leaving. But first, a few points:…

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Three Approaches to Valuing a Business

Most closely held business owners want to know the value of their investments, especially if they are going to sell or gift shares to family members or charities. Valuing a private business is a complex undertaking, however. The only sure way to appraise a business interest is to hire a valuation professional who understands the current marketplace and the…

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Poor Planning Can Lead to Double Taxation of Trusts

Different states have different rules for determining whether a trust is a “resident” for income tax purposes. State tax liability can depend on the location of settlors, trustees, or beneficiaries. In some situations, a trust could be liable for taxes in multiple states. Fortunately, you may be able to take certain steps to reduce the taxation…

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M&A Reminder: Earnouts Bring Critical Tax Considerations

Merger and acquisition (M&A) activity is widely expected to pick up this year, after a lull in 2022. Amid economic uncertainty, earnouts are likely to play a big role in many deals. The structuring of such transactions could have significant tax implications that affect the ultimate value for both parties. The BasicsEarnout provisions generally arise when…

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A Closer Look at the Excess Earnings Method

The excess earnings method was originally created to compensate wineries and distilleries during Prohibition. Business valuation experts often criticize this method, calling it ambiguous, over-simplified or outdated. But it’s still used in some jurisdictions as a way to value small businesses and professional practices, especially in a divorce setting. IRS DefinitionThe excess earnings method is the subject of IRS Revenue…

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