Since its passage in late 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) has given business owners and their tax advisors plenty to think about. One ongoing item of interest to contractors is whether their chosen business structure still makes sense in light of tax law reform. What’s the deal? The TCJA slashed federal corporate […]
Category: Tax
Deconstructing the TCJA’s deduction for business income
We’re fast approaching the one-year anniversary of the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). All these months later, the law continues to challenge tax experts and business owners alike as they try to implement strategies to maximize the tax savings from the act. One example is the new tax deduction for qualified […]
After the TCJA: How to keep the giving going this holiday season
Thanksgiving through the end of the year is traditionally the big fundraising season for nonprofits. In one GuideStar survey, U.S. charities received as much as 50% of their annual donations between October and December. And although the holiday spirit moves many donors to give, it’s the charitable tax deduction that typically spurs them to make […]
Tips on managing and reducing payroll costs
Every construction company must pay its employees, so some payroll costs are unavoidable. But precisely how you should go about paying your employees can change over time. What made sense a few years ago may not be as logical or efficient now. Let’s look at some ways contractors can streamline payroll tasks to keep costs […]
Educating donors about what they can — and can’t — deduct
Education may not officially be part of your nonprofit’s mission. But while working with donors, you’ve probably noticed that many are confused about the federal tax deductibility of their contributions. To help prevent unwelcome surprises when donors file their returns, inform them about the tax benefits of different types of donations. Cash, ordinary income and […]
Planning can help your nonprofit minimize negative effects
Months after the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was signed into law, nonprofits are still trying to assess its consequences. Some of the early proposals that raised alarms in the charitable sector — such as a repeal of the Johnson amendment — didn’t make it into the final version of the law. But there’s […]
What contractors should know about bonus depreciation
As projects heat up, construction company owners often find they must buy additional equipment or other assets to ensure project success and remain competitive. Because return on investment for high-dollar purchases can take years, finding the right tax deductions to help offset costs is critical to staying in the black. The good news is that, […]
PATH Act bonuses for smaller construction companies
If yours is a smaller construction company, you may think you’re even further behind the eight ball when it comes to claiming the research tax credit. After all, large businesses can presumably allocate staff and resources to innovation more readily. But smaller construction businesses should still give it a try — and the Protecting Americans […]
How contractors may claim the research tax credit
The research credit (often called the “research and development” or “R&D” credit) incentivizes businesses to step up their investments in research. Although calculating the break isn’t exactly easy, the end result can be well worth the effort. Generalities and specifics To be eligible for the research credit, an innovation-seeking business activity generally must: Relate to […]