If you’re claiming deductions for business meals or auto expenses, expect the IRS to closely review them. In some cases, taxpayers have incomplete documentation or try to create records months (or years) later. In doing so, they fail to meet the strict substantiation requirements set forth under tax law. Tax auditors are adept at rooting […]
Hit Or Miss: Is Your Working Capital On-Target?
Working capital equals the difference between current assets and current liabilities. Organizations need a certain amount of working capital to run their operations smoothly. The optimal (or “target”) amount of working capital depends on the nature of operations and the industry. Inefficient working capital management can hinder growth and performance. Benchmarks The term “liquidity” refers […]
Estate Planning in the FAST Lane
Traditionally, estate planning has focused on more technical objectives, such as minimizing gift and estate taxes and protecting assets against creditors’ claims or lawsuits. These goals are still important, but affluent families are increasingly turning their attention to “softer,” yet equally critical, aspirations, such as educating the younger generation, preparing them to manage wealth responsibly, […]
Nonprofits: Limit Disaster Damage With A Plan
COVID-19 was a kind of disaster most not-for-profits weren’t prepared for. As your organization recovers from this unusual event, don’t let it become vulnerable to other, more common, threats. Every nonprofit needs a formal disaster plan for such risks as a fire, natural disaster or terrorist attack. Isolate threats No organization can anticipate or eliminate […]
The Long And Short Of Succession Planning
For many business owners, putting together a succession plan may seem like an overwhelming task. It might even seem unnecessary for those who are relatively young and have no intention of giving up ownership anytime soon. But if the past year or so have taught us anything, it’s that anything can happen. Owners who’ve built […]
Director Kathy Corcoran Celebrates 20 Years
Kathy joined Wheeler Wolfenden and Dwares, CPAs in 2001, after graduating from the University of Delaware with a bachelor of science degree in Accounting. Congratulations on 20 years!
Plan Ahead For The 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax
High-income taxpayers face a 3.8% net investment income tax (NIIT) that’s imposed in addition to regular income tax. Fortunately, there are some steps you may be able to take to reduce its impact. The NIIT applies to you only if modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds: $250,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly and surviving spouses, […]
Hiring Your Minor Children This Summer? Reap Tax And Nontax Benefits
If you’re a business owner and you hire your children this summer, you can obtain tax breaks and other nontax benefits. The kids can gain on-the-job experience, spend time with you, save for college and learn how to manage money. And you may be able to: Shift your high-taxed income into tax-free or low-taxed income, […]
How To Strengthen Your Internal Controls
Internal controls are a system of policies and procedures organizations put in place to protect assets and improve operating efficiency. Effective internal controls are critical to accurate financial reporting. A solid system of controls can help prevent, detect and correct financial misstatements due to errors and fraud. Internal and external risk factors evolve over time. […]
Are You Holding A Joint Title To Property With A Family Member Or Friend?
Owning assets jointly with one or more of your children or other heirs is a common estate planning “shortcut.” But like many shortcuts, it may produce unintended — and costly — consequences. Joint ownership advantages There are two potential advantages to joint ownership: convenience and probate avoidance. If you hold title to property with a […]