Construction

Businesses also benefit from new law
Most of the press coverage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act - officially named the American Recovery and Investment Act - focused on individual taxpayers. But, several key provisions of the new law bestow tax benefits on businesses, particularly smaller businesses. Businesses purchasing equipment, vehicles and other business assets may claim an almost immediate tax write-off for the cost. If you need to purchase additional assets of almost any type for your construction business, there is no better time than now.

'Shovel ready' companies stand to do well in 2009
Much of the federal government’s effort to stimulate economic recovery is cast in a sense of urgency. While the government is committing billions of dollars to projects designed to increase employment, restart the banking system, create a new energy policy and reform the healthcare system, all of these plans are being pursued with a need to get something started now and work out the details later. It is clear that many of these efforts will involve construction projects. There should be numerous opportunities for those in the construction industry who have the know-how, the financing and the skilled workers ready to capitalize on the opportunities that will present themselves over the coming months.

Report details common real estate crimes
Financial crimes tend to follow happenings in the real estate industry, according to the Financial Crimes enforcement network (FinCEN). FinCEN is a U.S. Department of Treasury agency that works to enhance U.S. national security, deter and detect criminal activity and safeguard financial systems from abuse. One in four suspicious activity reports filed concern actions from the real estate industry – from rehabbers to builders to contractors.

   

Federal Tax Watch Special Issue - February 2008

Congress passes economic stimulus package

Industrial Manufacturing

Jobs will open as Baby Boomers retire
Based on statistics, at least 83 million Baby Boomers will begin retiring in the next three to five years. While many are delaying retirement as their savings have diminished in the current economy, millions will be retiring soon. This is predicted to have serious consequences in the labor force, leaving businesses with fewer people to fill positions than they have positions available.

Cost segregation worth a look
It is probably one of the most effective – and misunderstood – tax-saving tools in your accountant’s toolbox. It is a cost segregation study. And tax experts generally agree that these studies, which affect both rental residential and commercial properties, are worth the time, effort and cost typically associated with them. But before you pick up the phone to call your accountant, you should know that cost segregation studies are not for every business, and circumstances vary in which a business benefits from this unique money-saving analysis.

R&D tax credit still available, may save you tax
The Research and Development (R&D) tax credit is like the mythological phoenix. It regularly expires, only to be resurrected over and over again. The credit came into being in 1981. For more than a quarter of a century, this tax benefit has eluded many small and mid-sized businesses. For one thing, Congress has never found the budgetary resources to make the credit permanent. The perennial short-term nature of the credit makes it difficult for some businesses to invest in the record-keeping resources necessary to support the complex credit calculations. But after more than 30 years, perhaps it is time for your business to consider the fact that the R&D credit is as permanent as any other tax provision.


Monthly Tax Tips

July 2009
‘Cash for Clunkers’ legislation enacted June 24, 2009

Thinking of trading an old vehicle this year? The government is offering "Cash for Clunkers" to take environmentally outdated cars off the road.

Federal Tax Watch

‘Reasonable’ bonus upheld by court of appeals
The Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit has handed closely held corporations a major victory on the issue of deducting compensation paid to shareholder-employees. In the case of Menard, Inc. v. Commissioner (No. 08-2125, 7th Cir. 3/10/09, rev'g T.C. Memo 2005-3), the appeals court overturned a contrary decision rendered by the United States Tax Court and allowed a deduction for more than $17 million paid as a bonus to the CEO and controlling shareholder of a home improvement retailer.

Let the government help you go green with new tax credits
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides a number of energy incentives for individual taxpayers.

Tax breaks may ease the pain of job hunting
As the current recession lumbers through its second year, the unemployment rate continues to climb. Apart from other considerations, if your company finds that it must lay off employees, you may want to soften the blow by informing these employees that the first $2,400 of their unemployment benefits in 2009 is not taxable. It also may be a good idea to review some of the tax breaks that are available to those who find themselves in the job market – for whatever reason.

Moving for a new job? Don’t overlook tax deductions
If you anticipate laying off employees, arm them with the knowledge they need to diminish the financial setback. They should know that, if a new job requires them to move, they may be entitled to a moving expense deduction. This tax deduction is available even to non-itemizers.

Mid-Year Tax Planning for 2006

Now is an excellent time to consider steps you might take to reduce your taxes for the current year. Click here to begin your tax planning today.

Tax Rate Card

Download our new Tax Rate Card now.

   

General Business/Management Strategies

How to discuss employee behavior problems
Managers are often paralyzed when faced with an employee with a behavioral quirk that is disrupting the workplace. Behavioral problems may negatively affect a person’s relationships with co-workers -– and possibly with customers –- and could ultimately hurt productivity.

Temporary employees may be the answer to your staffing needs
While temporary and contract employees have been used for years, the use of temps nearly tripled in the last decade –from 1.28 million in 1990 to 3.42 million in 2000, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Businesses offer help to those hit by hard times
In these extraordinary economic times, a little kindness goes a long way. That’s what experts say about the good deeds they are seeing in response to the growing number of unemployed in the United States. Across the nation, individuals are reaching out to those who have been fired, laid off or are otherwise without a job because of the financial meltdown.

Physician Services

Valuations


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