Ask the right questions about your IT strategy
For many businesses, technology is an evolving challenge. To refine your IT strategy, ask the right questions. For example, are you still bogged down with paper files or traditional digital spreadsheets? More-advanced software may help. Could fully integrating key systems eliminate “information silos” and a digital asset-sharing policy improve collaboration? Do you offer training to maximize your ROI? Is there a comprehensive security policy in place? Last, what do your users say about your technology? Getting answers to such queries can keep your tech tip-top.
The TCJA changes some rules for deducting pass-through business losses
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act restricts the losses that owners of pass-through entities (including sole proprietors) can currently deduct. For tax years beginning in 2018 through 2025, an “excess business loss” can’t be deducted in the current year. This is the excess of your aggregate business deductions for the tax year over the sum of 1) your aggregate business income and gains for the tax year and 2) $250,000 ($500,000 if you’re a married joint-filer). The excess business loss is carried over to the next tax year. Additional rules apply. Contact us for details.
Be aware of the tax consequences before selling your home
In many parts of the country, summer is peak season for selling a home. If you’re planning to put your home on the market soon, don’t neglect to consider the tax consequences. The TCJA preserves the home sale gain exclusion, so if you’re selling your principal residence, you can exclude up to $250,000 ($500,000 for joint filers) of gain, as long as you meet certain tests. A loss generally won’t be deductible, but if part of your home is rented out or used exclusively for your business, the loss attributable to that portion might be. Contact us with any questions.
4 ways to encourage innovation in customer service
Business innovation usually focuses on coming up with a revolutionary product or service. But it can apply to customer service, too. How? First, don’t fear failure: If a bold initiative fails, heed the lessons learned. Also, link compensation to employees’ contributions. Create a formal program offering cash rewards or other gifts to innovative thinkers. When someone does come up with an actionable idea, praise that individual company wide. Last, and perhaps most simply, just pretend you’re a customer to get a firsthand perspective on what you could do better.
Can you deduct business travel when it’s combined with a vacation?
This summer are you going on a business trip in the U.S. and tacking on some vacation days? Are you a business owner or self-employed? You may be able to deduct some of your expenses. Transportation costs to and from the business activity location may be 100% deductible if the primary reason for the trip is business. Out-of-pocket expenses for business days are generally fully deductible. Examples include lodging, meals (subject to the 50% disallowance rule), seminar and convention fees, and cab fare. Additional rules and limits apply. Contact us with questions.
Cost control takes a total team effort
They say you’ve got to spend money to make money. But that doesn’t mean business owners should accept high operational costs. Cost control is a formal management technique through which you evaluate operations and isolate activities with excessive expenses. It forces you to ask tough questions about the efficiency of your business, how much you’re paying for supplies or materials, and whether technological upgrades are needed. This isn’t something you can do on your own. You’ll need a total team effort from managers and advisors. Let us be a part of that team.
IRS Audit Techniques Guides provide clues to what may come up if your business is audited
IRS examiners use Audit Techniques Guides (ATGs) to prepare for audits, and small business owners can use them, too. Many ATGs target specific industries, such as construction. Others address issues that frequently arise in audits, such as executive compensation and fringe benefits. Although ATGs were created to enhance IRS examiner proficiency, they also can help small businesses ensure they aren’t engaging in practices that could raise red flags with the IRS. For more information on ATGs and red flags that may be relevant to your business, contact us.
Do you need to adjust your withholding?
If you received a large refund after filing your 2017 income tax return, you’re probably enjoying the influx of cash. But it also means you essentially made the government an interest-free loan. This would usually indicate that you should consider reducing your withholding. But 2018 is a little different: To reflect TCJA changes, the IRS updated the withholding tables, generally reducing the amount withheld. The new tables might cause some taxpayers to not have enough withheld. Contact us for help determining whether you should adjust your 2018 withholding.
Say, just how competitive is your business anyway?
To be successful, a business must be competitive. Is yours? Here are some ways to assess this: First, examine your operating environment. Anything from severe weather to a sudden change in buying trends could affect competitiveness. Next, identify important tangible and intangible resources. Technological obsolescence, for example, could change everything. Then look at the strength of your leadership team. Flagging employee morale could leave you struggling. Last, evaluate relationships with suppliers, customers and regulators. Make sure all are in good shape.
Get started on 2018 tax planning now!
With the April 17 individual income tax filing deadline behind you (or with your 2017 tax return on the back burner if you filed for an extension), you may be hoping to not think about taxes for the next several months. But for maximum tax savings, now is the time to start tax planning for 2018. It’s especially critical to get an early start this year because the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has substantially changed the tax environment. We can help you determine how the new law affects you and what strategies you should implement to minimize your tax liability.