Family business focus: Taking it to the next level
Family businesses often start out small, with casual operational approaches. However, informal (or nonexistent) policies and procedures can become problematic as such companies grow. If you’re ready to take your company to the next level, take aim at these four areas: 1) Performance management; write job descriptions, provide training and implement an equitable employee performance management system. 2) Business processes; document and enhance every process to reduce manual effort and redundancies. 3) Strategic planning; build a leadership team, hold regular meetings and share goals with staff. 4) Information technology; work on integrating your systems and fortifying cybersecurity.
How inflation will affect your 2024 and 2025 tax bills
The IRS recently announced next year’s inflation-adjusted tax amounts. The 2025 standard deduction will increase to $15,000 for single taxpayers, $30,000 for married couples filing jointly and $22,500 for heads of household. This is up from the 2024 amounts of $14,600 for singles, $29,200 for joint filers and $21,900 for heads of household. For 2025, the highest tax rate of 37% will affect singles and heads of households with income exceeding $626,350 ($751,600 for joint filers). This is up from 2024 when the 37% rate affects single taxpayers and heads of households with income exceeding $609,350 ($731,200 for joint filers). The 2025 gift tax exclusion is $19,000, up from $18,000 in 2024.
When can you deduct business meals and entertainment?
Business-related meal deductions can be valuable, but the rules can be complex. Under current law, your business can’t deduct most entertainment expenses. For example, you can’t deduct any part of the cost of taking clients out for a round of golf. You can still generally deduct 50% of the cost of food and beverages when they’re business-related or consumed during business-related entertainment. In a handful of cases, you can deduct more. For example, you can deduct 100% of food, beverage and entertainment costs incurred for recreational, social, or similar activities that primarily benefit all employees (for example, at a company holiday party). Contact us if you want more information.
You don’t have to be in business to deduct certain vehicle expenses
Business driving may come to mind when you think about tax deductions for vehicle-related expenses. However, businesses aren’t the only taxpayers that can deduct driving expenses. Individuals may also be able to deduct them in certain circumstances. Unfortunately, under current law, you may be unable to deduct as much as you could years ago. For 2018 through 2025, miles may only be deductible in limited circumstances. The 2024, the per-mile rate varies depending on the purpose. For business, it’s 67 cents; for medical driving for eligible itemizing taxpayers, it’s 21 cents; for active-duty military moving, it’s 21 cents; and for charitable itemizers, it’s 14 cents. Questions? Contact us.
Surprise IT failures pose a major financial risk to companies
Companies that suffer unexpected downtime of key IT systems can incur substantial revenue losses. They also may face regulatory fines, blown IT budgets and elevated insurance premiums. The good news is your business can address the threat proactively. Begin with a formal risk assessment to identify the most likely causes of IT failures based on the distinctive features of your systems and users. From there, explore or enhance strategies such as tracking incidents carefully, investing wisely in cybersecurity, training and upskilling employees, establishing a disaster recovery plan, and reassessing and stress testing regularly. Contact us for help managing your technology costs.
How can you build a golden nest egg if you’re self-employed?
If you own a small business with no employees (other than your spouse) and want to set up a retirement plan, consider a solo 401(k) plan. This is also an option for self-employed individuals or business owners who wish to upgrade from a SIMPLE IRA or SEP plan. For 2024, you can make an elective deferral contribution of up to $23,000 of your net self-employment (SE) income ($30,500 if you’ll be 50 or older as of Dec. 31, 2024). On top of the elective amount, an extra contribution of up to 20% of your net SE income is allowed for solo 401(k)s. For 2024, the combined elective and extra contributions can’t exceed $69,000 ($76,500 for 50 or older) or 100% of net SE income. Questions? Contact us.
The nanny tax: What household employers need to know
Hiring a nanny, housekeeper or gardener can significantly ease the burden of childcare and daily chores. However, as a household employer, it’s critical to understand your “nanny tax” obligations. Hiring a household worker who isn’t an independent contractor may make you liable for federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare (FICA) tax, federal unemployment tax and possibly state tax. In 2024, you must withhold and pay FICA taxes if your worker earns $2,700 or more (increasing to $2,800 in 2025). You pay household worker taxes by increasing your quarterly estimated tax payments or withholding from wages. Employment taxes are then reported on your tax return. Contact us with questions.
From flights to meals: A guide to business travel tax deductions
Business owners may travel to visit customers, attend conferences, check on vendors and for other purposes. Managing tax-deductible travel costs can help ensure compliance and maximize tax savings. Assuming you meet the tax law requirements, there are a number of deductible business travel expenses. They include: air, train or bus fare to the destination; baggage fees; car rental expenses or the cost of using your vehicle; tolls; parking; transportation at the destination (such as taxis); lodging; tips and dry cleaning. Meal expenses are generally 50% deductible. The business travel deduction rules can be complicated. If you’re uncertain about the tax treatment of your expenses, contact us.
Marketing your B2B company via the right channels
Does your company operate in the business-to-business (B2B) marketplace? If so, your marketing initiatives must reach the companies you serve and speak to the right people at those organizations. To accomplish this, you’ve got to choose the right channels. For example, well-written and optimally distributed press releases remain a viable way to announce new products and services or other big news. You (or qualified employees) can also write bylined articles for industry publications. And then there’s digital marketing. Devise a strategy to regularly push out quality content on your optimal channels. These may include your website, blogs, one or more social media platforms, or podcasts.
The amount you and your employees can save for retirement is going up slightly in 2025
How much can you and your employees contribute to your 401(k)s next year? The IRS recently announced the 2025 cost-of-living adjustments. With inflation easing, the amounts aren’t increasing as much as in recent years. The 2025 401(k) contribution limit will increase to $23,500 (from $23,000 in 2024). This amount also applies to 403(b) and most 457 plans. The catch-up contribution limit for employees who are age 50 or over and participate in 401(k)s will remain $7,500. However, there will be a new catch-up contribution amount for taxpayers age 60, 61, 62 or 63. For them, the 2025 catch-up amount will be $11,250. This change takes effect next year under the SECURE 2.0 law.