The many uses of a SWOT analysis
Using a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis to frame an important business decision is a long-standing practice. But don’t overlook other uses for it. A SWOT analysis starts by identifying internal strengths and weaknesses that affect business performance. These generally relate to customers’ needs and expectations. Next, the analysis looks at external conditions that could generate a worthwhile return (opportunities) and external factors that could inhibit the company’s performance (threats). Broader applications of SWOT analysis include using it in the context of a business valuation, strategic planning or legal defense. Contact us for more information.
2021 individual taxes: Answers to your questions about limits
Many people are more concerned about their 2020 tax bills right now than they are about their 2021 tax situations. That’s understandable because your 2020 individual tax return is due to be filed in less than three months (unless you file an extension). However, it’s a good idea to acquaint yourself with tax amounts that […]
Many tax amounts affecting businesses have increased for 2021
A number of tax-related limits affecting businesses are annually indexed for inflation, and many have increased for 2021. For example, the Section 179 expensing limit has gone up to $1.05 million from $1.04 million for 2020. Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions for individual coverage have increased to $3,600 (from $3,550). HSA family coverage contributions increased $100 to $7,200. Some 2021 amounts have stayed the same due to low inflation. This includes employee contributions to 401(k) plans, which remain $19,500. And the deduction for business-related meals and beverages doubled from 50% to 100% due to a new law. We can answer any questions you have about taxes and your business.
Notice: Fraudulent Michigan form 1099-G for 2020.
Source: Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Unemployment benefits are taxable and must be reported on federal and state tax returns. The statements, called 1099-G or “Certain Government Payments,” are prepared by UIA and report how much individuals received in unemployment benefits and income tax withheld last year. Copies of the 1099-G forms are […]
Estimated Tax Penalty and Interest Waiver for Individuals Who Received Unemployment Benefits in Tax Year 2020
Source: State of Michigan This notice establishes an automatic waiver of all penalty and interest related to estimated taxes owed by individual income taxpayers who received unemployment benefits during tax year 2020. Estimated Payment Obligation. Section 301(1) of the Michigan Income Tax Act requires every person whose annual tax is expected to exceed $500 or more […]
Are your supervisors adept at multigenerational management?
The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of business leadership at every level, including supervisors. Today’s supervisors need to develop flexible styles when dealing with multiple generations. Younger employees (Millennials and Generation Z) tend to have different needs and expectations than older ones (Baby Boomers and Generation X). Although financial security is highly valued by every generation, Millennials and Gen Z may more highly prioritize a well-rounded benefits package, especially mental health benefits. Supervisors should encourage and guide employees to optimally use their benefits. We can help you develop cost-effective strategies for upskilling your supervisors.
The power of the tax credit for buying an electric vehicle
Although electric vehicles are a small percentage of the cars on the road today, they’re increasing in popularity. And if you buy one, you may be eligible for a federal tax break. The tax code provides a credit to purchasers of qualifying plug-in electric drive motor vehicles including passenger cars and light trucks. The credit is equal to $2,500 plus an additional amount, based on battery capacity, that can’t exceed $5,000. Therefore, the maximum credit is $7,500. There are a number of requirements to qualify and the credit may not be available because of a per-manufacturer cumulative sales limitation. (Tesla and GM vehicles are no longer eligible.) Contact us if you want more information.
The cents-per-mile rate for business miles decreases again for 2021
A lower IRS mileage rate means smaller tax deductions for business miles for 2021. The optional cents-per-mile rate used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an auto for business has decreased by one-and-one-half cents to 56 cents per mile. It was 57.5 cents for 2020 and 58 cents for 2019. The rate partially reflects the current cost of gas, which is down from a year ago. This mileage rate is useful if you don’t want to keep track of actual vehicle-related expenses. But you still must record certain information, such as the mileage, date and destination for each trip. The mileage rate can also be used for reimbursing employees. Many rules and limits apply. Contact us for details.
View your financial statements through the right lens
How can you best extract useful insights from your financial statements? One way is to view your financial statements through a variety of “lenses” provided by key performance indicators (KPIs). For example, working capital (difference between current assets and current liabilities) is a relatively simple KPI for measuring liquidity. Various KPIs called turnover ratios show how efficiently companies manage their assets. And, to assess profitability, private companies can look at profit margin (net income divided by revenue) and gross margin (gross profits divided by revenue). Contact us with any questions you might have about generating financial statements and getting the most out of them.
Don’t forget to take required minimum distributions this year
If you have a traditional IRA or tax-deferred retirement plan account, you probably know that you must take required minimum distributions (RMDs) when you reach a certain age. Once you attain age 72 (or age 70½ before 2020), you must begin taking RMDs from traditional IRAs and certain retirement accounts. If you don’t withdraw the minimum amount each year, you may have to pay a 50% penalty tax on what you should have taken out but didn’t. In order to provide tax relief due to COVID-19, the CARES Act suspended RMDs for calendar year 2020 but only for that one year. That means if you’re required to take RMDs, you need to take them this year or face a penalty. Contact us if you have questions.
You must be logged in to post a comment.