Selling securities by year end? Avoid the wash sale rule
If you’re planning to sell assets at a loss to offset gains that have been realized during the year, it’s important to be aware of the “wash sale” rule. Under this rule, if you sell stock or securities for a loss and buy substantially identical stock or securities back within the 30-day period before or after the sale date, the loss can’t be claimed for tax purposes. The rule is designed to prevent taxpayers from using the tax benefit of a loss without parting with ownership in a significant way. Note that the rule applies to a 30-day period before or after the sale date to prevent “buying the stock back” before it’s even sold. Contact us if you have any questions.
Accelerate depreciation deductions with a cost segregation study
Is your business depreciating over 30 years the entire cost of constructing the building that houses your operation? If so, consider a cost segregation study. It may allow you to accelerate depreciation deductions on certain items, thereby reducing taxes and boosting cash flow. And under current law, the potential benefits are now even greater than they were a few years ago due to enhancements to certain depreciation tax breaks. You may even be able to get the benefit of speedier depreciation for items that were incorrectly claimed. Cost segregation studies can yield substantial benefits, but they’re not right for every business. To find out whether this would be worthwhile, contact us.
Deciding whether a merger or acquisition is the right move
Merging with or acquiring another company is one of the best ways to grow rapidly. But you’ve got to weigh the potential advantages against the risks of such a move. An acquisition might enable your business to expand into new geographic areas or seize new customer segments. But it’s a costly process that can even spell doom for a company that overextends itself financially. To reduce risk, you’ll need to perform thorough due diligence on your merger partner or acquisition target. Doing so includes a careful examination of its financial statements. We can help you with the exploratory process and identify the tax implications of any prospective deal.
Use a Coverdell ESA to help pay college, elementary and secondary school costs
You may be able to save for your child’s or grandchild’s education with a Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA). There’s no upfront federal tax deduction for contributions, but the earnings grow tax-free. No tax is due when the account funds are withdrawn, to the extent the amounts don’t exceed the child’s qualified education expenses. Qualified expenses include college tuition, fees, books and room, as well as elementary and secondary school expenses. The annual contribution limit is $2,000 a year from all contributors for all ESAs for the same child. The amount you can contribute is phased out if your modified adjusted gross income exceeds $95,000 ($190,000 for married joint filers).
Setting up a Health Savings Account for your small business
Given the escalating cost of employee health care benefits, your business may be interested in setting up an employer-sponsored Health Savings Account (HSA). For eligible individuals, HSAs offer a tax-advantaged way to set aside funds (or have their employers do so) to meet future medical needs. To be eligible, an individual must be covered by a “high deductible health plan.” For 2019, a “high deductible health plan” is one with an annual deductible of at least $1,350 for self-only coverage, or at least $2,700 for family coverage. An HSA provides a number of tax benefits for your business and its employees. Contact us if you have questions or you’re interested in setting one up.
Understanding and controlling the unemployment tax costs of your business
Employers must pay federal unemployment tax on amounts up to $7,000 paid to each employee as wages during the year. The tax rate is 6% but it can be reduced by a credit for contributions paid into state unemployment funds. Typically, the more claims made against a business, the higher the unemployment tax bill. But there may be ways to control costs. Don’t hire employees to fill short-term jobs. To avoid layoffs, use temps. If you must hire, do so carefully to increase the chance that employees will work out. And if you terminate someone, provide severance and outplacement services, which may delay the start of unemployment benefits and cause them to end sooner. Contact us for more ideas.
6 ways to ensure your marketing plan drives sales
Even the best sales staffs will struggle if not supported by a well-researched, carefully executed marketing plan. There are various ways to ensure your marketing plan drives strong sales. Keep customers aware of all your products or services, not just a few popular ones. Distinguish your offerings from those of competitors, putting salespeople in a better position to succeed. Benchmark your marketing/advertising budgets to determine whether you’re being outspent. Search for new markets to give salespeople fresh territory to explore. Track new leads generated through marketing and update your marketing plan based on both data and feedback from sales staff. Contact us for help.
Watch out for tax-related scams
Victims of tax-related scams can be contacted through regular mail, phone calls and email. If you receive a text, letter, email or phone call purporting to be from the IRS, keep in mind that the tax agency never calls taxpayers demanding immediate payment using a specific method of payment (such as a wire transfer or prepaid debit card). The IRS generally mails bills or notices to taxpayers and gives them time to respond with questions or appeals. The tax agency also doesn’t threaten taxpayers with arrest. In addition, the IRS doesn’t initiate contact by email, text message or social media channels to request information. Contact us if you have questions about a letter, email or call from the IRS.
Laptop battery safety is no laughing matter
You’d be hard pressed to find a business today that doesn’t have at least one laptop computer listed among its assets. Poorly maintained or damaged batteries can catch fire, putting people and property at risk. Faulty batteries can also hamper the functionality and lower the lifespan of the devices. Various best practices can help. Require the use of only compatible computer batteries or chargers. In addition, provide training to employees on how to safely use, transport and store their laptops to avoid battery damage. Laptop manufacturers can be valuable resources for the latest info on safety concerns and recalls. Contact us for more information.
Take advantage of the gift tax exclusion rules
As we head toward gift-giving season, you may be considering giving cash or securities to your loved ones. Taxpayers can transfer amounts free of gift taxes to their children or others each year through the use of the annual federal gift tax exclusion. For 2019, the exclusion is $15,000 to each person. If you’re married, gifts made during a year can be treated as split between you and your spouse. By “gift-splitting,” up to $30,000 a year can be transferred to each person by a married couple, because two annual exclusions are available. If you give appreciated assets to loved ones in lower tax brackets, they may be able to pay a 0% long-term capital gains tax rate. Contact us with questions.