Becca Gilbert, Author at Thomas Howell Ferguson

FINREP Texas Kicks Off the Inaugural Conference in 2022! (Part Two)

Posted on November 18, 2022

November 18, 2022 – Austin, Texas – Noelle Codispoti from The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research discussed the opportunities for recruiting and retaining the next generation of professionals in the insurance industry. She focused on three things that team members need: She discussed the importance of communication to the employees on the plan […]

TDEM Division Chief Kicks Off the Inaugural FINREP Texas Forum in 2022!

Posted on November 17, 2022

November 17, 2022 – Austin, Texas – The FINREP Texas Forum kicked off its inaugural conference with approximately 40 people from the insurance industry in Texas. The opening session set the stage for goals for the conference: Education and Collaboration. Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Division Chief, Joshua Bryant, updated the attendees with facts […]

Businesses Will Soon Be Able to Deduct More Under The Standard Mileage Rate

Posted on July 1, 2022

Business owners are aware that the price of gas is historically high, which has made their vehicle costs soar. The average nationwide price of a gallon of unleaded regular gas on June 17 was $5, compared with $3.08 a year earlier, according to the AAA Gas Prices website. A gallon of diesel averaged $5.78 a […]

Is Your Corporation Eligible For The Dividends-Received Deduction?

Posted on June 14, 2022

There’s a valuable tax deduction available to a C corporation when it receives dividends. The “dividends-received deduction” has a design to reduce or eliminate an extra level of tax on dividends received by a corporation. As a result, a corporation will typically receive taxation at a lower rate on dividends than on capital gains. Ordinarily, […]

Help When Needed: Apply The Research Credit Against Payroll Taxes

Posted on June 14, 2022

Here’s an interesting option if your small company or start-up business is planning to claim the research tax credit. You can elect to apply all or some of any research tax credits that you earn against your payroll taxes instead of your income tax. This payroll tax election may influence some businesses to undertake or […]

Florida Businesses: New Requirement to Submit New Hire Information for Independent Contractors

Posted on May 17, 2022

A new requirement to submit new hire information for independent contractors has been passed in the State of Florida. Now, businesses must submit new hire information for their independent contractors to the Florida Department of Revenue. This is a significant change for businesses as previously reporting of independent contractors by a business was optional. Background […]

Can You Deduct the Costs of a Spouse on a Business Trip?

Posted on February 28, 2022

If you own your own company and travel for business, you may wonder whether you can deduct the costs of having your spouse accompany you on trips. The rules for deducting a spouse’s travel costs are very restrictive. First of all, to qualify, your spouse must be your employee. This means you can’t deduct the […]

Entrepreneurs and Taxes: How Expenses are Claimed on Tax Returns

Posted on February 3, 2022

It is difficult to determine which expenses to claim on tax returns. While some businesses have closed since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, many new ventures have launched. Entrepreneurs have cited a number of reasons why they decided to start a business in the midst of a pandemic. For example, they have more time, […]

Numerous Tax Limits Affecting Businesses have Increased for 2022

Posted on February 2, 2022

Many tax limits that affect businesses are annually indexed for inflation, and a number of them have increased for 2022. Here’s a rundown of those that may be important to you and your business. Social Security Tax The amount of an employee’s earnings that are subject to Social Security tax is capped for 2022 at […]

Businesses with Employees Who Receive Tips may be Eligible for a Tax Credit

Posted on January 17, 2022

If you’re an employer with a business where tipping is customary for providing food and beverages, you may qualify for a federal tax credit involving the Social Security and Medicaid (FICA) taxes that you pay on your employees’ tip income. Basics of the Credit The FICA credit applies with respect to tips that your employees […]

Will the Standard Business Mileage Rate Go Up in 2022? Yes!

Posted on January 10, 2022

After two years of no increases, the optional standard business mileage rate used to calculate the deductible cost of operating an automobile for business will be going up in 2022 by 2.5 cents per mile. The IRS recently announced that the cents-per-mile rate for the business use of a car, van, pickup, or panel truck […]

THF Named One Of “America’s Top Recommended Tax and Accounting Firms” by Forbes Magazine

Posted on December 22, 2021

THF has been named one of “America’s Top Recommended Tax and Accounting Firms” by Forbes Magazine for the third year in a row! For the third year, Forbes partnered with the market research company Statista to create the award list through an independent survey of tax and accounting professionals who provided thousands of recommendations. Respondents […]

There Still May be Time for Your Small Business to Cut 2021 Taxes

Posted on November 29, 2021

Don’t let the holiday rush keep your small business from considering some important steps to reduce your 2021 tax liability. You still have time to execute a few strategies. Purchase Assets Thinking about buying new or used equipment, machinery, or office equipment in the new year? First, you must buy them and place them in […]

THF Congratulates Matthew Warren, Ryan Cummings, Christie Giovannone, and Megan Chen on Their Promotion to Senior in the Assurance Services Department

Posted on November 19, 2021

THF congratulates Matthew Warren, Ryan Cummings, Christie Giovannone, and Megan Chen on their promotion to Senior in the Assurance Services Department. Matthew Warren joined THF in September 2018 and has over three years of experience in public accounting providing assurance services. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from Flagler College. Matthew operates […]

Businesses Can Show Appreciation — and Gain Tax Breaks — with Holiday Gifts and Parties

Posted on November 16, 2021

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, the holiday season will soon be here. This time of year, your business may want to show its gratitude to employees and customers. Giving them gifts or hosting holiday parties after a year of forgoing them due to the pandemic can show them this gratitude. It’s a good time […]

The Deductibility of Corporate Expenses Covered by Officers or Shareholders

Posted on August 4, 2021

It is often difficult to determine the deductibility of corporate expenses covered by officers or shareholders. Do you play a major role in a closely held corporation and sometimes spend money on corporate expenses personally? These costs may wind up being non-deductible both by an officer and the corporation unless proper steps are taken. This […]

Getting a New Business Off The Ground: How Start-Up Expenses Are Handled On Your Tax Return

Posted on July 28, 2021

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, government officials are seeing a large increase in the number of new businesses being launched. From June 2020 through June 2021, the U.S. Census Bureau reports that business applications are up 18.6%. The Bureau measures this by the number of businesses applying for an Employer Identification Number. Entrepreneurs often don’t know […]

Who in a Small Business Can Be Hit With the “Trust Fund Recovery Penalty?”

Posted on July 19, 2021

Do you own or manage a business with employees? There’s a harsh tax penalty that you could be at risk for paying personally. It’s called the “Trust Fund Recovery Penalty.” This penalty applies to the Social Security and income taxes required to be withheld by a business from its employees’ wages. Because taxes are considered […]

Eligible Businesses: Claim the Employee Retention Tax Credit

Posted on July 13, 2021

The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) is a valuable tax break. It was extended and modified by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The ERTC was enacted in March of 2021. Here’s a rundown of the rules. Background Back in March of 2020, Congress originally enacted the ERTC in the CARES Act to encourage employers […]

THF Wins Working Well Weight Loss Challenge

Posted on July 12, 2021

THF won the Working Well 12-week weight loss Jackpot Challenge through Healthy Wage. Working Well is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to provide resources, information, education, and events to improve the well-being of the community’s workforce. Working Well, Inc. partnered with Healthy Wage to provide a 12-week weight loss Jackpot Challenge. 15 teams of […]

Traveling for Business Again? What Can You Deduct?

Posted on July 6, 2021

As we continue to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be traveling again for business. There are a number of rules for deducting the cost of your out-of-town business travel within the United States. These rules apply if the business conducted out of town reasonably requires an overnight stay. Under the Tax Cuts […]

THF Congratulates Christie Battles on joining the Board of Directors and Finance Committee of the Second Harvest of the Big Bend

Posted on July 1, 2021

THF congratulates Christie Battles on joining the Board of Directors and the Finance Committee of the Second Harvest of the Big Bend.Second Harvest of the Big Bend’s mission is to feed the hungry in the Big Bend through the network of partner agencies. Furthermore, they strive to educate and engage the community in the fight […]

2021 Q3 Tax Calendar: Key Deadlines for Businesses and Other Employers

Posted on June 28, 2021

Stay up to date with the 2021 Q3 tax calendar! Here are some of the key tax-related deadlines affecting businesses and other employers during the third quarter of 2021. Keep in mind that this list isn’t all-inclusive, so there may be additional deadlines that apply to you. Certainly contact us to ensure you’re meeting all […]

Recordkeeping DOs and DON’Ts for Business Meal and Vehicle Expenses

Posted on June 14, 2021

Do you know the DOs and DON’Ts of recordkeeping? If you’re claiming deductions for business meals or auto expenses, expect the IRS to closely review them. In some cases, taxpayers have incomplete documentation or try to create records months (or years) later. In doing so, they fail to meet the strict substantiation requirements set forth […]

Are You Hiring Your Children this Summer? Reap Tax and Nontax Benefits

Posted on June 14, 2021

Are you a business owner looking to hire your children this summer? Did you know you can obtain tax breaks and other nontax benefits? The children can gain on-the-job experience, spend time with you, save for college and learn how to manage money. And you may be able to: Shift your high-taxed income into tax-free […]

2022 Health Savings Accounts Amounts Announced

Posted on June 9, 2021

The IRS recently released guidance providing the 2022 inflation-adjusted amounts for Health Savings Accounts. Fundamentals of HSAs What is a Health Savings Account (HSA)? It is a trust created or organized exclusively for the purpose of paying the “qualified medical expenses” of an “account beneficiary.” It can only be established for the benefit of an […]

THF Congratulates Taylor Harmon on His Acceptance into Leadership Tallahassee Class 39

Posted on June 7, 2021

THF congratulates Taylor Harmon on his acceptance into Leadership Tallahassee Class 39. Leadership Tallahassee, a division of the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, is a year-long program that educates and encourages participants to actively seek positive and constructive changes in the community through leadership roles. The selection process is competitive, and qualified applicants must have […]

An S Corporation Could Cut Your Self-Employment Tax

Posted on June 1, 2021

Is your business organized as a sole proprietorship or as a wholly-owned limited liability company (LLC)? Then you are subject to both income tax and self-employment tax. There may be a way to cut your tax bill by conducting business as an S corporation. Fundamentals of Self-Employment Tax The self-employment tax is imposed on 92.35% […]

Help Ensure the IRS Doesn’t Reclassify Independent Contractors as Employees

Posted on May 24, 2021

Many businesses use independent contractors to help keep their costs down. If you’re among them, make sure that these workers are properly classified for federal tax purposes. If the IRS reclassifies them as employees, it can be a costly error. It can be complex to determine whether a worker is an independent contractor or an […]

Q&A from the May 12th FREDA ARPA Webinar

Posted on May 17, 2021

As the Treasury recently announced their launch of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, we know that there’s going to be questions on how to prepare for them, how they can be used, and much more. FREDA previously hosted a Planning for the American Rescue Plan Act Funds: Lessons Learned from the CARES […]

Providing Education Assistance to Employees? Follow these Rules

Posted on May 17, 2021

Many businesses provide education fringe benefits so their employees can improve their skills and gain additional knowledge. An employee can receive, on a tax-free basis, up to $5,250 each year from his or her employer for educational assistance under a “qualified educational assistance program.” For this purpose, “education” means any form of instruction or training […]

Claiming the Business Energy Credit for Using Alternative Energy

Posted on May 10, 2021

Are you wondering whether alternative energy technologies can help you manage energy costs in your business? If so, there’s a valuable federal income tax benefit (the business energy credit) that applies to the acquisition of many types of alternative energy property. The credit is intended primarily for business users of alternative energy (other energy tax […]

THF Congratulates Chandler Russell on joining the InfraGard North Florida Members Alliance Board of Directors

Posted on May 4, 2021

THF congratulates Chandler Russell on joining the InfraGard North Florida Members Alliance (InfraGard) Board of Directors. The mission of InfraGard North Florida is in alignment with the InfraGard National program. In short, their core goal is to continue partnerships between private industry, the public sector, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and other government agencies […]

“Reasonable Compensation”: Know the Ins and Outs!

Posted on May 10, 2021

Owners of incorporated businesses know that there’s a tax advantage to taking money out of a C corporation as compensation rather than as dividends. The reason? A corporation can deduct the salaries and bonuses that it pays executives, but not dividend payments. Thus, if funds are paid as dividends, they’re taxed twice, once to the […]

Simple Retirement Savings Options for Your Business

Posted on April 27, 2021

Are you thinking about setting up a retirement plan for yourself and your employees? Are you worried about the financial commitment and administrative burdens involved in providing a traditional pension plan? In short, there are two options to consider: “simplified employee pension” (SEP) “savings incentive match plan for employees” (SIMPLE) SEPs are intended as an […]

What Should You Know About the New Revenue Recognition?

Posted on April 20, 2021

The implementation of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, is officially here (after a one year optional delay granted by FASB. In addition, there is another revenue recognition standard that will have an impact on not-for-profits specifically. The FASB issued ASU 2018-08, Clarifying the Scope […]

THF Congratulates Ying Wang on Being Named One of the Tallahassee Democrat’s “25 Women You Need to Know”

Posted on March 11, 2021

THF congratulates Ying Wang on being selected as one of the 2021 “25 Women You Need to Know,” by the Tallahassee Democrat. Each year, the Tallahassee Democrat seeks to recognize the 25 women in the city of Tallahassee and the surrounding area. The outstanding women on the list have achieved great success in their businesses […]

FAQs by Not-For-Profit Organizations

Posted on February 25, 2021

We sat down with one of our not-for-profit leaders, Allison Harrell, to review some frequently asked questions by not-for-profit organizations. Planning FAQs Question: What tips or direction can you give organizations on how to better prepare for the future? We are concerned about losing a leader for the short or long term due to COVID.Allison: […]

Audit vs. Review vs. Internal Controls Assessment

Posted on May 2, 2023

Does your organization need an audit, review, or internal controls assessment? Because every organization is different, there are different types of assurance services that your company can undergo based on your needs. There are many things that will help determine which services are the right fit for your organization. Your organization’s primary purpose, mission, funding, […]

What Not-for-Profit Organizations Should Know About the Second Round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

Posted on January 28, 2021

On December 27, 2020, the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Business, Nonprofits, and Venues Act (the 2021 Act) was signed into law. It includes additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) and expands eligibility to certain not-for-profit organizations. The 2021 Act does the following: Provides another $284 billion in funding for the PPP; Allows […]

Tallahassee: 850.668.8100 Tampa: 813.227.9100 Bainbridge: 229.246.7500 Panama City: 850.938.4514

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Tallahassee: 850.668.8100
Tampa: 813.227.9100
Bainbridge: 229.246.7500
Panama City: 850.938.4514