Words Count

The Thomas Howell Ferguson Blog

What types of expenses can’t be written off by your business?

If you read the Internal Revenue Code (and you probably don’t want to!), you may be surprised to find that most business deductions aren’t specifically listed. For example, the tax law doesn’t explicitly state that you can deduct office supplies and certain other expenses. Some expenses are detailed in the tax code, but the general […]

Read More… from What types of expenses can’t be written off by your business?

Spouse-run businesses face special tax issues

The partnership issue An unincorporated business with your spouse is classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, unless you can avoid that treatment. Otherwise, you must file an annual partnership return, on Form 1065. In addition, you and your spouse must be issued separate Schedule K-1s, which allocate the partnership’s taxable income, deductions […]

Read More… from Spouse-run businesses face special tax issues

4 Ways Corporate Business Owners Can Help Ensure their Compensation is “Reasonable”

If you’re an incorporated business owner, you know there’s a tax advantage to taking money out of a C corporation as compensation rather than as dividends. The reason is that a corporation can deduct the salaries and bonuses it pays executives, not dividend payments. Therefore, if funds are paid as dividends, they’re taxed twice, once […]

Read More… from 4 Ways Corporate Business Owners Can Help Ensure their Compensation is “Reasonable”

Use an S corporation to mitigate federal employment tax bills

If you own an unincorporated small business, you probably don’t like the size of your self-employment (SE) tax bills. No wonder! In 2023, the SE tax will be imposed at a painfully high rate of 15.3% on the first $160,200 of net SE income. This includes 12.4% for Social Security tax and 2.9% for Medicare […]

Read More… from Use an S corporation to mitigate federal employment tax bills

2023 Q4 tax calendar: Key deadlines for businesses and other employers

Here are some of the key tax-related deadlines affecting businesses and other employers during the fourth quarter of 2023. Keep in mind that this list isn’t all-inclusive, so there may be additional deadlines that apply to you. Contact us to ensure you’re meeting all applicable deadlines and to learn more about the filing requirements. Note: […]

Read More… from 2023 Q4 tax calendar: Key deadlines for businesses and other employers

Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A. CPAs recognizes several team members with promotions and position changes.

Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A. CPAs (THF or “the Firm”), recognizes several team members with promotions and position changes. Each year, Shareholders recognize team members who have demonstrated their ability to handle additional technical and review requirements associated with their positions. Please join us in recognizing the following individuals on their promotions and position changes within […]

Read More… from Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A. CPAs recognizes several team members with promotions and position changes.

Starting a business? How expenses will be treated on your tax return

Government officials saw a large increase in the number of new businesses launched during the COVID-19 pandemic. And the U.S. Census Bureau reports that business applications are still increasing slightly (up 0.4% from April 2023 to May 2023). The Bureau measures this by tracking the number of businesses applying for Employer Identification Numbers. If you’re […]

Read More… from Starting a business? How expenses will be treated on your tax return

Understanding financial statements & fiscal responsibility at the board level

Fiscal Responsibility at the Board Level When serving as a Board member, it is crucial to comprehend financial statements and uphold fiscal responsibility. In this blog post, we will explore best practices for reviewing financial statements and discuss the duties and responsibilities of being a Board member, ultimately equipping you with the confidence to be […]

Read More… from Understanding financial statements & fiscal responsibility at the board level

Keep these DOs and DON’Ts in mind when deducting business meal and vehicle expenses

If you’re claiming deductions for business meals or auto expenses, expect the IRS to review them closely. 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 under tax law. Tax auditors are adept at rooting […]

Read More… from Keep these DOs and DON’Ts in mind when deducting business meal and vehicle expenses

THF Assurance Services Manager Chandler Russell, CPA is appointed Chair of the Supervisory Committee of Envision Credit Union Board of Directors

Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A. CPAs (THF or “the Firm”), a professional accounting, assurance, governmental consulting, and tax services firm headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida, is excited to recognize Assurance Services Manager Chandler Russell, CPA, on her re-election to the Envision Credit Union Board of Directors and appointed as Chair of the Supervisory Committee. Chandler was recently […]

Read More… from THF Assurance Services Manager Chandler Russell, CPA is appointed Chair of the Supervisory Committee of Envision Credit Union Board of Directors

Key tax issues in M&A transactions

Merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions activity dropped dramatically last year due to rising interest rates and a slowing economy. The total value of M&A transactions in North America in 2022 was down 41.4% from 2021, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. But some analysts expect 2023 to see increased M&A activity in certain industries. If […]

Read More… from Key tax issues in M&A transactions

Many tax limits affecting businesses have increased for 2023

An array of tax-related limits that affect businesses are indexed annually, and due to high inflation, many have increased more than usual for 2023. Here are some that may be important to you and your business. Social Security tax The amount of employees’ earnings that are subject to Social Security tax is capped for 2023 […]

Read More… from Many tax limits affecting businesses have increased for 2023

Forms W-2 and 1099-NEC are due to be filed soon

With the 2023 filing season deadline drawing near, be aware that the deadline for businesses to file information returns for hired workers is even closer. By January 31, 2023, employers must file these forms: Form W-2, Wage, and Tax Statement. W-2 forms show the wages paid and taxes withheld for the year for each employee. They […]

Read More… from Forms W-2 and 1099-NEC are due to be filed soon

Intangible Assets: How must the costs incurred be capitalized?

These days, most businesses have some intangible assets. The tax treatment of these assets can be complex. Why are intangibles complicated? IRS regulations require the capitalization of costs to: Capitalized costs can’t be deducted in the year paid or incurred. If they’re deductible at all, they must be ratably deducted over the life of the […]

Read More… from Intangible Assets: How must the costs incurred be capitalized?

Worried about an IRS audit? Prepare in advance

IRS audit rates are historically low, according to a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, but that’s little consolation if your return is among those selected to be examined. Plus, the IRS recently received additional funding in the Inflation Reduction Act to improve customer service, upgrade technology, and increase audits of high-income taxpayers. But with […]

Read More… from Worried about an IRS audit? Prepare in advance

What Should You Know About the New Revenue Recognition?

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 […]

Read More… from What Should You Know About the New Revenue Recognition?

Audit vs. Review vs. Internal Controls Assessment

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, […]

Read More… from Audit vs. Review vs. Internal Controls Assessment

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

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 […]

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

Best Practices for 2021 Budgeting for Not-For-Profits

With everything surrounding COVID-19 and this past year, budgeting for 2021 will prove to be a challenge for many not-for-profits. Some not-for-profits had to decrease their services and staffing. Others have redirected their mission to serve their community’s more pressing needs. Many fundraising events were canceled this year in an effort to adhere to social […]

Read More… from Best Practices for 2021 Budgeting for Not-For-Profits

FEMA Reimbursement for COVID-19 Expenses for Private Non-Profits Webinar

In case you missed the webinar today on FEMA Reimbursement for COVID-19 Expenses, we have included information below that was discussed.  In the webinar, we also spoke about the CARES Act and the Employee Retention Credit. You can access the FEMA Reimbursement for COVID-19 Expenses for Private Non-Profits presentation at the link below. FEMA Reimbursement […]

Read More… from FEMA Reimbursement for COVID-19 Expenses for Private Non-Profits Webinar

What Costs May Be Reimbursable By FEMA for COVID-19?

What Costs May Be Reimbursable By FEMA for COVID-19? All major disasters can lead to some form of political, social, and economic consequence. Normally these events are confined to a region of the country and regions within the respective states impacted. COVID-19 is not normal and has impacted all sectors of the economy including governments […]

Read More… from What Costs May Be Reimbursable By FEMA for COVID-19?

What Costs Are Eligible for Loan Forgiveness Through the Payroll Protection Program (PPP)?

Borrowers can be eligible for loan forgiveness for eligible payroll costs and eligible nonpayroll costs through the Payroll Protection Program (PPP). Borrowers are generally eligible for forgiveness for the payroll costs paid and payroll costs incurred during the eight week (56-day) covered period.  Payroll costs are considered paid on the day that paychecks are distributed, […]

Read More… from What Costs Are Eligible for Loan Forgiveness Through the Payroll Protection Program (PPP)?

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) – Payroll Costs Q&A

Additional answers have been posted by the SBA pertaining to the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) payroll costs.  Here is a sample of questions and answers that have been posted. Do PPP loans cover paid sick leave under payroll costs? What period of time should borrowers use to determine their number of employees and payroll costs […]

Read More… from Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) – Payroll Costs Q&A

Senator Marco Rubio Discusses PPP Loan Forgiveness with CPAs

Today, United States Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) held a town hall on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness process. The town hall was held with the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accounts’ (FICPA) leadership and board.  During the town hall, the Senator discussed specific federal responses to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The topic included details […]

Read More… from Senator Marco Rubio Discusses PPP Loan Forgiveness with CPAs

Private Nonprofits Eligible for FEMA Reimbursement

Are you wondering if your private nonprofit is eligible for FEMA reimbursement?  This chart will help you determine if seeking reimbursement from FEMA may be an option for your organization. Additional information can be found in our COVID-19 Resources Center.  For questions, please email our emergency management team leader Steve Stevens at sstevens@thf-cpa.com. […]

Read More… from Private Nonprofits Eligible for FEMA Reimbursement

Private Nonprofit Work Eligible for FEMA Reimbursement

Under the Stafford Act, eligible emergency protective measures taken by private nonprofits to respond to the COVID-19 emergency may be eligible for FEMA reimbursement. In this situation, reimbursement would fall under category B of FEMA’s Public Assistance program. Please remember that this is at the direction or guidance of public health officials. How does FEMA […]

Read More… from Private Nonprofit Work Eligible for FEMA Reimbursement

Do Private Nonprofit Organizations Qualify for FEMA Reimbursement?

During this pandemic, many nonprofit organizations are trying to understand if they qualify to receive reimbursement from FEMA.  Here are a few things to consider if you work for a nonprofit or sit on a board of a nonprofit. What is the criteria to be an eligible private nonprofit for FEMA reimbursement? To be an […]

Read More… from Do Private Nonprofit Organizations Qualify for FEMA Reimbursement?

Payroll Protection Program (PPP) – Deductible Expenses – Loan Forgiveness

Business owners are wondering if their Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan will affect their deductions when they file their tax returns and what portions of the loan will be deductible.  Here is an update from our COVID-19 team leaders on this issue. Late yesterday evening, the IRS released guidance regarding the deductibility of certain expenses businesses […]

Read More… from Payroll Protection Program (PPP) – Deductible Expenses – Loan Forgiveness

How Does Gross Income Affect Expenses Forgiven Under the PPP?

How does gross income affect expenses that can be forgiven under the Payroll Protection Program (PPP)? Under the Cares Act, a recipient of a covered loan can receive forgiveness on the loan (covered loan forgiveness) in an amount equal to the sum of payments made for the following expenses during the 8-week “covered period” beginning […]

Read More… from How Does Gross Income Affect Expenses Forgiven Under the PPP?

What is the Status of My Stimulus Check from the IRS?

Are you trying to check the status of your stimulus check from the IRS?  Here is a way that you can check on the status of your Economic Impact Payment. This link will give you information about: Your payment status Your payment type Whether the IRS needs more information from you, including bank account information […]

Read More… from What is the Status of My Stimulus Check from the IRS?

Will my business be audited if I take the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan?

Will there be an audit of my business if I take the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan? Business owners are wondering if their companies will be audited if they take the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. The Treasury Secretary, Steven Mnuchin, said that the government will perform a full audit on any company taking out […]

Read More… from Will my business be audited if I take the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan?

Q&A on the CARES Act and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

In partnership with the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, THF CPAs, Canita Gunter Peterson and Andrea Medley, held a webinar to discuss relevant issues pertaining to the CARES Act and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and provided a Q&A session.  You can watch the video above or read the transcription below.   In late March, the […]

Read More… from Q&A on the CARES Act and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Q&A

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has released an additional Q&A update of Frequently Asked Questions surrounding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).  A few questions asked in the FAQ update include: Are small business concerns (as defined in section 3 of the Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C. 632) required to have 500 or fewer employees […]

Read More… from Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Q&A

Senate Votes to Push Additional Money to Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

On Tuesday afternoon, the Senate agreed on a $484 billion Coronavirus relief package for small businesses, hospitals, and testing.  The House could approve the bill as early as Thursday. What does this deal include? $310 billion total for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), with $250 billion unrestricted and $60 billion set aside for smaller institutions. […]

Read More… from Senate Votes to Push Additional Money to Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

Senator Rick Scott Meets with CPAs to Focus on PPP Loans

United States Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) participated in a virtual town hall with the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ (FICPA) leadership and board members, including THF Shareholder and current FICPA Board member, Julian Dozier, on April 21, 2020. Also participating in the call was THF Director, Steve Stevens, former President of the FICPA’s Board. Topics included: […]

Read More… from Senator Rick Scott Meets with CPAs to Focus on PPP Loans

Will there be additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)?

Will there be additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)? Members of the Senate began nearing a deal on Sunday that would bring an additional $370 billion into loan programs for small businesses.  Talks were sparked after the initial $349 billion ran out of money on Thursday. Of this amount, $310 billion will be […]

Read More… from Will there be additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)?

How have the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds been spent so far?

Are you interested in learning more about how the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans have been spent so far?  You can check for updates on the SBA site here. How much of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans have been approved so far? As of April 16, 2020, the loan count was 1,661,367 with net […]

Read More… from How have the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds been spent so far?

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Lender Allowed to Apply for a PPP Loan?

Unlike other SBA loan programs, the financial terms for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans are uniform for all borrowers.  The standard underwriting process does not apply because no creditworthiness assessment is required for PPP loans. Consequently, there is no meaningful risk of underwriting bias or below-market rates and terms.  It has also been recognized that […]

Read More… from Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Lender Allowed to Apply for a PPP Loan?

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) – Documentation for Loan Forgiveness

What documents do I need to provide for loan forgiveness for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)? If you have employees, you should submit Form 941 and state quarterly wage unemployment insurance tax reporting forms, or your equivalent payroll processor records that best correspond to the covered period.  This should also include evidence of any retirement […]

Read More… from Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) – Documentation for Loan Forgiveness

How Much of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Will Be Eligible for Forgiveness?

How Much of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Will Be Eligible for Forgiveness? The amount of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness can be up to the full principle amount of the loan, plus any accrued interest.  The actual amount of loan forgiveness will depend, in part, on the total amount spent over […]

Read More… from How Much of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Will Be Eligible for Forgiveness?