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The Thomas Howell Ferguson Blog

Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A. CPAs (THF) Wins ClearlyRated’s 2024 Best of Accounting Award For Service Excellence

Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A. CPAs (THF), a leading accounting firm, announced today that they have won the Best of Accounting Award for providing superior service to their clients. ClearlyRated’s Best of Accounting® Award winners have proven to be industry leaders in service quality based entirely on ratings provided by their clients. On average, clients of […]

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Key 2024 inflation-adjusted tax parameters for small businesses and their owners

The IRS recently announced various inflation-adjusted federal income tax amounts. Here’s a rundown of the amounts that are most likely to affect small businesses and their owners. Rates and brackets When discussing the inflation-adjusted tax amounts, let’s first begin with rates and brackets. If you run your business as a sole proprietorship or pass-through business […]

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What’s the best accounting method route for business tax purposes?

What’s the best accounting method? Businesses have two accounting methods to figure their taxable income: cash and accrual. Many businesses have a choice of which method to use for tax purposes. The cash method often provides significant tax benefits for eligible businesses, though some may be better off using the accrual method. Thus, it may […]

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Beneficial Ownership Interest (BOI) Reporting Requirements 

The Corporate Transparency Act (signed into law on January 1, 2021) expanded anti-money laundering laws and created new reporting requirements for certain companies doing business in the US Beginning in 2024. Many small businesses are now required to report information about their beneficial owners to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) to create a national […]

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How IRS auditors learn about your business industry

Ever wonder how IRS examiners know about different industries so they can audit various businesses? They generally do research about specific industries and issues on tax returns by using IRS Audit Techniques Guides (ATGs). A little-known fact is that these guides are available to the public on the IRS website. In other words, your business […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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: […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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, […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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, […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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. […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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