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The Thomas Howell Ferguson Blog

A Guide to Qualified Disaster Relief Funds and How They Affect Not-for-Profits

Do you have questions about qualified disaster relief funds? These can be different for different types of organizations. Let’s look at some details on this. What is a qualified disaster? Per IRC Code Section 139, a qualified disaster: What are qualified disaster relief funds? Qualified disaster relief funds provide aid to disaster victims and those […]

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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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Employers, be wary of ERC claims that are too good to be true

The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) was a valuable tax credit that helped employers that kept workers on staff during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the credit is no longer available, eligible employers that haven’t yet claimed it might still be able to do so by filing amended payroll returns for tax years 2020 […]

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2023 Q1 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 first quarter of 2023. Keep in mind that this list isn’t all-inclusive, so there may be additional deadlines that apply to you. If you have questions about filing requirements, contact us. We can ensure you’re meeting all applicable deadlines. January […]

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How to minimize the S corporation LIFO recapture tax

If you’re considering converting your C corporation to an S corporation, be aware that there may be tax implications if you’ve been using the last in, first out (LIFO) inventory method. That’s because of the LIFO recapture income that will be triggered by converting to S corporation status. We can meet to compute what the […]

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The standard business mileage rate is going up in 2023

Although the national price of gas is a bit lower than it was a year ago, the optional standard mileage rate used to calculate the deductible cost of operating an automobile for business will be going up in 2023. The IRS recently announced that the 2023 cents-per-mile rate for the business use of a car, […]

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Is your business closing? Here are your final tax responsibilities

Businesses shut down for many reasons. Some of the reasons that businesses shutter their doors: If you’ve decided to close your business, we’re here to assist you in any way we can, including taking care of the various tax obligations that must be met. A business must file a final income tax return and some […]

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Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A. CPAs Participates in The Second Harvest of the Big Bend’s Backpack Packing Blitz

Our THF Team members were fortunate to participate in the Second Harvest of the Big Bend’s Backpack Packing Blitz on Friday, July 22, 2022. THF staff gathered at the Florida State University Donald L. Tucker Civic Center to pack 20,000 backpacks to benefit students within the Big Bend community. This event was one of Envision […]

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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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FAQs by Not-For-Profit Organizations

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:  […]

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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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Modifications to the Main Street Lending Program Expands Eligibility to Not-For-Profits

On Friday, July 24th, the Federal Reserve Board released modifications to the Main Street Lending Program that will provide greater access to credit for not-for-profit organizations.  The Board approved two new loan options to provide support to a broad set of not-for-profit organizations that were in sound financial condition prior to the pandemic.  The Board […]

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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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CARES Act Relief for Not-For-Profit Organizations – Employee Retention Credit

If your organization was not able to receive money through the Paycheck Protection Program, you may be able to claim an Employee Retention Tax Credit! The CARES Act supports certain employers that operate a business during 2020 and retain their employees with an employee retention tax credit, despite experiencing economic hardship related to COVID-19. Like other eligible employers, […]

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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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CARES Act – Employers Can Claim an Employee Retention Tax Credit

Were you able to receive relief from the small business loans offered through the CARES Act? If the answer is no, you may be able to claim an Employee Retention Tax Credit! The CARES Act supports certain employers that operate a business during 2020 and retain their employees with an employee retention tax credit, despite […]

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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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Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) – Payroll Costs

While there is a lot of speculation surrounding payroll costs as they pertain to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), below are answers to questions that we have at this time.  The most important thing to remember if you apply for this program is to document, document, document. What qualifies as “payroll costs” under the Payment […]

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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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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. […]

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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: […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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How Can PPP Loans Be Used By Individuals With Income From Self-Employment Who File a 2019 Form 1040, Schedule C?

The proceeds of a PPP loan are to be used for the following. Owner compensation replacement, calculated based on 2019 net profit. Employee payroll costs (as defined in the First PPP Interim Final Rule) for employees whose principal place of residence is in the United States, if you have employees. Mortgage interest payments (but not […]

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Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) – How do I calculate the maximum amount I can borrow?

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) – How do I calculate the maximum amount I can borrow? How you calculate your maximum loan amount depends upon whether or not you employ other individuals.  If you have no employees, the following methodology should be used to calculate your maximum loan amount: Step 1: Find your 2019 IRS Form […]

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