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The Thomas Howell Ferguson Blog

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

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 […]

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2022 Health Savings Accounts Amounts Announced

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 […]

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

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 […]

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An S Corporation Could Cut Your Self-Employment Tax

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% […]

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

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 […]

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Providing Education Assistance to Employees? Follow these Rules

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 […]

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Claiming the Business Energy Credit for Using Alternative Energy

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 […]

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

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 […]

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Simple Retirement Savings Options for Your Business

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 […]

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

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 […]

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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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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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CARES Act II – Emergency Rental Assistance Program Q&A

Recently, Municode hosted a webinar on the CARES Act II – Emergency Rental Assistance Program. THF’s Steve Stevens and Government Services Group (GSG)’s Dave Jahosky had the opportunity to be panelists on this virtual discussion. There were great questions about the new CARES Act funding being provided by the IRS Treasury during the session. Continue […]

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What Governments Should Know about the CARES Act Relief Package

What should governments know about the CARES Act and the Supplemental Appropriations Act relief package? The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 passed Congress with strong bipartisan support. President Trump signed it into law on December 27, 2020.  To sum up, this relief package provides critical support to the American people and will further strengthen our economic […]

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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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Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Second Draw Q&A

In December, Congress passed a bill allotting $284 billion in new funding. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Second Draw will provide the hardest-hit businesses a chance at a second loan. The PPP 2.0 makes other changes too, including eligibility and limits for some loan sizes. Dennis Gallant answers some commonly asked questions on the Second […]

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Key Takeaways from the Second Round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

What are the key takeaways from the second round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)? The Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) 2021 permits certain small businesses who received a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan and experienced a 25% reduction in gross receipts to take a PPP Second Draw Loan of up to $2 million. Who is […]

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THF Congratulates Ying Wang and Megan Townsend on their new leadership roles with community boards

THF congratulates Ying Wang and Megan Townsend on their new leadership roles with community boards.   New Leadership Roles Ying Wang recently joined the Girls on the Run Board of Directors. Girls on the Run is an after-school program. It is designed to inspire girls of all abilities to recognize and embrace their inner strength. […]

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THF recently hosted the 10th annual Insurance Conference on Financial Reporting (INCON)

THF recently hosted the 10th annual Insurance Conference on Financial Reporting (INCON) with the Florida State University Catastrophic Storm Risk Management Center. INCON is a conference for insurer CFOs, controllers, treasurers, and others who deal with insurer financial matters. This conference offers unparalleled opportunities to stay abreast of changes that impact the activities and financial […]

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Maximize the Use of Your CARES Act & Minimize Disallowance Webinar

Our very own Steve Stevens had the opportunity to speak on how the CARES Act funding can positively and quickly impact your community, local government responsibilities, federal regulations and guidelines, allowable costs, ineligible costs, and more! Check out the full webinar here. […]

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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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CARES Act Funding Overview Webinar

Our very own Steve Stevens had the opportunity to speak on the overview of the CARES Act Funding.  Check out the full webinar here, or you can read some of the notes from the session below. CARES Act Local Government Program Process for counties to receive CARES funding Counties accessed disbursement using the DEM Grants Management […]

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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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How Do I Fill Out the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Forgiveness Calculation Form?

We know that some of these forms may seem daunting. Follow the instructions below for more clarity on how to complete the PPP Forgiveness Calculation Form. Business Legal Name (“Borrower”)/DBA or Tradename (if applicable)/Business TIN (EIN, SSN) • Enter the same information as on your Borrower Application Form. Business Address/Business Phone/Primary Contact/E-mail Address • Enter […]

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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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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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What Should Veterans Do To Get Their Stimulus Money?

What should veterans do to get their stimulus money from the IRS? How do they get their money for their dependents? The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued a special alert for Supplemental Security Income and Department of Veterans Affairs beneficiaries. If they didn’t file a tax return in 2018 or 2019 and have dependents, they […]

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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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Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Can the Loan Be Forgiven?

Can my Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan be forgiven in whole or in part? Can my Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan be forgiven? Yes. The amount of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness can be up to the full principal amount of the loan and any accrued interest. That is, the borrower will not […]

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How do I apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan?

You’ve done your research on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan, and you think your business is eligible. How do you apply for it? In order to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan, you must submit SBA Form 2483 Paycheck Protection Program Application Form and your payroll documentation. The lender must submit SBA Form […]

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7 Key Steps for a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)

A Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) is an effort within governmental departments and agencies to ensure that the Primary Mission Essential Functions (PMEFs) continue to be performed during a wide-range of emergencies, including localized acts of nature, accidents, pandemics, and technological or attack-related emergencies. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is now a serious global threat. An increasing […]

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