Written by Guy Schmitz J.D., LL.M. The Code is comprised of over 3.8 million words. A sequence of some of these words gives us bright line tests: a 3-year statute of limitations (generally) for income tax returns; a 90-day letter from the IRS, which is the ticket to the Tax Court—if that ticket is […]
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Tag! You’re It: Transferee Liability under the Internal Revenue Code
Written by Guy Schmitz J.D., LL.M. Clients know little or nothing about transferee liability. If the need arises, it’s your job to give them advice about transferee liability, assumedly not the kind of advice the taxpayers got in Feldman, et al. v. Comm., 115 AFTR 2d 2015-xxxx (7th Cir. 2015). Feldman The Facts: William […]
Why Going Concern Disclosures Matter Now
Even though the new FASB rule ASU 2014-15 isn’t effective until December 15, 2016, some types of going concern disclosures are relevant now. Even if financial statements are not audited, the basic fair presentation principles require complete and informative disclosures–including any significant uncertainties. Providing useful information to enable financial statement users to make informed economic […]
Catch Up On Estate Tax Changes
Under the proposed budget for 2015, President Obama would implement changes that would significantly affect estate taxes. The key estate tax-related proposals include: A new $3.5 million state tax exemption and a one million dollar gift exemption Non-taxable annual gifts would be limited to $50,000 per donor Step-ups would not be allowed on intangible […]
How much time do you REALLY need to study for the CPA Exam?
When deciding how much time you should spend studying for the CPA exam, there a three things to consider: your academic background, how long you have been out of college and the type of work experience you have. All of these will factor in when you’re creating your study plan. But how do you know […]
FASB issues ASU: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis Explained
On February 18, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued the Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2015-02. This update was designed to improve certain areas of consolidation guidance for reporting organizations that are required to evaluate consolidating certain legal entities. This update applies to public, private and not-for-profit corporations when deciding if they should consolidate […]
Limited Liability Companies Electing Status as S Corporations: The Unstable Hybrid
Written by Guy Schmitz J.D., LL.M. When advising on choice of entity, practitioners will sometimes recommend that a client form a limited liability company, which then elects to be taxed as an S corporation. There are good reasons for this recommendation, all touching upon state taxation. Whether the federal election is automatic at the […]
Jack Surgent Explains Changes to IRAs in the Proposed Budget for 2015
Catch up on all of President Obama’s proposed changes to IRAs in the proposed budget for 2015 from Surgent Chairman Jack Surgent. These proposed changes include: Limiting the ability of taking stretch payments to anyone other than a non-spouse. Currently, individuals are able to leave money in their IRA to children or grandchildren. Limiting […]
What the future holds for the accounting industry in 2015
Last month, President of Accountants Advisory Group Joseph Tarasco spoke with Forbes.com about what changes we might see in the accounting industry this year. Tarasco shared his predictions for what might take place in 2015 and identified critical industry trends. Fee pressures, rising staff labor costs and lack of quality staff will force firms […]
AICPA Issues Four Auditing Interpretations Addressing SAS No.126
On January 24, 2015, the AICPA Auditing Standards Board (ASB) issued four auditing interpretations to address issues related to the SAS No. 126, The Auditor’s Consideration of an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern (Redrafted) (AICPA, Professional Standards, AU-C Section 570). In 2014, the FASB released Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure […]