On Tuesday, the Senate passed a bill that would retroactively extend more than 50 expired tax provisions though 2014. The bill was passed by the House of Representatives on Dec. 3 and is now awaiting a signature from President Barack Obama. Earlier proposals to permanently extend some of the expired provisions or to extend […]
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Five Ways to Boost Your Productivity
Sometimes its tough to get going in the morning, and you might see your tasks pile up on you at the end of the day because of a slow start. Here are five simple tips that can help boost your productivity throughout the day. Organize your day the night before Either at the end of […]
Avoiding Malpractice Risk When You “Dabble” In Audits
According to CAIMCO insurance statistics, the average audit claim is around $362,000. The highest loss ratio comes from providers that “dabble” in audits, spending less than 15% of time on that particular service area. What are important steps you can take in order to avoid malpractice risk? Before accepting any engagement, ensure you understand […]
The Adage Is Right. There Really Is No Free Lunch
Written by Guy Schmitz J.D., LL.M. The IRS has decided to look at tax-exempt meals offered by Google (and other companies) to its employees. Once again we have an example of the core of tax law (and all law for that matter): the application of a general principle to specific facts. See below. […]
Recapitalization of a Company—Gift Tax
Written By: Guy Schmitz, J.D., LL.M. Consider advising your clients that all transfers potentially have tax consequences. Clients know that if they sell stock for a purchase price in excess of basis, there will be gain (assuming no offsetting losses). They will recognize quickly (if you tell them) that the transfer of services for money […]
No Groundhog Day This Time?
Written By: Guy Schmitz, J.D., LL.M. Is there anything worse than the Congressional ritual of letting temporary provisions expire and then resuscitating them, nominally retroactively? While the members of Congress undoubtedly trumpet their extender legislation as an accomplishment to save these important tax benefits, the fact was that the taxes that affect decisions on […]
Amazon, Drones, and Nexus
Written By: Guy Schmitz, J.D., LL.M. Amazon has agreed to start paying sales tax in Illinois in 2015 because it is opening distribution centers in Illinois. This may not sound like it is worthy of a blog entry, but it is. First we’ll cover the history and then the future, all intertwined with nexus and […]
How to Avoid Overindulging at the Audit Buffet
By Jennifer Louis, CPA Generally accepted auditing standards require a direct linkage of assessed risks of material misstatement to the detailed audit plan. A thoughtful approach to this task can lead to more effective and efficient audits, and without one, over-auditing or under-auditing may result. Imagine that you are at an all-you-can-eat buffet. As […]
Tips for Making Mornings Better
Make Mornings a Little More Bearable Some people can naturally wake up with a spring in their step and be ready to tackle the day. Others, not so much. For those who have trouble bouncing out of bed with a spring in their step in the mornings, here are four things you can do to […]