Scrupulous records and legitimate business expenses are the key to less painful IRS audits
If you operate a business, you know records of income and expenses need to be kept. Specifically, you should carefully record expenses to claim all the tax deductions to which you’re entitled. And you want to make sure you can defend the amounts reported on your tax returns in case you’re ever audited by the IRS. Contact the CPAs and business tax advisors at SEK with questions.
Nonprofits: Don’t be surprised by a sudden influx of support
Disaster-relief charities have long contended with sudden influxes of attention and donations. But any nonprofit could face this enviable “problem.” While your nonprofit is in a period of relative calm, consider how you might handle it. Contact the CPAs and business advisors at SEK for help with your nonprofit or for more financial advice.
A general look at generative AI for businesses
Many businesses are now using “generative” artificial intelligence (AI). Essentially, this is software that’s able to generate new content based on input from users and existing data either inputted during development or gathered from the internet. If you’re intrigued by the concept, discuss it with your leadership group. If you decide to move forward, be sure to explore potential liabilities. Contact the CPAs and business advisors at SEK for help.
The tax deadline is almost here: File for an extension if you’re not ready
The April 15 tax filing deadline is right around the corner. However, you might not be ready to file. If you need more time, you should file for an extension on Form 4868. An extension will give you until Oct. 15 to file and allow you to avoid “failure-to-file” penalties. However, it only provides extra time to file, NOT TO PAY. Contact the CPAs and tax advisors at SEK if you have questions about IRS penalties or have more tax questions.
2024 Q2 tax calendar: Key deadlines for businesses and employers
Here are some key tax deadlines for businesses during the second quarter of 2024. Contact the CPAs and business tax advisors at SEK to learn more about filing requirements and to answer your tax questions.
How a business valuation pro can help avoid M&A pitfalls
Is your business contemplating a merger or acquisition? M&A activity increased significantly in the fourth quarter of 2023, signaling a hot market for 2024. But there are some potential pitfalls for unwary buyers and sellers. The best defense against M&A failure is thorough due diligence that addresses financial, operational, technology and human resource issues. Contact the CPAs and business advisors at SEK to help evaluate your deal and avoid potential pitfalls.
5 things you should do every time you open QuickBooks Online
Not all habits are bad. Here are five good ones you should develop during each QuickBooks Online work session.
Court rules corporate reporting law is unconstitutional but requirements remain
Under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), many businesses had to begin complying with new reporting requirements on January 1, 2024. But on March 1, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama ruled that the CTA is unconstitutional.
Building a better nonprofit: Rules for restructuring
Since Revenue Procedure 2018-15 went into effect, not-for-profit restructurings have generally been easier for organizations that qualify. You may be able to make some significant changes to your organization and simply use Form 990 to inform the IRS, bypassing the need to create a new legal entity and file a new exemption application. But don’t just assume your restructuring qualifies. Before making major changes, contact the CPAs and business advisors at SEK to discuss your plans.
Update on retirement account required minimum distributions
If you have a tax-favored retirement account, including a traditional IRA, you must comply with the required minimum distribution (RMD) rules after reaching a certain age. If you inherit a tax-favored retirement account, including a traditional or Roth IRA, you’ll also have to deal with these rules. Contact the CPAs and tax advisors at SEK to find out more.