Economic Impact Payments Are on Their Way

The IRS and the Treasury department began issuing a second round of Economic Impact Payments last week as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act. Most individuals making up to $75,000 per year will receive a direct payment of $600; married couples making up to $150,000 per year will receive $1,200; and eligible individuals with children will receive $600 for each qualifying child dependent. Dependents who are 17 and older are not eligible for the child payment.

Estate Tax & Gifting in Massachusetts

Taxpayers often utilize gifting as part of their estate plan. However, determining the applicability of the Massachusetts estate tax can lead to some unexpected results when there are lifetime gifts.

3 Insurance Considerations for Employers with a Remote Workforce

As businesses have navigated the COVID-19 pandemic over the course of 2020, many were forced to shift to a remote workforce temporarily. As the pandemic continues, employers and employees have adjusted to this new way of working, and many companies are now considering shifting to this model permanently. This change can provide many benefits, including reduced overhead, increased communication, improved employee satisfaction, and reduced carbon footprint. However, there are impacts to risk exposure as well.

Key Considerations for Tax Planning in Light of Biden’s Proposed Tax Plan

With the election behind us, and tax season ahead of us, tax planning is at the forefront of the minds of many. Although President Elect Joe Biden has shared his proposed tax plan, much is still up in the air as we await the January runoff elections to determine control of the US Senate.

FAQ: The SECURE Act

2020 has been a year to remember for so many reasons that it is easy to forget the significant legislation passed by Congress late last year that could potentially impact how you plan for retirement. The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act is considered by many to be the most significant retirement planning legislation in a generation, and it has raised many questions.

Unemployment Benefits Fraud: What to Be on the Lookout For and 7 Steps to Prevent Further Fraudulent Activity

Identity theft has become increasingly common over the last several years, and with more people collecting unemployment benefits than ever before due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen a sharp increase in unemployment benefits fraud among our clients.

Impacts of Your PPP Loan on Year End Tax Planning

Since the inception of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), there have been many questions around the taxability of loan proceeds. As we approach the end of the year, it is imperative to consider the details of your PPP loan in regard to year-end tax planning.

2 Ways FASB’s New Lease Accounting Standard May Impact Banks

The Financial Accounting Standard Board (FASB) recently released a new lease accounting standard, which took effect for public firms on January 1, 2020, and will take effect for private firms on January 1, 2021.

The new lease accounting standard will require companies to record operating leases as both liabilities and assets on their balance sheets to give a more complete picture of a company’s financial obligations.

Navigating the New Normal: Payroll Recordkeeping

The subject of payroll has been top-of-mind for business owners this year. The COVID-19 pandemic triggered economic changes that caused considerable fluctuations in the size of many companies’ workforces. Employees have been laid off, furloughed and, in some cases, rehired. There has also been crisis relief for eligible businesses, including the Paycheck Protection Program and the payroll tax credit.

5 KPIs Contractors Need in Their Management Toolkit

What gets measured, gets done. KPIs—or Key Performance Indicators—are an essential measurement tool used by successful businesses across all industries to track performance against benchmarks and achieve short- and long-term goals. For contractors, incorporating the right KPIs into your management toolkit can improve both your business and your bonding capacity.