In 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) brought sweeping changes to the tax code for individuals and businesses. Now, many of those provisions are set to expire at the end of 2025.
The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) was introduced during the pandemic, when COVID-19 temporarily closed many businesses. The credit provided cash that helped enable struggling businesses to retain employees. Although the ERTC expired for most employers at the end of the third quarter of 2021, it could still be claimed on amended returns after that.
The IRS recently announced several inflation-adjusted federal income tax amounts. Here’s a rundown of the amounts that are most likely to affect small businesses and their owners.
Ever wonder how IRS examiners know about different industries so they can audit various businesses? They generally do research about specific industries and issues on tax returns by using IRS Audit Techniques Guides (ATGs). A little-known fact is that these guides are available to the public on the IRS website. In other words, your business can use the same guides to gain insight into what the IRS is looking for in terms of compliance with tax laws and regulations.
The IRS announced a deadline extension for certain taxpayers impacted by Hurricane Lee, which hit the east coast in September 2023. Taxpayers who reside in or have a business in affected areas will now have until February 15, 2024 to file individual and business tax returns and make tax payments that were originally due on or after September 15, 2023.
After issuing multiple warnings, the IRS has announced a moratorium on processing new Employee Retention Credit (ERC) refund claims through the end of the year. In combination with stepping up its audit and criminal investigation work regarding ERC claims, the IRS hopes the moratorium will slow down the ERC process to allow the organization to better identify which claims are legitimate.
Many businesses use independent contractors to help keep their costs down — especially in these times of staff shortages and inflationary pressures. If you’re among them, be careful that these workers are properly classified for federal tax purposes. If the IRS reclassifies them as employees, it can be an expensive mistake.
Although the national price of gas is a bit lower than it was a year ago, the optional standard mileage rate used to calculate the deductible cost of operating an automobile for business will be going up in 2023. The IRS recently announced that the 2023 cents-per-mile rate for the business use of a car, van, pickup or panel truck is 65.5 cents. These rates apply to electric and hybrid-electric automobiles, as well as gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles.
The IRS recently issued Notice 2021-49, which provides updated and additional guidance related to the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC), including guidance on employer eligibility.
If your business receives large amounts of cash or cash equivalents, you may be required to report these transactions to the IRS.
