Massachusetts Governor Signs Tax Relief Bill

On Wednesday October 4, 2023, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed a $1 billion tax package into law. This significant legislation will increase tax credits for caregivers, renters, and seniors, and provide benefits for the business community. Through this legislation, Healey hopes to make the cost of living more affordable to families.

IRS Announces Hurricane Tax Relief for Massachusetts & Maine Residents

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. 

ERC Update: The IRS is Cracking Down on Fraudulent Claims

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.

Update on Depreciating Business Assets

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act expanded the rules for depreciating business assets. However, the amounts change every year due to inflation adjustments. And due to high inflation, the adjustments for 2023 were big. Here are the numbers that small business owners need to know.

Corporate Officers and Shareholders: How Should You Treat Expenses Paid Personally?

If you play a major role in a closely held corporation, you may sometimes spend money on corporate expenses personally. These costs may end up being nondeductible both by an officer and the corporation unless the correct steps are taken. This issue is more likely to happen with a financially troubled corporation.

The Advantages Of Choosing An LLC For Your Small Business

If you operate your small business as a sole proprietorship, you may have thought about forming a limited liability company (LLC) to protect your assets. Or maybe you’re launching a new business and want to know your options for setting it up. Here are the basics of operating as an LLC and why it might be a good choice for your business.

A Tax-Smart Way To Develop And Sell Appreciated Land

Let’s say you own highly appreciated land that’s now ripe for development. If you subdivide it, develop the resulting parcels and sell them off for a hefty profit, it could trigger a large tax bill.

The Trust Fund Recovery Penalty: Are You At Risk?

If you own or manage a business with employees, there’s a harsh tax penalty that you could be at risk for paying personally. The Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (TFRP) applies to Social Security and income taxes that are withheld by a business from its employees’ wages. The TFRP is a sweeping penalty, applying to a broad range of actions and to a wide range of people involved in a business.

Starting a Business? Here's How Expenses Will Be Treated on Your Tax Return

Government officials saw a large increase in the number of new businesses launched during the COVID-19 pandemic. And the U.S. Census Bureau reports that business applications are still increasing slightly (up 0.4% from April 2023 to May 2023). The Bureau measures this by tracking the number of businesses applying for Employer Identification Numbers (EINs).

Traveling For Business This Summer? Here’s What You Can Deduct

If you and your employees are traveling for business this summer, there are a number of considerations to keep in mind. Under tax law, in order to claim deductions, you must meet certain requirements for out-of-town business travel within the United States. The rules apply if the business conducted reasonably requires an overnight stay.