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Almost all businesses have employees who incur expenses while on the job—everything from office supplies, to travel and business dinners. But not all business owners are sure how to best handle the reimbursement of these expenses. We frequently get questions from our clients on this subject—should reimbursements be included in the employee's income? Are they tax deductible?

In order for an expense to be tax deductible to the business, and received tax-free by the employee, it must be reimbursed under an "accountable plan".

Is your business taking advantage of all of the tax credits available to you? There are tax credits available at both the federal and state level that are designed to reward employers who hire certain types of employees—for example, workers who, for reasons that are unrelated to their skill set or qualifications, have a hard time gaining employment. By hiring these workers, you are supporting the economy, and you can be rewarded for it!

2018 has certainly been a year of change in the tax world. The most recent change, the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in the case of South Dakota vs. Wayfair Inc., has overturned decades of precedent when it comes to the taxation of goods sold by out-of-state sellers.  

Wondering what this means for online retailers and other remote sellers? You’re not alone—the Wayfair case is complex, and many are waiting to see how individual states will choose to respond.

So you've decided to start your own law practice - congratulations! Wondering where to start? The entity selection process is one of the first steps in the formation of any new business, and law firms have several entities to choose from. There are legal, tax, and general business implications of each type of entity that must be carefully evaluated.

We are nearing the end of tax season, and one recent tax change could impact your business' bank account sooner than you think. In 2014, Massachusetts enacted a supplemental tax called the Employer Medical Assistance Contribution (EMAC), which is used to fund health insurance programs in the Commonwealth. In 2017, an Act Further Regulating Employer Contributions to Health Care was passed, temporarily changing the existing EMAC, creating a temporary supplemental contribution, and modifying the unemployment insurance rate schedule.

In part one of this blog, I outlined the top 11 changes in Trump's Tax Cuts & Jobs Act that will impact individual taxpayers. In Part 2, I'm discussing the top 9 changes that may impact your business:

After much anticipation, President Trump signed the new tax bill on December 22, 2017. The new tax bill is the most comprehensive tax bill since 1986 and will have a sweeping effect on individuals and businesses.

In part one of this blog, I've outlined the top 11 changes that will affect individual taxpayers:

The economy used to be a simpler place—either you owned a business, or you worked for someone else. In today's 'Sharing Economy', where VRBO, HomeAway, and Airbnb are common ways for the average person to make some extra cash, it's a bit more complex.

You may not think of yourself as a landlord, but if you offer your home or other property as a vacation or short-term rental, you are. And if the additional income isn't enough of a benefit, short-term rentals may also help you minimize your tax liability.

One of the questions that we get most often from our clients is, "What documents do I need to keep in regards to my taxes, and for how long?"

Of course, every situation is different, and your CPA can help you determine what you should keep based on your specific needs. However, there are a few general guidelines you can follow:

Trusts are a great way to put conditions on how, when, and to whom your assets will be distributed after you pass away. However, there are several options and specific terms to know when it comes to setting up a trust, and many people aren't sure of the best path forward.

To help explain, I've put together some frequently asked questions and answers on the subject.