Latest posts
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Businesses Revise Sales Compensation Models During Pandemic
Economists will look back on 2020 as a year with a distinct before and after. In early March, most companies’ sales projections looked a certain way. Just a few weeks later, those projections had changed significantly — and not for the better. Because of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, businesses across a variety of industries…
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COVID-19: A Reminder of Why Cross-Training Your Accounting Staff is Key
Imagine this scenario: A company’s controller is hospitalized for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and she’s the only person inside the company who knows how its accounting and payroll software works. She also is the only person with check signing authority, besides the owner, who is in lockdown at his second home out of state. Meanwhile,…
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Independent Assurance Inspires Confidence in Sustainability Reports
Sustainability reports explain the impact of an organization’s activities on the economy, environment and society. During the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, stakeholders continue to expect robust, transparent sustainability reports, with a stronger emphasis on the social and economic impacts of the company’s current operations than on environmental matters. Investors, lenders and even the public at…
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Overcoming the Challenges of Remote Auditing During the COVID-19 Crisis
Many people are currently working from home to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Your external auditors are no exception. Fortunately, in recent years, most audit firms have been investing in technology and training to facilitate remote audit procedures. These efforts have helped lower audit costs, enhance flexibility and minimize disruptions to…
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Hiring Independent Contractors? Make Sure They’re Properly Classified
As a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, your business may be using independent contractors to keep costs low. But you should 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. The question of whether a worker is an…
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The CARES Act Liberalizes Net Operating Losses
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act eliminates some of the tax-revenue-generating provisions included in a previous tax law. Here’s a look at how the rules for claiming certain tax losses have been modified to provide businesses with relief from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. NOL deductions Basically, you may be able to…
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Business Charitable Contribution Rules Have Changed Under the CARES Act
In light of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many businesses are interested in donating to charity. In order to incentivize charitable giving, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act made some liberalizations to the rules governing charitable deductions. Here are two changes that affect businesses: The limit on charitable deductions for corporations has…
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Nonprofits: Navigate COVID-19 Obstacles With Virtual Board Meetings
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has forced many of us to work differently — whether it’s isolated at home or in-person wearing facial masks and other protective gear. Even if your not-for-profit’s board of directors usually meets in person, current events strongly suggest the need for a Plan B. Here are some best practices for holding…
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Time to Team Up: Nonprofit Partnerships
Limited staff and financial resources during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may have your not-for-profit looking for new ways to achieve your mission. Partnering with a like-minded organization potentially enables you to pool funds, staff and supporters — temporarily or permanently. 2 primary arrangements There are many types of partnership arrangements between nonprofit organizations. But…
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Is Your Nonprofit’s Tap Running Dry?
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis has put enormous financial stress on many not-for-profits — whether they’re temporarily shut down or actively fighting the pandemic. If cash flow has dried up, your organization may need to do more than trim expenses. Here’s how to assess your financial condition and take appropriate action. Put your board in…
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IRA Account Value Down? It Might be a Good Time for a Roth Conversion
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused the value of some retirement accounts to decrease because of the stock market downturn. But if you have a traditional IRA, this downturn may provide a valuable opportunity: It may allow you to convert your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA at a lower tax cost. The key differences…
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Do You Have Tax Questions Related to COVID-19? Here are Some Answers
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected many Americans’ finances. Here are some answers to questions you may have right now. My employer closed the office and I’m working from home. Can I deduct any of the related expenses? Unfortunately, no. If you’re an employee who telecommutes, there are strict rules that govern whether you can…