Technology is transforming the accounting profession. When businesses moved from paper ledgers to spreadsheets, it improved the timeliness, accuracy and integrity of accounting-related data. Likewise, cloud computing and the ability to remotely access real-time data have allowed accounting departments to be far more responsive to an increasingly distributed workforce. Artificial intelligence (AI) is the latest […]
Asset protection is a vital part of estate planning. Indeed, you want to pass on as much of your wealth to family and friends as possible. This can be achieved only if you shield your assets from frivolous creditors’ claims and lawsuits. One option available is to establish a domestic asset protection trust (DAPT) in […]
Data breaches can be costly. The average total cost of a data breach has risen to roughly $4.45 million, according to a 2023 survey of information technology (IT) security professionals by the Ponemon Institute (a research center dedicated to privacy, data protection and information security policy). That figure has grown 15% overall in the last […]
Fraud occurs in companies of every size. But small businesses, especially new ones, have special risks because they generally can’t invest in expensive fraud-prevention programs. Thankfully, there are simple yet effective strategies that can reduce the likelihood of fraud, however small or new your company is. Understand the risk Fraud schemes can involve employees (occupational […]
In Notice 2023-75, the IRS recently announced the dollar limits and thresholds for qualified retirement plans in 2024, reflecting the latest cost-of-living adjustments. Here are some relevant amounts to be aware of: Contribution limits for 401(k)s and other defined contribution plans. The annual limit on contributions will increase to $23,000 (up from $22,500) for 401(k), […]
Your business may soon have to meet new reporting requirements that take effect on January 1, 2024. Under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), enacted in 2021, certain companies will be required to provide information related to their “beneficial owners” — the individuals who ultimately own or control the company — to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). […]
By regularly analyzing risk, business owners and executives can better understand and manage the likelihood and potential impact of fraud. In general, there are two types of business risk: inherent and residual. Inherent risk is what exists before management takes steps to mitigate the organization’s exposure. Residual risk is what remains after management has implemented […]
The IRS recently released Revenue Procedure 2023-24 to announce the 2024 cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for various tax-related limits applicable to many popular employer-provided fringe benefits. Here are some highlights: Health Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). For 2024, the dollar limit on employee salary reduction contributions to health FSAs will be $3,200 (up from $3,050 in 2023). […]
On November 27, 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued updated accounting rules on segment reporting. The guidance concludes several years of discussions aimed at providing investors with better information about a company’s business unit costs from the viewpoint of management. The rules will take effect next year for public companies. Existing rules The term […]
Most businesses today need to offer a solid benefits package. Failing to do so could mean falling behind in the competition to hire and retain talent in today’s tight job market. When it comes to retirement benefits, however, smaller companies may struggle with the financial and administrative burdens of sponsoring their own plans. The good news […]
With the holidays approaching, you might be considering making gifts of stock or cash to family members and other loved ones. By using the annual gift tax exclusion, those gifts — within generous limits — can reduce your taxable estate. Indeed, in 2023, the annual gift exclusion amount is $17,000 per recipient. (In 2024, the […]
Earlier this year, the IRS released Revenue Procedure 2023-29, in which it announced an important indexing adjustment to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). With year end here and a fresh 12 months of the calendar on the way, it’s an ideal time to determine whether your organization is (or will be) an applicable large employer […]