Updated travel per diem rates go into effect October 1. To simplify recordkeeping, they can be used for reimbursement of ordinary and normal business expenses incurred while employees travel away from home. Per diem advantages As long as employees properly account for...
employees
Your Weekly ReadLarger deduction for meals might be available to businesses
When businesses provide meals to their employees, generally their deduction is limited to 50%. But there are exceptions. One is if the meal qualifies as a de minimis fringe benefit under the Internal Revenue Code. A recent U.S. Tax Court ruling could ultimately mean...
How Small Business Retirement Plans Compare
If your small business does not have a retirement plan, or if you are not pleased with the one you currently have, this summary can help you see how your retirement plan choices stack up. Safe harbor 401(k)s As 401(k) plans have gained popularity, many employees or...

All fringe benefits aren’t created equal for tax purposes
According to IRS Publication 5137, Fringe Benefit Guide, a fringe benefit is “a form of pay (including property, services, cash or cash equivalent), in addition to stated pay, for the performance of services.” But the tax treatment of a fringe benefit can vary...

Choosing the best way to reimburse employee travel
If your employees incur work-related travel expenses, small businesses can tax-efficiently reimburse employee travel costs by using the right method. But to secure tax-advantaged treatment for your business and your employees, it’s critical to comply with IRS rules....

Consider the taxes before making an employee a partner
In today’s competitive environment, offering employees an equity interest in your small business can be a powerful tool for attracting, retaining and motivating quality talent. If your business is organized as a partnership, however, there are some tax traps you...

Hire your children to save taxes for your business and your family
It can be difficult in the current job market for students and recent graduates to find summer or full-time jobs. If you’re a business owner with children in this situation, you may be able to provide them with valuable experience and income while generating tax...

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit can save taxes for small business
Employers that hire individuals who are members of a “target group” may be eligible for the Work Opportunity tax credit (WOTC). If you made qualifying hires in 2016 and obtained proper certification, you can claim the WOTC on your 2016 tax return. Whether or not...

Simplified Employee Pensions are a powerful retirement planning tool
Simplified Employee Pensions (SEPs) are sometimes regarded as the “no-brainer” first choice for high-income small-business owners who don’t currently have tax-advantaged retirement plans set up for themselves. Why? Unlike other types of retirement plans, a SEP is easy...

Two small-business tax credits for employee benefits
Tax credits reduce tax liability dollar-for-dollar, making them particularly valuable. Two available tax credits are especially for small businesses that provide certain employee benefits. And one of them might not be available after 2017. Small-business health care...

Washington, NC 27889
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