The ability to deduct research and development (R&D) costs as a current business expense, rather than treat them as a capital asset that must be amortized over time, has helped many businesses over the years. By enabling companies to lower their income tax burden, this tax treatment encouraged valuable research and technological innovation. (more…)
Inflation Reduction Act Restructures Alternative Fuel Vehicle Credit
The Inflation Reduction Act, enacted in August 2022, significantly changed the qualifications for and calculation of the tax credit available for the purchase of an alternative fuel vehicle (electric and fuel cell vehicles). The Act created the Clean Vehicle Credit with one provision effective upon enactment and the remaining provisions phased in beginning in 2023. As a result of enactment, many vehicles that previously qualified for the credit earlier in 2022 no longer qualify. Significant changes and their effective dates are discussed below. (more…)
Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
In early August 2022, a reduced version of the Biden Administration’s tax reform, climate change, green energy, and social policy agenda was passed by both the House and Senate. On August 16, 2022, President Biden signed the $750 billion Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 into law. The numerous changes will require significant guidance from multiple federal agencies to implement. With one exception, the Act’s provisions will be effective beginning January 1, 2023. We have summarized some of the key provisions below, and as guidance is released, will continue to keep you updated on how the Inflation Reduction Act may affect you or your business. (more…)
Employee Retention Tax Credit – Be Cautious and Do Your Due Diligence
Although most COVID-19 relief programs have expired, many taxpayers are still sorting through lingering questions about their eligibility for various credits and grants. One such program, the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC), has attracted particular attention in recent months.
The rules governing the ERTC are complex, and some eligible employers might not realize they qualify. Your company certainly should take advantage of tax credits for which it is eligible, and the ERTC was indeed a lifesaver for many businesses. (more…)
Governor Newsom Signs Budget Act of 2022
On June 30, 2022, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a $308 billion budget package (Budget Act of 2022), which includes a direct tax refund for qualifying taxpayers. We have outlined some of the key tax related highlights from the budget, below. We will continue to keep you updated as we learn more about how the provisions in the budget may affect you or your business. (more…)
IRS Information Returns - Filing Changes on the Horizon?
If your company is among the millions of businesses that still file paper versions of tax information returns such as Form W-2 and the various types of Form 1099, proposed new regulations from the IRS could soon affect you. The agency has proposed new regulations that would greatly expand the number of employers who are required to file these documents electronically rather than on paper.
The new rules are still subject to revision and the IRS has not yet officially announced when they will take effect. When they were first unveiled, however, the agency said it wanted to implement them by the end of this year. Companies that are still filing paper W-2s and 1099s should consider transitioning soon. (more…)
California Competes Tax Credit and Grants – 2022 Update
The state’s popular California Competes Tax Credit program continues to be available during the 2022-2023 fiscal year. The state has allocated approximately $304 million in California Competes Tax Credits and a total of $120 million in California Competes Grant funding. (more…)
ASU 2016-13: Accounting for Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL)
By Deepa Bhat, CPA, CFE, ACA, Principal
Starting in January 2023, businesses must conform to a new accounting standard for measuring expected credit loss. It’s perhaps one of the biggest accounting changes for financial institutions in a decade – but they’re not the only ones affected. Nonfinancial institutions may still have financial instruments and other assets that will require a different accounting approach and new internal controls. Implementing the current expected credit loss (CECL) accounting methodology takes a forward-looking approach to risk modeling and will be a significant undertaking for many. (more…)
Recent California Tax Law Changes Can Benefit Business Owners and Employees
Recently enacted California tax legislation included both good news and bad news for business owners. Senate Bill 113 (SB 113) contained a number of key and favorable changes made retro-active for the 2021 tax year. California Senate Bill 114 (SB 114) reinstated a mandatory COVID-19 supplemental sick leave requirement for employers. (more…)