President Trump’s campaign promise of major tax reform was fulfilled on Dec 22nd when he signed H.R. 1 that had been quickly pushed through Congress. This legislation is the most widespread change to our tax system since 1986. It will have a significant impact on individuals, business entities, choice of corporate structures and multi-national businesses. The implementation of some of the changes is subject to varying interpretations so we are anxiously awaiting further guidance from the IRS. (more…)
Revenue Recognition Standard and Timeline
By Deepa Bhat, CPA, Principal & Carol Wagner, CPA, Principal
ASL Assurance & Accounting
No time like the present to prepare a game plan for the new revenue recognition standard. To ensure a smooth transition from your current approach, be sure to explore all available resources, read and review practical guidance to understand how these new standards affect your business practices and then develop your implementation strategy. A brief overview of this process is outlined here:
Revenue Recognition Standard and Timeline
Common Legal Pitfalls and Legal Issues Affecting Start-Ups Today
Mital Makadia and David Siegel, Partners at Grellas Shah LLP, spoke at the ASL Emerging Business Group’s best practices seminar on the topic, “Common Legal Pitfalls and Legal Issues Affecting Start-Ups Today.” In this podcast, Mital and David share the most important aspects of employment law, intellectual property, and entity selection for start-ups today. To watch the whole seminar, please visit our YouTube page: ASL YouTube – Common Legal Pitfalls Affecting Start-Ups Today
California, Surprise...Your Subcontractors Are Your Employees!
By Abe Livchitz, CPA, Senior Tax Manager
ASL Construction Group
The issues related to proper worker classification impact many businesses, including contractors. The rules are often unclear and their application is based on each employer’s specific facts and circumstances. An Internal Revenue Service or California Employment Development Department audit resulting in the reclassification of workers can have a significant bottom line impact. As a result, it is important to correctly determine if your workers are employees or independent contractors. (more…)
Stop Giving Away Your Equity: How Emerging Businesses Can Get Alternative Financing
Joe Monte, the owner of TB Business Finance, spoke at the ASL Emerging Business Group’s best practices seminar on, “Stop Giving Away Your Equity: How Emerging Businesses Can Get Alternative Financing.” In this podcast, Joe shared his advice for startups on how he can help a small business with a loan. To hear more, listen to the podcast below.
California Tax Reform Could Have International Tax Implications
By Sylvia Chan, Tax Senior
There has been much discussion about restructuring the California Tax System. Currently, California relies significantly on personal income tax collection to fund its state expenditures. Tax revenue based on personal income relies heavily on the unpredictability of capital gains which makes it impossible to forecast the state’s future revenue. This puts California in a very vulnerable situation should the stock market collapse, creating an abrupt shortfall in the State budget. Most people would agree that the California tax system is outdated, unfair, unreliable and long overdue for tax reform. (more…)
Using Innovation to Grow Your Emerging Business
Amie Gray, CEO of N³ Innovation, spoke at the ASL Emerging Business Group’s best practices seminar on, “Using Innovation to Grow Your Emerging Business.” In this podcast, Amie shared that innovation sustains your business and to do research to plan for what your market will look like in three to five years out. Take a listen to hear more about what Amie shares in this mini podcast.
Google defends tax settlement with the U.K.
Google executives recently defended the company’s tax settlement with the United Kingdom to a select committee of the British House of Commons.
The appearance before the panel followed news of a deal the company struck with the U.K. under which it will pay £130 million ($186 million) in back taxes. British tax authorities said the amount is over and above the tax that Google would have paid for past years (or would pay for the current period). (more…)
China Broadens Scope Of Super R&D Deduction
China has widened the number of qualifying research and development (R&D) costs that are eligible for a super deduction for Chinese corporate income tax purposes.
The country released Circular 119, which would allow Chinese resident enterprises to retroactively deduct qualifying R&D expenses incurred over the past three years, among other things. The information in the guidance is part of China’s continuing efforts to strengthen and encourage R&D innovation and development strategies. (more…)