Author: Service2Client

Important Update on New Company Reporting Laws CTA – BOI

On Jan. 1, 2024, the U.S. government debuted the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). This legislation established the requirement for the majority of private companies, both big and small…

4 min read

Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI)On Jan. 1, 2024, the U.S. government debuted the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). This legislation established the requirement for the majority of private companies, both big and small, to file information with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).

As with most new laws, the initial guidance and interpretations have been both challenged and questioned. In response, FinCEN recently turned out new FAQs, which we review below.

Big Question First: To Report or Not

Reporting is generally required by all private, for-profit entities. This includes corporations, LLCs, S-Corps, etc., whenever the company was created by filing a document with the office of the Secretary of State. Entities formed under the laws of jurisdictions outside the United States are also likely subject to reporting if they are registered to do business in the United States.

To help visualize the above, you can take a look at this flowchart published on the FinCEN website.

Screenshot from FinCEN website

While the general rules seem (and are) broad in construction, there are 23 specific exemptions, including publicly traded companies, nonprofits, and certain large operating companies. The FinCEN’s Small Entity Compliance Guide checklist can help in determining if you fall under an exemption.

Now, let’s move on to more specific questions.

Who is a beneficial owner?

An individual who either directly or indirectly exercises substantial controls or owns 25 percent or more of the reporting company.

What constitutes substantial control?

There are four (separate) ways to exercise substantial control:

  • The individual is a senior officer
  • Has the authority to appoint or remove officers or a majority of directors
  • An important decision-maker (regarding strategic, business, or finance)
  • They have any other form of substantial control as per the FinCEN’s Small Entity Compliance Guide.

Who is a company applicant for a reporting company?

Another of the more perplexing questions revolves around exactly who a company applicant of a reporting company is.

First, only reporting companies created or registered on or after Jan. 1, 2024, need to concern themselves with the company applicant rules; companies formed before are exempt.

There are two possible individuals who could be considered company applicants. One is the person who directly files the documents to create and register the company. This person will always exist and be an applicant of the reporting company. In the case where there were multiple people involved in the filing or registration, the individual who primarily controlled the filing is also considered an applicant.

Thankfully, FinCEN created another handy flowchart to help navigate through this rather confusing decision.

Screenshot from FinCEN website

What about sole proprietorships?

It depends. Sole proprietorships only have to report if the entity was created by filing a document with a secretary of state or similar office. In other words, if you just start freelancing and don’t file anything with a secretary of state office, you are not subject to the reporting requirements. Basically, if you didn’t form an LLC, you don’t need to report. For example, obtaining an employer identification number, a fictitious business name, or a professional or occupational license does not subject you to the FinCEN reporting requirements.

What if my company ceased to exist before the CTA requirements went into effect?

If a company ceased to exist on or before Jan. 1, 2024, then they are NOT subject to the reporting requirements.

Do I have to report more than once?

No, you only have to file an initial report once. There is NOT an annual report. You do, however, need to amend your original filing to update pertinent changes or corrections within 30 days of their occurrence.

What happens if I don’t file a report?

Willful violation can subject one to a fine of up to $500 per day until the violation is resolved. Criminal penalties could also be imposed, resulting in up to two years imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000.

Conclusion

The FinCEN released its guidance to clarify uncertainties around the new CTA-created reporting requirements. The goal is to ensure full and accurate compliance without undue burden on companies and individuals.

Looking at the Expanded Accounting Equation

Whether it’s a private equity transaction or an institutional or retail investor, analyzing a company’s financial statements is an important part of fundamental analysis. One important but basic way…

3 min read

Expanded Accounting EquationWhether it’s a private equity transaction or an institutional or retail investor, analyzing a company’s financial statements is an important part of fundamental analysis. One important but basic way to analyze whether a company is worth investing in is through the expanded accounting equation. The most straightforward equation to analyze a business’s balance sheet is:

Assets = Liabilities + Shareholder’s Equity

However, there are more detailed equations that analysts can employ to more closely examine a company’s financial situation. One way to look at it is by more comprehensive equations that break down net income and the transactions related to the equity owners (dividends, etc.).

This equation is a building block of accounting because it focuses on double-entry accounting – or that each occurrence impacts the bifurcated accounting equation – requiring the correct solution to always be in balance. This system is used for journal entries, regardless of the type of transaction. Looking at this equation in greater detail, here’s a more granular example:

Assets = Retained Earnings + Liabilities + Share Capital

Assets are the capital that give a business the ability to benefit from projected, increased productivity and hopefully increased gains. Whether it’s short-term (less than 12 months) or long-term (more than 12 months), it can take the form of real estate, cash, cash-equivalents, pre-paid expenses, accounts receivable, etc.

Liabilities are the amounts owed to lenders due to past agreements. This is related to the sum of liabilities, which is the total of current (up to 12 months) liabilities, plus long-term (more than 12 months) debt and related obligations. This takes the form of loans, accounts payable, owed taxes, etc. Shareholder’s equity is how much the company owners may assert ownership on after accounting for all liabilities.

Another way this equation can be expressed is as follows:

Assets = Liabilities + Contributed Capital + Beginning Retained Earnings + Revenue + Expenses + Dividends

Depending on the financial outcome of the company, dividends and expenses may be negative numbers.

To further explain, these variations on the equation help analysts break down shareholder’s equity. Revenues and expenses illustrate the delta in net income over discrete accounting/earning periods from sales and costs, respectively. Stockholder transactions are able to be accounted for by looking at what capital the original stockholders provided to the business and dividends, or earnings distributed to the company’s stockholders. Retained earnings are carried over from a prior accounting period to the present accounting period. Despite being elementary, the information is helpful for business managers and investors to develop a higher level of analysis.

When it comes to evaluating bankruptcy, it can help investors determine the likelihood of receiving compensation. When it comes to liabilities, should debts be due sooner or over longer periods of time, these debts always have priority. When it comes to liquidated assets, these are then used to satisfy shareholders’ equity until funds are exhausted.  

While this is not a comprehensive look at how to analyze a company, it provides internal and external stakeholders with a way to build a strong financial analytical foundation.

Pre-Retirement Planning Guide Financial Plan

Step 3: Develop a Financial Plan
We all have a different vision for our golden years – and we are also on individual financial tracks to meet our financial goals for retirement. But if you’re not where you think…

4 min read

Pre-Retirement Planning Guide Financial Plan

Step 3: Develop a Financial Plan

We all have a different vision for our golden years – and we are also on individual financial tracks to meet our financial goals for retirement. But if you’re not where you think you should be by age 50, consider ways to step up your efforts. Some ideas frequently recommended by financial planners include the following:

Reduce Your Expenses

You could give up some streaming services and your Friday night out with friends, but those are not likely to be impactful moves. Besides, let’s face it, those will be important entertainment and social outlets once you are in retirement, so you might not want to give them up now. A better move would be to reduce big-ticket expenses. These include your home (mortgage payments, insurance, taxes, maintenance), your car/s (payments, insurance, taxes, maintenance), tuition payments, and expensive vacations.

If it helps, break down these expenses into purposes to put them in perspective. A home provides shelter. A car gets you from point A to point B. Tuition is to educate your children and set them on a course for a meaningful life. Vacations enhance your daily life, expose you to new places, and help you bond with loved ones. Now ask yourself this: Can you achieve those four functions with a less expensive home, car, college, or vacation destination? It would be tough to say no.

Once you’ve identified these savings opportunities for a more financially secure retirement, it’s up to you to decide what to do about them. And remember, if you are considering relocation at any point – even in retirement – it is better to move sooner than later. This gives you more time to assimilate to new surroundings and make good connections (family, friends, doctors, social activities) to accompany you throughout retirement.

Invest Smartly

It’s a good idea to work with an experienced retirement financial planner who will take the time to understand your needs and objectives and make appropriate recommendations. Tip: To be assured of objective advice, consider hiring an advisor who charges by the hour rather than one who earns income via sales commissions.

Bear in mind that investing smartly can include a lot of different strategies. It could mean diversifying a current stock-dominant portfolio to include more bonds and cash – but adding a few well-researched, aggressive stocks for high-growth potential. It could mean moving a portfolio laden with high expenses to less expensive options, such as exchange-traded funds. At some point, your advisor will likely recommend transitioning your portfolio to more conservative holdings for the duration of your retirement.

And of course, use this time before retirement to max out your retirement plan contributions: In 2024, up to $23,000 + $7,500 catch-up (age 50 and older) for employer plans; up to $7,000 for a traditional and/or Roth IRA (combined total) + $1,000 catch-up.

Consolidate Your Accounts

Plan to have your accounts consolidated by the time you retire. It will be a lot easier for you (and eventually, your power of attorney and estate executor) to manage your finances if they are all in one or two places, such as a bank and/or an investment portfolio custodian.

Auto Pilot

Note that many retirement planners recommend you put your financial life on autopilot at some point in your 70s based on neurological studies that show decreased cognitive functioning as we age. But honestly, there is no reason why you shouldn’t start earlier.

Thanks to today’s technology, our financial lives are made easier no matter what age we are. We can program our bills to be paid automatically each month. We can balance our checkbook and check our credit card, savings, and investment balances online. We can have money sent to us (free of charge) via direct deposit, Venmo, and Zelle. We can schedule automatic investments, conduct buy and sell trades online, and have distributions transferred directly into our accounts.

All the methods of putting finances on autopilot that will benefit you in retirement will also benefit you right now. So, if you’re not using them yet, learn them and stay up-to-date with new technology so it won’t be intimidating as you get older. And as always, find a retirement planner who you trust to guide you in this process.

Are You Ready for Major Tax Changes in 2026?

The enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in 2017 brought with it major changes to the tax code on both personal and business levels. While many taxpayers have not only enjoyed but come to see…

4 min read

Are You Ready for Major Tax Changes in 2026?The enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in 2017 brought with it major changes to the tax code on both personal and business levels. While many taxpayers have not only enjoyed but come to see these tax provisions as normal over the past seven years, many provisions of the TCJA are set to expire at the end of 2025. This makes 2026 and beyond potentially a very different tax landscape than the one we operate in today. This article reviews main provisions of the TCJA that could be affected and what it could mean for taxpayers.

Return of Higher Tax Rates

Lower tax rates were a hallmark of the TCJA. Rates on all income brackets were lowered (except the lowest 10 percent bracket). Without an extension of this act, tax rates will automatically return to their former levels, with the highest at 39.6 percent for federal income taxes.

Look for Return of Lower Standard Deductions; Higher Personal Exemptions; Unlimited SALT Deductions

The TCJA created a sort of trade-off by raising the standard deduction but lowering personal exemptions and limiting the state and local tax deductions (SALT) for itemizers. The reversal of these provisions can be either a net positive or negative, depending on each taxpayer’s situation. Generally, for those who reside in high tax brackets (income tax and/or property tax) or with a lot of dependents, the reversion will be favorable.

Currently, the standard deduction is $29,200 (married filing jointly) or $14,600 (single). These amounts will be almost cut in half to $16,600 and $8,300, respectively.

Offsetting these deduction losses, personal exemptions return. Currently, there are no personal exemptions, but this will go back to pre-TCJA levels adjusted for inflation, approximately $5,300 for each taxpayer, spouse and dependent.

The SALT deduction is capped at $10,000 under the TCJA. This limit will be eliminated; potentially giving dramatic benefit to taxpayers in high-income tax and property tax states.

Finally, it should be noted that materially lower standard deductions may create a lot more taxpayers who would benefit from itemizing deductions versus taking the standard deduction. In addition, the SALT cap, currently at $10,000 per tax return (not per person), will be eliminated.

Tax-Deductible Mortgage Interest on Large Loans

The TCJA limited tax-deductible interest on mortgages taken out in 2018 and after to interest on $750,000 of mortgage debt, versus the previous $1 million cap. This will revert back to the higher $1 million limit.

Lower Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) Exemptions and Phase-Outs

Significant increases in AMT exemptions and phase-out limits were part of the TCJA and, as a result, millions of taxpayers were no longer subject to the AMT. This provision will revert as well, subjecting millions of taxpayers to the AMT. In particular, taxpayers who take large, itemized deductions and benefits from incentive stock compensation schemes will be the most negatively impacted.

Lower Estate and Gift Tax Limits

The TCJA nearly doubled the federal lifetime estate and lifetime gift tax exemption from $7 million to $13.61 million for a single taxpayer. These amounts double for couples making joint gifts. The limits would revert back to the $7 million level. Note that the annual gift tax exclusion of $18,000 per person is not expected to change.

Elimination of 20% Qualified Business Income Deduction and Bonus Depreciation

Pass-through business owners (e.g., S-corps, LLCs) benefitted from up to a 20 percent deduction on qualified business income under the TJCA (subject phase-outs). Business owners also benefitted from bonus depreciation as part of the TCJA – as high as 100 percent at one point. Both of these business-friendly provisions are set to expire completely unless Congress takes action.

Plan For Change

Whatever may be in the near-term, the only constant when it comes to taxes is that they will certainly be here. History teaches us to never get comfortable with the current tax code. The exact iteration of an extension of the TCJA or lack thereof is uncertain at this point, but the provisions at risk are known. For some taxpayers, this article is more of an FYI; while for those with multi-year planning strategies, the time to consider various outcomes and work with your tax advisor is now.

The Future of Backlinks: Incorporating Artificial Intelligence in Link Building

Backlinks are the direct result of successful link-building efforts. The quality and quantity of backlinks a website receives are influenced by the effectiveness of its link-building strategies. Traditionally, link building…

4 min read

The Future of Backlinks, ai seo link buildingBacklinks are the direct result of successful link-building efforts. The quality and quantity of backlinks a website receives are influenced by the effectiveness of its link-building strategies. Traditionally, link building has been a labor-intensive process, often requiring significant time and resources. However, advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are changing the future of link building. According to a study by seoClarity, about 67 percent of search engine optimization (SEO) professionals believe that generative AI’s most significant benefit is the automation of repetitive SEO tasks.

How AI is Changing Link Building

  1. Enhanced Data Analysis and Insights  
    Incorporating AI into link building helps quickly process and analyze vast amounts of data. Traditional link-building methods rely on manual analysis. This is time-consuming and likely to have errors. However, AI algorithms can sort through data and identify patterns and trends that might go unnoticed if done manually.

    AI also can help identify high-quality links by evaluating websites’ authority, relevance, and potential value. These algorithms can predict the future impact of potential backlinks, allowing SEO professionals to prioritize their efforts on the most promising opportunities.

  2. Automated Outreach
    Outreach, despite its importance in link building, can be a tedious task. It involves creating personalized messages, sending emails, and managing follow-ups. All of these steps are necessary but also take up a lot of time. However, AI-powered tools have automation capability, making these processes more efficient and effective. For instance, AI can personalize outreach emails based on the recipient’s content and interests, increasing the likelihood of a positive response. These tools also can manage follow-up emails, ensuring potential link opportunities are not lost due to lack of communication.
  3. Content Creation and Optimization
    Link building requires creating valuable content that naturally attracts backlinks. AI can help in this area by generating content ideas, optimizing existing content, and ensuring it meets SEO standards. AI tools can analyze trending topics and suggest content ideas likely to attract backlinks. These tools also can optimize content for SEO, ensuring it is relevant, high-quality, and engaging. This will enable businesses to produce content that resonates with their audience and attracts valuable backlinks organically.
  4. Competitor Analysis
    Competitor analysis is useful in providing valuable insights into what competitors are doing in terms of link-building. AI can significantly enhance competitor analysis by providing detailed insights into competitors’ backlink profiles and strategies.

    AI tools can analyze where competitors are getting their backlinks, identifying potential gaps and opportunities for your strategy. Additionally, these tools can track how competitors’ backlink profiles have evolved, revealing the most effective strategy. This competitive intelligence allows businesses to refine their link-building efforts and stay ahead.

  5. Risk Management
    Link building comes with some risks. This is particularly true regarding low-quality or spammy links that can harm your website’s SEO. AI can help manage these risks by detecting and disavowing harmful links, ensuring compliance with search engine guidelines.

    AI can identify spammy or low-quality links that could negatively impact your SEO efforts. By monitoring backlinks and ensuring they comply with search engine guidelines, AI tools help avoid penalties from search engines. This helps protect your website’s authority and rankings.

  6. Predictive Analytics
    Predictive analytics is yet another area where AI can significantly impact link building. Analyzing historical data and trends makes it possible to forecast future SEO trends and anticipate link decay.

    AI can predict how changes in search engine algorithms might impact link-building strategies, allowing businesses to adapt proactively. Additionally, AI can estimate when specific backlinks might lose value, enabling timely replacements. This ensures that link-building efforts remain effective and aligned with evolving SEO trends.

  7. Real-Time Monitoring and Adjustments
    Incorporating AI into link building allows for real-time monitoring and adjustments. AI tools can track the performance of backlinks and their impact on SEO rankings, providing immediate insights and allowing for dynamic strategy adjustments.

    AI-powered monitoring tools can track how backlinks perform, assessing their impact on SEO rankings. If certain links are underperforming or there are changes in search engine algorithms, AI can recommend adjustments to the strategy. This real-time feedback loop ensures that link-building efforts are continually optimized for maximum effectiveness.

Conclusion

The integration of AI into link-building strategies offers numerous advantages, from enhanced data analysis and automated outreach to predictive analytics and real-time monitoring. As AI technology continues to evolve, its role in link-building will become increasingly sophisticated, providing SEO professionals with powerful tools to improve their strategies and achieve better results. Embracing AI in link building will help businesses stay ahead of the competition by working more efficiently in an ever-changing digital landscape.

How to Report for Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income (CI), which is defined as the sum of net income (NI) and other comprehensive income (OCI), gives both the internal and external audiences a 30,000-foot perspective of a company’s valuation…

3 min read

How to Report for Comprehensive IncomeComprehensive income (CI), which is defined as the sum of net income (NI) and other comprehensive income (OCI), gives both the internal and external audiences a 30,000-foot perspective of a company’s valuation. Understanding how it’s broken down, how it’s accounted for, and how it’s interpreted by different audiences is essential to making favorable impressions.

In the banking industry, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found 2,705 material restatements occurred between the beginning of January 1997 and the first half of 2006. Businesses that fail to report financial information accurately the first time are not uncommon – but this can have harmful effects on their bottom line.

Comprehensive Income Components Defined

Net income, which is the first component of comprehensive income, is the difference between a company’s total revenue and the taxes, interest, and expenses. This shows how profitable a company is during a certain accounting time frame. It’s important to keep in mind that net income, along with all of the deductions taken from the total revenue, are reflected on the income statement because this financial document recognizes only incurred expenses and earned income during a set accounting period. 

Other comprehensive income (OCI), the second half of CI, is a way to account for and analyze unrealized or not yet booked gains or losses. This can include investing ventures, cash flow hedges, debt securities, foreign currency exchange rate adjustments, pension obligations, etc. It’s important to keep in mind that along with being reported on the company’s balance sheet, it may also be reported on a separate statement of comprehensive financial statement.  

Further Financial Statement Reporting Considerations

On June 17, 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued an Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2011-05, Comprehensive Income – Topic 220: Presentation of Comprehensive Income.

One of the original three ways that was in effect but has been repealed with this modification from FASB was to report elements of other comprehensive income (OCI) as a portion of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. However, many professionals argued that this change simplified the reading and analysis of how OCI impacts a business’ total operations.

Based on FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 220-10-45-1, comprehensive income can be presented in either one statement or two discrete, successive statements.  

#1: Single, Successive Statement Option

Based on ASC 220-10-45-1A, the following figures are required to be reported:

Components of net income

Total net income

Components of other comprehensive income

Total for other comprehensive income

Total for comprehensive income

#2: Two Discrete, Successive Statements

Based on ASC 220-10-45-1B, the following two figures are required:

1. Statement of net income

2. Statement of other comprehensive income

The following data for each respective successive financial statement should be included:

1a. Components of net income

b. Total net income

2a. Components of other comprehensive income

b. Total for other comprehensive income

c. Total for comprehensive income

Conclusion

While each business has its own challenges and opportunities, when it comes to preparing financial statements it’s essential to prepare financial statements that are transparent and follow FASB reporting requirements to maintain attractiveness to internal and external stakeholders.

Accounting Considerations for Capital Expenditures and Operating Expenses

When it comes to running a business, there are a lot of expenses incurred during operations. As of January 2024, New York University’s Stern School of Business had recorded nearly $1.2 trillion in capital expenditures by U.S.

3 min read

Accounting Considerations for Capital Expenditures and Operating ExpensesWhen it comes to running a business, there are a lot of expenses incurred during operations. As of January 2024, New York University’s Stern School of Business had recorded nearly $1.2 trillion in capital expenditures by U.S. sectors. Considering this, there are two important concepts that are imperative to study for effective accounting treatment: capital expenditures (CapEx) and operating expenses (OpEx).

Defining CapEx and OpEx

Operating expenses (OpEx) are required outlays a company incurs on a more frequent basis to take care of day-to-day expenditures. Capital expenditures (CapEx), conversely, are larger purchases that businesses intend to use over the long term (at least 12 months). 

Different Considerations

OpEx

This type of asset is more of a short-term consideration. Expenses that fall under this category include utilities, wages, rent, taxes, selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A). Unlike CapEx, businesses may benefit from tax deductions for these types of expenditures as long as the business incurs the expense during the same tax year. These expenses reduce a company’s net income. However, they are not eligible for depreciation, which is how CapEx reduces a business’ net income. Since the entire expense is recognized right away, they’re reported on the income statement.

CapEx

This type of asset is intended to have a useful life of more than one year. Examples of these types of assets include warehouses, data centers, work trucks, etc. Many of these items fall under PPE or property, plant, and equipment (PP&E) on the balance sheet. On the cash flow statement, it can be reported under the investing activities section.

Since these items are intended to last for a considerable time frame, such investments are planned to improve the profitability/capabilities of the business. Unlike OpEx, these expenditures are not tax deductible. It’s also important to understand this applies to intangible assets, such as patents, goodwill, etc.  

These types of assets are financed by either collateral or debt. Businesses also can issue bonds or get creative with their financing partners. Listed as a capitalized asset on the balance sheet, it’s depreciated over the asset’s useful life. However, it’s important to note that land is not depreciated.

Considerations between CapEx and OpEx

When it comes to CapEx, it’s important to know that some transactions can be paid for during the acquisition period, but acquisition costs can also occur over multiple accounting periods if it’s a long-term project, such as building a manufacturing plant or warehouse.

CapEx can determine the financial health of a company. If a company can reinvest in itself through patents, machinery, equipment, etc., along with maintaining or increasing its dividend payments to shareholders, then the company is on solid financial footing.

Depreciation for CapEx items is advantageous for companies because it provides a balance to the investment by lowering the company’s net income.   

There is another reason why both types of expenses exist. OpEx is a better choice if a business wants to be more agile and protect capital. CapEx would be used if a business is aiming to invest for long-term profitability and competitiveness.

Understanding how these two expenses are classified and accounted for is essential for businesses to navigate the accounting requirements and tax code effectively.

Sources

https://pages.stern.nyu.edu/~adamodar/New_Home_Page/datafile/capex.html

School Choices that Lead to Financial Independence

For many parents and kids, living independently after college or trade school has been a challenge – a big one, thanks to rising inflation, student debt, and high rent. However, whether your kids are headed for a university or a hands-on…

3 min read

School Choices that Lead to Financial IndependenceFor many parents and kids, living independently after college or trade school has been a challenge – a big one, thanks to rising inflation, student debt, and high rent. However, whether your kids are headed for a university or a hands-on career, there is hope. Here’s a quick snapshot of what majors and skills can potentially yield the highest paychecks so that financial independence is achievable.

Engineering and More

According to Kiplinger, college-bound kids who have an aptitude for math and science make the most money right out of school. It’s not a surprise, given that technology changes at what feels like warp speed. For instance, all the engineering, computer science, and finance majors during their early career trajectory earn more than $65,000 per year; mid-career, it’s upward of $100,000. This is a decent chunk of change for most single people; however, “decent” can depend on what city you live in and how you budget.

Construction

While this is a somewhat hard right turn from the above desk jobs, this field can be surprisingly lucrative. Granted, you probably need to start at the bottom and work your way up. But if you have the physical aptitude and a passion for this trade, you can earn $97,000 as a Construction Manager. Pretty darn great! How fast you progress depends on a number of things (type of building, small or large company, etc.), but the great news is that this is absolutely possible.

Medical

We’re not talking about becoming a doctor, but those who choose a support role can also do well. For instance, radiation technologists can earn $80,000, while dental hygienists can earn $77,000, an occupation that’s expected to grow by 13 percent in the next decade. Both of these jobs can support independent living, with the caveat that you don’t live in an extravagant place and watch your spending.

Legal

You don’t have to have a college degree to work in the field of law. In fact, paralegals and legal assistants can earn $52,000, but the anticipated increase over the next decade in this silo is 10 percent. These jobs require training, but generally, it’s not four years. You can even learn these skills this online. Best of all, the cost of the training is decidedly less than that of a four-year institution.

Other Trades

This mention validates the fact that, along with most of the aforementioned, you don’t have to spend a fortune on education – or go to college – to earn enough to realize monetary independence. Check this out: Commercial drivers can make $54,000; aircraft mechanics, $64,000; and computer network specialists, $63,000.

While there are variables that affect how well you do right after college, the topline takeaway is that college is not a prerequisite to paying one’s way as a young adult. All it takes is some forethought, planning, and the will to succeed.

The 10 Highest Paying College Majors (and 10 Lowest) | Kiplinger

25 Highest Paying Trade School Jobs in 2024 & Their Career Outlook | Research.com

How many Gen Z adults live at home? More each year, the US census shows (usatoday.com)

Accounting Considerations for Business Insurance Coverages

With more than eight million small businesses in America, and more than $776 billion in net premiums issued by the insurance industry in 2022 for commercial policies (according to the Insurance Information Institute), business…

3 min read

Business Insurance CoveragesWith more than eight million small businesses in America, and more than $776 billion in net premiums issued by the insurance industry in 2022 for commercial policies (according to the Insurance Information Institute), business insurance is big business. Along with protecting businesses from a myriad of claims, insurance expenses also have to be accounted for correctly.

When it comes to defining prepaid insurance, it’s essentially remittances that businesses (and individuals) make to an insurance company in advance. Normally, the usual time-frame for an insurance policy is 12 months. The time-frame is important when it comes to distinguishing between current and long-term asset classification.

If a prepaid expense, such as an insurance premium payment, is not utilized within 12 months of the remittance, it’s considered a long-term asset. Since it’s very uncommon for it to happen, it’s not seen in many financial statements, but is an important consideration to ensure that prepaid expenses are accounted for correctly.  

Important Accounting Factors

Since the coverage takes place in the future, but the payment is recorded in a preceding period, the prepaid insurance expense is considered a current asset on the balance sheet. Then, when the coverage is effective, the accounting consideration changes to the expense side of the business’ balance sheet.  

Here is an example of how businesses account for insurance expenses.

Company X pays an insurance premium of $3,000 on May 15 for the following 12 months starting June 1. The May 15 payment is recorded on the same date with a debit of $3,000 attributed to prepaid insurance along with a credit of $3,000 to cash. As of May 31, nothing has changed insurance-wise or accounting-wise for this policy, so the full $3,000 will be reported as prepaid insurance. However, once coverage is effective things change.

When June 30 rolls around, an adjusting entry will show a debit insurance expense for $250 (one-twelfth of the annual policy premium), and the same amount will see a credit to prepaid insurance. The June 30 debit balance for prepaid insurance will now be $2,750, leaving the remaining 11 months of insurance coverage that hasn’t yet elapsed – or eleven-twelfths of the $3,000 insurance premium cost.

This process repeats for the remaining 11 months. Depending on the business’ needs, coverage changes, policy changes, etc., the amounts may change but the process will likely remain the same.

Additional Factors

A related term, insurance payable, is another type of debt that is connected with an insurance expense. Listed on a company’s balance sheet, it represents a business’ outstanding premiums. This shows how much a company needs to pay the insurance company, and ideally by the end of the current period to remain current, avoid overdue fees, or have the policy canceled by the insurance carrier.

Along with giving businesses peace of mind, having the right mix of commercial insurance requires the right type of accounting considerations for the business’ internal and external accounting and tax reasons.

Sources

https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-commercial-lines

So, You’ve Been Audited: Should You Go It Alone or Hire a CPA, EA or Tax Professional?

I sincerely hope you have never had to go through an IRS audit – and never have to in the future. But what if that dark day does arrive? Should you go it alone and defend yourself or hire a CPA to be on your…

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IRS Hire a CPA or Represent yourself?I sincerely hope you have never had to go through an IRS audit – and never have to in the future. But what if that dark day does arrive? Should you go it alone and defend yourself or hire a CPA, EA, or Tax Professional to be on your side?

The temptation to handle this alone is usually prompted by one of two things. First, the notion is that this is not such a big deal. Other times, people think if they handle it themselves, they will save money.

Unfortunately, neither of these are good reasons to defend yourself in a tax audit against the IRS. While the decision to hire a CPA or tax lawyer does depend on the case and the issues at hand, the procedural setting plays an important role as well. The answer is nearly universal that you should hire a CPA, EA, or Tax Professional to defend you – or even a tax lawyer if the situation warrants it (sometimes they are one in the same person).

Why it is a Terrible Idea to Defend Yourself in a Tax Audit

There are several reasons why partnering with a pro is a good idea. Let’s look at each one and why.

  1. Working with your CPA, EA, or Tax Professional, you can go back and forth with your side of the story, dig into the facts, and challenge each other in formulating a response. You essentially have a thinking partner and someone to fact check your side of the situation. Plus, they know how to “handle” the IRS in the messaging of responses.
  2. It is prudent to create some space between you and direct communications with the government. For the same reason, defense attorneys do not want their clients talking directly to the police. It is best if you communicate via your CPA or tax lawyer. Whenever you are in direct communications with the IRS, the chance of making a misstep is greater. Once you have said or written something to the IRS, it is pretty much impossible to backtrack.
  3. CPAs, EAs, or Tax Professionals are experienced in advocating for clients and documentation.
  4. Early representation is a must! One of the biggest mistakes taxpayers subject to an audit make is to start off on their own and then end up in an even worse situation than they started. One of the biggest reasons why an audit can cost a lot is because the taxpayer dug themselves into hole that a CPA, EA, or Tax Professional then later had to get them out of.
  5. Most cases rest on fundamental accounting problems. Someone with expertise and good records can address these problems early and competently. Seeing your own facts and documents through an unbiased and objective lens is not easy for most of us.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision to hire a CPA, EA, or Tax Professional to represent you in a tax audit is a personal one. Exactly how necessary this is depends on the facts and circumstances of each individual situation, but it’s almost never a good idea to go it alone. If you ever find yourself in an audit, seriously consider hiring a CPA, EA, or Tax Professional – and do it early in the process.