IRS Guidance on Leave-Sharing Programs to Help Hurricane Victims
As we’ve been discussing, the IRS recently announced special tax relief for leave-based donation programs set up by employers to assist victims of Hurricane Harvey and Tropical Storm Harvey. Basics of Employer Programs This means an employer can allow its employees to...
Help from the IRS for Hurricane Irma Victims
In response to Hurricane Irma victims in parts of Florida, U.S. Virgin Islands, and other areas, the IRS is offering extra time to complete tax-related responsibilities. Affected individuals now have until January 31, 2018, to file certain individual and business tax...
Compromised Asset Appraisals Undo Like-Kind Tax Plan
Exelon Corp. v. Commissioner, 2016 U.S. Tax Ct. LEXIS 26 (Sept. 19, 2016) A Section 1031 case that Judge Laro adjudicated cautions experts about allowing the hiring attorney to assume control over the appraisal. In ruling for the government, the judge found the...
How to Maximize Tax Breaks for Work-Related Education Costs
Since school is back in session, we think it’s a good time for a refresher on tax breaks for work-related education expenditures. Here's what Maine taxpayers need to know. American Opportunity Credit The American Opportunity credit equals 100% of the first $2,000 of...
Could Travel Per Diems Simplify Employee Expense Reimbursements?
If your Maine small business reimburses employees for actual travel expenses, then you know the process of submitting and approving expense reports for business travel can be an administrative hassle. Fortunately, the IRS offers simplified alternatives that can save...
Case Collapses When Experts Apply Wrong Measure of Damages
Sherwood Invs. Overseas Ltd. v. Royal Bank of Scot. N.V. (In re Sherwood Invs. Overseas Ltd., Inc, 2016 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 136096 (Sept. 30, 2016) A bankruptcy proceeding makes clear that, if an expert hopes to support a client’s position, he or she has to know more...
Work Opportunity Tax Credit: What Business Owners Need to Know
A federal income tax credit called the Work Opportunity tax credit (WOTC) is available to businesses that hire members of certain "targeted" groups. Here's how your business may be able to benefit from this potentially lucrative tax break. The Basics Businesses are...
Alerding Comments on Washington State Double-Dip Analysis
In re Marriage of Cheng, 2016 Wash. App LEXIS 2854 (Nov. 22, 2016) A double-dip decision out of Washington State prompted a reader’s request for comment from veteran valuator Jim Alerding (Alerding Consulting), who frequently deals with divorce-related valuation...
Recent Incidents Fuel Concerns over Breach Response
Could your data be hacked? Unfortunately, every organization is vulnerable to cyberattacks today. There are plenty of examples. In September, Equifax reported a data breach that exposed the credit histories and other information of 145.5 million Americans. Shortly...
Give Back and Save Taxes with Charitable Contributions
You may be thinking about making some charitable donations as the year comes to an end. Here's a rundown of the potential tax breaks for your generosity. Itemized Deductions While you can claim write-offs for contributions of cash and other items donated to charitable...