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...
How to Save Tax with an Installment Sale
Considering selling real estate in Maine before the end of the year? Most likely you hope to entice a qualified buyer who has plenty of cash on hand. But being open to the idea of an installment sale may help you seal the deal, and fortunately, installment sales also...
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...
Employers Affected by Recent Hurricanes Get a Valuable Tax Credit
On September 29, 2017, a new law was signed by President Trump providing various tax breaks for victims of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. Among them is a valuable tax credit for eligible employers affected by the devastating hurricanes. An “employee retention...
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...
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...
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...
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...
How the IRS Proves Fraud and Why It Can Be Devastating
A tax assessment by the IRS is generally presumed to be correct, but a taxpayer can overcome the presumption with proof. However, that situation is reversed when the IRS asserts fraud. In those instances, the IRS must prove, by clear and convincing evidence that fraud...
Revenue Recognition for Contracts: Changes Coming Soon
The top line of your company's income statement is revenue. So, it tends to receive a lot of attention from investors, lenders and other stakeholders. Why? It’s a telltale sign whether your company is growing or declining based on changes in revenue. Moreover, changes...