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Financial News General

Student Loan Forgiveness Plan

On Aug. 24, President Biden announced a plan for student loan debt relief. The three-part plan may affect nearly 8 million borrowers.

Part one will allow $20,000 of debt forgiveness for taxpayers who went to college on a Pell Grant or $10,000 without a Pell Grant. This applies only to taxpayers earning below $125,000 a year ($250,000 for married couples). The plan doesn’t specify how earnings are calculated or to which tax year they apply.

Part two is an extension of the pause on student loan repayment until Dec. 31, 2022.

Part three modifies the income-based repayment plan rules. Pell Grant recipients with undergraduate degrees will have their repayments capped at 5% of monthly income.

Contact one of our experts if you have any questions.

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Update on the Inflation Reduction Act

The proposed Inflation Reduction Act imposes a new 15% corporate alternative minimum tax on the adjustable financial statement income of certain corporations. The tax will apply if it exceeds the taxpayer’s regular tax, including its base erosion and anti-abuse tax for the tax year. An applicable corporation for a tax year is one that meets an average annual adjusted financial statement income test for one or more tax years that “are prior to such taxable year and end after Dec. 31, 2021.” A corporation meets the income test if its average annual adjusted financial statement income for the three-tax-year period (without regard to loss carryovers) ending with the tax year exceeds $1 billion.

Contact one of our experts with any questions about the Inflation Reduction Act.

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General Tax

Estates now have an additional three years to file for a portability election.

Portability allows a surviving spouse to apply a deceased spouse’s unused federal gift and estate tax exemption amount toward his or her own transfers during life or at death.

To secure these benefits, however, the deceased spouse’s executor must have made a portability election on a timely filed estate tax return (Form 706). The return is due nine months after death, with a six-month extension option.

Unfortunately, estates that aren’t otherwise required to file a return (typically because they don’t meet the filing threshold) often miss this deadline. The IRS recently revised its rules for obtaining an extension to elect portability beyond the original nine-months after death (plus six-month extension) timeframe.

What’s new? In 2017, the IRS issued Revenue Procedure 2017-34, making it easier (and cheaper) for estates to obtain an extension of time to file a portability election. The procedure grants an automatic extension, provided: The deceased was a U.S. citizen or resident, The executor wasn’t otherwise required to file an estate tax return and didn’t file one by the deadline, and The executor files a complete and properly prepared estate tax return within two years of the date of death.

Since the 2017 ruling, the IRS has had to issue numerous private letter rulings granting an extension of time to elect portability in situations where the deceased’s estate wasn’t required to file an estate tax return and the time for obtaining relief under the simplified method (two years of the date of death) had expired.

According to the IRS, these requests placed a significant burden on the agency’s resources. The IRS has now issued Revenue Procedure 2022-32. Under the new procedure, an extension request must be made on or before the fifth anniversary of the deceased’s death (an increase of three years). This method, which doesn’t require a user fee, should be used in place of the private letter ruling process. (The fee for requesting a private letter ruling from the IRS can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.)

Don’t miss the revised deadline If your spouse predeceases you and you’d benefit from portability, be sure that his or her estate files a portability election by the fifth anniversary of the date of death.

Contact us with any questions you have regarding portability. © 2022

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General Tax

The Kiddie Tax: Does It Affect your Family?

Many people wonder how they can save taxes by transferring assets into their children’s names. This tax strategy is called income shifting. It seeks to take income out of your higher tax bracket and place it in the lower tax brackets of your children. While some tax savings are available through this approach, the “kiddie tax” rules impose substantial limitations if: The child hasn’t reached age 18 before the close of the tax year, or The child’s earned income doesn’t exceed half of his or her support and the child is age 18 or is a full-time student age 19 to 23. The kiddie tax rules apply to your children who are under the cutoff age(s) described above, and who have more than a certain amount of unearned (investment) income for the tax year — $2,300 for 2022.

While some tax savings up to this amount can still be achieved by shifting income to children under the cutoff age, the savings aren’t substantial. If the kiddie tax rules apply to your children and they have over the prescribed amount of unearned income for the tax year ($2,300 for 2022), they’ll be taxed on that excess amount at your (the parents’) tax rates if your rates are higher than the children’s tax rates. This kiddie tax is calculated by computing the “allocable parental tax” and special allocation rules apply if the parents have more than one child subject to the kiddie tax. Note: Different rules applied for the 2018 and 2019 tax years, when the kiddie tax was computed based on the estates’ and trusts’ ordinary and capital gain rates, instead of the parents’ tax rates. Be aware that, to transfer income to a child, you must transfer ownership of the asset producing the income. You can’t merely transfer the income itself.

Property can be transferred to minor children using custodial accounts under state law. Possible saving vehicles The portion of investment income of a child that’s taxed under the kiddie tax rules may be reduced or eliminated if the child invests in vehicles that produce little or no current taxable income. These include: Securities and mutual funds oriented toward capital growth; Vacant land expected to appreciate in value; Stock in a closely held family business, expected to become more valuable as the business expands, but pays little or no cash dividends; Tax-exempt municipal bonds and bond funds; U.S. Series EE bonds, for which recognition of income can be deferred until the bonds mature, the bonds are cashed in or an election to recognize income annually is made.

Investments that produce no taxable income — and which therefore aren’t subject to the kiddie tax — also include tax-advantaged savings vehicles such as: Traditional and Roth IRAs, which can be established or contributed to if the child has earned income; Qualified tuition programs (also known as “529 plans”); and Coverdell education savings accounts. A child’s earned income (as opposed to investment income) is taxed at the child’s regular tax rates, regardless of the amount.

Therefore, to save taxes within the family, consider employing the child at your own business and paying reasonable compensation. If the kiddie tax applies, it’s computed and reported on Form 8615, which is attached to the child’s tax return. Two reporting options Parents can elect to include the child’s income on their own return if certain requirements are satisfied. This is done on Form 8814 and avoids the need for a separate return for the child. Contact us if you have questions about the kiddie tax. © 2022

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General Tax

Interested in an Electric Vehicle? How to qualify for a powerful tax credit.

Sales and registrations of electric vehicles (EVs) have increased dramatically in the U.S. in 2022, according to several sources. However, while they’re still a small percentage of the cars on the road today, they’re increasing in popularity all the time. If you buy one, you may be eligible for a federal tax break. The tax code provides credit to purchasers of qualifying plug-in electric drive motor vehicles including passenger vehicles and light trucks. The credit is equal to $2,500 plus an additional amount, based on battery capacity, that can’t exceed $5,000. Therefore, the maximum credit allowed for a qualifying EV is $7,500. Be aware that not all EVs are eligible for the tax break, as we’ll describe below. The EV definition for purposes of the tax credit, a qualifying vehicle is defined as one with four wheels that’s propelled to a significant extent by an electric motor, which draws electricity from a battery. The battery must have a capacity of not less than four-kilowatt hours and be capable of being recharged from an external source of electricity. The credit may not be available because of a per-manufacturer cumulative sales limitation. Specifically, it phases out over six quarters beginning when a manufacturer has sold at least 200,000 qualifying vehicles for use in the United States (determined on a cumulative basis for sales after December 31, 2009). For example, Tesla and General Motors vehicles are no longer eligible for the tax credit. And Toyota is the latest auto manufacturer to sell enough plug-in EVs to trigger a gradual phase-out of federal tax incentives for certain models sold in the U.S. Several automakers are telling Congress to eliminate the limit. In a letter, GM, Ford, Chrysler, and Toyota asked Congressional leaders to give all-electric car and light truck buyers a tax credit of up to $7,500. The group says that lifting the limit would give buyers more choices, encourage greater EV adoption and provide stability to auto workers. The IRS provides a list of qualifying vehicles on its website, and it recently added some eligible models. You can access the list here: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/irc-30d-new-qualified-plug-in-electric-drive-motor-vehicle-credit . Here are some additional points about the plug-in electric vehicle tax credit: It’s allowed in the year you place the vehicle in service. The vehicle must be new. An eligible vehicle must be used predominantly in the U.S. and have a gross weight of fewer than 14,000 pounds. These are only the basic rules. There may be additional incentives provided by your state. If you want more information about the federal plug-in electric vehicle tax break, contact us. © 2022

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General

The Inflation Reduction Act

The Inflation Reduction Act has moved a step closer to being passed in the U.S. Senate.

 

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) have agreed to a pared down package of provisions once part of the larger Build Back Better Act. Tax-wise, the bill would impose a 15% minimum tax on corporations with profits over $1 billion, raising $313 billion over a decade. Companies could claim net operating losses and tax credits against the 15%. The bill also aims to close the so-called “carried interest loophole.” Eliminating the loophole is estimated to raise $14 billion. In addition, the bill aims to raise an estimated $124 billion through increased IRS funding for stronger tax enforcement.

Contact one of our experts for any questions regarding the Inflation Reduction Act.

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Deadline for 2021 Tax Returns

If you’re one of the estimated 19 million taxpayers who’ve requested an extension to file their 2021 tax return, the filing deadline is Oct. 17. The IRS is reminding those taxpayers that they don’t have to wait until mid-October to file. If you have all the necessary information to file a return, contact us or file electronically at any time before the October deadline to avoid possible delays in processing your return. If you contact the IRS, you’ll likely interact with a voice bot, otherwise known as the IRS’s Automated Collection System. Voice bots are intended to help callers navigate interactive voice responses to simple payment questions.

Contact us for more personalized service.

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Weathering the Storm of Rising Inflation

Like a slowly gathering storm, inflation has gone from dark clouds on the horizon to a noticeable downpour on both the U.S. and global economies. Is it time for business owners to panic? Not at all. As of this writing, a full-blown recession is possible but not an absolute certainty. And the impact of inflation itself will vary depending on your industry and the financial strength of your company. Here are some important points to keep in mind during this difficult time.

Government response

For starters, don’t expect any dramatic moves by the federal government. Some smaller steps, however, have been taken. For instance, the Federal Reserve has raised interest rates to “pump the brakes” on the U.S. economy. And the IRS recently announced an increase in the optional standard mileage rate tax deduction for the last six months of 2022 (July 1 through December 31). The rate for business travel is now 62.5 cents per mile — up from 58.5 cents per mile for the first half of 2022. This is notable because the IRS usually adjusts mileage rates only once annually at year-end. The tax agency explained: “in recognition of recent gasoline price increases, [we’ve] made this special adjustment for the final months of 2022.” Otherwise, major tax relief this year is highly unlikely.

Some tax breaks are inflation-adjusted — for example, the Section 179 depreciation deduction. However, these amounts were calculated at the end of 2021, so they probably won’t keep up with 2022 inflation. What’s more, many other parts of the tax code aren’t indexed for inflation.

Strategic moves

So, what can you do? First, approach price increases thoughtfully. When inflation strikes, raising your prices might seem unavoidable. After all, if suppliers are charging you more, your profit margin narrows — and the risk of a cash flow crisis goes way up. Just be sure to adjust prices carefully with a close eye on the competition. Second, take a hard look at your budget and see whether you can reduce or eliminate nonessential expenses.

Inflationary times lead many business owners to try to run their companies as leanly as possible. In fact, if you can cut enough costs, you might not need to raise prices much, if at all — a competitive advantage in today’s environment. Last, consider the bold strategy of taking a growth-oriented approach in response to inflation. That’s right; if you’re in a strong enough cash position, your business could increase its investments in marketing and production to generate more revenue and outpace price escalations. This is a “high risk, high reward” move, however.

Optimal moves

Again, the optimal moves for your company will depend on a multitude of factors related to your industry, size, mission, and market. One thing’s for sure: Inflation to some degree is inevitable. Let’s hope it doesn’t get out of control. We can help you generate, organize and analyze the financial information you need to make sound business decisions. Contact one of our experts to find out how. © 2022

 

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2022 Q3 Tax Calendar

Key Deadlines for Businesses and Other Employers

Here are some of the key tax-related deadlines affecting businesses and other employers during the third quarter of 2022. Keep in mind that this list isn’t all-inclusive, so there may be additional deadlines that apply to you. Contact us to ensure you’re meeting all applicable deadlines and to learn more about the filing requirements.

August 1

Report income tax withholding and FICA taxes for second quarter 2022 (Form 941), and pay any tax due. (See the exception below, under “August 10.”) File a 2021 calendar-year retirement plan report (Form 5500 or Form 5500-EZ) or request an extension.

August 10

Report income tax withholding and FICA taxes for second quarter 2022 (Form 941), if you deposited on time and in full all of the associated taxes due.

September 15

If a calendar-year C corporation, pay the third installment of 2022 estimated income taxes. If a calendar-year S corporation or partnership that filed an automatic six-month extension: File a 2021 income tax return (Form 1120S, Form 1065 or Form 1065-B) and pay any tax, interest and penalties due. Make contributions for 2021 to certain employer-sponsored retirement plans. © 2022

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When Interest Rates Rise, Optimizing Tax Accounting Methods Can Drive Cash Savings

U.S. businesses have been hit by the perfect storm.

As the pandemic continues to disrupt supply chains and plague much of the global economy, the war in Europe further complicates the landscape, disrupting major supplies of energy and other commodities. In the U.S., price inflation has accelerated the Federal Reserve’s plans to raise interest rates and commence quantitative tightening, making debt more expensive. The stock market has declined sharply, and the prospect of a recession is on the rise. Further, U.S. consumer demand may be cooling despite a strong labor market and low unemployment. As a result of these and other pressures, many businesses are rethinking their supply chains and countries of operation as they also search for opportunities to free up or preserve cash in the face of uncertain headwinds.

Enter income tax accounting methods.

Adopting or changing income tax accounting methods can provide taxpayers opportunities for timing the recognition of items of taxable income and expense, which determines when cash is needed to pay tax liabilities.

In general, accounting methods either result in the acceleration or deferral of an item or items of taxable income or deductible expense, but they don’t alter the total amount of income or expense that is recognized during the lifetime of a business. As interest rates rise and debt becomes more expensive, many businesses want to preserve their cash, and one way to do this is to defer their tax liabilities through their choice of accounting methods.

Some of the more common accounting methods to consider center around the following:

  • Advance payments. Taxpayers may be able to defer recognizing advance payments as taxable income for one year instead of paying the tax when the payments are received.
  • Prepaid and accrued expenses. Some prepaid expenses can be deducted when paid instead of being capitalized. Some accrued expenses can be deducted in the year of accrual as long as they are paid within a certain period of time after year end.
  • Costs incurred to acquire or build certain tangible property. Qualifying costs may be deducted in full in the current year instead of being capitalized and amortized over an extended period. Absent an extension, under current law, the 100% deduction is scheduled to decrease by 20% per year beginning in 2023.
  • Inventory capitalization. Taxpayers can optimize uniform capitalization methods for direct and indirect costs of inventory, including using or changing to various simplified and non-simplified methods and making certain elections to reduce administrative burden.
  • Inventory valuation. Taxpayers can optimize inventory valuation methods. For example, adopting to (or making changes within) the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of valuing inventory generally will result in higher cost of goods sold deductions when costs are increasing.
  • Structured lease arrangements. Options exist to maximize tax cash flow related to certain lease arrangements, for example, for taxpayers evaluating a sale vs. lease transaction or structuring a lease arrangement with deferred or advance rents.

Insights

Optimizing tax accounting methods can be a great option for businesses that need cash to make investments in property, people and technology as they address supply chain disruptions, tight labor markets and evolving business and consumer landscapes. Moreover, many of the investments that businesses make are ripe for accounting methods opportunities — such as full expensing of capital expenditures in new plant and property to reposition supply chains closer to operations or determining the treatment of investments in new technology enhancements. For prepared businesses looking to weather the storm, revisiting their tax accounting methods could free up cash for a period of years, which would be useful in the event of a recession that might diminish sales and squeeze profit margins before businesses are able to right-size costs.

​While an individual accounting method may or may not materially impact the cash flow of a company, the impact can be magnified as more favorable accounting methods are adopted. Taxpayers should consider engaging in accounting methods planning as part of any acquisition due diligence as well as part of their regular cash flow planning activities.

Example

The estimated impact of an accounting method is typically measured by multiplying the deferred or accelerated amount of income or expense by the marginal tax rate of the business or its investors.

For example, assume a business is subject to a marginal tax rate of 30%, considering all of the jurisdictions in which it operates. If the business qualifies and elects to defer the recognition of $10 million of advance payments, this will result in the deferral of $3 million of tax. Although that $3 million may become payable in the following taxable year, if another $10 million of advance payments are received in the following year the business would again be able to defer $3 million of tax.

Continuing this pattern of deferral from one year to the next would not only preserve cash but, due to the time value of money, potentially generate savings in the form of forgone interest expense on debt that the business either didn’t need to borrow or was able to pay down with the freed-up cash. This opportunity becomes increasingly more valuable with rising interest rates, as the ability to pay significant portions of the eventual liability from the accumulation of forgone interest expense can materialize over a relatively short period of time, i.e., the time value of money increases as interest rates rise.

Accounting Method Changes

Generally, taxpayers wanting to change a tax accounting method must file a Form 3115 Application for Change in Accounting Method with the IRS under one of two procedures:

  • The “automatic” change procedure, which requires the taxpayer to file the Form 3115 with the IRS as well as attach the form to the federal tax return for the year of change; or
  • The “nonautomatic” change procedure, which requires advance IRS consent. The Form 3115 for nonautomatic changes must be filed during the year of change.

In addition, certain planning opportunities may be implemented without a Form 3115 by analyzing the underlying facts.

What Can Businesses Do Now?

Taxpayers should keep in mind that tax accounting method changes falling under the automatic change procedure can still be made for the 2021 tax year with the 2021 federal return and can be filed currently for the 2022 tax year.

Nonautomatic procedure change requests for the 2022 tax year are recommended to be filed with the IRS as early as possible before year end to give the IRS sufficient time to review and approve the request by the time the federal income tax return is to be filed.

Engaging in discussions now is the key to successful planning for the current taxable year and beyond. Whether a Form 3115 application is necessary or whether the underlying facts can be addressed to unlock the accounting methods opportunity, the options are best addressed in advance to ensure that a quality and holistic roadmap is designed. Analyzing the opportunity to deploy accounting methods for cash savings begins with a discussion and review of a business’s existing accounting methods.

To learn more contact us to talk to an expert on how you can drive you cash savings.