Arizona Tax Credit Increases | Charitable Donations
Arizona increased tax credit contributions for qualifying charitable and foster care organizations, retroactive to January 1, 2016.
News
Section 179 Deductions for Real Estate Expenses
The Section 179 deduction for qualified real property expenses was made permanent under the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015. There are pros and cons for claiming this deduction.
Employers Are Now Required to Use New Form I-9
Employers must ensure proper completion of Forms I-9 to verify identity and employment authorization of their employees. In 2016, a new Form I-9 was issued and employers had an option to use the old form. Beginning January 22, 1017, employers are required to use the new version.
Arizona Tax Refunds
Are you wondering when to expect your Arizona tax refund? Taxpayers filing electronically who chose direct deposit can expect refunds within 12 business days after return acceptance. Taxpayers filing paper returns should expect their refund within 6-8 weeks after return acceptance.
Coach Employees to Avoid Cybercrime
Companies can avoid cyberattacks and minimize risks by coaching employees and establishing policies and procedures. Simple steps can guard against basic criminal acts and internal cyberthreats.
1099-G Forms May Contain Incorrect Information
The Arizona Department of Revenue announced some 1099-G forms were sent to taxpayers that contained erroneous information. This does not impact anyone who did not receive an Arizona state income tax refund in 2015. Corrected 1099-G forms are set to be completed this week and mailed to impacted taxpayers as soon as possible.
Retirement and Taxes
Considering retiring and moving to another state for the weather, to be closer to family, or both? Certain states may be more attractive than others due to taxes. Some states may have residency requirements for state tax purposes, which may be complicated.
IRS Clarification | Corporate Debt Versus Equity
Corporations can deduct interest on debts for federal tax purposes. A valid obligation exists if the parties intended to create a debt, and the debt is enforceable and unconditional. In contrast, a capital contribution is a direct or indirect contribution of cash or other property to the capital of a business entity. Generally, a contribution to the capital of a corporation is not treated as taxable income to the corporation, and the contributor cannot deduct the payment for tax purposes.
Commercial Construction Contractors: Surety Bonds
Most commercial construction contractors would like to expand their business with larger projects. Due to increased risks associated with these projects, they require bid, performance, and payment bonds.
Avoiding Probate
Creating a revocable living trust keeps heirs out of probate court and ensures financial data stays private.
Doing Business Across Borders
Our international tax consultants assist clients with complete tax planning, return preparation and filing to ensure U.S. and foreign compliance.
Year-End Reminder – FSAs
It is easy to forget to spend remaining funds in Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) before January 1, 2017. By failing to observe the “use-it-or-lose-it rule,” money could be forfeited if there is money left over in your accounts, unless a special provision applies.
Fit Company Challenge – Phoenix 2016
Three teams from Wallace, Plese + Dreher participated in the Fit Company Challenge – Phoenix 2016 and competed against nine other Arizona companies. Team participants included a variety of ages and fitness levels and worked together to complete three courses for their team. Courses focused on strength, agility, full-body conditioning, speed, and endurance. Examples of course stations included planks, burpees, sit-ups, kettlebell swings, push-ups, inverted rows, sandbell slams, sprint and agility relays, and three-mile runs.
Wallace, Plese + Dreher Welcomes New Partners
Effective November 1, 2016, Dennis, Schmich & Co., Ltd. combined with Wallace, Plese + Dreher. All four partners, Murray P. Mindlin, CPA, J.D., L.L.M., Hilarie H. Pierce, CPA, Steven F. Buel, CPA, and Nikki M. Kuretich, CPA, joined WP+D.
Mark Dreher Recognized | Influential Arizona Business Leader
Mark Dreher recognized as one of the most influential leaders in accounting and Arizona business community.
Fringe Benefits – Partnerships and LLCs
A special set of federal income tax rules applies to fringe benefits provided by a partnership to its partners in exchange for their services to the business. The same set of rules also applies to multi-member LLCs because they are treated as partnerships for federal tax purposes.
Retirement Plans – Common Operational Deficiencies
Performing self-audits on retirement plans can avoid common deficiencies found by the IRS and Department of Labor.
IRS Threatens Discounts on Certain Family-Owned Business Entities
Considering setting up a family limited partnership ( FLP) or transferring additional interests into an existing one? You may want to act now before year end.
Tax Strategies | Inherited IRAs
If you recently inherited an IRA with other beneficiaries, the rules regarding required minimum distributions (RMDs) may not be optimal for everyone. Particularly, if the beneficiaries are multiple beneficiaries or the inherited IRA lists a charity as a beneficiary.
Wallace Plese + Dreher Announces Three New Partners
Wallace, Plese + Dreher elected three new partners, Randy G. Brammer, CPA, CCIFP, Michelle Flynn, CPA, and Sara B. Nance, CPA, effective July 1, 2016, bringing the Firm’s total partners to nine.
Voted No. 1 Accounting Firm
Wallace, Plese + Dreher (WP+D) Voted No. 1 Accounting Firm by Ranking Arizona: The Best of Arizona Business 2016.
Avoiding Probate
You may have heard people say you should “avoid probate” in your estate and wondered: What does that mean? This article discusses probate issues and ways to avoid them.
Key Financial Issues and Retirement
In 2016, the Baby Boomer generation will turn 59 years old and be eligible to withdraw funds from their qualified retirement funds without incurring the 10% early withdrawal penalty. Many may not be ready for full retirement. Preparing for retirement takes planning and financial matters for retirement should not be ignored.
Mark R. Dreher, CPA – Designated Managing Partner
In December 2015, Wallace, Plese + Dreher (WP+D) designated Mark Dreher as managing partner. Scott Wallace, former managing partner since 1997, remains a partner and dedicates time to serving clients and business development.
General Guidelines for Closing an Estate
Many factors impact the length of time it takes to close an estate, including size, complexity, and state law. Sometimes, estate proceedings continue to be open for years with no end in sight. As an executor, personal representative, or heir of an estate, you should be aware of a few general guidelines for closing an estate.
Are you treating your family business as a royal dynasty?
Take a disciplined approach to determine the best choice for running a family-owned business. Current senior owners should consider applying seven common-sense steps.
Wallace, Plese + Dreher Announces Jerry Miles New Partner
Wallace, Plese + Dreher announces new partner, William G. Miles, CPA, CFP.
Wallace, Plese + Dreher Announces Promotions
Wallace, Plese + Dreher congratulates 8 professionals on their well-deserved promotions.
Michelle L. Flynn, CPA – Arizona Republic 2015 Who’s Who in Business
Wallace, Plese + Dreher (WP+D) is among Arizona Republic’s 2015 top 10 mid-sized accounting firms and Michelle Flynn is honored as top-ranking woman in chosen category.
Safeguarding Personal Information Against Online Surveillance
The Internet has revolutionized our lives. It facilitates transactions and information transmission. With opportunities there are risks. In today’s Web-based world, it is critical to know contents of your “digital dossier” and take steps to minimize risks that various forms of online surveillance create for personal and financial security. Respond Online to IRS Requests to Verify Identity When the IRS receives a suspicious tax return
Tax Paperwork – Keep or Toss?
Over the years, tax and other paper records tend to mount. Many individuals and companies keep records longer than necessary in case the IRS, state tax authorities, or another regulatory body inquires about a course of action. The following record retention guidelines can prevent your home or office from looking like a TV show about hoarding. E-filing is on the upswing. According to