Masters & Jorgensen, Inc.

How business owners may be able to reduce tax by using an S corporation

March 31, 2020

Do you conduct your business as a sole proprietorship or as a wholly owned limited liability company (LLC)? If so, you’re subject to both income tax and self-employment tax. There may be a way to cut your tax bill by using an S corporation. Self-employment tax basics The self-employment tax is imposed on 92.35% of […]

Do you want to go into business for yourself?

March 27, 2020

Many people who launch small businesses start out as sole proprietors. Here are nine tax rules and considerations involved in operating as that entity. 1. You may qualify for the pass-through deduction. To the extent your business generates qualified business income, you are eligible to claim the 20% pass-through deduction, subject to limitations. The deduction […]

Coronavirus Office Protocols

March 24, 2020

As we are navigating our way through the upcoming days and weeks of Coronavirus, we are making strides at Berkman, Jorgensen, Masters & Stafman to keep our facility safe for our clients and staff; therefore, we have implemented the following procedures: Our office is open, but entrance doors are locked. Appointments will be by phone […]

The IRS provides guidance on meal and entertainment deductions

March 23, 2020

The IRS has released proposed regulations addressing the deductibility of meal and entertainment expenses in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. Among other things, the proposed regs clear up lingering confusion regarding whether meals are considered entertainment and, therefore, generally nondeductible. TCJA rule changes Prior to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), Section […]

House passes bill to provide coronavirus relief; Senate expected to act this week

March 19, 2020

Several arms of the federal government have taken, or are weighing, significant steps to help the country deal with the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the implications for individuals and businesses. On March 14, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan 110-page bill that has received support from President Trump and, as […]

Do your employees receive tips? You may be eligible for a tax credit

March 2, 2020

Are you an employer who owns a business where tipping is customary for providing food and beverages? You may qualify for a tax credit involving the Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes that you pay on your employees’ tip income. How the credit works The FICA credit applies with respect to tips that your employees […]

Numerous tax limits affecting businesses have increased for 2020

February 28, 2020

An array of tax-related limits that affect businesses are annually indexed for inflation, and many have increased for 2020. Here are some that may be important to you and your business. Social Security tax The amount of employees’ earnings that are subject to Social Security tax is capped for 2020 at $137,700 (up from $132,900 […]

Cents-per-mile rate for business miles decreases slightly for 2020

February 24, 2020

This year, the optional standard mileage rate used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business decreased by one-half cent, to 57.5 cents per mile. As a result, you might claim a lower deduction for vehicle-related expense for 2020 than you can for 2019. Calculating your deduction Businesses can generally deduct the […]

New rules will soon require employers to annually disclose retirement income to employees

February 21, 2020

As you’ve probably heard, a new law was recently passed with a wide range of retirement plan changes for employers and individuals. One of the provisions of the SECURE Act involves a new requirement for employers that sponsor tax-favored defined contribution retirement plans that are subject to ERISA. Specifically, the law will require that the […]