Masters & Jorgensen, Inc.

M&A transactions: Avoid surprises from the IRS

August 19, 2019

If you’re considering buying or selling a business — or you’re in the process of a merger or acquisition — it’s important that both parties report the transaction to the IRS in the same way. Otherwise, you may increase your chances of being audited. If a sale involves business assets (as opposed to stock or […]

DOL expands retirement plan options for smaller businesses

August 12, 2019

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has released a final rule which should make it easier for smaller businesses to provide retirement plans to their employees. According to the DOL, the rule will enable more small and midsize unrelated businesses to join forces in multiple employer plans (MEPs) that provide their employees a defined contribution […]

Congress acts to reform the IRS, enhance taxpayer protections

August 7, 2019

The U.S. Senate has passed, and President Trump is expected to sign into law, a broad package of reforms aimed at the IRS. Among other things, the Taxpayer First Act contains several new protections for taxpayers, along with provisions intended to improve the IRS’s customer service. Stronger safeguards against identity theft Several of the bill’s […]

Bartering: A taxable transaction even if your business exchanges no cash

July 29, 2019

Small businesses may find it beneficial to barter for goods and services instead of paying cash for them. If your business engages in bartering, be aware that the fair market value of goods that you receive in bartering is taxable income. And if you exchange services with another business, the transaction results in taxable income […]

Which entity is most suitable for your new or existing business?

July 22, 2019

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) has changed the landscape for business taxpayers. That’s because the law introduced a flat 21% federal income tax rate for C corporations. Under prior law, profitable C corporations paid up to 35%. The TCJA also cut individual income tax rates, which apply to sole proprietorships and pass-through entities, […]

2019 Q3 tax calendar: Key deadlines for businesses and other employers

July 15, 2019

Here are some of the key tax-related deadlines affecting businesses and other employers during the third quarter of 2019. 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. July […]

Hiring this summer? You may qualify for a valuable tax credit

July 8, 2019

Is your business hiring this summer? If the employees come from certain “targeted groups,” you may be eligible for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). This includes youth whom you bring in this summer for two or three months. The maximum credit employers can claim is $2,400 to $9,600 for each eligible employee. 10 targeted […]

Congress acts to reform the IRS, enhance taxpayer protections

July 1, 2019

The U.S. Senate has passed, and President Trump is expected to sign into law, a broad package of reforms aimed at the IRS. Among other things, the Taxpayer First Act contains several new protections for taxpayers, along with provisions intended to improve the IRS’s customer service. Stronger safeguards against identity theft Several of the bill’s […]

Employers: Be aware (or beware) of a harsh payroll tax penalty

June 28, 2019

If federal income tax and employment taxes (including Social Security) are withheld from employees’ paychecks and not handed over to the IRS, a harsh penalty can be imposed. To make matters worse, the penalty can be assessed personally against a “responsible individual.” If a business makes payroll tax payments late, there are escalating penalties. And […]