Senate Finance Committee Chair questions crypto safeguards

In the wake of cryptocurrency exchange FTX’s bankruptcy filing, Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden (D-OR) is seeking answers on what safeguards are in place to protect retail investors in the event of bankruptcy or theft. Wyden recently sent letters to crypto trading platforms Binance, Bitfinex, Coinbase, Gemini, Kraken and KuCoin. Wyden asked the exchanges […]

Intangible assets: How must the costs incurred be capitalized?

These days, most businesses have some intangible assets. The tax treatment of these assets can be complex. What makes intangibles so complicated? IRS regulations require the capitalization of costs to: Acquire or create an intangible asset, Create or enhance a separate, distinct intangible asset, Create or enhance a “future benefit” identified in IRS guidance as […]

Budget Bill update

Many hurdles remain as the U.S. Congress continues debating the next budget bill. An immediate need is for Congress to pass a rail bill, after President Biden asked congressional leaders to avert a rail strike by passing legislation. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said “the House will consider legislation adopting the tentative (rail) agreement reached […]

IRS warns on holiday scams

The holiday season is in full swing, and so are scams, warns the IRS. Con artists target taxpayers, possibly posing as IRS agents trying to collect bogus tax bills. They often demand payment by gift cards. Scammers may also claim a taxpayer’s identity has been stolen and used for criminal activity. These scams are usually […]

What to do if your CFO or controller leaves

A leadership departure in your accounting department can create turmoil, at least temporarily. However, it also provides an opportunity to assess the department’s performance and create a vision for how it should perform in the future. Here are four questions to address if your CFO or controller leaves. 1. Is the job description up to […]

Student Loan Payment pause extended

A student loan payment pause is extended through June 2023. On Nov. 22, President Biden announced that the U.S. Dept. of Education is extending the pause on student loan payments while Biden’s student loan relief plan is on hold following court rulings. The Biden Administration is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the […]

Increased regulation of cryptocurrency coming soon

The federal government will soon be increasing its regulation of cryptocurrency. Starting in January 2023, crypto brokers must observe new tax reporting requirements. These include providing investors with IRS Form 1099-B, which documents crypto profits and losses. Buying crypto generally isn’t taxable. However, trading it, converting it to cash and using it for purchases, may […]

Employers have options when paying holiday bonuses

Did someone say government shutdown?

The race to fund the federal government and avert a Dec. 16 shutdown is on! Or not. Differences between Democrats and Republicans over spending amounts and policy wavers have brought budget negotiations to a near-standstill. Democrats back an expansion of the Child Tax Credit and are trying to entice Republicans with business tax breaks, including […]

Discussion on IRS responsiveness and accessibility

The U.S. Treasury Department recently conducted another roundtable discussion on how to improve accessibility and service quality at the IRS. These series of discussions are intended to help the IRS develop a strategic plan to modernize tax administration. Specifically, the conversation focused on the challenges underserved taxpayers face when trying to communicate with the IRS. […]