Enhance financial reporting by forging a partnership between internal and external auditors

Many calendar-year entities are currently preparing for the start of audit fieldwork. One proactive way to facilitate your financial statement audit is to encourage teamwork between your internal audit department and external auditors. Consider the following four tips to foster a more collaborative relationship. 1. Reach out regularly By scheduling meetings between internal and external […]

California disaster relief announced

The IRS has announced tax relief for individuals and businesses in southern California affected by wildfires and straight-line winds, which began on Jan. 7, 2025. These taxpayers now have until Oct. 15, 2025, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments. For example, individual returns due on April 15 can […]

Adoption tax credits: Easing the financial journey of parenthood

There are two tax breaks that help eligible parents offset the expenses of adopting a child. In 2025, adoptive parents may be able to claim a credit against their federal tax for up to $17,280 of “qualified adoption expenses” for each child. This is up from $16,810 in 2024. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar […]

The IRS’s secret history as prohibition enforcers

The tax treatment of intangible assets

Intangible assets, such as patents, trademarks, copyrights and goodwill, play a crucial role in today’s businesses. The tax treatment of these assets can be complex, but businesses need to understand the issues involved. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions. What are intangible assets? The term “intangibles” covers many items. Determining whether an acquired […]

Trump to create External Revenue Service

Many changes lay ahead as President-elect Donald Trump gears up to take office on Jan. 20. Among the changes, Trump announced he’ll “create the External Revenue Service (ERS) to collect our tariffs, duties and all revenue that comes from foreign sources.” Currently, the IRS collects certain foreign revenue, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection […]

Penalty free withdrawal from IRA available for disasters

Recent major disasters, including hurricanes in the east and wildfires in the west, have left many people with serious financial challenges. Those impacted by federally declared disasters may qualify for expanded access to their retirement funds if their principal home is in the disaster zone. They must also have experienced economic loss, such as displacement, […]

Now or later: When should your company implement the new crypto reporting guidance?

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) made favorable changes to the accounting rules for crypto assets in December 2023. The updated guidance benefits reporting entities and external stakeholders alike. It’s effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, including interim periods within those years. Here’s what you should know — and why many companies are […]

Secure Act 2.0 requires auto enrollment for new pension plans

To help encourage more people to save for retirement, the SECURE 2.0 Act requires employers with newly established 401(k) and 403(b) plans to enroll workers automatically, starting in 2025. Recently proposed IRS regulations stipulate that automatic enrollment is mandatory for plans initiated after Dec. 29, 2022. Unless employees opt out, plan sponsors must enroll them […]

SALT deduction currently being debated by lawmakers

Congressional lawmakers are debating the future of the state and local tax (SALT) deduction that was capped at $10,000 by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Itemizing taxpayers use the deduction to reduce federal income for their property, state and local taxes. The TCJA’s cap is scheduled to expire after 2025, and many residents […]