coronavirus - Linkenheimer LLP CPAs & Advisors

Re-Evaluate Your Company’s Competitiveness In A Changed Economy

Just about every business owner’s strategic plans for 2020 look far different now than they did heading into the year. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the economy in profound ways, forcing many companies to recalibrate suddenly and severely.

As your business moves forward in this uncertain environment, it’s important to re-evaluate competitiveness. You may have lost an edge that previously existed, or you may have the opportunity to gain one. Here are some critical elements to consider.

Objectively assess leadership

More than likely, you and your management team have had to make some difficult decisions over the last few months. Even if you feel confident that you’ve done most everything right, objectively examine and discuss your successes, failures, strengths and weaknesses.

For instance, maybe you’ve had some contentious interactions with employees while adjusting to remote work environments or increased safety protocols. Ask your managers whether underlying tensions exist and, if so, how you […]

By Linkenheimer LLP|2020-09-03T20:02:26+00:00June 18th, 2020|business, strategy|0 Comments

PPP Flexibility Act Eases Rules For Borrowers Coping With COVID-19

As you may recall, the Small Business Administration (SBA) launched the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) back in April to help companies reeling from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Created under a provision of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the PPP is available to U.S. businesses with fewer than 500 employees.

In its initial incarnation, the PPP offered eligible participants loans determined by eight weeks of previously established average payroll. If the recipient maintained its workforce, up to 100% of the loan was forgivable if the loan proceeds were used to cover payroll expenses, certain employee health care benefits, mortgage interest, rent, utilities and interest on any other existing debt during the “covered period” — that is, for eight weeks after loan origination.

On June 5, the president signed into law the PPP Flexibility Act. The new law makes a variety of important adjustments that ease the rules for borrowers. Highlights include:

Extension of covered period.

By Linkenheimer LLP|2020-09-03T20:02:41+00:00June 10th, 2020|business, New Tax Laws|0 Comments

Business Meal Deductions: The Current Rules Amid Proposed Changes

Restaurants and entertainment venues have been hard hit by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. One of the tax breaks that President Trump has proposed to help them is an increase in the amount that can be deducted for business meals and entertainment.

It’s unclear whether Congress would go along with enhanced business meal and entertainment deductions. But in the meantime, let’s review the current rules.

Before the pandemic hit, many businesses spent money “wining and dining” current or potential customers, vendors and employees. The rules for deducting these expenses changed under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), but you can still claim some valuable write-offs. And keep in mind that deductions are available for business meal takeout and delivery.

One of the biggest changes is that you can no longer deduct most business-related entertainment expenses. Beginning in 2018, the TCJA disallows deductions for entertainment expenses, including those for sports events, theater productions, golf outings and fishing trips.

50% meal deductions

Currently, you can deduct 50% of the cost of food and beverages for meals conducted with business associates. However, you need to follow three basic rules in order to prove that your expenses are business […]

By Linkenheimer LLP|2020-09-03T20:02:49+00:00June 1st, 2020|business, deduction, deductions, irs|0 Comments

Student Loan Interest: Can You Deduct It On Your Tax Return?

The economic impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is unprecedented and many taxpayers with student loans have been hard hit.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act contains some assistance to borrowers with federal student loans. Notably, federal loans were automatically placed in an administrative forbearance, which allows borrowers to temporarily stop making monthly payments. This payment suspension is scheduled to last until September 30, 2020.

Tax deduction rules

Despite the suspension, borrowers can still make payments if they choose. And borrowers in good standing made payments earlier in the year and will likely make them later in 2020. So can you deduct the student loan interest on your tax return?

The answer is yes, depending on your income and subject to certain limits. The maximum amount of student loan interest you can deduct each year is $2,500. The deduction is phased out if your adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeds certain […]

By Linkenheimer LLP|2020-09-03T20:02:50+00:00May 27th, 2020|deduction, deductions, expensing, New Tax Laws, tax deductions, tax implications|0 Comments

California Tax Updates for May 21st

Update 1:

Do you still have questions about how California helps those affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic? The CA Franchise Tax Board (FTB) has just updated its frequently asked questions (FAQs) by adding a section on the individual status letter (also known as a veteran affairs status letter). These letters help individuals get student loans or Veteran Affairs financing. They also show third parties such as employers that the letter holder has no outstanding CA income tax obligations. If you have questions, please contact your Linkenheimer CPA. You can also learn who may obtain an individual status letter and how, and get answers to a wide variety of questions by visiting the FTB here: https://bit.ly/2AuMxwb

Update 2:

Are you part of the California gig economy? The CA Franchise Tax Board (FTB) has updated its gig economy webpage, which it created to provide information to those who use platforms such as Uber, Lyft, […]

By Linkenheimer LLP|2020-09-03T20:02:54+00:00May 21st, 2020|ca, CA tax, california, ftb|0 Comments