Author: Tony Novak
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Accounting for volunteer services provided to a nonprofit organization
The accounting treatment of services donated to a nonprofit frequently comes up in conversation. This blog post is meant to simplify three of the most common scenarios if those discussions: Should a nonprofit include the value of donated services in its reported revenue? No, unless the contributed service either: 1) creates a new non-financial asset,…
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More employer-provided student loan benefits
Last summer we were surprised to learn that IRS approved a way to allow employers to assist their employees with student loan payments on a tax-advantaged basis. I covered it in this blog post. Now a range of new proposals are on the table that are likely to propel this benefit forward. Two of the…
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Sample small business bill payment policies and procedures
Every small business – even one person firms where one person wears all the hats – benefits from having a well-considered bill payment policy. This sample policy is one that I drafted for a client with about $25,000 per month in expenses. The intent is to allow this to spark some ideas about how your…
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‘Assurance’ though a web app is not insurance
‘Assurance’ based on technology is nice but it does not include the financial risk shifting of insurance or the legal force of a contract. I recall writing a blog post years ago about how health insurance was morphing into a web app. Consumers seemed unaware or unconcerned of the distinction between a legal contract that…
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Opportunity Zones vs Qualified Small Business Stock: Which is right approach to revitalize Cumberland County NJ?
This blog post is meant as an introductory primer for community planners and local small business owners. Investors are encouraged to seek their own professional counsel. The Cumberland County Improvement Authority has a program planned for bankers and Realtors on May 3 that will discuss the local Opportunity Zones. Following the passage of the federal…
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Changing address with IRS
I would guess that half of the IRS client tax dispute matters I handle involve some form of failed notification in the storyline. The most common cause is a failure to record an appropriate change of address. Changing address with IRS is simple: Complete a form 8822 (8822-B for businesses) and mail it in. Here…
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Initial thoughts on tax season wrap up and where to go from here
Initial thoughts on the wrap up of tax season: 1. OVERALL: It was the roughest tax season in my 30+ years, yet it was not as bad for me as many others tax professionals reported. Tax accountants’ online discussion groups are filled with stories of excess stress, it’s health impact, and threats of retirement from…
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Legal requirements to release the tax returns of candidates for public office
In the aftermath of revelations about the president’s financial scandals, a number of states are moving forward with bills that would require all candidates for public office to release tax returns in order to be listed on the ballot. This blog post does not attempt to list the states, the bills or their status. We…
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Update on accounting business practices
In the normal course of business it is necessary to periodically update for changing trends, technology and legal and industry standards. This month I made the following six changes that will be reflected in future engagements: 1. Elimination of fax communications. Fax is just outdated, often insecure and inefficient. Instead, I encourage the use of…
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How to set up clergy payroll
The treatment may vary slightly under different states but this is how we set up clergy payroll in New Jersey: 1) Ordained clergy typically get a W-2 with Box 1 and 16 (federal and state) wages only. 2) Federal, State income taxes may be withheld. 3) FICA should be handled as if they are self…