Emil Estafanous

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 capitalizable, or “Facilitate” the acquisition or creation of an intangible asset. Capitalized costs can’t beRead More »Intangible assets: How must the costs incurred be capitalized?

The holiday season is here and many people plan to donate to their favorite charities or give money or assets to their loved ones before the end of the year. Here are the basic tax rules involved in these transactions. Donating to charity In 2022, in order to receive a charitable donation write-off, you must itemize deductions on your tax return. What if you want to give gifts of investmentsRead More »Year-end giving to charity or loved ones

By now, many construction businesses have at least outlined the parameters of their 2023 budgets, if not finished them entirely. No matter where you’re at in the process, it doesn’t hurt to double-check your methodology to ensure your spending plan for next year is built on a solid foundation. Start with spending Often, the budget-setting process begins with an estimate of total revenue for the year. A better strategy, however,Read More »Is your construction company’s 2023 budget built on a solid foundation?

Businesses shut down for many reasons. Some of the reasons that businesses shutter their doors: An owner retirement, A lease expiration, Staffing shortages, Partner conflicts, and Increased supply costs. If you’ve decided to close your business, we’re here to assist you in any way we can, including taking care of the various tax obligations that must be met. For example, a business must file a final income tax return andRead More »Is your business closing? Here are your final tax responsibilities

Many people have savings bonds that were purchased many years ago. Perhaps they were given to your children as gifts or maybe you bought them yourself. You may wonder how the interest you earn is taxed. And if they reach final maturity, what action do you need to take to ensure there’s no loss of interest or unanticipated tax consequences? Interest deferral Series EE Bonds dated May 2005 and afterRead More »How savings bonds are taxed

Most experts would agree that the best way to minimize fraud at any company, including a construction business, is to take a holistic approach. As the owner, you must set the tone at the top regarding a zero-tolerance, fully vigilant attitude toward criminal or unethical acts. And you need to create an organizational culture that features strong values, ethics and internal controls. What are your specific risks? The first significantRead More »Prevent fraud at your construction company with a holistic approach

These days, most businesses buy or lease computer software to use in their operations. Or perhaps your business develops computer software to use in your products or services or sells or leases software to others. In any of these situations, you should be aware of the complex rules that determine the tax treatment of the expenses of buying, leasing or developing computer software. Software you buy Some software costs areRead More »Computer software costs: How does your business deduct them?

No one needs to remind business owners that the cost of employee health care benefits keeps going up. One way to provide some of these benefits is through an employer-sponsored Health Savings Account (HSA). For eligible individuals, an HSA offers a tax-advantaged way to set aside funds (or have their employers do so) to meet future medical needs. Here are the key tax benefits: Contributions that participants make to anRead More »2023 limits for businesses that have HSAs — or want to establish them

Two tax benefits are available to offset the expenses of adopting a child. In 2022, adoptive parents may be able to claim a credit against their federal tax for up to $14,890 of “qualified adoption expenses” for each child. This will increase to $15,950 in 2023. That’s a dollar-for-dollar reduction of tax. Also, adoptive parents may be able to exclude from gross income up to $14,890 in 2022 ($15,950 inRead More »Adopting a child? Bring home a tax break too

How much can you and your employees contribute to your 401(k)s next year — or other retirement plans? In Notice 2022-55, the IRS recently announced cost-of-living adjustments that apply to the dollar limitations for pensions, as well as other qualified retirement plans for 2023. The amounts increased more than they have in recent years due to inflation. 401(k) plans The 2023 contribution limit for employees who participate in 401(k) plansRead More »Inflation means you and your employees can save more for retirement in 2023

The effects of inflation are all around. You’re probably paying more for gas, food, health care and other expenses than you were last year. Are you wondering how high inflation will affect your federal income tax bill for 2023? The IRS recently announced next year’s inflation-adjusted tax amounts for several provisions. Some highlights Standard deduction. What does an increased standard deduction mean for you? A larger standard deduction will shelterRead More »How inflation will affect your 2022 and 2023 tax bills

Are you still using the optimal accounting method to handle your construction company’s tax deferrals? Depending on your business earnings, as well as your typical contract type and length, you can choose from various methods to align tax payments with contract revenue. In fact, the IRS Construction Industry Audit Technique Guide lists 10 tax accounting methods for “long-term” construction contracts — that is, contracts not completed within the same taxRead More »Reviewing 10 tax accounting methods for construction companies