Latest posts
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Using Your Financial Statements During an Economic Crisis
The economic fallout from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has forced business owners to reevaluate their operations and make difficult decisions. One place to look for the information you need to make rational, reasonable moves is your financial statements. Under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, these typically comprise a statement of cash flows, a balance sheet…
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When to Write Off Stale Receivables
Accounts receivables are classified under current assets on the balance sheet if you expect to collect them within a year or within the operating cycle, whichever is longer. However, unless your company sells goods or services exclusively for cash, some of its receivables inevitably will be uncollectible. That’s why it’s important to record an allowance…
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Lease or buy? Changes to Accounting Rules May Change Your Mind
The rules for reporting leasing transactions are changing. Though these changes have been delayed until 2021 for private companies (and nonprofits), it’s important to know the possible effects on your financial statements as you renew leases or enter into new lease contracts. In some cases, you might decide to modify lease terms to avoid having…
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Beware: Coronavirus May Affect Financial Reporting
The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak — officially a pandemic as of March 11 — has prompted global health concerns. But you also may be worried about how it will affect your business and its financial statements for 2019 and beyond. Close up on financial reporting The duration and full effects of the COVID-19 outbreak are yet unknown, but…
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Auditing Revenue & Your Company
Traditionally, audit procedures for private companies tend to focus on the balance sheet. That is, auditors evaluate whether the book values of the company’s assets are overstated and its liabilities are understated. However, the income statement needs attention, too, especially in light of the updated guidance on recognizing revenue from contracts and the potential for…
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How to Use Visual Aids in Financial Reporting
Thanks to the Internet and social media, we’re bombarded daily with all kinds of information. As a result, most people prefer clear, concise snippets of data over lengthy text. Have your financial statements kept up with today’s data-consumption trends? Show and tell Humans are visual learners. In business, the use of so-called “infographics” started with…
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CARES Act Provides Option to Delay CECL Reporting
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law on March 27. Among other economic relief measures, the new law allows large public banks to temporarily postpone the controversial current expected credit loss (CECL) standard. Here are the details. Updated accounting rules The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update…
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Do You Run Your Business From Home? You Might be Eligible for Home Office Deductions
If you’re self-employed and work out of an office in your home, you may be entitled to home office deductions. However, you must satisfy strict rules. If you qualify, you can deduct the “direct expenses” of the home office. This includes the costs of painting or repairing the home office and depreciation deductions for furniture…
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Work Opportunity Tax Credit Extended Through 2020
If you’re a business owner, be aware that a recent tax law extended a credit for hiring individuals from one or more targeted groups. Employers can qualify for a valuable tax credit known as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). The WOTC was set to expire on December 31, 2019. But a new law passed…
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Improve Your Nonprofit’s Strategic Planning With a “Real-Time” Approach
Real-Time Strategic Planning (RTSP) offers not-for-profits a fluid approach to identifying, understanding and acting on challenges and opportunities to advance their missions. Is this process right for your organization? Let’s take a look. What is it, exactly? RTSP was first introduced by nonprofit consultant David La Piana as “a coordinated set of actions designed to…
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How We are Working Through COVID-19
During these uncertain and complicated times, our focus continues to be on the health and safety of our team, our clients and our community. We understand this may be a critical time for your business and family and we are committed to supporting you. Due to recent developments, including CDC guidelines regarding social distancing, we have…
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Home is Where the Tax Breaks Might Be
If you own a home, the interest you pay on your home mortgage may provide a tax break. However, many people believe that any interest paid on their home mortgage loans and home equity loans is deductible. Unfortunately, that’s not true. First, keep in mind that you must itemize deductions in order to take advantage…