Category: updates

  • Making a nonprofit mission drift official

    Mission drift is common in not-for-profit organizations, particularly if they’ve been active for a long time. Your local community probably has grown, the issues surrounding your mission may have evolved and new nonprofits may be addressing some of the same problems. In such circumstances, it makes sense to shift your focus and use your funds…

  • Joint ownership isn’t right for all estate plans

    Generally speaking, owning property jointly benefits an estate plan. Indeed, joint ownership offers several advantages for surviving family members. However, there are exceptions and it’s not the solution for all estate planning problems. 2 types of joint ownership for spouses As the name implies, joint ownership requires interests in property by more than one party.…

  • Titan of the Day – Rich Waigand

    Want to learn more about what makes SFW’s very own Rich Waigand a Titan? Never fear – Rich was named Titan of the day and his profile gives a little more insight into Rich as both a person and a partner here at our firm. Read his Titan 100 profile by clicking on the link…

  • Keeping remote sales sharp in the new normal

    The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically affected the way people interact and do business. Even before the crisis, there was a trend toward more digital interactions in sales. Many experts predicted that companies’ experiences during the pandemic would accelerate this trend, and that seems to be coming to pass. As this transformation continues, your business should…

  • Work Opportunity Tax Credit Extended Through 2025

    Are you a business owner thinking about hiring? Be aware that a recent law extended a credit for hiring individuals from one or more targeted groups. Employers can qualify for a tax credit known as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) that’s worth as much as $2,400 for each eligible employee ($4,800, $5,600 and $9,600…

  • Launching a Small Business? Here are Some Tax Considerations

    While many businesses have been forced to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some entrepreneurs have started new small businesses. Many of these people start out operating as sole proprietors. Here are some tax rules and considerations involved in operating with that entity. The pass-through deduction To the extent your business generates qualified business income…

  • Defrauded? How to Help Your Nonprofit Recover

    Thousands of not-for-profit organizations fall victim to embezzlement schemes every year — some even losing millions of dollars. But losses go beyond actual dollar amounts. The hit to a group’s reputation may scare off donors, grantmakers and other supporters. However, with the right response, nonprofits can bounce back from fraud. Here’s how. One best practice…

  • Rebuilding Your Nonprofit’s Operating Reserves

    Events of the past year put a dent in many not-for-profit’s reserves. Perhaps you tapped this stash to buy personal protective equipment or to pay staffers’ salaries when your budget no longer proved adequate. As the pandemic wanes and economic conditions improve, you’ll need to start thinking about rebuilding your operating reserves. Back on steady…

  • Didn’t Contribute to an IRA Last Year? There Still May be Time

    If you’re getting ready to file your 2020 tax return, and your tax bill is higher than you’d like, there might still be an opportunity to lower it. If you qualify, you can make a deductible contribution to a traditional IRA right up until the April 15, 2021 filing date and benefit from the tax…

  • Retiring Soon? Recent Law Changes May Have an Impact on Your Retirement Savings

    If you’re approaching retirement, you probably want to ensure the money you’ve saved in retirement plans lasts as long as possible. If so, be aware that a law was recently enacted that makes significant changes to retirement accounts. The SECURE Act, which was signed into law in late 2019, made a number of changes of…