July 13, 2016 / by Brett Hess / Small Business
Do you know how much time your salespeople spend actually selling? In many cases, sales reps spend too much time doing reporting, administrative tasks and other nonsales responsibilities assigned to them. If you can streamline your sales staff’s workflow to keep them better focused on selling, your profitability may benefit. Emphasize strengths To get started, […]
Read more
A quick look at the President-elect’s tax plan for businesses
November 23, 2016 / by Brett Hess / Small Business, Tax
The election of Donald Trump as President of the United States could result in major tax law changes in 2017. Proposed changes spelled out in Trump’s tax reform plan released earlier this year that would affect businesses include: Reducing the top corporate income tax rate from 35% to 15%, Abolishing the corporate alternative minimum tax, […]
Read more
Last year for energy tax credit on windows
September 16, 2016 / by Brett Hess / Tax
A limited tax credit is still available for energy-savings items added to your residence by December 31, 2016. The credit is 10% of the cost of those items and is limited to $500. Prior year credits reduce the $500 maximum. Certain items are capped: No more than $50 for circulating fans, $150 for furnaces and […]
Read more
Tax impact of investor vs. trader status
September 7, 2016 / by Brett Hess / Tax
If you invest, whether you’re considered an investor or a trader can have a significant impact on your tax bill. Do you know the difference? Investors Most people who trade stocks are classified as investors for tax purposes. This means any net gains are treated as capital gains rather than ordinary income. That’s good if […]
Read more
Happy Labor Day
September 2, 2016 / by Brett Hess / Small Business
All of us at BMC would like to wish everyone a happy Labor Day. Thank you to all of you who put in a hard days work and keep our economy running, its what makes our nation great. God bless everyone – have a safe and restful weekend.
Read more
3 mutual fund tax hazards to watch out for
July 18, 2016 / by Brett Hess / Tax
Investing in mutual funds is an easy way to diversify a portfolio, which is one reason why they’re commonly found in retirement plans such as IRAs and 401(k)s. But if you hold such funds in taxable accounts, or are considering such investments, beware of these three tax hazards: High turnover rates. Mutual funds with high […]
Read more
There’s still time for homeowners to save with green tax credits
July 13, 2016 / by Brett Hess / Tax
The income tax credit for certain energy-efficient home improvements and equipment purchases was extended through 2016 by the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 (the PATH Act). So, you still have time to save both energy and taxes by making these eco-friendly investments. What qualifies The credit is for expenses related to your […]
Read more
Streamline your sales staff’s workflow
July 13, 2016 / by Brett Hess / Small Business
Do you know how much time your salespeople spend actually selling? In many cases, sales reps spend too much time doing reporting, administrative tasks and other nonsales responsibilities assigned to them. If you can streamline your sales staff’s workflow to keep them better focused on selling, your profitability may benefit. Emphasize strengths To get started, […]
Read more
Stock market volatility can cut tax on a Roth IRA conversion
May 31, 2016 / by Brett Hess / Tax
This year’s stock market volatility can be unnerving, but if you have a traditional IRA, this volatility may provide a valuable opportunity: It can allow you to convert your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA at a lower tax cost. Traditional IRAs Contributions to a traditional IRA may be deductible, depending on your modified adjusted […]
Read more
Unexpected retirement plan disqualification can trigger serious tax problems
May 5, 2016 / by Brett Hess / Small Business
It’s not unusual for the IRS to conduct audits of qualified employee benefit plans, including 401(k)s. Plan sponsors are expected to stay in compliance with numerous, frequently changing federal laws and regulations. For example, have you identified all employees eligible for your 401(k) plan and given them the opportunity to make deferral elections? Are employee […]
Read more
Choosing a funding method for your buy-sell agreement
May 3, 2016 / by Brett Hess / Small Business
Anyone who owns a closely held business with at least one other partner needs to take certain steps to guard against business disruption. If one partner departs suddenly, or becomes disabled or dies, serious confusion and conflicts can ensue. Among the most important steps is to create a buy-sell agreement, which stipulates precisely how ownership […]
Read more