Stonehenge Blog — Stonehenge Consulting, PLC

M&A transactions: Be careful when reporting to the IRS

M&A transactions: Be careful when reporting to the IRS

Low interest rates and other factors have caused global merger and acquisition (M&A) activity to reach new highs in 2021, according to Refinitiv, a provider of financial data. It reports that 2021 is set to be the biggest in M&A history, with the United States accounting for $2.14 trillion worth of transactions already this year. If you’re considering buying or selling a business — or you’re in the process of an M&A transaction — it’s important that both parties report it to the IRS and state agencies in the same way. Otherwise, you may increase your chances of being audited.

Nikki DaleyOctober 6, 2021Business, Tax Planning

What goes into a fraud damages calculation?

What goes into a fraud damages calculation?

At first glance, calculating restitution for fraud damages may seem relatively simple. If someone steals $10,000 from a company, that person should repay that amount, perhaps with interest, right? Not quite. Financial experts also consider the profits the business lost because of the fraud — and weigh different methods of computing damages.

Nikki DaleyOctober 6, 2021Fraud

Estate planning pitfalls exist if a significant portion of your wealth is concentrated in a single stock

Estate planning pitfalls exist if a significant portion of your wealth is concentrated in a single stock

Estate planning and investment risk management go hand in hand. After all, an estate plan is effective only if you have some wealth to transfer to the next generation. One of the most effective strategies for reducing your investment risk is to diversify your holdings.

Nikki DaleyOctober 6, 2021Estate Planning

2021 Q4 tax calendar: Key deadlines for businesses and other employers

2021 Q4 tax calendar: Key deadlines for businesses and other employers

Here are some of the key tax-related deadlines affecting businesses and other employers during the fourth quarter of 2021. Keep in mind that this list isn’t all-inclusive, so there may be additional deadlines that apply to you. Contact us to ensure you’re meeting all applicable deadlines and to learn more about the filing requirements.

Nikki DaleyOctober 6, 20212021 Tax Calendar

The tax score of winning

The tax score of winning

Studies have found that more people are engaging in online gambling and sports betting since the pandemic began. And there are still more traditional ways to gamble and play the lottery. If you’re lucky enough to win, be aware that tax consequences go along with your good fortune.

Nikki DaleyOctober 6, 2021Tax Planning

Is a Health Savings Account right for you?

Is a Health Savings Account right for you?

Given the escalating cost of health care, there may be a more cost-effective way to pay for it. For eligible individuals, a Health Savings Account (HSA) offers a tax-favorable way to set aside funds (or have an employer do so) to meet future medical needs. Here are the main tax benefits:

Nikki DaleySeptember 27, 2021HSA, Tax Planning

What are your options to pay for long-term care?

What are your options to pay for long-term care?

Too often, people planning their estates focus on tax and asset-protection issues and overlook long-term health care needs. But the high cost of long-term care (LTC) can quickly devour resources you need to maintain your lifestyle during retirement and provide for your children or other heirs after your death. Here are a few insurance options available to help cover the costs of long-term care.

Nikki DaleySeptember 27, 2021Long Term Care Insurance, Estate Planning

EIDL program retooled for still-struggling small businesses

EIDL program retooled for still-struggling small businesses

For many small businesses, the grand reopening is still on hold. The rapid spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19 has mired a variety of companies in diminished revenue and serious staffing shortages. In response, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has retooled its Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program to offer targeted relief to eligible employers.

Nikki DaleySeptember 27, 2021EIDL, Business

Selling a home: Will you owe tax on the profit?

Selling a home: Will you owe tax on the profit?

Many homeowners across the country have seen their home values increase recently. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median price of homes sold in July of 2021 rose 17.8% over July of 2020. The median home price was $411,200 in the Northeast, $275,300 in the Midwest, $305,200 in the South and $508,300 in the West.

Nikki DaleySeptember 21, 2021Taxes, Tax Planning

Disasters and your taxes: What you need to know

Disasters and your taxes: What you need to know

Homeowners and businesses across the country have experienced weather-related disasters in recent months. From hurricanes, tornadoes and other severe storms to the wildfires again raging in the West, natural disasters have led to significant losses for a wide swath of taxpayers. If you’re among them, you may qualify for a federal income tax deduction, as well as other relief from the IRS.

Nikki DaleySeptember 21, 2021Taxes, Tax Planning

Tax depreciation rules for business automobiles

Tax depreciation rules for business automobiles

If you use an automobile in your trade or business, you may wonder how depreciation tax deductions are determined. The rules are complicated, and special limitations that apply to vehicles classified as passenger autos (which include many pickups and SUVs) can result in it taking longer than expected to fully depreciate a vehicle.

Nikki DaleySeptember 21, 2021Business, Tax Planning

Tax breaks to consider during National Small Business Week

Tax breaks to consider during National Small Business Week

The week of September 13-17 has been declared National Small Business Week by the Small Business Administration. To commemorate the week, here are three tax breaks to consider.

Nikki DaleySeptember 21, 2021Business, Tax Planning

Getting a divorce? Be aware of tax implications if you own a business

Getting a divorce? Be aware of tax implications if you own a business

If you’re a business owner and you’re getting a divorce, tax issues can complicate matters. Your business ownership interest is one of your biggest personal assets and in many cases, your marital property will include all or part of it.

Nikki DaleySeptember 7, 2021Business, Tax Planning

You can only claim a casualty loss tax deduction in certain situations

You can only claim a casualty loss tax deduction in certain situations

In recent weeks, some Americans have been victimized by hurricanes, severe storms, flooding, wildfires and other disasters. No matter where you live, unexpected disasters may cause damage to your home or personal property. Before the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), eligible casualty loss victims could claim a deduction on their tax returns. But there are now restrictions that make these deductions harder to take.

Nikki DaleySeptember 7, 2021Tax Planning, TCJA

Travel — and travel scams — are back

Travel — and travel scams — are back

Although COVID-19 remains a concern, many people have started traveling again — both for business and pleasure. Unfortunately, as travel demand has increased, so has travel-related fraud.

For example, some fraud perpetrators posing as airline employees call would-be victims to try to elicit credit card numbers. Other scam artists send phishing emails that appear to offer cheap seats or rooms. And there are plenty of fake websites masquerading as legitimate travel companies.

Nikki DaleySeptember 7, 2021Fraud, Business