Under the use-it-or-lose-it rule, unused flexible spending account (FSA) balances can be forfeited back to employers. They then have several options for handling the money. Here is what small business owners, as employers, need to know after first covering some necessary background information. Flexible Spending Account Basics Under an employer-sponsored FSA plan, employees can contribute  Continue Reading »

It’s not too late for small Maine businesses to take steps to significantly reduce 2016 business income tax bill and lay the groundwork for tax savings in future years. Here’s a summary of some of the most effective year-end tax-saving moves for small businesses under the existing Internal Revenue Code. The tax laws could change after  Continue Reading »

The IRS recently announced its “nonacquiesence” with a federal appeals court decision that held a retailer that issued loyalty discounts to its customers was entitled to deduct its liabilities attributable to discounts, which were accrued but hadn’t yet been redeemed. (IRS Action on Decision 2016-03) Case Background Information A deduction or credit must be taken for  Continue Reading »

Tired of preparing all the documentation needed to support business travel expenses in and outside of Maine? Employees are required to collect receipts as they travel, noting the time, place and business purpose of each expenditure if your business reimburses employees for actual travel expenses. Then, monthly expense reports must be reviewed and approved by management.  Continue Reading »

Whether your Maine company has one vehicle on the road or dozens of vehicles, smart management can save you money. Familiarity with tax laws, simple maintenance steps and high-tech solutions can reduce the costs of operating your fleet and keep it safer. Start With Taxes Spending time with a financial professional is one of the best  Continue Reading »

Vacation properties in Maine are subject to different federal income tax rules depending on how much personal and rental use they have during the year. Now is a good time to plan how to use your Maine vacation property for the rest of this year with tax savings in mind. Tax Rules for Maine Vacation Home  Continue Reading »

Now that both major political party conventions are finally behind us, it’s time to focus on the upcoming national election. Among their many differences, the Republicans and Democrats have widely divergent tax platforms. It’s good to know what tax positions the two parties and their presidential candidates have staked out even though platforms are always relatively  Continue Reading »

Charitable giving is on the rise, and given the natural disasters and human tragedies that have happened in recent months, the momentum is expected to continue. Charitable donations reached an all-time high last year of approximately $373.25 billion, according to Giving USA 2016: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year 2015. This report is published jointly  Continue Reading »

Under the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015, many tax breaks have been retroactively expanded for 2015 and beyond, and in some cases been made permanent. Now that the new law has settled, individuals and small business owners can plan ahead with these 10 midyear tax strategies inspired by the recent legislation. 5  Continue Reading »

The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015 locked in favorable depreciation rules for business use of “heavy” SUVs, pickups and vans. You may be able to write off the entire business-use portion of a heavy vehicle’s cost in the first year by taking advantage of these rules. Here’s how it works. Heavy Vehicle  Continue Reading »