In 1938, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), established basic rules and principles to ensure a hard day's work received a fair days pay. Amongst these rules were minimum wage, rules regarding child labor, rules about what was considered hours worked, and overtime...
As a taxpayer and business owner, you may be considering converting your personal vehicle to business use. This decision can offer significant tax and financial advantages, but it's crucial to understand the process and legal implications. Here's a step-by-step guide...
Year-end is rapidly approaching, as are the holidays. So, before you become distracted with the seasonal celebrations, it may be in your best interest to consider year-end tax moves that can benefit you for both 2022 - 2023 and 2023 - 2024. Here are last-minute tax...
The holiday season is customarily a time of giving gifts, whether to your favorite charity, family members or others. Some gifts have tax implications and can even provide a variety of tax benefits. But be wary; during the holiday season, you may receive phone...
As the current 30-year mortgage rate hovers at 8%, and the 10-year treasury approaches 5%, it's crucial to understand the implications of rising interest rates on personal finances. Depending on your life stage and financial situation, these changes can bring both...
Despite warnings from the IRS, AICPA, and other professional tax organizations many business owners are being misled into filing for the Employee Retention Tax Credit for which they do not qualify. Amid rising concerns about a flood of improper Employee Retention...
If your partnership has been treating you and other partners as employees of a disregarded entity owned by the partnership so the partners can participate in employee benefit plans and receive other employee benefits, you'd better read this. Tax regulations issued by...
Back in August of 2022, President Biden issued an executive order that would forgive federal student loan debt for lower-income individuals. The program would have provided up to $20,000 in loan relief to borrowers with loans held by the Department of Education (DOE)...
While it's true that every business is different from the next - and every entrepreneur will go on his or her own unique journey - there are still a few constants that we know to be true. The start-up phase, for example, is when you write a formal business plan. You...
As the summer break from school approaches, many students are looking for part-time summer employment. Both parents and students should be aware of the tax issues that need to be considered when working a summer job. Here is a rundown of some of the more common...
To say that things are uncertain right now when it comes to the economy is, in all probability, a bit of an understatement. Inflation is at levels we haven't seen in decades. Employment costs are rising across the board. Materials in a number of industries are more...
Married taxpayers generally have the option to file a joint tax return or separate returns, a filing status commonly referred to as married filing separate (MFS). If you are married and you and your spouse are filing separate returns, or are considering doing so, you...
Not to overstate the obvious, but the last 18 months have seen major modifications in the ways that most Americans spent their money. Without the ability to visit department stores, malls, and big-box stores, retail therapy was significantly curtailed. Spending on...
We are making some changes with our tax software and will be using a different platform. This new platform will cause an update to our client portals. We will be sending out registration emails in the next couple of months. These new portals do not require Citrix...
We are happy to announce our move into a brand new office space. In the same building, but a few steps higher, you will find our newly renovated office space in Suite #202. As we continue to grow as your tax, accounting, and payroll area leaders, our goal is to...
As U.S. businesses continue to recover from COVID-19’s economic devastation, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is expanding loan opportunities. The agency announced that beginning the week of April 6th, nonprofits and small businesses will be able to borrow...
An increased child tax credit is part of President Biden’s stimulus package to help tackle the coronavirus pandemic and stimulate the economy. This stimulus package will provide lower-income parents with substantial financial assistance and support various other...
The American Rescue Plan Act has passed and includes a third much-anticipated economic impact payment (EIP). This is one of several government measures intended to help financially stressed citizens. This will be the third round of EIPs since the pandemic began...
The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation were extended for 11 weeks. Congress will add $300 to all weekly unemployment benefits. Workers who rely on multiple jobs and have lost income will also be eligible for a weekly...
A second round of stimulus will include direct payments of up to $600 per adult and per child. Call Key2 Accounting today with any questions you may have. For more details visit: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments
In a down economy, making good decisions is critical. These informed decisions should come from accurate financial numbers. Numbers determine which levers to pull to increase your profits. Businesses need to review and analyze their numbers periodically. Many business...
Were you one of the lucky companies who received Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds? If you want to have those funds forgiven, you are required to spend those funds over the next 8 weeks on employee and office costs. Below is the required guidelines for Paycheck...
There is a new emergency loan program that will provide cash-flow assistance to those small businesses impacted by the current COVID-19 quarantine situation. The Paycheck Protection Program, commonly referred to as the PPP, is a program that is structured to fit...
Coronavirus-related paid leave for workers and payroll tax credits for small and midsize businesses Under the Families First Act, small and midsize employers will be able to take advantage of refundable payroll tax credits. This credit will enable employers to fully...
How should I let my employees know we had to temporarily close our doors due to COVID-19? It is always best practice to give your employees as much notice as possible given the situation. If you are closing your doors temporarily such that your employees will no...
IRS delays tax filing and payment deadlines to July 15 for all taxpayers ________________________________________ The Treasury Department and the IRS are providing special tax filing and payment relief to individuals and businesses in response to the COVID-19...
As most employers are discovering with the unprecedented disruption caused by the Coronavirus, we should prepare for changing work environments. What we are learning from the COVID-19 pandemic can be applied to other work disruption events such as wildfires, weather...
We are trying to extend our help in the following areas to all of our clients with the rising uncertainty surrounding COVID-19: • Cash flow planning • Breakeven point analysis • Assisting with cost cutting strategies • Support with applying for loans when they become...
Recently the Supreme Court has voted in favor of the State of South Dakota in the Wayfair Case which might affect your business, with Supreme Court Decision and that Decision Explained. Basically the ruling states that Colorado businesses selling products to other...
Did you know that the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) requires all employers with at least one employee to carry Unemployment Insurance (UI)? Unemployment Insurance is a state pool funded by employers to pay employees who find themselves in need of...
Over the last two years, the Internal Revenue Service issued new final rules which go into effect for tax years beginning after 1/1/2014. These incredibly complex Regulations require you to keep much better records for Materials & Supplies, Equipment, Fixed Assets...
Income Tax Rate Changes In 2014, taxable incomes above the following thresholds now fall into the 39.6% bracket: Married Filing Separately ($228,800), Unmarried Individuals ($406,750), Head of Household ($432,200), and Married Filing Joint Returns ($457,600)....
Change is sometimes concerning for business owners, but to have vitality in today’s business market it is important to go through justifiable change to not only make your business better, but to also make your workforce happier and more efficient. The biggest changes...
Several new forms will be issued to taxpayers this year from the Affordable Care Act, primarily Form 1095-A, B and C. In order to complete your 2014 return we must have all copies of Form 1095. These forms provide us with the necessary information to report your...
"Phishing" is defined as the attempt to gather secure information such as usernames, passwords, credit card info, etc. by posing as a trustworthy business or organization in electronic communication. A common form of taxpayer phishing we have seen lately involves...
We are participating in the SuperStars Sports Challenge for Partners Mentoring Youth and we need your help! Partners is a local non-profit that creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships with positive adult role models and youth facing challenges in their...
The tedious task of bookkeeping can quickly consume your precious time. It’s one of those things business owners often put off and rarely enjoy. We understand that when it comes to bookkeeping, a little help can go a long way. That’s why we customize our bookkeeping...
Donate to the Payroll Vault SuperStars Sports Challenge to benefit Partners Mentoring Youth! The SuperStars Sports Challenge is a unique sporting event aimed at raising awareness of and funds for Larimer County Partners Mentoring Youth, a one-to-one youth mentoring...
Join us next Tuesday, July 29 at 4:30 pm for our Ribbon Cutting Located at the Key2 Accounting & Payroll Vault office 375 E. Horsetooth Rd BLDG 2 STE 101 Fort Collins Hosted by Fort Collins Payroll Vault in conjunction with the Loveland Chamber of Commerce Stop by...
We know tax planning isn't high on your wedding to-do list, but here are a couple things to look out for if you're tying the knot this season: Name changes - make sure to report any changes to your name or SSN to the Social Security Administration (SSA). To do that,...
Estimated tax is the method used to pay tax on income that is not subject to withholding. This includes income from self-employment, interest, dividends, alimony, rent, gains from the sale of assets, prizes and awards. You also may have to pay estimated tax if the...
The Affordable Care Act calls for individuals to have qualifying health insurance coverage for each month of the year, have an exemption, or make a shared responsibility payment when filing his or her federal income tax return. You may be exempt from the requirement...
Most people stop thinking about taxes right after they file their tax return, but there is no better time to start tax planning for 2014 than right now. Also, it's never too early to setup a smart recordkeeping system. Here are some tips from the IRS to help you start...
In wake of recent disasters such as Hurricane Sandy. The IRS is warning people to be aware of scams connected with Hurricane Sandy. As is usually the case following a natural disaster, scam artists are impersonating charities to get money or financial information from...
Unless Congress passes an extension, the 2% cut in payroll taxes for employees ends after December 31. The IRS has issued guidance on Medicare surtaxes for upper–incomers. The effective Medicare tax rate will be 3.8% plus the usual 2.9% rate plus an extra 0.9%...
When planning gifts for children on your holiday list, you might want to think beyond the traditional retail offerings. Consider financial gifts that can bestow benefits for many years to come.Some financial gift options you might consider:*U.S. savings bonds. Savings...
January is always a busy month for companies. You're trying to get business off to a good start in the new year, you're trying to close the books on last year, and there's 1099 reporting to complete by month-end. There are several variations of the information returns...
The IRS has increased the standard mileage rates to be used in computing the deductible costs of operating a vehicle for business or when driving for medical or moving reasons. The new rates will apply to vehicle mileage starting January 1, 2013. The revised rates are...
* SOCIAL SECURITY TAXES- Employee's share will increase to 6.2% after 2012, up from 4.2%. * INCOME TAX RATES. 2012 rates of 10%, 15%, 25%, 28%, 33%, and 35% will change to 15%, 28%, 31%, 36% and 39.6% for 2013. *CAPITAL GAINS- Maximum long-term rate will increase from...
Victims of Hurricane Sandy may be entitled to some tax relief, according to an announcement by the IRS. Certain tax filing and payment deadlines from late October on will be extended until February 1, 2013. This includes the final 2012 estimated tax payment normally...
When you own Series EE or Series I savings bonds, you have a tax decision to make. Both types of bonds earn interest monthly. Usually, you’ll choose to defer paying any taxes on the interest until the bond reaches final maturity or you redeem it, whichever comes...
If your business is like most, you put a lot of effort into attracting new customers. After all, that's an essential part of growing the business. But sometimes it's more productive to step back and review your existing customers, and perhaps even get rid of a few....
* SOCIAL SECURITY- taxable wage limit increases from 2012 limit of $110,100 to $113,700 for 2013. Retirees under full retirement age can earn up to $15,120 without losing benefits. * 401(k) MAXIMUM salary deferral increases from 2012 limit of $17,000 to $17,500. The...
It's likely to be a daily occurrence. We've all seen the too-good-to-be-true offers in our e-mail inbox. Bill Gates wants to share his fortune with you! But what do you do when the e-mail has the Internal Revenue Service web address in the FROM box and a subject line...
If you convert a traditional IRA to a Roth, you will pay a price! Converted amounts attribute to tax deductions from contributions. Plus all of the earnings are taxable at ordinary income rates. You may lessen the tax hit by choosing to convert only part of your IRA...
Tick- tock, time is almost up on that six- month extension you filed back in April for your 2011 individual income tax return. If you fail to file your return by October 15th, unless a disaster- relief exception or you have a valid reason, you may be charged...
Many sole proprietors and small business owners agree on the following two issues: they pay too much in taxes and they have difficulty attracting and retaining good employees. 1) Have your business sponsor address a retirement savings plan 2) Consider setting- up a...
If the current job market has you thinking about starting a business of your own, take some steps to increase the odds that your business will succeed. Opening a business is the dream for many people. For guidance to help improve your chance of success, give us a...
There are many reasons why the Internal Revenue Service could be contacting you. Some contacts involve very minor corrections; some are for serious changes that could involve a lot of money. Sometimes the IRS is correct in what they are seeking; sometimes they are...
On June 28, the Supreme Court ruled that the "PatientProtection and Affordable Care Act of 2010" was constitutional, includingthe provision in the law requiring individuals to have health insurancecoverage starting in 2014. Several provisions in the health care law...
Last December, the 4.2% social security tax rate that workers pay on wages was extended through February 29, 2012. Now a Congressional conference is being held to find a way to extend the lower tax rate through the end of 2012. The sticking point is lack of agreement...
Staying out of debt is simple, but it's not easy. It means foregoing impulsive purchases in exchange for long-term financial freedom. Staying out of debt requires that you deny cravings, at least temporarily, for the "must-have" stuff that beckons from every mall,...
As a business owner you are often faced with the decision whether to buy or lease new business equipment. Many business owners first thought is to buy the equipment, but possibly leasing is preferable. * Conserving cash can be important. Purchases normally require a...
New law repeals the expanded Form 1099 reporting rules On April 14, 2011, President Obama signed legislation - the "Comprehensive 1099 Taxpayer Protection and Replacement of Exchange Subsidy Overpayments Act of 2011" - repealing expanded reporting rules for businesses...
Our firm has been preaching doom and gloom all year regarding higher tax brackets, alternative minimum tax affecting 20 million people, and tax credits being cut back. We can breathe a sigh of relief as President Obama decided to grant us an early Christmas gift...
The best time for tax planning is now, right before the end of the year. The reason why is there is still time to make changes that will impact how much taxes you pay. Several things with regards to the tax laws have changed this year, so it's...
When it comes to income taxes it is crucial to find someone who you can trust and will do a good job. How should you start by going about finding a tax professional? It’s easier to ask for referrals first before leafing through the yellow pages. I would suggest by...
