RogerRossmeisl

JANUARY 21, 2025

Business valuation experts often rely on prospective financial statements when applying the discounted cash flow (DCF) method to value a private business interest. However, when management prepares financial projections for another purpose such as a loan application repurposing them to estimate fair market value for litigation purposes may raise a red flag.

New York

RogerRossmeisl

AUGUST 9, 2025

Before jumping headfirst into a business valuation, you need to iron out the fundamentals. One critical factor to identify up front is the effective valuation date, especially in today’s volatile market conditions. What’s appropriate may vary depending on the valuation’s purpose. Valuation date variations Consider the following situations: Estate tax valuations.

Real Estate

RogerRossmeisl

AUGUST 2, 2025

If you’re claiming deductions for business meals or vehicle expenses, expect the IRS to closely review them. In some cases, taxpayers have incomplete documentation or try to create records months (or years) later. In doing so, they fail to meet the strict substantiation requirements set forth under tax law. Tax auditors are adept at rooting out inconsistencies, omissions and errors in taxpayers’ records, as illustrated by one recent U.S.

auditor

RogerRossmeisl

JULY 6, 2025

It’s important to determine whether a business valuation also calls for a real estate appraisal. While the decision may be relatively straightforward for real estate holding companies, it becomes more nuanced for operating businesses that own or lease real property. In many cases, real estate isn’t just a backdrop for business activity — it’s a core driver of enterprise value.

Real Estate

RogerRossmeisl

JULY 6, 2025

As the use of digital assets like cryptocurrencies continues to grow, so does the IRS’s scrutiny of how taxpayers report these transactions on their federal income tax returns. The IRS has flagged this area as a key focus. To help you stay compliant and avoid tax-related complications, here are the basics of digital asset reporting. The definition of digital assets Digital assets are defined by the IRS as any digital representation of value that’s recorded on a cryptographically secured distribu

Tax

RogerRossmeisl

JUNE 25, 2025

Historical financial performance is just one piece of the business valuation puzzle. While it provides a starting point, its relevance depends on whether the business is expected to achieve similar results in the future. High interest rates, restricted access to credit, global trade uncertainties, tax policy ambiguity and geopolitical instability have significantly altered the business landscape.

financial statements

RogerRossmeisl

JUNE 15, 2025

A bill in Congress — dubbed The One, Big, Beautiful Bill — could significantly reshape several federal business tax breaks. While the proposed legislation is still under debate, it’s already sparking attention across business communities. Here’s a look at the current rules and proposed changes for five key tax provisions and what they could mean for your business. 1.

CPA

RogerRossmeisl

JUNE 1, 2025

Even well-run companies experience down years. The federal tax code may allow a bright strategy to lighten the impact. Certain losses, within limits, may be used to reduce taxable income in later years. Who qualifies? The net operating loss (NOL) deduction levels the playing field between businesses with steady income and those with income that rises and falls.

Tax

RogerRossmeisl

MARCH 3, 2025

As posted to US Department of Treasury website on 3/2/25 The Treasury Department announced on 3/2/25 that, with respect to the Corporate Transparency Act, not only will it not enforce any penalties or fines associated with the beneficial ownership information reporting rule under the existing regulatory deadlines, but it will further not enforce any penalties or fines against U.S. citizens or domestic reporting companies or their beneficial owners after the forthcoming rule changes take effect e

CPA

RogerRossmeisl

DECEMBER 28, 2024

Job applicants must work hard to stand out in a crowded marketplace. For some, that means bending the truth or outright lying about their experience, skills and education. According to a survey performed by resum-writing service StandOut CV, a staggering 64.2% of Americans have lied on their resum at least once. Bad hires can generate direct and indirect costs, including lost productivity, customer dissatisfaction and wasted training time.

Legal

RogerRossmeisl

MARCH 3, 2025

As higher education costs continue to rise, you may be concerned about how to save and pay for college. Fortunately, several tools and strategies offered in the U.S. tax code may help ease the financial burden. Below is an overview of some of the most beneficial tax breaks and planning options for funding your childs or grandchilds education. Qualified tuition programs or 529 plans A 529 plan allows you to buy tuition credits or contribute to an account set up to meet your childs future higher e

Tax

RogerRossmeisl

JANUARY 21, 2025

Understanding how to deduct transportation costs could significantly reduce the tax burden on your small business. You and your employees likely incur various local transportation expenses each year, and they have tax implications. Lets start by defining local transportation. It refers to travel when you arent away from your tax home long enough to require sleep or rest.

Transportation

RogerRossmeisl

DECEMBER 15, 2024

Recently, a 401(k) plan participant was defrauded of approximately $740,000 when he fell victim to an elaborate scheme perpetrated by overseas criminals. However, even friends, family members and employers have been discovered stealing from 401(k) accounts, adding up to millions of dollars in losses every year. Heres what your organization can do to help keep your employees retirement savings safe from theft.

CPA

RogerRossmeisl

AUGUST 9, 2025

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) includes a number of beneficial changes that will help small business taxpayers. Perhaps the biggest and best changes are liberalized rules for depreciating business assets. Here’s what you need to know. 100% bonus depreciation is back The new law permanently restores 100% first-year depreciation for eligible assets acquired and placed in service after January 19, 2025.

business tax

RogerRossmeisl

APRIL 27, 2025

Suppose your adult child or friend needs to borrow money. Maybe its to buy a first home or address a cash flow problem. You may want to help by making a personal loan. Thats a nice thought, but there are tax implications that you should understand and take into account. Get it in writing You want to be able to prove that you intended for the transaction to be a loan rather than an outright gift.

income tax

RogerRossmeisl

DECEMBER 29, 2024

Inflation can have a significant impact on federal tax breaks. While recent inflation has come down since its peak in 2022, some tax amounts will still increase for 2025. The IRS recently announced next years inflation-adjusted amounts for several provisions. Here are the highlights. Standard deduction. What does an increased standard deduction mean for you?

Tax

RogerRossmeisl

DECEMBER 29, 2024

Youre not alone if youre confused about the federal tax treatment of business-related meal and entertainment expenses. The rules have changed in recent years. Lets take a look at what you can deduct in 2024. Current law The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act eliminated deductions for most business-related entertainment expenses. That means, for example, that you cant deduct any part of the cost of taking clients out for a round of golf or to a football game.

Entertainment

RogerRossmeisl

AUGUST 9, 2025

In many occupational fraud incidents, the perpetrator is a long-tenured, well-liked and high-performing employee. In part, that’s because many organizations ignore red flags when employees have impeccable records — which makes it easier for them to commit illegal activities. In such situations, misplaced trust becomes a vulnerability. How can you rely on your employees yet prevent theft and other crimes?

CPA

RogerRossmeisl

AUGUST 2, 2025

The U.S. Census Bureau reports there were nearly 447,000 new business applications in May of 2025. The bureau measures this by tracking the number of businesses applying for an Employer Identification Number. If you’re one of the entrepreneurs, you may not know that many of the expenses incurred by start-ups can’t currently be deducted on your tax return.

Tax

RogerRossmeisl

JULY 1, 2025

Technological advances can as easily open the door to fraud as shut it. Case in point: Although significant improvements have been made to generative artificial intelligence’s (GenAI’s) document generation capabilities, such upgrades have generally made fraud easier to perpetrate. Here’s how your business can prevent and detect GenAI document fraud attempts by rogue employees.

Expense Reimbursements

RogerRossmeisl

JUNE 27, 2025

If you’ve recently received a settlement or award from a lawsuit, or you’re expecting one, you may be wondering how the IRS views this money. Will you need to pay taxes on it? The short answer: It depends on the type of damages you received. Understanding the basic rules can help you avoid surprises. Taxable vs. nontaxable awards Not all lawsuit settlements or awards are treated the same under federal tax law.

Legal

RogerRossmeisl

MARCH 23, 2025

If an individual taxpayer has substantial business losses, unfavorable federal income tax rules can potentially come into play. Heres what you need to know as you assess your 2024 tax situation. Disallowance rule The tax rules can get complicated if your business or rental activity throws off a tax loss and many do during the early years. First, the passive activity loss (PAL) rules may apply if you arent very involved in the business or if its a rental activity.

income tax

RogerRossmeisl

FEBRUARY 23, 2025

Saving for retirement is a crucial financial goal and a 401(k) plan is one of the most effective tools for achieving it. If your employer offers a 401(k) or Roth 401(k), contributing as much as possible to the plan in 2025 is a smart way to build a considerable nest egg. If youre not already contributing the maximum allowed, consider increasing your contribution in 2025.

CPA

RogerRossmeisl

DECEMBER 29, 2024

If youve reached age 70, you can make cash donations directly from your IRA to IRS-approved charities. These qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) may help you gain tax advantages. QCD basics QCDs can be made from your traditional IRA(s) free of federal income tax. In contrast, other traditional IRA distributions are wholly or partially taxable, depending on whether youve made nondeductible contributions over the years.

Tax

RogerRossmeisl

DECEMBER 15, 2024

When you think about tax deductions for vehicle-related expenses, business driving may come to mind. However, businesses arent the only taxpayers that can deduct driving expenses on their returns. Individuals may also be able to deduct them in certain circumstances. Unfortunately, under current law, you may be unable to deduct as much as you could years ago.

CPA

RogerRossmeisl

OCTOBER 27, 2024

As the end of the year approaches, many people start to think about their finances and tax strategies. One effective way to reduce potential estate taxes and show generosity to loved ones is by giving cash gifts before December 31. Under tax law, you can gift a certain amount each year without incurring gift taxes or requiring a gift tax return. Taking advantage of this rule can help you reduce the size of your taxable estate while benefiting your family and friends.

Tax

RogerRossmeisl

AUGUST 2, 2025

Almost all (98%) of respondents to a recent survey conducted by Creditsafe expressed concern about being victimized by vendor fraud. Unfortunately, most business owners and managers aren’t well informed about the signs of this type of scam. However, familiarizing yourself with criminal methods, training employees to spot suspicious activities and working with your financial advisors can help prevent losses.

CPA

RogerRossmeisl

APRIL 25, 2025

Prior to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), businesses were able to claim a tax deduction for most business-related interest expense. The TCJA created 163(j), which generally limits deductions of business interest, with certain exceptions. If your business has significant interest expense, its important to understand the impact of the deduction limit on your tax bill.

CPA

RogerRossmeisl

FEBRUARY 23, 2025

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate continues to be historically low, ranging from 4.0% to 4.3% from May to November of 2024. With todays hiring challenges, business owners should be aware that the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is available to employers that hire workers from targeted groups who face significant barriers to employment.

Tax

RogerRossmeisl

JANUARY 21, 2025

Medicare health insurance premiums can add up to big bucks especially if youre upper-income, married, and you and your spouse both pay premiums. Read on to understand how taxes fit in. Premiums for Part B coverage Medicare Part B coverage is commonly called Medicare medical insurance. Part B mainly covers doctors visits and outpatient services. Eligible individuals must pay monthly premiums for this benefit.

Tax

RogerRossmeisl

OCTOBER 13, 2024

You may trust your executive management team implicitly. But the research is clear: In organizations where executives turn to fraud, the results are very costly. According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners’ (ACFE’s) Occupational Fraud 2024: A Report to the Nations, owner/executive fraud makes up only 19% of all cases but has a median loss of $459,000 per incident.

CPA

RogerRossmeisl

APRIL 26, 2025

Are you starting a business with partners and deciding on the right entity? An Scorporation might be the best choice for your new venture. One benefit of an Scorporation One major advantage of an Scorporation over a partnership is that shareholders arent personally liable for corporate debts. To ensure this protection, its crucial to: Adequately finance the corporation, Maintain the corporation as a separate entity, and Follow state-required formalities (for example, by filing articles of incorp

CPA

RogerRossmeisl

APRIL 25, 2025

Business valuation professionals often rely on client-prepared financial projections to calculate lost profits and diminution in value. However, courts may exclude expert testimony thats based on speculative or unreliable projections. To withstand scrutiny, valuators must support their conclusions with market-based evidence and a rigorous analysis of case-specific facts.

CPA

RogerRossmeisl

MARCH 23, 2025

If youre getting ready to file your 2024 tax return and your tax bill is higher than youd like, there may still be a chance to lower it. If youre eligible, you can make a deductible contribution to a traditional IRA until this years April 15 filing deadline and benefit from the tax savings on your 2024 return. Whos eligible? You can make a deductible contribution to a traditional IRA if: You (and your spouse) arent an active participant in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, or You (or your s

tax return

RogerRossmeisl

FEBRUARY 23, 2025

Global merger and acquisition (M&A) volume is expected to surpass $4 trillion in 2025, the highest in four years, according to Reuters. Reasons for the anticipated surge include recent interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve and GOP promises of fewer regulations and lower taxes for U.S. businesses and their owners. Tariffs if enacted also could spur consolidation in certain industries.

CPA

RogerRossmeisl

FEBRUARY 16, 2025

When deciding on the best structure for your business, one option to consider is a Ccorporation. This entity offers several advantages and disadvantages that may significantly affect your business operations and financial health. Heres a detailed look at the pros and cons of operating as a C corporation. Tax implications A C corporation allows the business to be treated and taxed separately from you as the principal owner.

Non-Profits

RogerRossmeisl

DECEMBER 29, 2024

There are three commonly accepted techniques for valuing a closely held business: the cost (or asset-based) approach, the market approach and the income approach. Valuation professionals routinely consider all three approaches before deciding which is most appropriate for the circumstances or choosing to use a blend of approaches. Some people mistakenly assume that the cost approach will always undervalue a business or business interest.

CPA