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Posts by LB Carlson

PPP loan

PPP adjusted to prioritize very small businesses

When the Small Business Administration (SBA) launched the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) last year, the program’s stated objective was “to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll.” However, according to federal officials, the recently issued second round of funding has distributed only a small percentage of the $15 billion set aside for small businesses and low- to moderate-income “first-draw” borrowers.

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PPP changes

PPP revisions target smallest businesses

The Biden administration has announced several reforms to the popular Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to bring greater relief to the smallest and most vulnerable businesses. Among other things, the administration is imposing a two-week moratorium on loans to companies with 20 or more employees and focusing on smaller businesses. It’s also changing several program rules to expand eligibility for the 100% forgivable PPP loans.

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Sales tax nexus

The changing landscape of sales tax nexus

It has been almost two years since the United States Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in South Dakota vs. Wayfair that states can require the collection and remission of sales tax without physical presence nexus. If you and your business have not yet educated yourself on the new requirements, now is a good time to do so.

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Business Planning

Surviving Adversity: A CEO Panel Discussion Part 3

In part one of Surviving Adversity: A CEO Panel Discussion, we highlighted the conversations around revenue strategy during the pandemic. In part two, we received how the panelists have adapted the way they manage their graphic arts business in light of COVID-19, including the impact to staffing and internal processes. In part three, we’re taking a look at some of the future predictions for the industry in light of COVID’s impact. 

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Financial statements

View your financial statements through the right lens

Many business owners generate financial statements, at least in part, because lenders and other stakeholders demand it. You’re likely also aware of how insightful properly prepared financial statements can be — especially when they follow Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. But how can you best extract these useful insights? One way is to view your financial statements through a wide variety of “lenses” provided by key performance indicators (KPIs). These are calculations or formulas into which you can plug numbers from your financial statements and get results that enable you to make better business decisions.

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Tax deadline

One reason to file your 2020 tax return early

The IRS announced it is opening the 2020 individual income tax return filing season on February 12. (This is later than in past years because of a new law that was enacted late in December.) Even if you typically don’t file until much closer to the April 15 deadline (or you file for an extension), consider filing earlier this year. Why? You can potentially protect yourself from tax identity theft — and there may be other benefits, too.

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Education Tax Credits

Educate yourself about the revised tax benefits for higher education

Attending college is one of the biggest investments that parents and students ever make. If you or your child (or grandchild) attends (or plans to attend) an institution of higher learning, you may be eligible for tax breaks to help foot the bill. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, which was enacted recently, made some changes to the tax breaks. Here’s a rundown of what has changed.

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Employee Retention Tax Credit Expansion

The Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) was signed by President Trump on December 27, 2020. The expansion of the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loans and tax-deductibility of expenses paid with the first PPP loan received the most fanfare.  Also included in the CAA was the expansion of the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC). If the eligibility requirements are met, businesses could be entitled to significant credit amounts. There are separate eligibility requirements for 2020 and 2021. 

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January 15 Deadline

The next estimated tax deadline is January 15 if you have to make a payment

If you’re self-employed and don’t have withholding from paychecks, you probably have to make estimated tax payments. These payments must be sent to the IRS on a quarterly basis. The fourth 2020 estimated tax payment deadline for individuals is Friday, January 15, 2021. Even if you do have some withholding from paychecks or payments you receive, you may still have to make estimated payments if you receive other types of income such as Social Security, prizes, rent, interest, and dividends.

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