
Articles From Lumsden McCormick
Navigating Tax Regulations for Real Estate Professionals
Posted by Michē Needham on March 31, 2025
Understanding whether you qualify as a tax-favored real estate professional can significantly impact your ability to deduct rental losses. Here we explain the general rules, exceptions, and criteria that define this status, including the eligibility criteria and material participation tests. We also highlight other exceptions for non-professionals and emphasizes the importance of utilizing available tax breaks to maximize deductions and minimize tax liability.
Strategies for Managing Budget Constraints in 2025
Posted by Matthew Cronmiller on March 28, 2025
Facing budget cuts? Learn practical, cost-saving strategies to help government agencies maintain essential services and maximize efficiency amid federal funding uncertainties.
Understanding Stepped-Up Basis Rules for Inherited Assets
Posted by Cheryl A. Jankowski on March 27, 2025
Stepped-up basis rules can significantly reduce capital gains tax for heirs by adjusting the tax basis of inherited assets to their fair market value at the time of the original owner's death. This means that only the appreciation in value since the date of death is subject to tax, rather than the entire gain from when the asset was originally acquired.
Recognize the Warning Signs of Vendor Fraud
Posted by Brian Stevens on March 25, 2025
Vendor fraud poses a significant risk to manufacturing companies, impacting their profitability and product quality. Recognizing the warning signs and implementing strict controls can help companies protect themselves from deceptive practices and maintain the integrity of their operations.
Guidelines for Ensuring Payroll Tax Compliance in Small Businesses
Posted by Kathryn Mellon on March 24, 2025
Small businesses can ensure payroll tax compliance by staying updated with regulatory changes, understanding federal withholding, adhering to filing and deposit deadlines, maintaining organized records, and seeking professional advice. These practices help avoid fines, maintain good employee relationships, and stay legally compliant.
Incentive Trusts: Aligning Wealth with Values
Posted by D’Marie Kleeman on March 20, 2025
Incentive trusts are estate planning tools that distribute wealth based on beneficiaries meeting specific conditions, such as pursuing education, maintaining employment, or avoiding harmful behaviors. While they can encourage positive actions, it's important to set realistic guidelines and communicate clearly with trustees to avoid potential conflicts or unintended consequences.
Tax Implications of Business Succession
Posted by Cheryl A. Jankowski on March 17, 2025
The strategies for transferring business ownership include family transfers, trusts, employee buyouts, ESOPs, and sales to outside buyers. Each option is analyzed for its tax consequences, such as gift tax, estate tax, capital gains tax, and corporate deductions, providing a comprehensive guide to succession planning.
Inheriting A Family Home
Posted by Michael Anders on March 13, 2025
When inheriting a family home, siblings may face challenges due to differing financial needs and opinions on what to do with the property. Options include sharing the home, renting it out, selling it, or arranging a buyout, each with its own considerations and potential tax implications. Open communication and professional advice are crucial to navigate the emotional and legal complexities involved.
Best Practices for Grant Management: Strengthening Internal Controls
Posted by Elizabeth Krause on March 13, 2025
Effective grant management is critical for organizations to ensure compliance, financial integrity, and operational efficiency.
Financial Red Flags for Nonprofit Board Members
Posted by Amina Diallo on March 12, 2025
Nonprofit board members must closely monitor their organization's financial health, especially during times of economic uncertainty. Key warning signs include unexplained financial variances, unusual spending patterns, and inconsistent financial statements. Identifying and addressing these issues is crucial to maintaining the nonprofit's ability to fund essential programs and continue operating.