Articles From Lumsden McCormick

Nonprofits can effectively manage their revenue sources by diversifying their funding streams and implementing strategic financial planning. This approach helps ensure financial stability and sustainability, allowing organizations to better achieve their missions and serve their communities.

Owners of small manufacturing businesses structured as S corporations must ensure they receive reasonable compensation for their work to comply with IRS rules. While distributions can offer tax advantages, they must follow fair salary payments based on the owner’s role, responsibilities, and industry standards. The IRS evaluates compensation by analyzing how business income is generated and expects thorough documentation to support salary decisions, especially when owners perform multiple roles within the company.

As we reach the midpoint of 2025, small and mid-size governments in New York State are navigating significant changes to their accounting and financial reporting practices, driven by recent Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements.

Maryland's fiscal 2026 budget introduces a 3% sales tax on data and IT services, along with new tax brackets and increased rates for high-income earners. The budget also raises taxes on cannabis, sports betting, and vehicle excise, while proposals to reduce corporate tax rates and repeal inheritance tax were not included.

Business travel during the summer can offer valuable tax deduction opportunities if the trip is primarily for business purposes and involves an overnight stay. Deductible expenses may include transportation, lodging, meals (at 50%), and other business-related costs, while personal and entertainment expenses remain non-deductible.  Proper documentation and a clear separation of business and personal travel expenses are essential to ensure compliance and maximize tax benefits.

Asset protection is an important aspect of your overall financial picture, especially in today’s litigious society. Without proper planning, you risk losing significant portions of wealth to lawsuits or creditor claims, which could undermine years of financial progress and affect your heirs' futures.

Nonprofit organizations can navigate the sudden departure of an Executive Director by following essential steps to ensure a smooth transition and maintain their mission's success. 

The IRS has announced the inflation-adjusted amounts for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for 2026, allowing employees to save slightly more in their accounts. For individuals with self-only coverage under a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), the contribution limit is set at $4,400, while for family coverage, it is $8,750. HSAs offer tax advantages, including pre-tax contributions and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses.

A New York court ruled that Public Law (P.L.) 86-272 does not protect non-solicitation internet activities from state taxation and cannot be applied retroactively to its 2015 proposal date. The court upheld New York's revised regulations but agreed that their retroactive application violated due process for businesses unaware of the new tax liabilities.

On May 14, 2025, the House Ways and Means Committee approved a large tax bill that would make expiring provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) permanent.