Articles From Lumsden McCormick

The IRS has issued final regulations for the Section 45X advanced manufacturing production credit, which supports manufacturers producing clean energy equipment in the U.S. between 2022 and 2032. The regulations clarify eligibility, production costs, and the interplay with other credits, while also introducing substantiation requirements for material costs. Despite the clarity provided, compliance remains complex, and the credit’s future is uncertain under the incoming administration.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) offer small business owners a tax-advantaged way to manage health care costs for themselves and their employees. With updated contribution limits for 2025, HSAs provide significant tax benefits, including deductible contributions, tax-free earnings, and tax-free distributions for qualified medical expenses. Employers can also benefit from payroll tax savings on HSA contributions.

The annual gift tax exclusion allows you to reduce your taxable estate with minimal effort. While filing a gift tax return is generally not required, it becomes necessary or advisable in certain situations, such as when making split gifts or exceeding the annual exclusion amount. Filing can also provide audit protection and establish asset values for tax purposes.

To ensure your nonprofit’s special events are safe and successful, create a crisis management plan to address potential risks like bad weather, technology failures, and attendee needs. Review insurance policies and vendor contracts for adequate coverage and liabilities. Plan for travel delays by providing emergency contact information and maintaining a comprehensive contact list for all event participants. In case of a crisis, refer to your plan, communicate openly with attendees, and seek support from staff and board members. If your fundraiser falls short, explore ways to adjust for budget shortfalls.

Business-related meal deductions can still offer valuable tax savings, but recent law changes have tightened what qualifies. Generally, meals are 50% deductible if they meet specific criteria, while certain exceptions allow for 100% deductions. Contact us to clarify the rules and optimize your deductions.

Married couples deciding between a joint trust and separate trusts should weigh factors like simplicity, asset protection, and tax implications. Joint trusts offer ease of management and shared control, while separate trusts provide greater creditor protection and estate tax planning opportunities. The best choice depends on each couple's financial situation, family needs, and state laws.

Explore tax credits for boosting research activities, bonus credits, tax credit monetization, and more in this comprehensive guide to business incentives and tax credits.

This guide identifies tax strategies and considers how they may be influenced by recent administrative guidance and potential legislative changes that remain under consideration. A taxpayer’s tax accounting methods determine when income is recognized, and costs are deducted for income tax purposes.

To secure grants from foundations, align your nonprofit’s mission with the foundation’s interests and thoroughly research their focus areas. Successful proposals are well-defined, data-driven, and outline a clear plan for project completion. Persistence is key, as feedback from rejected proposals can help strengthen future applications.

A business continuity plan is essential for manufacturing companies to minimize disruptions and ensure rapid recovery during crises such as natural disasters, supply chain disruptions, or IT failures. Key steps include forming an interdisciplinary team, assessing risks, developing contingency strategies, and regularly testing and updating the plan. Proactive planning can safeguard operations and enhance resilience in the face of unexpected events.