Articles From Lumsden McCormick

Nonprofit organizations often face challenges when managing restricted donations, making it essential to implement clear procedures and maintain accountability to ensure funds are used as intended. Encouraging unrestricted gifts provides greater flexibility, and it’s important to handle donor relationships with care, especially when restrictions are involved.

While the cash method can offer significant tax benefits for qualifying businesses, some companies might find the accrual method more advantageous. It's crucial to assess which accounting method best suits your business’s needs to maximize tax benefits.

A landmark decision by the Supreme Court in Connelly v. United States has significant implications for how shares in closely held corporations are valued for estate tax purposes. The Supreme Court upheld that redemption obligations do not reduce the value of a corporation’s shares, creating a precedent that will likely affect future litigation and estate planning for family-owned businesses.

The IRS has issued final regulations for inherited IRAs, clarifying that most non-spouse beneficiaries must withdraw the entire balance within 10 years. These rules, effective in 2025, require annual distributions if the original account owner had started taking RMDs, while offering more flexibility for accounts where RMDs had not begun. Recent waivers also prevent penalties for missed distributions in certain cases.

A bipartisan effort is underway in Congress to revive and expand the universal charitable deduction, which temporarily allowed non-itemizing taxpayers to deduct charitable contributions during 2020 and 2021. The proposed Charitable Act aims to incentivize giving by increasing the allowable deduction, potentially boosting donations to nonprofits. However, the bill's future remains uncertain, and nonprofit organizations are actively advocating for its passage.

Choosing the right inventory accounting method, such as FIFO or LIFO, is crucial for manufacturing businesses as it significantly affects taxes, net income, and financial reporting. Careful consideration of your company's specific needs and circumstances is essential when selecting the appropriate method.

The tax implications of real estate gains can vary based on factors like property type, ownership structure, and depreciation. While long-term capital gains are generally taxed at 15% or 20%, certain gains, particularly those involving depreciation, may be taxed at higher rates. Additionally, the 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) and state taxes could also apply.

The upcoming presidential and congressional elections could significantly alter the tax landscape for U.S. businesses, as many provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) are set to expire at the end of 2025. Potential outcomes range from the complete expiration of these provisions to their extension or replacement with new tax laws. The future impact on your business will depend on the election results and subsequent legislative changes.

A power of appointment in your estate plan provides flexibility by allowing a designated beneficiary to adjust trust distributions and modify beneficiaries based on current circumstances. There are two types of powers: general, which includes property in the holder’s taxable estate, and limited, which does not but may result in higher capital gains taxes for heirs. 

A board retreat offers a valuable opportunity for nonprofit organizations to focus on critical issues away from daily distractions, fostering strategic thinking and collaboration. Effective planning involves aligning goals, choosing relevant topics, and creating a detailed agenda. Post-retreat, it's essential to summarize decisions and develop an action plan to ensure actionable outcomes and ongoing progress.