Articles From Lumsden McCormick

To improve the efficiency of nonprofit board meetings, it's essential to create a clear agenda, enforce time limits, and ensure proper follow-up on unresolved issues. Implementing tools like a consent agenda can further streamline routine matters, saving valuable time. Keeping meetings focused and structured fosters productivity and board member engagement.

States have made many changes to their economic nexus thresholds in the wake of the landmark sales and use tax decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair from 2018.

A well-drafted partnership or LLC operating agreement should address key tax considerations, such as guaranteed payments, partner liabilities, and payments to retired partners. These provisions ensure tax compliance and help manage potential issues like partner exits or ownership transfers. Properly addressing these matters minimizes tax liabilities and protects the business.

Nonprofits typically don’t pay unrelated business income tax (UBIT) on investment income, but income from debt-financed property is often taxable. Real estate and investments purchased with borrowed funds may trigger UBIT, and the taxability depends on factors like the property’s purpose and financing. It's important to consult a tax advisor to ensure compliance.

A spendthrift trust is a useful tool for protecting assets and ensuring responsible management of an inheritance. It prevents beneficiaries from directly accessing or mismanaging funds, while also protecting against creditors. The trustee plays a crucial role in managing payments, providing financial security for the beneficiary in line with the trust’s terms.

AI is transforming manufacturing by improving efficiency, product development, and decision-making. Key applications include predictive maintenance, quality control, and supply chain management. While AI offers significant benefits, it requires careful planning, investment, and a phased implementation approach to ensure success.

As the year-end approaches, small businesses should focus on tax planning strategies like deferring income, accelerating deductions, and maximizing the QBI deduction to reduce their tax liabilities. It's also essential to stay updated on estimated tax payments, Section 179 expensing options, and potential changes to tax laws that could impact future filings. Consulting with a tax professional can help tailor these strategies to your business's needs.

A Qualified Personal Residence Trust (QPRT) allows homeowners to transfer their residence into a trust, reducing their taxable estate while continuing to live in the home for a specified term. After the term, the property passes to designated beneficiaries, though the homeowner may need to pay rent if they remain in the home. This estate planning tool can help minimize taxes and facilitate the transfer of assets to heirs.

Charitable pledges are promises to donate in the future and must be carefully accounted for by nonprofits. Unconditional pledges can be recognized as revenue immediately, while conditional pledges require specific criteria to be met before recognition. Proper documentation, present value accounting, and integrating pledges into your fundraising strategy can strengthen donor relationships and support long-term financial planning.Charitable pledges are promises to donate in the future and must be carefully accounted for by nonprofits. Unconditional pledges can be recognized as revenue immediately, while conditional pledges require specific criteria to be met before recognition. Proper documentation, present value accounting, and integrating pledges into your fundraising strategy can strengthen donor relationships and support long-term financial planning.

An LLC offers business owners the liability protection of a corporation while allowing for the tax benefits of a partnership. Members can avoid personal liability for business debts and enjoy pass-through taxation, with the flexibility to allocate tax benefits and fewer restrictions compared to an S corporation. For small to mid-sized businesses, this structure can provide both legal and financial advantages.