Articles From Lumsden McCormick

Manufacturing companies face the challenge of attracting and retaining skilled employees in today's competitive labor market. To stand out, they must build a compelling employer brand that emphasizes career growth opportunities, investment in technology, and a commitment to employee well-being. Strategies such as fostering a positive work culture, establishing clear career paths, highlighting technological innovation, and recognizing employee achievements can significantly enhance job satisfaction and productivity.

Correctly classifying workers as either employees or independent contractors is crucial to avoid costly consequences such as audits, back taxes, penalties, and lawsuits. Guidance is provided on understanding worker classification, the implications of misclassification, and the cautious use of Form SS-8 to request IRS determinations.

Federal, state, and local government agencies are subject to external audit requirements, so it’s in your agency’s best interest to practice something known as audit readiness.

When a person dies, their estate is responsible for managing and settling their debts. The executor must take inventory of assets and debts, prioritize payments, and handle exempt assets and debt assumptions. Executors should seek professional guidance to navigate the complex process, especially if the estate is insolvent.

Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) is a tax imposed on income generated by nonprofit organizations from activities that are unrelated to their primary mission. Qualified sponsorship payments are not subject to UBIT, but if a sponsor receives substantial return benefits beyond acknowledgments, such as advertising, UBIT may apply.

The federal tax code offers a strategy to mitigate business downturns by allowing certain losses to reduce taxable income in future years. The Net Operating Loss (NOL) deduction helps businesses average their income and losses over several years, ensuring fair tax payments. Recent changes under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) have introduced new limits and rules for NOLs, including the elimination of carrybacks and a cap on the deduction at 80% of taxable income.

Coordinating estate plans between spouses is crucial to avoid unintended consequences such as conflicting provisions, unexpected tax implications, or assets passing in ways that don't align with shared wishes. This approach ensures that both spouses' documents and strategies work together harmoniously, enhancing tax efficiency, streamlining estate administration, and adhering to state laws. Proactive planning strengthens financial security and the shared legacy of married couples.

Crowdfunding platforms nonprofit organizations to raise money and engage potential supporters, especially younger adults. Tax implications of crowdfunding can be complex and different from traditional fundraising methods. Crowdfunding websites or their payment processors may be required to report distributions of funds by filing IRS Form 1099-K, and the reporting threshold has been significantly lowered over the years.

Manufacturers are facing uncertainty due to factors like shifting tariff policies, supply chain disruptions, fluctuating demand, and rising raw material costs. Rolling forecasts and financial modeling are two financial planning tools that can help manufacturers navigate this instability by providing continuous updates and testing various assumptions.  

Owners of C corporations and S corporations must ensure their compensation is reasonable to avoid IRS scrutiny, which can lead to penalties, back taxes, and interest. By conducting market research, maintaining detailed job descriptions, and documenting annual reviews, owners can justify their pay levels and stay compliant with tax laws.