by Blair Butters | Aug 5, 2024 | Tax Planning
At the beginning of 2024, the U.S. Government started requiring U.S. companies and many small businesses to file Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI). In this blog post, we detail the following BOI information, so you know where you and your company stand: What is Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI)? Who needs to file? When are the filing deadlines? Recent Legal Changes How to file a BOI As always, contact your Accounting and/or Legal counsel for information specific to your company. What is Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI)? Beneficial Ownership Information refers to data that identifies the individuals who ultimately own or control a legal entity (think corporations, LLCs, and other similar entities). The purpose of collecting this information is to prevent and combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illegal activities that can be facilitated through anonymity in corporate structures. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), enacted as part of the broader Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020, introduced new reporting requirements aimed at enhancing transparency and curbing illicit financial activities. A key component of the CTA is the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) filing requirement, which affects a significant number of small business entities in the United States. Who Needs to File? The CTA requires many companies doing business in the United States, particularly small businesses and entities that are not publicly traded, to report their beneficial ownership information. This includes corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and other similar entities formed or registered to do business in the U.S. Entities that qualify for an exemption, such as certain trusts, are not required to file. When are the Filing Deadlines? Companies that were created or...
by Blair Butters | Jun 20, 2022 | Accounting, General Tax and Accounting Information
As a small business owner, there are many decisions to be made, particularly when you’re just starting out, to ensure everything runs smoothly and efficiently. One important decision to make is selecting an appropriate accounting method for your business. Accounting methods are simply the rules your business will follow when reporting revenues and expenses. Today, we’ll dive into the two primary accounting methods — accrual vs cash-based accounting — what they mean, and how to choose between the two when setting up your business. Before we get started, it’s important to note the IRS requires taxpayers to choose an accounting method that accurately reflects their income and to be consistent with their choice of accounting method from year to year. This is because switching between methods could potentially allow a company to manipulate its revenue to minimize its tax burdens. To change your accounting method, you must receive approval from the IRS, typically with Form 3115. It’s important to choose your method carefully; if you’re unsure which method would work best for you, consult with a tax advisor before launching your business. Cash-Based Accounting Method We will start with the cash-based accounting method, as it is the method most used by many small businesses. Cash-based accounting recognizes revenue when cash is received and when expenses are paid. For example, when you receive a bill from a vendor that is due next month, that expense is not recognized until it is paid. This is a simpler method because there is no need for accounts like Accounts Receivable or Accounts Payable – only cash accounts are required. This option is...
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