Articles

In an uncertain economy, commercial landlords understandably look for ways to protect themselves from financial exposure. One approach is the inclusion of gross-up provisions in leases.

It’s probably safe to say that your goal as a business owner is to make, not lose, money. But there are situations in which your company might be able to minimize the impact from business losses.

In 2005, Congress passed the Energy Policy Act. The law created a tax incentive tied to the design or installation of energy-efficient interior lighting, HVAC, hot water or building envelope systems in commercial buildings.

When taxpayers contribute property to charitable institutions, they generally follow up by claiming a charitable deduction on their tax returns. But that deduction isn’t a given — you must comply with the IRS’s strict requirements.

At least 70% of people over the age of 65 will require some level of long-term care service, according to insurance company Genworth Financial’s 2016 Cost of Care Survey.

Question: We’re a small employer and would like to make health coverage available to our employees through the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP). Is there a specific time of the year when we must sign up for this coverage?

A small custom homebuilder in a growing suburban area was maintaining a modest stream of business. He had enough jobs to keep his crew busy, but not enough to expand. Nearly all of his projects came through referrals from former customers, who recommended his company to their friends and neighbors.

The IRS generally considers rental real estate investments as passive activities, meaning taxpayers can use any related losses only to offset income from passive investments. The tax code does grant an exception for rental activity losses incurred by real estate professionals, but it’s not enough just to qualify as a real estate professional.

When President Obama signed into law the 21st Century Cures Act on December 13, 2016, most of the media coverage focused on the provisions related to medical innovation. But the law also includes some good news for small businesses that have been prohibited in recent years from providing their employees with Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs).

Making gifts to children and grandchildren is a strategy sometimes used to reduce taxes. Doing so may shift some of your income into a lower tax bracket and remove assets from your taxable estate.