March 31, 2023
Lenders will be required to compile and analyze more information about small business loan applicants under a new federal rule finalized March 30.
March 28, 2023
Bank collapses in the U.S. aren’t common, but when it happens, it can be a harrowing experience for customers whose money is at risk. Limit your potential losses by remembering these key points of FDIC coverage.
March 27, 2023
Business leaders are at odds with the FASB over the impact of ASU No. 2023-ED100, which would drastically change the way tax and rate reconciliation figures are disclosed.
March 24, 2023
Brand new to QuickBooks? Maybe you’re struggling to adjust? These five tips can help you become more comfortable with the software.
March 22, 2023
For construction businesses, the cost of insurance can be high, but the cost of going without it can be so much worse. Let’s review a few important types of coverage.
March 15, 2023
President Biden’s 2024 budget proposal includes a variety of changes that could impact taxes for individuals and businesses.
March 1, 2023
Getting money for services can be much more enjoyable than sending money out. Here are three ways to process payments from customers.
February 27, 2023
Higher costs for labor and materials are still putting a chill on profitability for many construction companies. These eight steps might seem simple, but overlooking just one could cost you money.
February 24, 2023
Purchasing a heavy SUV could provide a more generous tax break than a smaller vehicle for business owners.
February 21, 2023
If you want to help ensure your financial security in retirement, saving now is one of the best moves you can make. You might even have time to contribute to an IRA or SEP and save on your 2022 tax return.
February 20, 2023
If you’re a parent, you know that raising a family is expensive. Fortunately, there’s a federal child tax credit that can help you with the expenses if you know the latest rules.
February 17, 2023
With Republicans and Democrats splitting control of Congress after the midterm election, prospective tax legislation faces an uncertain path.
February 6, 2023
KraftCPAs was picked as one of America’s best tax firms and best accounting firms for 2023, according to a new survey released by Forbes.
February 1, 2023
Just six accounting standards updates were issued in 2022, and many of those were narrow in scope. Here’s an overview of what’s changed and what’s ahead.
January 31, 2023
Your time as a business owner is valuable. Don’t waste any of it doing duplicate data entry.
January 31, 2023
Breaking into a retirement plan before age 59½ may result in a penalty tax. But there are exceptions. Here are the rules, along with what happened to one taxpayer who tried to avoid the penalty because he had diabetes.
January 30, 2023
Higher inflation has led to increased adjustments to certain tax provisions. Here’s how much your employees can contribute to a 401(k) and an HSA this year, as well as other important business tax amounts.
January 27, 2023
Fraud is an ever-present threat for construction businesses, both in the office and on jobsites. That’s why contractors must leave no stone unturned when trying to prevent it.
January 19, 2023
Spencer Mercer will oversee the Chattanooga location of KraftCPAs as its new member-in-charge.
January 17, 2023
The cost of goods sold can account for 70% of a company’s expenses, according to recent discussions by the FASB’s Investor Advisory Committee. However, some companies skimp on details around the costs they incur to produce goods. The FASB’s disaggregation of income statement project could change that.
January 16, 2023
Every business can be an innovator. The research tax credit is a way to reward that innovation, and it comes with an intriguing feature related to payroll taxes.
January 9, 2023
Don’t let important tax dates and deadlines catch you by surprise. Here’s a list of the biggest ones to remember in 2023.
January 3, 2023
Want to save more for retirement? You might be able to with the many changes in a new law signed in late December.
December 28, 2022
Tucked into the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 is a package of enhanced retirement benefits, otherwise known as the SECURE 2.0 Act. Know what to expect as you head into the new year.
December 25, 2022
Close out 2022 by wrapping up those unfinished accounting tasks in QuickBooks.
December 18, 2022
The Securities and Exchange Commission advises business owners to keep five key areas in mind when preparing 2022 financial statements.
December 14, 2022
Whether you’re giving to charity or loved ones (or both) this holiday season, it’s important to understand the tax consequences of gifts.
December 8, 2022
Depending on the nature of your company’s operations, your balance sheet may include inventory totals. Here’s why your inventory system might be flawed and giving you the wrong numbers.
December 5, 2022
The cost of college tuition has risen steeply in recent years, so it’s smart for families to begin saving early. One way to save on a tax-advantaged basis is with a 529 plan.
November 22, 2022
Many of us feel the squeeze of inflation, but what does this mean for your federal tax bill? Here’s what the inflation-adjusted amounts will be for several provisions in 2023 compared with 2022.
November 13, 2022
The end of the year is a good time to examine your portfolio for tax purposes. A few simple steps now could pay off later.
November 1, 2022
Alex Dawald and Jared King are the newest members at KraftCPAs, where they join a team of 18 other partners at the firm.
October 28, 2022
The employee retention credit was designed to help businesses offset pandemic-related losses, but bad advice is costing employers even more.
October 18, 2022
The Best Accounting Firms to Work For title is Kraft’s ninth in the award’s 14-year history.
October 6, 2022
With the current federal estate tax exemption at $12.06 million, you may not be worried about estate taxes. But you should still think about saving income taxes for your heirs.
October 5, 2022
The Responsible Financial Innovation Act is the first major bipartisan legislation that would significantly change the way digital assets are regulated.
August 16, 2022
The federal government’s passage of the Inflation Reduction Act is a mix of new savings and new spending, and there’s a good chance that the bill – or at least some part of it – will affect you.
June 10, 2022
The IRS has increased the optional standard mileage rate by 4 cents per mile, its first mid-year mileage rate adjustment in 11 years.
June 8, 2022
If the value of your portfolio is down, you may want to turn the stock market downturn into a tax-saving opportunity. How? By converting a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA.
June 2, 2022
With housing and rental property in high demand in cities across the U.S., including Nashville, more and more homeowners are choosing to become landlords. But there are plenty of risks to go with the potential rewards.
May 27, 2022
Medicare bad debts present rural health clinics and other Medicare Part A providers an opportunity to recover reimbursement dollars they might otherwise miss.
May 27, 2022
With gas prices climbing, now’s a great time to closely track your business travel expenses for a potential tax deduction. The QuickBooks Online mobile app can help.
May 3, 2022
There still may be tax-related issues on your mind after you file your 2021 return. Chief among them: which records can be discarded, how to check on your refund, and when to file amended tax returns.
May 1, 2022
As the economy rebounds from the pandemic, new construction is getting back on track, too. That can create challenges for construction companies trying to stay ahead of their backlogs.
April 28, 2022
KraftCPAs has once again been selected by employees as one of Nashville’s Best Places to Work, an annual list compiled by the Nashville Business Journal.
April 23, 2022
Misunderstanding the complex rules of tracking employee hours can lead to errors, confusion, and wasted hours. Here are a few ways to hold the line for your next construction project.
April 6, 2022
Businesses and nonprofit groups are gradually adjusting to requirements of the new lease accounting standard, such as bringing most leases onto the balance sheet. Since ASC 842 can seem confusing, here’s a quick guide to ease the adjustment period.
March 8, 2022
Here are the things to know if you’ve considered converting your existing IRA to a Roth IRA.
February 24, 2022
Being fully prepared and organized can help your financial statement audit go smoothly and ultimately save your business or organization time, money, and headaches.
January 26, 2022
Ramona Scott and Julie Booth have been recognized by the Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga for their work with the group.
January 24, 2022
How much can you contribute to a 401(k) plan for 2022? What’s the standard deduction? How much do you have to earn this year before you can stop paying Social Security on your salary? Here are answers to these and other tax-related questions for 2022.
January 20, 2022
Even if you usually don’t file until closer to the April deadline (or you file an extension), consider filing early. It can potentially protect you from tax identity theft.
January 11, 2022
New rules designed to protect consumers will have significant impacts not just on medical facilities, but also on the physicians and professionals who provide non-emergency services there. Here’s what the No Surprises Act means for healthcare providers.
January 7, 2022
If you received a Child Tax Credit or third-round Economic Impact Payment in 2021, watch your mailbox for a letter from the IRS – it will include key dollar amounts that you’ll need to complete your 2021 federal tax returns.
January 4, 2022
Receipts are vital to tracking your business expenses, but without the right system in place, it can become a chore. But capturing, storing, and organizing receipts doesn’t have to be a hassle.
December 10, 2021
The early end of the employee retention credit surprised employers who had been underpaying payroll taxes in anticipation of the tax break. But there’s a collective sigh of relief after news from the IRS.
December 3, 2021
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are buzzwords in modern strategic management. Here are some of the benefits that initiatives in these areas bring to public and private companies and how companies can showcase their progress in footnote disclosures and separate diversity, equity, and inclusion reports.
November 30, 2021
The massive federal infrastructure legislation recently signed into law includes a change in the way cryptocurrency transactions will be reported to the IRS starting in 2023.
November 23, 2021
Tax laws could change significantly in the coming weeks, but a few reliable year-end strategies should be at the top of your list as you look for ways to minimize your tax bill.
November 16, 2021
Congress has passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act after months of debate and negotiation. Find out what tax-related provisions have been built into the new law.
November 9, 2021
Feeling generous this year? There are a few rules to consider when you make charitable contributions and gifts to loved ones.
November 3, 2021
Moving closer to family and taking advantage of better weather are just two reasons you might retire to another state. Don’t forget to consider state and local tax implications before you plan a move.
November 1, 2021
Spencer Mercer is the newest member at KraftCPAs PLLC, joining a team of 17 other partners in the firm.
October 13, 2021
The outcome of two big pieces of legislation remains uncertain as negotiations continue in Congress. Here’s a look at the proposed bills and the potential tax law changes that could affect you or your business.
October 12, 2021
The new lease accounting standards changed in 2019 for public companies. Calendar-year private companies that follow U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles must comply with the updated lease rules in 2022.
October 11, 2021
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many audit procedures have been performed remotely, forcing auditors to rely more heavily on analytical procedures. It’s important to understand how auditors use analytical procedures to make audits more efficient and effective.
October 7, 2021
KraftCPAs is one of the “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” based on an annual survey by Accounting Today.
September 28, 2021
Whether you win money gambling online, at a casino, or in a sports betting activity, there will be tax implications. For those who find luck on their side, here are the basic rules to know.
September 23, 2021
Stacey Stuhrenberg, a senior associate with KraftCPAs’ healthcare industry team, has achieved accreditation as a Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC).
September 21, 2021
If you’ve been affected by one of the many natural disasters across the U.S. in recent months, a variety of tax-relief options could help provide much-needed relief.
September 17, 2021
If your business hasn’t already claimed the Employee Retention Tax Credit, now is the time to check on your eligibility. The money can help with the costs you incur in hiring and retaining employees during the pandemic.
September 13, 2021
More than $25 billion of new healthcare funding has been released as part of the Provider Relief Fund, a federal program designed to help providers hit hardest during the COVID-19 pandemic.
September 2, 2021
Have you taken a few minutes to really explore QuickBooks’ report center? It’s the best way to learn about the variety of reports available from one of QuickBooks’ most powerful components.
August 29, 2021
A new FASB update helps clairfy the presentation and disclosure of contributed nonfinancial assets, including land, buildings, and other items, but it does not change existing recognition and measurement requirements for contributed nonfinancial assets.
August 24, 2021
The Office of the Chief Accountant has provided new insight into three of the biggest questions posed in recent months by banks and other financial institutions.
August 12, 2021
If you have children age 17 or under, it’s critical to understand the recent changes made to the child tax credit.
July 23, 2021
If you received a PPP loan, important forgiveness deadlines are approaching quickly. Are you prepared?
July 9, 2021
A new Fed program requires all financial institutions utilizing FedLine solutions to perform an assessment of their compliance with FedLine security requirements and submit an attestation that the assessment has been completed.
July 3, 2021
Tennessee offers a variety of tax-saving credits. Do you know what’s available and how they could help your business?
June 23, 2021
Claim denials can be complicated at most and confusing at best. Conquering the rules and regulations of medical billing and coding is one of the biggest challenges in the fight against denials and clean claim submissions. It’s extremely important that medical practices ensure that claims are filed appropriately the first time.
June 2, 2021
The estimated number of going concerns for the fiscal year 2019 fell to the lowest amount in 20 years, but the pandemic caused financial distress that could bring an end to this downward trend for the fiscal year 2020.
May 21, 2021
Even after your 2020 tax return has been successfully filed, you might still have some questions about the return. Here are answers to three questions we’re frequently asked at this time of year.
May 11, 2021
Cybercrime isn’t just an issue for big corporations. Your small business can be a target, too. Are you protecting your QuickBooks data?
April 30, 2021
What could President Biden’s tax proposals mean for you? Here’s a brief rundown of the American Families Plan.
April 16, 2021
If your practice has either a full or partial suspension of operations during any calendar quarter in 2020 or 2021 due to a government order, or a significant decline in gross receipts during any calendar quarter compared to the same quarter in 2019, you could be eligible.
April 13, 2021
KraftCPAs has again been chosen as one of the Best Places to Work in Middle Tennessee, an annual survey commissioned by the Nashville Business Journal.
April 7, 2021
The value of an internal audit is different for everyone and can change based on circumstances, but a solid framework can provide the conditions necessary to deliver value to you.
March 31, 2021
Eligible businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic now have until May 31 to apply for a PPP loan. Here’s the latest updates on the popular loan program.
March 25, 2021
Brian Gray has been promoted to president of Kraft Technology Group, an affiliate of KraftCPAs.
March 25, 2021
The best choice of entity can affect your business in several ways, including the amount of your tax bill. Although S corporations can provide substantial tax advantages over C corporations in some cases, there are potential tax problems to assess before deciding to convert from C to S status.
March 24, 2021
Spencer Mercer has joined the team at KraftCPAs’ Chattanooga location as the firm continues to increase its investment in the community.
March 22, 2021
Is your business taking full advantage of the Employee Retention Credit? Discover how you could make the most of the year-old ERC.
March 18, 2021
Did you resolve to pay bills on time in 2021? QuickBooks offers tools to help you enter, pay, and track them, so you can avoid late payments. Here’s how.
March 17, 2021
The IRS has pushed back the tax filing deadline to May 17 to help ease the burden on Americans dealing with economic upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
March 17, 2021
Because the new American Rescue Plan Act is such an expansive piece of legislation, it’s likely that you, your family, or your business can benefit from it.
March 12, 2021
The Internal Revenue Service has provided guidance for employers claiming the employee retention credit for 2020 and how it relates to eligibility for the Paycheck Protection Program.
March 11, 2021
The latest COVID-19-related stimulus bill, the American Rescue Plan Act, has passed and awaits signing by President Biden. What does this legislation mean for you individually or as an employer?
March 10, 2021
Medical and dental costs are expensive, and it’s hard to get a tax deduction for them. But you may qualify by including every eligible expense allowed. Here’s what it takes to get a deduction.
February 26, 2021
The Biden administration has announced several reforms to the popular Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to bring greater relief to the smallest and most vulnerable businesses. Among other things, the administration is imposing a two-week moratorium on loans to companies with 20 or more employees and focusing on smaller businesses. It’s also changing several program rules to expand eligibility for the 100% forgivable PPP loans.
February 13, 2021
Tennessee business leaders say their outlook for 2021 has dropped significantly from 2020, according to the latest Tennessee Business Barometer. Although outlook had surged higher in October prior to the election, optimism for a brighter future has now faded.
January 28, 2021
If you or your child attends or plans to attend college, you may be eligible for tax breaks to help foot the bill. The new Consolidated Appropriations Act made some changes.
January 25, 2021
Employee retention credits, PPP loans, business meal deductions, and deferred payroll taxes are just some of the provisions of the latest stimulus package that could affect your business.
January 25, 2021
Learn how provisions of the massive Consolidated Appropriations Act recently signed into law can benefit you and your family.
January 24, 2021
The FASB has changed and simplified the accounting model for goodwill several times over the past decade. Here is a closer look at the evolution of accounting guidance on goodwill impairment testing and an important distinction between judgment and hindsight when evaluating triggering events in this context.
January 22, 2021
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has made changes to the reporting timeline for the Provider Relief Fund Program in light of the recent passage of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act.
January 17, 2021
The IRS will open the 2020 individual income tax return filing season on February 12. Even if you usually don’t file until closer to the April 15 deadline (or you file an extension), consider filing early.
December 29, 2020
The banking industry rose to the occasion to answer investor questions quickly about potential credit losses on loans during the current economic crisis, according to FASB advisory discussions.
December 22, 2020
A massive new round of federal stimulus spending includes a PPP loan fix, new loan possibilities for small businesses, additional unemployment benefits, and $600 stimulus checks for individuals.
December 14, 2020
Jerry Moss, KraftCPAs’ Tax Leader, is joining the firm’s healthcare team to bolster the firm’s commitment to Middle Tennessee’s growing healthcare industry.
November 20, 2020
The IRS has issued more guidance to clear up the tax treatment of expenses when a loan from the Paycheck Protection Program hasn’t been forgiven by the end of the year.
November 11, 2020
Did you file an extension until Oct. 15 to file your 2019 tax return? After finishing, you may find yourself with piles of tax-related documents. Here are some tax recordkeeping guidelines.
November 11, 2020
Interested in reducing your 2020 tax liability? There’s still time to take these year-end tax planning steps.
November 5, 2020
New SBA questionnaires request information related not only to the economic condition of the borrower at the time it received the PPP loan but also about its economic experience after receiving the loan.
November 2, 2020
Conditions are ripe during the COVID-19 crisis for dishonest employees to steal assets, engage in corruption schemes and/or misstate financial results. Here’s a look at the fraud triangle and how the motive, rationalization, and opportunity to commit fraud has grown during the pandemic.
October 29, 2020
Getting a letter from the IRS that your tax return is being audited may strike fear into the hearts of business owners. But the more you know about IRS audits, the better you might fare.
October 26, 2020
The Auditing Standards Board has issued a proposal that would revise its audit standards related to risk assessment. That could mean more audit procedures related to your company’s internal controls, cyberthreats, and other risk factors as your auditors assess your situation.
October 22, 2020
The FDIC has approved an interim final rule to provide temporary relief from the Part 363 Audit and Reporting requirements for financial institutions that have experienced temporary growth due to participation in a variety of federal stimulus activities.
October 9, 2020
The SBA and U.S. Treasury Department have issued a streamlined loan forgiveness application for businesses with Paycheck Protection Program loans of $50,000 or less. The measure further simplifies the loan forgiveness process.
September 30, 2020
KraftCPAs PLLC, a Nashville-based firm, has expanded its footprint to Chattanooga with the acquisition of Matheney, Stees & Associates PC (MSA).
September 22, 2020
As the United States heads into the final weeks of the presidential election race, taxes will be a popular talking point. Here is a look at the plans from both candidates.
September 21, 2020
If your child has been awarded a scholarship, congratulations! But be aware that there may be tax implications. Scholarships and fellowships are generally tax-free, but certain conditions must be met.
September 21, 2020
After paying into Social Security for all your working years, you may be surprised to learn that the benefits may be taxed in retirement. Here are the rules.
September 18, 2020
Are you self-employed and operate your business from home or perform certain functions at home that are related to your business? You might be able to claim home office deductions on your tax return.
September 8, 2020
The SBA has published a new interim final rule related to the Paycheck Protection Program created by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. The IFR addresses treatment of certain owner-employees and limitations on eligibility of certain non-payroll costs for loan forgiveness.
September 2, 2020
The Internal Revenue Service has issued guidance to help businesses implement the Presidential Memorandum issued August 8. The order allows employers to defer withholding and payment of the employee’s portion of the Social Security tax if the employee’s wages are below a certain amount, but it left questions and concerns when it was announced.
August 31, 2020
The AICPA has updated its technical accounting guide to explain how a lender should account for a forgivable loan that a borrower received under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Because of the unique nature of PPP loans, the AICPA has been issuing staff answers to technical accounting questions.
August 25, 2020
Following complaints from taxpayers and lawmakers, the Internal Revenue Service has agreed to quit sending notices about unpaid taxes to taxpayers while it works through the backlog of millions of pieces of unopened mail that has accumulated at IRS facilities.
August 12, 2020
Using an executive action, President Trump has deferred payroll taxes from Sept. 1 through the end of 2020. But there are many unanswered questions.
August 11, 2020
Several professionals from KraftCPAs and affiliates have been chosen for the Nashville Business Journal‘s 2020 Power Leaders in Finance list.
August 11, 2020
Danetta Allen and Lynsey Roberts have been elevated to member roles at KraftCPAs effective Nov. 1, 2020.
August 11, 2020
Once your 2019 tax return has been filed, there still may be some issues to consider. We’re often asked about refund status, record retention, and amended tax returns. Here are some answers.
August 7, 2020
As businesses work to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone should be on the lookout for opportunities to reduce taxes. One method that manufacturers often overlook is the research and development tax credit.
August 7, 2020
A meticulous approach to keeping business records can protect your tax deductions and help make an audit much less painful.
August 6, 2020
Employer-provided group term life insurance can be a great employee benefit. But depending on the amount of coverage, it may cause an unwanted tax result. Here’s why.
August 5, 2020
A tax form that used to be filed back in the 1980s is coming back for 2020. Here’s what businesses need to know.
July 31, 2020
New guidelines have been applied to federal programs established due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, many non-federal entities — including many health systems and hospitals — will, for the first time, be subject to single audit or other audit requirements established in the Uniform Guidance.
July 29, 2020
Kraft Healthcare Consulting LLC president Scott Mertie has been appointed to the board of directors for the Nashville Health Care Council for 2020-2021. Scott is one of 15 new members chosen for the board.
July 25, 2020
Tennessee’s nonprofit organizations will soon be eligible for $150 million in grants as part of COVID-19 recovery efforts. Funds will be issued through the Tennessee Community CARES Program to Tennessee nonprofits that are assisting in relief efforts related to the ongoing health and economic impact of COVID-19.
July 10, 2020
With the Affordable Care Act in jeopardy, some of its related taxes could be overturned and potentially refundable. But for taxpayers, the time is now to file a protective refund claim and possibly recoup some of their 2016 payment.
July 2, 2020
A last-minute extension means small businesses have until August 8 to apply for Paycheck Protection Program funds.
July 1, 2020
Business owners will receive notification starting this week regarding eligibility for financial relief as part of the Tennessee Business Relief Program.
June 23, 2020
Many financial institutions are working with borrowers on loan modifications, but a joint statement from a group of financial institution regulatory agencies details certain short-term modifications due to COVID-19 and the classification rules for troubled debt restructurings.
June 19, 2020
The Treasury Department and Small Business Administration have posted new “borrower-friendly” applications for loan forgiveness under the Paycheck Protection Program.
June 19, 2020
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the implementation deadlines have been deferred for the updated accounting rules for current expected credit losses (CECL), but only for certain entities.
June 18, 2020
If you have to drive for work during the pandemic, let QuickBooks Online make sure you’re recording all of your deductible mileage.
June 17, 2020
There are many advantages to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Here are a few of them, along with the HSA inflation-adjusted amounts for the 2021 calendar year.
June 16, 2020
The Tennessee Department of Revenue will issue business relief payments through the Tennessee Business Relief Program to small businesses for costs incurred as a result of mandatory business closures.
June 15, 2020
During these tough times, your business may be saving money by using independent contractors, rather than hiring employees. Make sure to follow all the rules or you could hear from the IRS.
June 9, 2020
A change to Section 2302 of the CARES Act removes the exception for business owners who wish to use the tax deferral of the employer’s portion of Social Security taxes.
June 5, 2020
Business owners who received a forgivable loan through the Paycheck Protection Program could get more leeway on how to spend those funds as a result of legislation passed by the Senate and House.
May 27, 2020
Two new interim final rules build upon loan forgiveness application and instruction, but they don’t make changes to the eight-week period during which PPP funds must be spent or the rule requiring PPP borrowers to spend at least 75% of the funds on payroll costs.
May 19, 2020
New guidance helps clear up calculation methods, definitions of forgivable expenses, and the documents that must be submitted with the forgiveness request.
May 14, 2020
The Small Business Administration has taken another step to allow employers more flexibility in repaying their loans under the Paycheck Protection Program.
May 13, 2020
The Small Business Administration’s newest announcement offers relief for some employers whose Paycheck Protection Program loans amounted to less than $2 million.
May 1, 2020
New guidance from the IRS says that normally deductible business expenses will not be deductible as a way to prevent a “double tax benefit.”
April 24, 2020
The just-passed $484 billion Interim Stimulus Plan, among other things, replenishes Paycheck Protection Program funds.
April 20, 2020
Congress provided $349 billion for PPP funds, but that money ran out late last week amid high levels of demand as the coronavirus has forced businesses to scale back or close altogether.
April 16, 2020
The IRS and the U.S. Department of Treasury have announced new ways for taxpayers to track their stimulus payment resulting from the recent CARES Act.
April 16, 2020
Banks and credit unions have some wiggle room under FASB rules when reporting interest income on loans modified as a result of the coronavirus economic stimulus package, an issue critical to earnings.
April 10, 2020
New IRS and Federal Reserve decisions add more flexibility for taxpayers and employers.
April 8, 2020
Loans are now available for eligible small businesses through the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program. Here are the details about the loan qualifications and terms.
April 7, 2020
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act enacted a variety of changes for financial institutions, businesses, and individuals, including a chance for lenders and borrowers to explore a more streamlined assistance process.
April 3, 2020
Scammers are targeting individuals with promises to help them receive their upcoming economic impact payment faster. Here’s how to spot them.
March 31, 2020
As more details emerge from the 880-page, $2 trillion CARES Act, the potential economic perks are becoming clearer for employers and individuals.
March 27, 2020
The CARES Act will help provide more than $2 trillion in financial aid and incentives to help businesses and individuals weather the COVID-19 pandemic, and lawmakers say there could be more to come.
March 26, 2020
The FASB supports a new regulatory statement to push banks to work with borrowers impacted by the coronavirus so that loans can be modified quickly and easily.
March 21, 2020
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act was signed into law as a response to the growing health and economic crises with provisions for paid sick leave and expanded unemployment benefits.
March 20, 2020
Taxpayers now have an additional 90 days to file returns as the result of the Treasury Department’s latest step to address growing economic concerns.
March 19, 2020
In most cases, married couples who file jointly save more money on taxes than those who file separate returns. However, there are times when filing separately is a better option.
March 19, 2020
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act eliminated some of the deductions for business-related meal and entertainment expenses but led to confusion. New guidance from the IRS helps address the questions.
March 18, 2020
Individuals and businesses will have an extra 90 days to pay their tax bill as a result of new directives from the Treasury Department.
March 8, 2020
Individual tax returns in Davidson, Putnam, and Wilson counties originally due April 15 may qualify for a July 15 deadline.
February 27, 2020
The Nashville Business Journal’s annual list recognizes the area’s most influential professionals in the healthcare industry.
February 25, 2020
The tax rules involved in selling mutual fund shares can be complex. One difficulty is that certain mutual fund transactions are treated as sales even though they might not seem like it.
February 24, 2020
Social Security contributions and 401(k) limits are among changes this year that will require adjustments by employers.
February 21, 2020
With many of the provisions of the SECURE Act now in effect, do you know how they might affect your business?
February 21, 2020
With provisions already in effect as a result of the SECURE Act, don’t wait to review your plans and make adjustments to protect your retirement savings.
February 19, 2020
Many individuals who once claimed a tax break for making charitable contributions are no longer eligible as a result of tax law changes.
January 20, 2020
Vic Alexander, Lucy Carter, Dana Holmes, Scott Mertie, and Gina Pruitt are among Middle Tennessee’s healthcare leaders chosen for the new InCharge Health Care publication.
January 19, 2020
Good news for individuals, businesses, and employers: A new law provides federal tax relief. Here are the highlights.
January 16, 2020
It’s a good time to start new habits – or refresh old ones. Regularly running QuickBooks reports can help you make better business decisions.
January 16, 2020
Completing your 2019 tax return early can potentially help protect you from tax identity theft. Here’s why.
January 15, 2020
Unemployment taxes can cost your business a bundle, especially if a lot of former employees file unemployment claims against your business. Fortunately, you may be able to reduce your costs.
January 15, 2020
These days, many people have side “gigs” to earn extra money. Find out more about the tax consequences of taking on these jobs.
January 13, 2020
Parts of the new SECURE Act might provide you with tax-saving opportunities related to your IRA or retirement plan.
December 23, 2019
The latest revisions to the tax code will bring welcome relief to nonprofit organizations.
December 17, 2019
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act changed the way some businesses must compute per diem allowances. The IRS recently issued guidance for business travelers and their employers to clarify the changes.
December 17, 2019
Have you been contributing enough in 2019 to your employer’s 401(k) plan or Roth 401(k)? Here are the contribution limits for this year and the newly announced limit for 2020.
December 17, 2019
Should you file your tax return as a single person, a married couple filing jointly, a “head of household” or some other status? Know what the federal tax filing statuses are and who can claim them.
December 17, 2019
The holiday season is in full swing. Your business may want to show its gratitude to employees and customers by giving them gifts or hosting parties. It’s a good idea to understand the tax rules involved.
December 13, 2019
The AICPA’s Accounting Standards Board voted to finalize a revised definition of “materiality” in its professional standards. Learn what’s changing and why.
December 11, 2019
The FASB recently issued amendments to clarify five issues under its credit loss accounting standard.
December 9, 2019
Some companies fear that implementing the updated leases standard might cause some companies to trip their loan covenants. Here’s how to safeguard against this potential pitfall.
December 5, 2019
Did you know you could be personally liable for a harsh penalty if payroll taxes withheld from your employees aren’t paid to the federal government? Learn more about whom the IRS can go after at your business.
November 20, 2019
With the annual federal gift tax exclusion, you can transfer substantial amounts free of gift taxes to your children and others. Here are the basic rules.
November 19, 2019
If you’re concerned about your 2019 tax liability, consider these year-end tax planning opportunities.
November 19, 2019
If you’re working on your year-end tax plan, don’t forget to take the new 2020 cost-of-living amounts into consideration.
November 18, 2019
Allocating time for year-end tax planning now can prove beneficial come filing time next year.
November 15, 2019
The Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted a rule that would extend the “test-the-waters” provision of the JOBS Act to all companies with the hope that more will consider going public.
November 14, 2019
Equity-based compensation awards can help companies attract skilled workers and boost performance, although at a costly price. A rule change could bring welcome relief.
November 1, 2019
Scott Nalley has been elevated to member at KraftCPAs, becoming the 16th partner in the firm.
October 21, 2019
New sales tax collection requirements for remote sellers and marketplace providers took effect Oct. 1, 2019, in several states, including Tennessee.
October 21, 2019
The FASB has approved proposals to delay the effective dates of its leases, credit losses, hedging, and long-duration insurance contract standards.
October 19, 2019
New IRS regulations for the first-year 100% bonus depreciation deduction have been published. Do you know how they might affect your business’s tax bill?
October 18, 2019
Vic joins a select list of leaders that the Nashville Business Journal describes as “the power players who know everyone.”
October 18, 2019
The Section 179 deduction and bonus depreciation for business assets have been increased and expanded in time for the 2019 tax year.
October 15, 2019
The U.S. Department of Labor’s final overtime rule goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2020. Will your company be ready?
October 9, 2019
Private entities and small public companies typically need longer to implement changes to accounting rules. Recent FASB proposals would help by staggering effective dates.
October 8, 2019
Congress has taken a big step toward making it easier and safer for cannabis businesses – and the businesses that serve them – to engage in the mainstream financial services sector.
October 7, 2019
For years, businesses have complained that the guidance for reporting income taxes includes many mechanical rules and exceptions. But changes are coming.
October 6, 2019
The FASB intends to give smaller financial institutions more time to adopt its new credit loss standard, but banks should not use this as an excuse to delay preparations for the accounting change.
September 21, 2019
There are a variety of cyber vulnerabilities that can impact medical devices, especially as these devices within a hospital or health system become more and more connected.
September 19, 2019
Members of Kraft Healthcare Consulting in Nashville traveled to Boston to learn about innovation at Leadership Health Care’s delegation.
September 18, 2019
If the names and Social Security numbers on your employees’ W-2 forms don’t match the government’s records, you may receive a “no-match letter.” Here’s what these letters mean and how to proceed.
September 13, 2019
The AICPA’s Auditing Standards Board unanimously voted to propose revisions to the audit standards on accounting estimates. Here’s a look at how and when estimates are used in financial reporting, and why the AICPA is revising its standards.
September 13, 2019
A good internal control system can help a company in critical ways, including accurate financial reporting and detection of financial misstatements.
September 12, 2019
The FASB is considering changes to the subsequent accounting of goodwill and other acquired intangible assets.
September 10, 2019
Prudently planning how to take money out of your traditional IRA can mean more money for you and your heirs. Here are three areas to understand in order to maximize your retirement savings.
September 5, 2019
Scott’s debut on the NBJ’s annual Most Admired CEOs list follows his recent recognition in the publication’s Power Leaders in Accounting, as well as their Health Care Awards.
September 5, 2019
The honor from the Nashville Business Journal comes after six appearances on the annual Most Admired CEOs and Their Companies Awards list.
August 21, 2019
The costs involved with funding a retirement plan for employees can greatly burden a small business. The U.S. Department of Labor has issued a final rule that can ease the burden.
August 19, 2019
Though tax reform eliminated the child tax credit rules for older children, it also added another credit that can help with college expenses.
August 15, 2019
The Nashville chapter of the TSCPA has picked a KraftCPAs member as its president for the 2019-’20 term.
August 15, 2019
If you’re fortunate enough to hit a sizable jackpot in the lottery or while gambling, there are tax implications. Here are the basics to understanding how much you might owe.
August 14, 2019
The London Interbank Offered Rate is the most common reference rate in the global financial markets. But, by 2021, it will have been phased out in response to a series of scandals.
August 12, 2019
A new FASB proposal would delay new accounting rules for leases, credit losses on loans, long-term insurance contracts, and hedge accounting.
August 9, 2019
If you’re getting close to retirement age, you may be wondering if your Social Security benefits are going to be taxed. And if so, how much will you have to pay?
July 25, 2019
Are you ready to schedule a security audit so that you can ensure your practice is protected before back-to-school season? Now is the time to make that audit happen.
July 25, 2019
The six chosen are among 50 from Middle Tennessee selected for the Nashville Business Journal’s annual listing of financial industry leaders.
July 24, 2019
If you’re covered by Medicare, you already know it can be confusing. You may not know that, if you qualify, you can deduct the cost of premiums (along with other medical costs) on your tax return.
July 23, 2019
Starting a new business is an exciting but often expensive journey. Fortunately, many start-up expenses can be deducted on your tax return, but some may have to be amortized over time instead of being taken right away.
July 19, 2019
The time has come to move away from Windows 7, but the work and effort to migrate can pay off with a smoother system and more opportunities.
July 15, 2019
Many people dream of retiring to another state to take advantage of warm weather or to be close to loved ones. Before you call the moving truck, consider the impact of state and local taxes.
July 11, 2019
New guidance from the FASB means that nonprofit groups can use the same methods available to private companies for reporting goodwill and certain identifiable intangible assets after a merger or acquisition.
July 9, 2019
New patient check-in codes can have a significant impact on healthcare practices, especially those that offer specialized services.
June 17, 2019
Working from home might seem like a luxury, but before employees and employers get carried away with all the positive aspects of telecommuting, it’s wise to assess both sides of the coin.
June 14, 2019
Are you a business owner with teenage or college-age children who seem to constantly need money? Have them earn their own income by hiring them. You can save taxes and reap other benefits.
June 13, 2019
An attractive benefit for some employees is an employer-provided vehicle that can be used for both business and personal use. The IRS has issued new guidance on how to value the personal use of such vehicles to include the amount in an employee’s income.
June 12, 2019
Home sales are flourishing in Middle Tennessee, but consider all the potential pros and cons before putting your house on the market.
June 10, 2019
Recent statistics show a decreased number of IRS audits. The thought of being audited can be frightening, but proper preparation can ensure a smoother process if you are selected.
June 7, 2019
The third quarter of 2019 is approaching, so be sure to keep tabs on key deadlines that could affect you and your business.
June 3, 2019
Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources offers innovative tools that ultimately allow patients to control their health data, free up office staff, and help create an opportunity for overall independence.
May 24, 2019
Many private companies are still unaware of the balance sheet impact of new lease accounting rules, including lease capitalization requirements, that go into effect starting in 2020.
May 16, 2019
Refunds are usually sent to taxpayers within a few weeks. However, there may be delays, or in worst-case scenarios, refunds may be applied to debts owed to the federal or state government.
May 16, 2019
Josh Hedrick will move into a member position with Kraft Analytics, an affiliate of KraftCPAs.
May 15, 2019
Gina Pruitt is among 10 healthcare industry leaders chosen for the Nashville Medical News’ annual Women to Watch list.
May 13, 2019
Are you interested in joining the growing ranks of plug-in electric vehicle owners? If so, there’s a federal income tax credit that might incentivize your shopping.
May 11, 2019
The impending end date for Windows 7 upgrades by Microsoft means there are many users out there who need to start thinking about finally moving on from their favorite operating system.
May 9, 2019
The data in your QuickBooks company file contains some of the most sensitive information on your computer. Make sure it’s secure.
April 24, 2019
Glitches in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act require fixes, and tax extenders have yet to be extended. Here’s what needs fixing and what tax provisions need extending.
April 19, 2019
Just because your tax return has been filed doesn’t mean you don’t still have questions. We’re often asked about refund status, record retention, and amended tax returns. Here are the answers.
April 18, 2019
Are you still working after age 70½ and don’t want to take required minimum distributions from your 401(k) account? You might not have to.
April 15, 2019
Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at a young age, Pace Johnson has channeled his attention to detail into a valued role at KraftCPAs, along with a place in the local art community.
April 15, 2019
The Auditing Standards Board is working on a project to amend its definition of “materiality” and address the subtle differences between the international standards and U.S. standards currently in use.
April 11, 2019
The annual awards presented by the Nashville Business Journal help recognize the region’s biggest influencers in the healthcare industry.
April 1, 2019
Find the right blockchain applications for your healthcare business workflows or operations to boost competitiveness and profitability.
March 18, 2019
Audit committee best practices are part of a new report released by the International Organization of Securities Commissions in an effort to promote audit quality.
March 18, 2019
The second quarter of the year includes a long list of important tax deadlines for both individuals and employers. Here are the biggest ones to keep in mind.
March 13, 2019
When you think of April 15, you probably think of the income tax return deadline. But it’s also the gift tax return deadline. Find out if you must (or should) file a 2018 gift tax return this year.
March 12, 2019
The third-year survey gives manufacturers and financial leaders insight into the business climate so they have a better idea of what’s to come.
March 8, 2019
Lower tax rates might help reduce your 2018 tax bill, but new limits on many deductions could offset the benefits of lower rates. For example, five itemized deductions have shrunk or disappeared.
March 7, 2019
KHC’s Scott Mertie teamed up with the AIHC to create a specialized training program and credential for cost reporting professionals.
February 25, 2019
The designation means that the individuals are recognized as trained and compliant in all aspects of HIPAA laws and regulations.
February 10, 2019
How confident are you that you’ve paid enough in taxes for 2018? The tax law changes in the TCJA have made it difficult to properly estimate 2018 tax liability, but the IRS is ready to provide modest penalty relief for some taxpayers who didn’t withhold enough.
February 4, 2019
Don’t take the substantiation requirements for charitable donation deductions lightly. If you made a gift last year and haven’t received a written acknowledgment from the charity, read this before claiming a deduction on your 2018 income tax return.
February 2, 2019
New rules were issued that completely change how partnerships will be audited by the IRS. These rules under the consolidated partnership audit regime are effective for partnership tax years that began Jan. 1.
February 1, 2019
If you come home from business trips with a wallet full of receipts, consider entering them quickly and remotely with the QuickBooks Online mobile app.
February 1, 2019
Final IRS regulations on the qualified business income deduction are out. How will they affect your 2018 taxes?
January 28, 2019
After a tumultuous government shutdown and big changes in tax law, an early start on your 2018 returns could mean less stress later.
January 26, 2019
Healthcare professionals have made it clear that they’re concerned about cybersecurity, but a few key steps can helps put those minds at ease.
January 16, 2019
The government shutdown continues, just as the 2018 tax filing season is beginning to gear up. How will it affect your tax filing preparations?
January 15, 2019
Home healthcare providers will face changes because of new Section 199A guidelines, but those changes are based on a variety of factors, including exactly how the entity relates to “the field of health.”
January 14, 2019
Community banks and credit unions will have more time before they’re required to apply the credit losses standard as a result of new FASB guidelines.
January 14, 2019
Owners of manufacturing and distribution companies are often so focused on the here-and-now that planning for future catastrophes may fall through the cracks. But operating without a valid buy-sell agreement can cause financial distress and even tear a company apart if tragedy strikes.
January 11, 2019
The FASB is in the early stages of developing guidance for performance reporting. The goal is to make it easier for investors and securities analysts to understand how a business works using a company’s financial statements.
January 9, 2019
With the new year comes the need for small business owners to begin filing their 2018 income tax returns. The TCJA could significantly alter your tax liability compared to previous years. Refresh yourself now on its major provisions.
January 7, 2019
Most TCJA provisions went into effect in 2018 and apply through 2025 or are permanent, but two major changes affect individuals starting in 2019.
January 4, 2019
Vic Alexander, Lucy Carter, Dana Holmes, Scott Mertie, and Gina Pruitt are among healthcare leaders singled out for the new InCharge Health Care 2019 publication.
December 15, 2018
Much has changed for businesses when it comes to filing their 2018 income tax returns. But one thing that hasn’t changed is the multitude of tax-related deadlines businesses face in the first quarter of the year.
December 11, 2018
U.S. companies should pay close attention to a narrow section of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that requires businesses to recognize revenue for tax purposes no later than when it’s recognized for financial reporting purposes.
December 10, 2018
Recently proposed IRS regulations on business interest expense deductions help provide clarity after TCJA changes.
December 5, 2018
Will you be age 50 or older on December 31? Are you still working? Are you already contributing to your 401(k) up to the regular annual limit? Then you may want to make “catch-up” contributions by the end of the year.
November 30, 2018
If you’re new to QuickBooks Online, there’s a lot to know about dealing with downloaded transactions right out of the gate. Here are a few tips to get you started.
November 27, 2018
Most of us won’t need to worry about facing federal gift and estate tax liability over the next several years, thanks to the high exemption under the TCJA. But it’s still important to be tax-smart when making lifetime gifts.
November 18, 2018
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) includes a broad range of tax changes impacting both individuals and business entities, including changes that directly impact healthcare companies and physician practices.
November 6, 2018
With the TCJA nearly doubling the standard deduction, making a direct charitable IRA rollover can be particularly powerful for taxpayers old enough to be eligible.
November 2, 2018
Tax incentives exist for those who invest in Opportunity Zones, and the IRS has just issued proposed regulations. Here’s what to know about Opportunity Zones, the available tax breaks and the rules for investors.
October 31, 2018
Beverly Horner, the member-in-charge of KraftCPAs’ assurance services team, and Ronda Pitts, the member-in-charge with the entrepreneurial services team, have retired from full-time positions with KraftCPAs. Both joined the firm in the late 1980s and were with Kraft for more than 30 years each.
October 22, 2018
New guidance from the IRS clears up confusion about the deductibility of business meals and a variety of entertainment expenses under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
October 20, 2018
Hardship distributions have been burdened with red tape and regulations, but new rules that begin January 1 might make that part of an employee benefit plan a little less complicated.
October 19, 2018
It’s a good idea to schedule extra time to year-end tax planning for your business. Why? Because this year, you must factor in changes from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
October 2, 2018
Do you still need to worry about the individual alternative minimum tax? Now is a good time to familiarize yourself with recent changes and see if there are steps you can take to avoid the AMT or at least minimize any negative consequences.
October 1, 2018
Keeping track of all the changes with the TCJA isn’t easy, but here are six key changes to consider for taxpayers.
October 1, 2018
Kids back in school, days getting shorter, pumpkin spice everything. It must be fall, and for businesses, that means it’s time to begin year-end tax planning. It’s also time to think about the fourth quarter 2018 filing deadlines.
September 28, 2018
A variety of factors can lead to a vulnerable network or system, and that can lead to big problems once hackers and bad actors find their way in. Learn to spot the weaknesses and implement solutions before it’s too late.
September 26, 2018
QuickBooks Online offers three ways to create statements, including hand-picking the customers who should receive them. Follow these steps to set up this pro-active feature.
September 24, 2018
KraftCPAs team members helped sort and pack more than 20,000 lbs. of food as part of a project with Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee on Sept. 21.
September 17, 2018
Reimbursement practices don’t have to be a chore for healthcare providers. Just follow a few simple tips to keep accounts healthy.
September 7, 2018
One component of the recently issued IRS regulations that address the TCJA’s new QBI deduction for pass-through entities is that owners can elect to aggregate their businesses for purposes of the deduction. Here’s a closer look at the tax benefits of this strategy.
August 28, 2018
Brad Koenig, the senior manager for the KraftCPAs entrepreneurial services department, will become a member at KraftCPAs beginning Nov. 1.
August 27, 2018
Tired of repetitive data entry? QuickBooks provides a way to save time and keystrokes when you create some transactions.
August 23, 2018
Small business owners will see changes as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on online sales taxes. And despite some uncertainties, now is the time to prepare.
August 22, 2018
Employee benefit plans are often vulnerable to fraud, but there are ways for business owners and managers to minimize risks.
August 20, 2018
The IRS has shared its new highly anticipated and complex regulations for the new deduction of up to 20 percent of qualified business income from pass-through entities. Here’s an overview of the biggest issues and changes.
August 17, 2018
Changes to the tax law have helped produce bigger paychecks for some taxpayers, but they also could lead to less withholding and a bigger tax bill next year.
August 13, 2018
As college campuses fill up for the fall semester, future CPAs are going back to class, too. Here are tips for aspiring accountants who want to make it big.
August 5, 2018
Office 365 has been a big boost for healthcare providers, who utilize the platform’s productivity and efficiency to provide better service for their patients and clients.
August 2, 2018
A decade after the global financial crisis shook the United States into a recession, rules that placed strict regulations on thousands of small and medium-sized banks have been lifted. That means more flexibility for banks and potential borrowers.
July 25, 2018
Sales tax won’t apply on dozens of items as part of Tennessee’s annual tax-free weekend that begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday.
July 20, 2018
KraftCPAs, Kraft Asset Management and 2nd Generation Capital are represented in the Nashville Business Journal’s annual list of Power Leaders in Finance.
July 3, 2018
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in South Dakota vs. Wayfair Inc. has cleared the way for states such as Tennessee to collect sales tax on out-of-state online sales. State and local governments have joined brick-and-mortar retailers in welcoming the change.
June 30, 2018
Business email compromise, a growing threat in the realm of cyberattacks, can jeopardize large and small businesses alike, and online crooks continue to find new ways to break in and present costly problems for owners and employees. But there are steps you can take to protect your company’s assets from cyber criminals.
June 28, 2018
Dishonest employees can make big money using phony expense reports, stolen cash, and billing fraud, which cost companies more than $7 billion according to an annual worldwide survey conducted by the ACFE.
June 27, 2018
What goes into medical office accounting? For starters, you can’t manage what you can’t measure, so create statements that are meaningful for the practice. That’s just one of several helpful takeaways from the monthly chat with the Nashville Medical Group Management Association.
June 26, 2018
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act includes mixed results for taxpayers who plan to deduct employee-related moving expenses, vehicle expenses, and mileage expenses next year. The Internal Revenue Service has just come out with new details about which deductions will be impacted.
June 25, 2018
Individuals and employers: Don’t forget about important tax-related deadlines in the third quarter of 2018.
June 22, 2018
The U.S. Appeals Court for the 5th Circuit has issued its long-awaited and much-anticipated order that vacates the Labor Department’s fiduciary rule.
June 22, 2018
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Thursday in a narrow 5-4 decision that states can require online retailers to collect and remit sales tax. The decision clears the way for major changes in the world of e-commerce.
June 4, 2018
The recent dramatic up-and-down value of bitcoin has created new interest in cryptocurrency — and that’s also led to plenty of questions about owning, trading, and investing in it.
June 4, 2018
The IRS once again is warning taxpayers to watch out for phone scammers who call and threaten legal consequences unless they pay the IRS with an immediate wire transfer or gift card.
May 30, 2018
A QuickBooks security breach can be devastating. Your QuickBooks company file probably contains incredibly sensitive information. If a hacker or other unauthorized user gained access to that data, it could create huge problems for your company and those whose sensitive data is saved on your computer.
May 30, 2018
On Sept. 28, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is shutting down the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program (OVDP) that helps taxpayers with international asset compliance issues.
May 11, 2018
Less than two months into President Donald Trump’s White House tenure, the Nashville Health Care Council’s Leadership Health Care (LHC) initiative led a group of more than 100 healthcare leaders on its annual two-day delegation to Washington, D.C.
March 29, 2018
Social Security fraud is on the rise, and cybercriminals are specifically targeting people of retirement age. It’s more critical than ever to remain vigilant about protecting yourself from identity theft and to take steps to secure your personal data.
March 29, 2018
With all the changes ushered in by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), you might be concerned with how the new tax law will affect your company’s financial statements. You’re not alone, as this remains a highly debated subject among many CFOs, audit boards and CPAs.
March 29, 2018
Taxpayers who turned age 70½ during 2017 (in most cases) must start receiving required minimum distributions (RMDs) from individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and workplace retirement plans by Sunday, April 1, 2018. A 50 percent tax normally applies to any required amounts not received by the April 1 deadline.
March 9, 2018
In 2018, clinicians must provide a full year of reporting on the Medicare Access and Chip Reauthorization Act (MACRA) measures. To add another layer of complexity, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released new changes and updates for this year. An action plan put in place sooner, rather than later, can help ensure proper reporting.
February 21, 2018
The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (BBA), signed into law on February 9, contains additional tax-related provisions that taxpayers should take note of. Though tax-filing season is already underway, some of the extenders and measures within the BBA could affect your liability for the 2017 tax year.
February 16, 2018
As healthcare costs continue to rise, you should take advantage of any healthcare-related tax breaks available. Fortunately, stipulations in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Acts (TCJA) may deliver relief for individuals with medical expenses.
February 16, 2018
Seeing as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) reduced or eliminated some tax breaks for businesses, many employers may be looking for ways to maximize any available tax credits. Small businesses can still reduce their tax liability by utilizing two tax credits in particular: a credit for providing healthcare coverage, and a credit for establishing a retirement plan.
January 26, 2018
With the continual arrival of new regulations and standards governing the healthcare industry, it is imperative for healthcare providers and hospitals to have an effective compliance plan in place.
January 24, 2018
Fraud can have a major impact on a company’s value. In their 2016 Report to the Nations on Occupational Fraud and Abuse, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) estimates that companies lose approximately 5 percent of revenues to internal theft and financial misstatement each year.
January 22, 2018
Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), individual income tax rates generally decrease for 2018 through 2025. However, even with these reduced rates, there’s no guarantee that your income tax liability will go down.
January 22, 2018
Businesses and other employers have several tax forms that they must submit in the first quarter of 2018. Below are a few items you’ll want to be sure you have submitted by the accompanying dates listed.
January 22, 2018
The IRS will begin accepting 2017 income tax returns on January 29. Filing early could help protect your from tax identity theft.
January 22, 2018
In the wake of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) becoming law in late December, the IRS has taken one of the first crucial steps in implementing the overhaul of the federal tax system. They’ve issued updated withholding tables that specify how much employers should hold back from their employees’ paychecks to satisfy workers’ tax obligations.
December 29, 2017
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which was signed into law on December 22, delivers a treasure trove of tax breaks for businesses.
December 28, 2017
On December 22, sweeping changes to the federal income tax system officially became law. As a result of this timing, companies must face the challenge of applying the effect of the tax-law changes to their fourth-quarter financial statements.
December 28, 2017
One much-debated item that’s noticeably absent from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA), though, is the repeal of the federal gift and estate tax, as originally included in the House of Representative’s version of the bill.
December 28, 2017
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) includes significant changes for individual taxpayers — most of which take effect for 2018 and expire after 2025.
December 28, 2017
If your business is buying new assets in 2018, the new tax law could benefit you in several ways. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) even provides some opportunities that you may be able to take advantage of on your 2017 tax return.
December 21, 2017
On December 20, the House passed the reconciled tax reform bill, commonly referred to as the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017” (TCJA), which the Senate had passed the previous day. The finalized legislation represents the most sweeping tax overhaul since the Tax Reform Act of 1986.
December 19, 2017
As year-end quickly approaches, you may be looking for ways to save on your 2017 tax bill. Giving to charitable causes is one of the easiest methods for successfully lessening your tax burden.
December 19, 2017
Giving to charity may make you feel good and help you lower your tax bill. The IRS offers these tips to help ensure your contributions pay off on your tax return.
December 8, 2017
As financial institutions face increased regulatory scrutiny and mounting risks, a robust risk assessment process and internal audit function are essential to help protect the bank, its management and board.
December 6, 2017
Retirement plans continue to be one of the best income tax deferral techniques available, providing the joint benefits of a current tax deduction and deferred tax on investment income in the plan.
December 6, 2017
Your annual audit should provide a valuable opportunity for management to reflect on past performance and plan for the future. It should be a collaborative effort between management, the board of directors (as applicable) and the CPA firm.
December 5, 2017
Around 2 a.m. on December 2, the U.S. Senate passed its version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act by a narrow majority of 51 to 49. The bill represents a significant overhaul of the U.S. tax system.
December 2, 2017
Retirement plan contribution limits are indexed for inflation, but with inflation remaining low, most of the limits remain unchanged for 2018.
November 17, 2017
CMS recently published the 2018 final rule for the Quality Payment Program (QPP) under the Medicare Access and Chip Reauthorization Act (MACRA). The 2018 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) performance year contains several significant changes.
November 10, 2017
The House Ways and Means Committee made amendments to and approved the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which they introduced the previous week. And the Senate Finance Committee released “policy highlights” for its proposed version of a tax plan.
November 3, 2017
On November 2, following months of discussion, the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee released its highly anticipated bill to reform the tax code, The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
October 20, 2017
Business owners may prefer to classify workers as independent contractors for a number of reasons, but there are many detailed requirements that must be met for the classification to stand up to IRS scrutiny.
October 18, 2017
Misclassifying employees can be a costly mistake for your business. The IRS has been particularly aggressive in its pursuit of worker misclassification in recent years, putting you at real risk if you have misclassified employees as contractors.
October 18, 2017
If you use federal per diem rates to reimburse employees for business-travel expenses, make sure you’re utilizing the updated IRS per diem rates, which went into effect Oct. 1, 2017.
October 18, 2017
Congratulations to KraftCPAs Chief Manager, Vic Alexander, who was named to the Nashville Business Journal’s (NBJ) 2017 Power 100 list.
October 11, 2017
Scott R. Mertie of Kraft Healthcare Consulting, LLC (KHC) was selected by the German American Chamber of Commerce® of the Midwest, Inc. (GACC Midwest) to participate in an exclusive international health and technology delegation in Germany.
October 4, 2017
When pursuing a merger or acquisition, companies often possess a clear understanding of their big picture objectives, but they must also account for the complex details that can impact the success or failure of the integration.
September 15, 2017
Congratulations to KraftCPAs Chief Manager, Vic Alexander, who was named to the Nashville Business Journal’s list of the 2017 Most Admired CEOs and Their Companies.
September 13, 2017
Last year’s changes to the overtime rule under the Obama administration would have significantly impacted employers’ overtime liability and payroll taxes, but a federal court ruling blocked its implementation in November 2016.
August 28, 2017
MACRA (Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act) requires all clinicians who 1) bill Medicare more than $30,000 in Part B-allowed charges, or 2) provide care for more than 100 Medicare Part B beneficiaries to report specific data under the Quality Payment Program via either MIPS (Merit-based Incentive Payment System) or an Advanced Alternative Payment Model (APM).
August 7, 2017
A new type of crime has captured headlines over the past several years: data theft. As data and personal information move from file cabinets to the cloud, companies now face an ever-growing threat from cybercriminals with a desire to steal and use personal and confidential information.
August 7, 2017
It’s a smaller business world after all. With the ease and popularity of e-commerce, as well as the incredible efficiency of many supply chains, companies of all sorts are finding it easier than ever to widen their markets. Expanding one’s business has become so feasible that many businesses quickly find themselves crossing state lines.
August 7, 2017
Not all charitable donations are created equal. Some provide larger deductions than others, and how much or even what you donate might not necessarily be the most important factors.
August 7, 2017
If you filed your 2016 income tax return (rather than filing for an extension), you may now wonder whether your business could face an IRS audit. Every business owner should understand what the IRS audit process may entail, and how it could impact the business.
August 7, 2017
While lending regulations have been the recent regulatory hot-topic, banks should continue to be concerned about the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and the impending changes associated with the new due diligence standards regarding beneficial ownership.
July 14, 2017
Tax season may have come and gone, but there’s no offseason for tax-scammers. The IRS recently issued a warning about a prevalent phone scam that’s been reported nationwide this summer.
July 14, 2017
The tax consequences of the sale of an investment, as well as your net return, can be affected by a variety of factors.
July 14, 2017
Income and losses from investment real estate or rental property are passive by definition — unless you’re a real estate professional. Why does this distinction matter?
July 14, 2017
If you currently conduct business in California, or if you’re contemplating expansion or relocation, you should consider applying for the California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC).
July 14, 2017
Profit fade — a gradual decline in expected gross profit over the course of a project — can be the bane of a contractor’s existence. This scourge may not only hurt your financial performance; it may also raise a red flag with sureties and lenders.
July 7, 2017
Superheroes are often thought of as fictional, costumed crusaders who battle villains, but you need not open a comic book to marvel at the employees in various industries (including healthcare and government) who are fighting crime every day. Their weapon of choice? The Death Master File (DMF).
July 1, 2017
Most nonprofit organizations typically receive support in the form of money, but many times, they also receive goods to use or sell, as well as intangible items, such as services or free use of facilities.
June 28, 2017
The Nashville Business Journal (NBJ) recently announced its 2017 list of the finance industry’s “Power Leaders.”
June 26, 2017
As we mentioned in our previous article, there is uncertainty around the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and its current structure under the new administration.
June 23, 2017
With Republicans in control of Congress and President Trump’s broad outline to overhaul the tax code, businesses await legislation that could have significant impact on their tax burden.
June 12, 2017
Lucy Carter, CPA, member and practice leader of the KraftCPAs healthcare industry team, led the Healthcare Industry Panel at The Rainmaker Companies SuperConference in June.
June 8, 2017
Any entity that handles health information or other sensitive data should be intimately familiar with HIPAA, HITECH and HITRUST.
June 6, 2017
The Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN), Form CMS-R-131, is issued by providers (including independent laboratories, home health agencies, and hospices), physicians, practitioners, and suppliers to Original Medicare (fee for service) beneficiaries in situations where Medicare payment is expected to be denied.
June 6, 2017
KraftCPAs is pleased to be a sponsor of the newly formed Tennessee Center for Family Business (TNCFB), which hosted its inaugural event in May.
June 5, 2017
If your employee benefit plan allows hardship distributions under the safe-harbor standards, you will want to be aware of a recent IRS memo on this matter.
June 5, 2017
Although a three-month extension delayed the applicability date (originally April 10), certain provisions of the Department of Labor’s fiduciary rule will be implemented on June 9, 2017.
June 2, 2017
The lessons learned from PECO Logistics v. Walnut Investment Partners.
May 31, 2017
Grow your business, not your budget, with flexible cloud solutions that save you money.
May 30, 2017
Retention guidelines help determine whether to keep or destroy tax records.
May 30, 2017
When you started your business, maybe you were able to just check in the closet or the garage to see what inventory you had on hand. But now that your business has grown, that approach probably isn’t working so well any more.
May 24, 2017
Healthcare systems are seeing global transformation, with governments and providers trying to reconcile increased costs with rising demand for greater accessibility and higher-quality care. In March, Scott Mertie, president of Kraft Healthcare Consulting, LLC, participated in the Nashville Health Care Council’s 2017 International Health Care Study Mission to the United Kingdom.
May 15, 2017
KraftCPAs has earned the designation of HITRUST CSF Assessor through the Health Information Trust Alliance (HITRUST).
May 10, 2017
On April 19, Governor Haslam signed House Bill 320 that amended Tennessee law relative to estimated franchise and excise tax payments.
May 10, 2017
Governor Haslam signed the Improving Manufacturing, Public Roads and Opportunities for a Vibrant Economy Act (the IMPROVE Act) on April 26. Originally proposed in late January of this year, the Act includes a new transportation plan as well as tax cuts (also referred to as tax inequities).
May 5, 2017
All private companies with more than one owner — no matter how they are structured — should have a buy-sell agreement to spell out how ownership will change hands should an owner depart.
April 21, 2017
Is your practice experiencing a decline in net income? Do daily operations feel chaotic with complaints from patients about wait times, billing, etc.? Perhaps your practice is running smoothly enough, but you feel that things could be better.
April 16, 2017
Operating a nonprofit in today’s environment is challenging; increasingly, organizations are finding solutions through collaboration.
March 10, 2017
The IRS has issued much-anticipated final regulations intended to keep multinational companies from moving their profits offshore to avoid paying U.S. income taxes.
March 10, 2017
“Customization” can be a dirty word when it comes to software implementations. Ten years ago, a customization could mean hours of consulting and coordination among the business owners, the functional consultant and a software developer — just to define the requirements and to plan how the customization would be developed.
March 8, 2017
As the price of a college education continues to skyrocket, many parents (and grandparents) are looking for ways to save for future higher education costs. There are several taxpayer-friendly ways to save for a child’s or grandchild’s education.
March 8, 2017
In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued additional, revised guidance for goodwill impairment testing that is intended to make the process easier and less costly. The latest amendments, found in Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2017-04, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, establish a one-step process for testing goodwill for a decrease in value.
March 8, 2017
In early 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new guidance on accounting for leases. This guidance will have a significant impact on companies’ financial statements, as well as on the lenders, licensing bodies, and other third parties relying upon financial statement data.
March 1, 2017
Rather than keeping track of the actual cost of operating a vehicle, employees and self-employed taxpayers can use a standard mileage rate to compute their deduction related to using a vehicle for business. You might also be able to deduct miles driven for other purposes, including medical, moving and charitable purposes.
March 1, 2017
When your business travel takes you to attractive locations, you may consider staying a bit longer to enjoy a few days of rest and relaxation. If you go on a business trip within the United States and tack on some vacation days, you can deduct some of your expenses. But exactly what can you write off?
February 20, 2017
“Regulation has actually been horrible for big business, but it’s been worse for small business,” President Donald Trump said. “Dodd-Frank is a disaster.”
February 10, 2017
Incentive stock options allow you to buy company stock in the future at a fixed price equal to or greater than the stock’s fair market value on the grant date. If the stock appreciates, you can buy shares at a price below what they’re then trading for. However, complex tax rules apply to this type of compensation.
February 10, 2017
In the IT security community, 2016 has become known as the year of ransomware. Despite its humble beginnings dating back to 1989, in the last few years ransomware has become one of the most, if not the most, significant security threat facing businesses of all sizes.
February 1, 2017
Investment interest — interest on debt used to buy assets held for investment, such as margin debt used to buy securities — generally is deductible for both regular tax and alternative minimum tax purposes. But special rules apply that can make this itemized deduction less beneficial than you might think.
January 11, 2017
When President Obama signed into law the 21st Century Cures Act on Dec. 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).
January 6, 2017
The IRS has changed the filing due dates for certain tax returns beginning with tax years starting after Dec. 31, 2015 (i.e., starting with 2016 returns that are due in 2017).
December 30, 2016
Every year, the Internal Revenue Service issues optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.
December 30, 2016
Employers need to be aware of payroll tax changes that have taken effect.
December 16, 2016
Leadership Health Care (LHC), an initiative of the Nashville Health Care Council to nurture the talent of Nashville’s emerging health care leaders, has announced its 2016 award winners in the categories of Health Care Emerging Leader of the Year, Ambassador of the Year and Supporting Organization of the Year.
December 7, 2016
Since early January of this year, you’ve been faithfully creating new records, entering transactions, and recording payments. You’ve run basic reports. You’ve done your collection duties. You may have paid employees and submitted payroll taxes.
November 9, 2016
KraftCPAs PLLC is pleased to announce that Sean Owens and David Lister became members (owners) in the firm, effective November 1.
October 19, 2016
The recent devastation in the southeastern United States will likely result in heightened regulatory attention to flood regulation compliance. Flood insurance laws and regulations have been, and continue to be, a hot topic with regulators.
September 26, 2016
For many organizations, such as those in the healthcare and financial services industries, IT compliance is a requirement and simply a cost of doing business. Too often, though, we find businesses that are “compliant” – yet not secure.
September 25, 2016
For the first time in more than two decades, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) has issued major changes to the accounting standards for nonprofit organizations’ financial statement presentation.
September 21, 2016
Will multiple employees be working with your QuickBooks company file? If so, you’ll need to define their permission levels.
September 19, 2016
It will come as no surprise that investors in the real estate market are doing very well right now. With these increased real estate values comes significant opportunity for business owners who own the property on which their business is operating.
August 3, 2016
Your business is unique. Make sure that QuickBooks knows how you operate.
July 15, 2016
Familiarity breeds contempt. That’s how some bank compliance officers have come to regard the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure Rule (TRID). I’ve heard some compliance officers transform the acronym into “The Reason I Drink.”
July 15, 2016
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) has released a long-awaited accounting standard that responds to some concerns prompted by the global financial crisis.
July 11, 2016
Companies face a variety of challenges in today’s business environment and have to manage an assortment of risks. Some of those challenges include maintaining a competitive advantage, attracting and retaining top talent, and protecting the company’s assets.
May 23, 2016
Congratulations to Vic Alexander, chief manager of KraftCPAs, who recently received the 2016 Business with Purpose Award in the “leader with purpose” category.
April 15, 2016
The value of your manufacturing company depends on a variety of factors, such as what products it manufactures, how it’s expected to perform, where it’s located and why you’re appraising it. Let’s take a closer look at the current merger and acquisition (M&A) market and how appraisers use three techniques to value manufacturers.
April 15, 2016
Most business owners spend a lifetime building their business. And when it comes to succession, they face the difficult decision of whether to sell, dissolve or transfer their business to family members. A business transfer involves several complicated issues, such as how to divvy up the family business into logical pieces, allocate value and tackle complex tax issues.
April 15, 2016
In 1802, President Thomas Jefferson sent Robert Livingston to Paris to negotiate the purchase of the city of New Orleans and its surrounding area from France. Entering the negotiation, they were prepared to spend $10 million for this acquisition.
April 13, 2016
As you look for opportunities to cut costs and improve profit, the question of where you can reduce salaries may arise. Co-sourcing internal audit and information technology functions may be an easy way for you to save money and improve your business’s risk management at the same time.
April 13, 2016
Your computer’s storage space may be well organized, but you can still waste time trying to hunt down the document you want — right when you want it. If you’re using QuickBooks, the Doc Center can minimize your search time and ensure that important documentation is at hand.
April 13, 2016
There’s a trade-off between risk and return in business valuation. Investors expect to receive a higher return as the company exposes them to greater risk. Industry-specific risk is an important consideration when estimating an investor’s expected return. Here’s how business valuators measure industry risks and factor them into their analyses.
March 22, 2016
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) has issued its long-awaited update revising the proper treatment of leases under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), will affect companies that lease real estate, vehicles, construction and manufacturing equipment, and other assets.
March 11, 2016
With the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) cracking down on improper lender compensation plans, banks should anticipate increased scrutiny in this area from their primary regulator.
March 7, 2016
Today it’s becoming increasingly common to work from home. But just because you have a home office space doesn’t mean you can deduct expenses associated with it.
January 29, 2016
Many legacy enterprise resource planning (ERP) products like Sage, Epicor, Oracle, and Microsoft Dynamics require expensive maintenance fees ranging from 16 to 24 percent of the full product price.
January 4, 2016
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) recently issued an Accounting Standards Update (ASU) that streamlines the subsequent measurement of inventory, requiring that inventory be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. This guidance is a part of the FASB’s simplification initiative and, while not the goal of FASB, will more closely align with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
January 1, 2016
An employer must generally withhold income taxes, withhold and pay Social Security and Medicare taxes, and pay unemployment taxes on wages paid to an employee. An employer does not generally have to withhold or pay any taxes on payments to independent contractors.
December 11, 2015
Last month, 25 Kraft team members took part in the company’s annual Habitat for Humanity home-building project. The endeavor is one Kraft believes in and champions each year because it allows them to “live the legacy” of community service established and passed down by the founding partners.
December 11, 2015
The headlines about the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 were generally focused on how the legislation raises the debt ceiling through 2017, sets federal spending through the 2016 and 2017 fiscal years, and eases strict caps on spending. But, more importantly for many employers, the act also includes a number of changes related to defined benefit pension plans.
November 23, 2015
You have the best of intentions, but still it happens: You have failed to properly withhold 401(k) or 403(b) deferrals from an employee’s pay. What do you do?
November 20, 2015
On Nov. 11, 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) decided that large banks that file with the SEC would apply the new CECL standard in annual and interim periods beginning after Dec. 15, 2018, which will mean the first quarter 2019 and year end 2019 filings.
November 6, 2015
KraftCPAs PLLC is pleased to announce that Michael Davis became a member in the firm on Nov. 1, 2015.
July 22, 2015
The Internal Revenue Service encouraged eligible small businesses that did not file certain retirement plan returns to take advantage of a low-cost penalty relief program enabling them to quickly come back into compliance.
July 22, 2015
Business owners enter into stock-purchase agreements to facilitate buyouts upon certain triggering events, such as a shareholder’s death or divorce. But sometimes courts disregard these agreements, leaving shareholders vulnerable to paying (or receiving) an amount mandated by a judge who may not be familiar with the parties’ preferences or financial conditions.
July 22, 2015
Estate planners often use family limited partnerships (FLPs) and family limited liability companies (FLLCs) to consolidate a family’s wealth management, protect assets against creditors, and reduce gift and estate taxes. FLPs and FLLCs reduce taxes via valuation discounts for lack of control and marketability that are subtracted from the net asset value of the entity’s holdings.
June 3, 2015
The members of KraftCPAs are pleased to announce that Lucy R. Carter, CPA, and the team of Carter Lankford, CPAs, P.C., will join our firm effective July 1.
May 8, 2015
Many defined contribution plans include participants who are no longer employees, but a problem arises when former employees can’t be located or contacted. These “missing (or lost) participants” can have a significant financial impact on both terminated and active plans because related administrative costs and professional fees are often incurred.
April 10, 2015
In 2014 alone, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and regulatory agencies assessed over $2 billion in penalties for violating the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA.) So while lending and deposit regulations have garnered a lot of attention recently, don’t let your team become lax about BSA compliance.
April 6, 2015
Consolidation among healthcare providers has increased over the past few years, in part because physician practices experience lower reimbursement rates from Medicare and Medicaid, and they lack the bargaining power to drive up reimbursement rates from their commercial payers.
March 6, 2015
At a recent banking conference, it became clear that the topic keeping CEOs and CFOs up at night is cybersecurity. Boards and their audit committees are also troubled about cybersecurity with good reason.
March 6, 2015
On Oct. 2, 2014, the Federal Financial Institutions Examinations Council (FFIEC) released Financial Institution Letter 50-2014 (FIL-50-2014) — providing some good news for private banks.
March 6, 2015
The regulatory environment continues to evolve in 2015 with new disclosure requirements taking effect Oct. 3, 2015.
January 23, 2015
Manufacturing has been returning to the U.S. in a big way over the past five years. In a recent Wall Street Journal article, it is noted that not only are companies considering it patriotic to stamp “Made in the USA” on their products, but they can also make more money doing so.
January 16, 2015
Perhaps you’ve heard the expression “time kills all deals.” While that may be true, it appears that valuation gaps — differing deal pricing expectations between buyers and sellers — are the most common deal-killing culprit. The 2014 Pepperdine Private Capital Markets Report was recently issued and included information from debt capital providers, equity investors, investment bankers and business brokers regarding 2013 activity. Let’s take a closer look at survey results from business brokers and investment bankers regarding sources of deal failure.
November 3, 2014
Throughout the years, Scott Mertie, president of Kraft Healthcare Consulting, LLC (KHC), has attended healthcare delegations to China and multiple European countries that have government-run healthcare systems. While Scott was visiting the Republic of Cuba on a personal excursion earlier this year, he envisioned a trip where the activities would allow him to explore the country’s national healthcare system.
September 22, 2014
Modifier -59, Distinct Procedural Service – “the go-to,” “catch-all,” “covers everything” modifier, has finally received a much needed update.
June 25, 2014
“Warning: Your computer systems have been hacked.” It’s the news no executive team wants to hear, but it’s become increasingly commonplace in today’s interconnected world.
February 10, 2014
The year 2014 is expected to be a strong one for merger and acquisition (M&A) activity. Several factors are contributing to a deal-friendly environment such as inexpensive debt capital, strong stock prices and cash-heavy balance sheets that provide the currency needed to enter into deals. In addition, overall macro-economic strength continues to build. Against this backdrop, there is pent-up demand in those who wish to grow through acquisitions after years of standing on the sidelines during a slow economic recovery.
February 10, 2014
Size does matter. Mergers between small-capitalized, privately held companies are different animals from larger-cap and public company combinations. Small deals can run more smoothly than large ones, but they also can get bogged down in issues that neither party could ever foresee.
January 30, 2014
Is your information at risk? In the wake of one of the nation’s largest retail hacking attacks ever, business owners and consumers alike have a heightened concern about information security.
October 4, 2013
Professional services provided on or after Sept. 10, 2013, will be allowed by CMS to use the 1997 Documentation Guidelines (DG) concerning the extended History of Present Illness (HPI) in conjunction with the 1995 guideline for extended HPI.
June 17, 2013
As national health reform begins arriving at our door step, more and more physicians are taking down their shingles and joining hospitals or emerging national healthcare practice companies as employees.
May 26, 2013
To many businesses, their brand is a critical business asset. Of course, the value of this asset may not be identified on the balance sheet since many of the brand-building investments made by companies are expensed over time. However, when one company acquires another company, brand-related value may be recognized on the balance sheet of the acquiring company.
April 30, 2013
Scott Mertie was part of a delegation of approximately 30 healthcare leaders to visit Paris in April — a trip spearheaded by the Nashville Health Care Council (NHCC).
February 1, 2013
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released Medicare Fee-For-Service Recovery Audit Program Myths.
January 4, 2013
2nd Generation Capital, LLC, the merchant and investment banking firm affiliated with KraftCPAs PLLC, announced on Wednesday the successful acquisition of its Chattanooga-based client, Anesthesiologists Associated, P.C. (AA) by MEDNAX , Inc. (NYSE – MD).
December 21, 2012
Leadership Health Care (LHC), an initiative of the Nashville Health Care Council to nurture the talents of future health care leaders, has announced its 2012 award winners in the categories of Health Care Emerging Leader, Volunteer of the Year and Supporting Organization of the Year.
December 12, 2012
Healthcare providers are justifiably worried about cuts in reimbursement, but some are finding other services they already perform that can add legitimate revenue to the business if they are coded properly. As the healthcare industry coding system evolves, it is critical to understand code changes along with the relative reimbursement value of each change.
September 27, 2012
Despite opposition from the American Medical Association, the Medical Group Managers Association and numerous state specialty societies, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has approved RAC review of E/M services.
September 19, 2012
Superbills aren’t necessarily supposed include every code a physician might report. The superbill is typically a one-page reference of the most common codes used in a particular practice.
August 1, 2012
The Electronic Health Record Initiative program established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), for eligible healthcare professional and facilities, is being implemented, and CMS is preparing to begin compliance audits related to the “meaningful use” reporting rules.
March 16, 2012
CMS issued a proposed rule for comments on “Reporting and Returning of Overpayments”. This rule, if finalized, would require persons (providers and suppliers) to “report and return overpayments by the later of the date which is 60 days after the date on which the overpayment was identified; or any corresponding cost report is due, if applicable.”
March 9, 2012
What happens after a patient leaves a facility can have a huge impact on reimbursement.
February 10, 2012
CMS has announced that their contracted Recovery Audit Contractors will focus their attention on Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (IRFs) in 2012 to determine if IRFs are submitting data compliantly.
February 6, 2012
Catholic Health Initiatives – Iowa (CHI) received a summary judgment in their favor from the District Court for Washington D.C. related to their FYE: June 30, 1997 cost report.
June 14, 2010
Scott Mertie traveled to London, England and Edinburgh, Scotland on a Health Care Study Mission.
November 11, 2009
Scott Mertie and Kevin Crumbo accompanied Governor Bredesen and Economic Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber on individual trade missions to China and Japan.