Douglas Freeman

Why start-ups should consider launching as S corporations

Launching a new business brings tough decisions. And that holds true whether you’re a fledgling entrepreneur starting your first company or an experienced businessperson expanding into a second or third enterprise. Among the most important calls you’ll need to make is how to structure the start-up for tax purposes. For many business owners, electing S corporation […]

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Boost your tax savings by donating appreciated stock instead of cash

Saving taxes probably isn’t your primary reason for supporting your favorite charities. But tax deductions can be a valuable added benefit. If you donate long-term appreciated stock, you potentially can save even more. Not just a deduction Appreciated publicly traded stock you’ve held more than one year is long-term capital gains property. If you donate

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There’s still time for businesses to benefit from clean energy tax breaks

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law July 4, 2025, extends or enhances many tax breaks for businesses. But the legislation terminates several business-related clean energy tax incentives earlier than scheduled. For example, the Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit (Section 45W) had been scheduled to expire after 2032. Under the OBBBA, it’s available

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Designing the right bonus plan for your business

Today’s employees have a wealth of information at their fingertips and many distractions competing for their attention. Maintaining focus and productivity can be challenging. One proven lever for promoting engagement is a performance-based bonus plan. When carefully structured, these plans acknowledge individual contributions while accelerating the company toward its strategic goals. However, if not optimally

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Making the most of the new deduction for seniors

For 2025 through 2028, individuals age 65 or older generally can claim a new “senior” deduction of up to $6,000 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). But an income-based phaseout could reduce or eliminate your deduction. Fortunately, if your income is high enough that the phaseout is a risk, there are steps you

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The 2025–2026 “high-low” per diem business travel rates are here

If you have employees who travel for business, you know how frustrating it can be to manage reimbursements and the accompanying receipts for meals, hotels and incidentals. To make this process easier, consider using the “high-low” per diem method. Instead of tracking every receipt, your business can reimburse employees using daily rates that are predetermined

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5 potential tax breaks to know before moving a parent into a nursing home

Approximately 1.3 million Americans live in nursing homes, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. If you have a parent moving into one, taxes are probably not on your mind. But there may be tax implications. Here are five possible tax breaks. 1. Long-term medical care The costs of qualified long-term care, including nursing

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The tax traps of personally guaranteeing a loan to your corporation

If you’re considering guaranteeing, or are asked to guarantee, a loan to your closely held corporation, it’s important to understand the potential tax consequences. Acting as a guarantor, endorser or indemnitor means that if the corporation defaults, you could be responsible for repaying the loan. Without planning ahead, you may face unexpected tax implications. A

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What every business owner should know about data hygiene

When you read the word “hygiene,” you may immediately think about the importance of washing your hands or brushing your teeth. But there’s another use of the term that every business owner should know: data hygiene. This refers to the ongoing process of ensuring that the information your company relies on is accurate, complete, consistent

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Understanding the most common IRS notices

For many taxpayers, receiving a letter from the IRS can feel intimidating. The envelope arrives with the IRS seal, and immediately, worry sets in: Did I make a mistake? Am I in trouble? The truth is, IRS notices aren’t uncommon, and most of them can be resolved fairly easily once you understand what they mean. This article

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