McSwain & Company, PS
Averting a Government Shutdown, and Reinforcing Air Travel Infrastructure, Weather Alert Systems and National Defense Initiatives
February 1, 2024 · Blog, Congress at Work, Uncategorized
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These articles provide general information on tax, accounting, and financial topics for small businesses and individuals. They are educational in nature and are not specific legal, accounting, financial, tax, or other professional advice, and should not be relied upon as such. This content was prepared by Service2Client and may have been reviewed or edited by the website owner for accuracy and compliance. Look for a trust mark below for verification details. No representation is made that any approach described will achieve a particular result, and no regulatory or professional body has reviewed or endorsed this content. Because each situation is different, readers should consult a qualified professional about their specific circumstances before acting. Images accompanying these articles are protected by copyright and may not be copied or reused.
February 1, 2024
Published by Service2Client on February 1, 2024
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 4 min readMaking further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2024, and for other purposes (HR 2872) – Passed by both branches and signed by the president on Jan. 18, this is the third temporary resolution designed to avert a government shutdown until Congress can agree on appropriations for fiscal year 2024. The bill extends the government funding deadline to March 1 for four appropriations bills and another eight until March 8. Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2023, Part II (HR 6503) – This bipartisan bill was introduced on Nov. 29, 2023, by Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO). It extends certain Federal Aviation and Administration (FAA) programs and activities through March 8, namely the Unmanned […]
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January 1, 2024
Published by Service2Client on January 1, 2024
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 5 min readFor many, buying a home is the biggest asset they will ever own. However, you aren’t able to fully benefit from that asset until you pay off the mortgage; until then, it is technically a liability. The most common length of a mortgage loan is 30 years, but most people either sell their home, refinance their mortgage – or even pay it off before the end of that term. What are the pros and cons of paying off a mortgage early? Obviously, you no longer have to make monthly payments, so money can be directed elsewhere. It is advisable to pay off your mortgage before you retire when most people live on a lower, fixed income. […]
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January 1, 2024
Published by Service2Client on January 1, 2024
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 3 min read The top leadership in the IRS is set to change. IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel believes the changes are needed for the agency to meet its new goals. He aims to create greater flexibility and efficiency over the agency by streamlining internal processes. The changes also are needed, in his view, to adapt to the evolving landscape around tax administration – which has undergone changes due to new tax laws and technology. What Are the Changes? Changes to the organizational structure include reducing the Deputy Commissioner post to a single position (there are currently two); as well as creating four new positions with an IRS chief of taxpayer services, IT, compliance, and operations. Long Time No […]
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January 1, 2024
Published by Service2Client on January 1, 2024
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🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readThe unrelenting advancement of technology is still going strong even as we enter 2024. The business landscape is poised for transformative changes, driven by ongoing developments that demand organizations to be innovative and adaptive. Below, we explore some key technology trends that businesses should keenly observe to remain competitive. 1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Advancements: Unlocking New Possibilities The year 2023 witnessed widespread adoption of generative AI in various applications, from design tools to search engines and office software. This transformative shift changed the way businesses interact with technology. Continued integration of AI is expected to redefine automation, decision-making processes, and customer experiences. Evolving AI algorithms, especially in natural language processing and computer vision, will play a […]
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January 1, 2024
Published by Service2Client on January 1, 2024
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 3 min readA joint resolution providing for Congressional disapproval under Chapter 8 of Title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to Small Business Lending Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (SJ Res 32) – This resolution was introduced on June 13 by Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA). It nullifies a rule issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) that requires financial institutions to collect and report credit application data for small businesses to the CFPB. The bill passed in the House and the Senate on Dec. 1, but President Biden has threatened to veto the resolution because he believes it would reduce transparency and accountability in small business […]
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January 1, 2024
Published by Service2Client on January 1, 2024
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Fiduciary accounting, which is also referred to as court accounting, is a way to document and report financial activity during a discrete period of time for legal entities, such as a conservatorship, estate, trust or guardianship…
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January 1, 2024
Published by Service2Client on January 1, 2024
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Here we go again. The new year is approaching and those resolutions are staring us in the face – and the most common? Saving money. In fact, according to…
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December 1, 2023
Published by Service2Client on December 1, 2023
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 4 min readUnless you’re near retirement, chances are you’re depositing a certain amount of cash each year in your IRA at tax time, then kind of forgetting about it, not thinking much about it until the next year. This dynamic can cost you a lot of money – today and at retirement age. Here are a few ways to make all your hard-earned money work even harder. Invest your money; don’t simply fund it. According to a Vanguard study, two-thirds of last-minute IRA contributions end up just sitting in money market funds. The result? They’re just a little more than a checking account with a fancy name. Lesson: Don’t let your funds sit idle. They should be placed […]
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December 1, 2023
Published by Service2Client on December 1, 2023
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 3 min readA bill to amend Title 38, United States Code, to extend and modify certain authorities and requirements relating to the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. (S 2795) – This bill was introduced on Sept. 13 by Sen. Don Tester (D-MT). This act extends various Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs and benefits, including extending the use of contract healthcare professions for disability exams from three to five years; extending authorization for VA emergency preparedness for public health emergencies through fiscal year 2028; and extending certain fee rates under the VA’s home loan program through Nov. 15, 2031. The bill passed in the Senate on Sept. 13, the House on Sept. 26, and was […]
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December 1, 2023
Published by Service2Client on December 1, 2023
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🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readThe emergence of digital currency is reshaping how businesses operate and account for financial transactions. As accounting professionals navigate this transformative wave, understanding the profound impact of digital currency on business accounting becomes not just relevant but imperative. What is digital currency? Digital currency is a form of currency that exists only in electronic or digital form, without a physical counterpart like coins or banknotes. There are two main types of digital currencies. First, there are decentralized cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or stablecoins such as USDC (that track to the US dollar at 1-1). Cryptocurrencies are always based on blockchain technology. The other main type and more likely to serve as a substitute for traditional government […]
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December 1, 2023
Published by Service2Client on December 1, 2023
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According to the United States Department of Labor's Consumer Credit Protection Act (CCPA), wage garnishments are a complex legal process for employers to account for when it comes to employment matters. This article…
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December 1, 2023
Published by Service2Client on December 1, 2023
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🖨 Print⏱ 6 min readThe biggest difference between managing taxes throughout your career versus during retirement is that when you are retired, you are responsible for calculating how much you owe and paying it on a timely basis. Retirees normally have several different income sources, and not all automatically withhold taxes from distributions. Retirement Income Sources Having multiple sources of income during retirement is a good strategy, as it helps protect you from market declines, tax legislation changes, and potential defaults or cutbacks in pensions or entitlement programs. However, be aware that the more income sources you have, the more effort it takes to determine how much you owe in taxes for the year. As a general rule, retirement income […]
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December 1, 2023
Published by Service2Client on December 1, 2023
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 5 min read It’s that time of year again: time for year-end tax planning. With the end of 2023 coming fast, the time to act is now. In this article, we’ll look at the moves you can make to optimize your tax situation in 2023 as an individual taxpayer. Itemized Deductions Flexing your timing on itemized deductions is a solid strategic move. It can help you shift to a bigger itemized deduction in 2023 versus 2024 (but not both). This can be advantageous if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in one year compared to the other. Key itemized deductions to consider are home interest, state and local taxes, charitable deductions, and medical expenses. Electric […]
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November 1, 2023
Published by Service2Client on November 1, 2023
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 3 min readNew per diem rates were recently announced by the IRS and are effective for per diem allowances on or after Oct. 1, 2023. These updated rates include changes for the transportation industry, incidental expenses as well as the high-low substantiation method. Before we dive into the detailed changes impacting per diem rates, let’s revisit the concept of the per diem in general. To Per Diem or Not to Per Diem There are two basic ways that employees can be reimbursed for business travel expenses. The first is a direct reimbursement of the actual expenses. The second is the per diem method. Direct actual expense reimbursement is exactly what it sounds like. For example, a sales employee […]
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November 1, 2023
Published by Service2Client on November 1, 2023
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 3 min readNext year, something called Peak 65 is happening. This moniker refers to the fact that more Americans will reach the traditional retirement age of 65 in the same year than at any time in history. Crazy, right? However, many of these people don’t feel like they’ve saved enough to live comfortably after they retire. Here are some ways to maximize your savings and cut costs so you can be prepared and retire with less financial worry. Use a retirement calculator. This is key. You’ll be able to see if what you have in retirement so far will be enough to actually live on. Here’s the tool. Once you know where you are, you’ll be able to […]
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November 1, 2023
Published by Service2Client on November 1, 2023
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 3 min readProtecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act (HR 5110) – This bill was introduced in the House on Aug. 1 by Rep. Mark E. Green (R-TN). The purpose of this bill is to ban federal funds from being used for weapons training in public schools, except in the case of training students in archery, hunting, and other school sports that involve shooting guns. The bill passed in the House on Sept. 26, the Senate on Sept. 27, and was signed into law by the president on Oct. 6. Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act (HR 5860) – This last-minute continuing resolution (CR) authorizes fiscal year 2024 appropriations to federal agencies through Nov. 17, as well […]
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November 1, 2023
Published by Service2Client on November 1, 2023
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When it comes to measuring revenue, it’s essential that businesses analyze it from a variety of perspectives. While there's revenue and net income on an income statement to show a company's quarterly financials, another way…
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November 1, 2023
Published by Service2Client on November 1, 2023
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 4 min readIn one year’s time, the U.S. inflation rate dropped by more than half, from 8.2 percent in September 2022 to 3.7 percent in September of 2023. If there is a downside to lower inflation, it’s a lower cost of living adjustment (COLA). This year, the inflation rate plummeted from 6.4 percent in January to the current 3.7 percent. While food prices, both grocery and dining out, continue to increase. Between February 2020 and September 2023, grocery store prices rose 25%. That was slightly above the 23% increase in menu prices during the same period. But a number of consumer goods prices had decreased by midsummer, such as: Gasoline (-26.5%) Airline fares (-18.9%) Car and truck rentals […]
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November 1, 2023
Published by Service2Client on November 1, 2023
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🖨 Print⏱ 5 min readAs technology advances, users crave convenient and feature-rich solutions. In mobile app development, the concept of super apps is taking the tech world by storm. These apps include a wide range of services within a single platform, such as messaging, payments, ride-hailing, food delivery, and more. Super apps have disrupted traditional business models by providing a more convenient, personalized, and cost-effective user experience. Defining Super Apps Super apps are powerful, multifunctional platforms that offer numerous services, from transportation and finance to e-commerce and social networking, all within a single application. This is unlike standalone apps, where each focuses on a specific function, like the video-sharing service YouTube. The super apps allow users to access different services […]
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October 1, 2023
Published by Service2Client on October 1, 2023
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🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readData breaches have been on the rise as cybercriminals keep coming up with new ways to steal user-sensitive information. Just in the second quarter of 2023, 110.8 million user accounts were breached. Of these accounts, 49.8 million were from the United States, accounting for 45 percent of the global figure. However, amid the rising threats, a revolutionary concept known as decentralized identity systems has created a solution to reduce data breach cases. Data Breaches and the Current State of Identity Management A data breach happens when unauthorized individuals or entities gain access to sensitive information, often for malicious purposes. These breaches can happen to anyone, from individuals to large corporations, and they come with severe consequences […]
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