McSwain & Company, PS
New Business Travel Per Diem Rates Announced for 2023-2024
November 1, 2023 · Blog, Tax and Financial News, 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.
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⏱ 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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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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🖨 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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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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October 1, 2023
Published by Service2Client on October 1, 2023
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 4 min readRecently, IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel spoke of changes within the IRS, announcing several initiatives focusing on high-income earners and partnerships, as well as integrating the use of AI within the agency’s work. According to the commissioner, the initiatives were made possible by additional IRS funding provided by the Inflation Reduction Act. Without the funding from this bill, the agency would not have the budget to implement these ramp-ups in enforcement. Millionaires with Tax Debt The new initiative on millionaires is not just because they are high-earning taxpayers; it will focus on those with open tax debt. Currently, the IRS has identified approximately 1,600 millionaires who are in debt to the IRS for $250,000 or more. The […]
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October 1, 2023
Published by Service2Client on October 1, 2023
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 4 min readYou can work and still receive Social Security benefits, but how much you receive depends on a number of factors. First, if you do plan to continue working after becoming eligible to receive benefits, you might consider delaying filing for benefits for as long as possible. That’s because the earlier you begin drawing benefits, the lower the amount you will receive. In fact, your monthly payout will be permanently reduced from what you’ll receive if you wait until full retirement age (FRA). Your FRA depends on the year you were born (note that for people born on Jan. 1 of any year, they should refer to the previous year): Born 1943-1954: full retirement age is 66 […]
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October 1, 2023
Published by Service2Client on October 1, 2023
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 3 min readSince tax time isn’t until next April, organizing your documents right about now might not be top of mind or even something you want to do. However, if you don’t want to have to scramble come springtime, you might want to organize your paperwork all year long. Here’s why: It expedites the process when you really do have to begin your tax prep, and it’s actually pretty easy. Start with simple categories (listed below), grab some folders, and put them in a filing cabinet – or any safe place. This way, when tax time comes around, you’ll be ready. Income This is pretty obvious, but it’s not just limited to your paycheck, W-2 forms, or 1099s. […]
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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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October 1, 2023
Published by Service2Client on October 1, 2023
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 3 min readMAHSA Act (HR 589) – The Mahsa Amini Human Rights and Security Accountability (MAHSA) Act is a bipartisan bill that was introduced on Jan. 27 by Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN). The purpose of this bill is to impose sanctions on the leaders of Iran for supporting human rights abuses and terrorism. The sanctions block both property and visas owned by certain foreign individuals and entities affiliated with Iran. The bill passed in the House on Sept. 12 and currently resides in the Senate. Fight CRIME Act (HR 3152) – This bipartisan bill was introduced by Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) on May 9. It imposes visa- and property-blocking sanctions specific to Iran’s missile-related activities, including acquiring, developing, […]
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October 1, 2023
Published by Service2Client on October 1, 2023
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With accounting fraud and financial reporting mistakes creating a lack of confidence, understanding how financial reporting mistakes occur and are detected is an important topic. According to the Association for Federal Enterprise Risk Management and…
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September 1, 2023
Published by Service2Client on September 1, 2023
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 3 min readYou wake up in the middle of the night. Heart racing, drenched in sweat, and breathing heavily. Thankfully, it was just a nightmare when the IRS showed up at your doorstep unannounced. Recently, however, this was the reality for some taxpayers – and not just a bad dream. The IRS just publicized a significant shift in policy, effectively ending the vast majority of surprise taxpayer visits. The change comes in an effort to create safer conditions for IRS officers as well as ease public concerns. Who’s Knocking at My Door? In order to understand the change in policy, you’ll need to understand the three categories of IRS employees that typically interact with taxpayers: Revenue Officers, Revenue […]
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September 1, 2023
Published by Service2Client on September 1, 2023
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 5 min readA widow or widower is eligible for a survivor’s benefit from Social Security even if they never worked – as long as the deceased spouse qualified for benefits based on his or her own income record. Also, note that surviving spouses must have been married to their most current spouse for at least the nine months prior to their passing or for 10 years if the couple was divorced. When Can You Claim? A widow/er may apply for benefits once she turns age 60, age 50 if she qualifies as disabled or if she is responsible for the care of a child under age 16 (or a mentally or physically disabled child aged 16 or older). […]
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September 1, 2023
Published by Service2Client on September 1, 2023
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 4 min readEven though numbers are probably the biggest thing in an accountant’s wheelhouse, getting people in the door with the right words in your bio can make all the difference in the world. Here are a few tips to make sure that how you present yourself to the public via your wording is powerful, succinct, and engaging. Make it Short and Engaging Yes, attention spans in our world are woefully short, much like that of gnat. You have seconds to grab someone’s attention. Write your bio as if you were looking for an accountant. How would you word it? What would catch your eye? Of course, you’d start with your name and title, but what after that? […]
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September 1, 2023
Published by Service2Client on September 1, 2023
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 3 min readUnited States-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade First Agreement Implementation Act (HR 4004) – This bipartisan bill was introduced on June 12 by Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO). The purpose of this bill is to convey approval by Congress of the June 1 trade agreement between the United States and Taiwan. The bill addresses customs administration and regulatory practice issues, as well as dictates conditions for negotiations of subsequent trade agreements. Among its provisions, the bill requires that the U.S. Trade Representative share all negotiating texts with Congress prior to being sent to Taiwan or any parties outside of the executive branch. The bill passed in the House on June 21 and in the Senate on July 18. […]
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September 1, 2023
Published by Service2Client on September 1, 2023
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 4 min readLooking at expenses for one’s business is essential to reduce cash flow issues. For example, it would show if there’s too much money leaving the business or what type of scenario the business might face if there’s an unexpected and large expense that guts the business’ cash position. Tracking expenses on a monthly basis is one way to determine a company’s financial health. Estimating sales by starting with last year’s month-by-month figures is one way to start. Looking at credit and cash sales from a business’ monthly income statements provides historical reference. Examining both fixed and variable past expenses, specifically, is a good starting point. However, it’s important when projecting future sales and reasonable increases […]
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September 1, 2023
Published by Service2Client on September 1, 2023
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 4 min readMarketing efforts today depend on collecting, analyzing, and leveraging data to make informed decisions. Therefore, business owners need to understand how to harness the power of data and personalization to create targeted campaigns that drive growth. Importance of Data and Personalization in Modern Business Businesses today collect loads of data, enabling them to understand their customers’ preferences, behaviors and interests. The data comes from different channels, such as a business website, emails, or social media. It is then used to identify patterns and trends to make informed marketing decisions. This yields valuable insights that help craft highly personalized and effective marketing strategies. Data is the foundation of personalization strategies. Personalization involves tailoring customer experiences to meet […]
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August 1, 2023
Published by Service2Client on August 1, 2023
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 4 min readAccording to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), almost one-third of companies see penalties due to payroll issues. Understanding a few examples, according to the NFIB, of how companies can better comply and avoid penalties is essential to smoother operations. Underpayment of Estimated Tax by Corporations Penalty As long as there’s a reasonable expectation of at least $500 in estimated taxes owed, corporations are required by the IRS to file. If, however, a corporation doesn’t satisfy its estimated tax payments or pays them after their quarterly submission deadline, the IRS will assess penalties. This can occur even if the IRS owes filers a refund. The IRS recommends the easiest […]
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August 1, 2023
Published by Service2Client on August 1, 2023
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 3 min readCADETS Act (S 467) – This bipartisan bill was introduced on Feb. 16 by Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI). The purpose of this bipartisan bill is to change the age requirements (previously limited to age 25 and younger) for the Student Incentive Payment Program. This program provides financial support to cadets of state maritime academies who enlist or commission in the Navy Reserve at the time of their graduation. The bill passed in the Senate on March 29 and in the House on June 14. It was enacted on June 30. Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2023 (S 777) – This bipartisan bill, which was signed into law on June 14, requires the Department of Veterans […]
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August 1, 2023
Published by Service2Client on August 1, 2023
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 4 min readOne of the most devious and often underestimated dangers in cybersecurity comes from within an organization. These dangers originate from individuals within the organization who have access to sensitive data and systems, making them potentially dangerous adversaries capable of causing significant harm. Understanding, identifying, mitigating, and preventing these internal security risks are paramount for safeguarding an organization’s assets and preserving its integrity. What is an Insider Threat? Insider threats are security risks posed by employees, contractors, vendors, or anyone who has access to an organization’s data or systems. Accidental or intentional insiders cause internal threats. An accidental insider could unknowingly cause breaches due to negligence, human error or falling prey to social engineering tactics. For example, […]
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