McSwain & Company, PS
Making Pensions Equitable, Protecting Foster Kids, Mail-in Votes and Tracking Government Spending
December 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.
December 1, 2024
Published by Service2Client on December 1, 2024
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 3 min readAll bills not enacted by the end of the 118th congressional session on Jan. 3, 2025, will expire. Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 (HR 82) – This bill, with 330 bipartisan sponsors and a similar bill in the Senate, was introduced by Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA) on Jan. 9, 2023. It passed in the House on Nov. 12 of this year and is likely to pass in the Senate before the year’s end. The purpose of the bill is to eliminate the government pension offset that reduces Social Security benefits for individuals who receive other benefits, such as a pension from a state or local government. In the private sector, this would have a similar effect to withholding Social […]
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November 1, 2024
Published by Service2Client on November 1, 2024
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It’s that time of year again. Halloween has just come and gone – and now we’re hurtling headlong into Thanksgiving and Christmas. For holiday shopping, it’s tempting to turn a blind eye and put everything on your…
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November 1, 2024
Published by Service2Client on November 1, 2024
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 2 min read According to estimates, inflation adjustments to the Internal Revenue Code are expected to yield increases of 2.8 percent compared to 2024 amounts. This means wider tax brackets and increased exemptions, among other things. With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index (CPI) moderating, this increase is about 50 percent less than 2024’s inflation adjustment. Below, we’ll look at what the projected 2025 inflation adjustment means in terms of dollars and cents for you and your taxes. Individual Income Tax Brackets The tables below illustrate the individual income tax rates and brackets for 2025. Individual Income Tax Brackets & Rates: Tax Year 2025 Single Taxpayers 10% 0 – $11,925 12% $11,926 – $48,475 22% […]
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November 1, 2024
Published by Service2Client on November 1, 2024
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 3 min readEnhanced Presidential Security Act of 2024 (HR 9106) – During an election year, the Department of Homeland Security identifies major presidential and vice-presidential candidates in consultation with a committee of congressional leaders. This bipartisan bill instructs the U.S. Secret Service to use the same criteria for establishing the level of protection for major candidates as provided for presidents and vice presidents. The bill was introduced by Rep. Michael Lawler (R-NY) on July 23. It passed in the House on Sept. 20, in the Senate on Sept. 24, and was signed into law by the president on Oct. 1. COCOA Act of 2024 (HR 6513) – This bipartisan Act, titled the Confirmation of Congressional Observer Access Act, […]
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November 1, 2024
Published by Service2Client on November 1, 2024
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This metric, which is also referred to as the cash cycle or the net operating cycle, looks at the time a business takes to recover its investment in inventory to eventually sell. The process starts from selling its goods, collecting…
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November 1, 2024
Published by Service2Client on November 1, 2024
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 4 min readSocial media has evolved from a simple networking platform to a powerful business tool. Businesses today use these platforms with billions of active users worldwide to connect with their target audience. Social media allows businesses of all sizes to reach audiences in a way that traditional advertising, such as print or television, cannot. The Role of Social Media Marketing in Business Growth Social media marketing uses social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok to promote a business’ products or services. This is done through sharing content like posts, videos and ads to engage a targeted audience and eventually make sales. With 5.22 billion social media users as of October 2024, businesses can reach […]
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November 1, 2024
Published by Service2Client on November 1, 2024
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🖨 Print⏱ 5 min readStep 6: Looking to Legacy Planning to Address Future Needs of Family How do you want to be remembered? People often view their legacy as a way of disseminating assets to charitable venues to be remembered as passionate and generous supporters. That is one aspect of a legacy. But perhaps the most important legacy plan is how you want to be remembered by your family, friends and loved ones. If you do not develop an estate plan and communicate it with your loved ones, if you leave your financial accounts and investments in a state of disarray by not keeping files organized and beneficiaries updated, then you leave a huge burden behind when you pass away. […]
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October 1, 2024
Published by Service2Client on October 1, 2024
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Annuities are one of many products that folks have in their nest egg. But first, what exactly is an annuity?Simply put, itâ??s a contract with an insurance company that promises to pay the buyer a steady stream of income in the future.
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October 1, 2024
Published by Service2Client on October 1, 2024
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 4 min read Former President and current candidate Donald Trump introduced a new policy of his in a recent Arizona rally: No more income tax on overtime pay. This follows both Trump and Vice President Harris’ proposal for a no income tax on tips policy, as well. Below we will look at the two recent proposals and what they could mean for both taxpayers and businesses. No Tax on Tips The no tax on tips policy looks to lighten the tax burden on service industry workers. According to the Fair Labor and Standards Act, anyone who “customarily and regularly” receives $30 or more in tips per month is considered a tipped worker. The mechanism to exempt tip income […]
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October 1, 2024
Published by Service2Client on October 1, 2024
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🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readAs technology evolves, so have data breaches, which have become a significant threat to businesses of all sizes. We frequently hear reports of high-profile attacks on major organizations, global corporations, and even government agencies. Emerging technologies such as generative artificial intelligence and machine learning make cybersecurity more challenging. They enable cybercriminals to automate attacks, create sophisticated phishing schemes, and develop advanced malware to evade traditional security measures. Hence, companies have no choice but to change how they approach cybersecurity. To deal with these modern threats, Zero Trust security models are gaining widespread adoption as the preferred standard for effectively protecting against data breaches. What is Zero Trust? Zero Trust is a cybersecurity framework based on the […]
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October 1, 2024
Published by Service2Client on October 1, 2024
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 5 min readStep 5: Estate Plan The value of an estate plan is twofold. Yes, you want to pass your assets on to heirs in a seamless and tax-efficient manner. But it is also a roadmap to help your heirs understand the full breadth of your assets, where they are located, and how they should be disseminated according to your wishes. Two important components of your estate plan come into play before you pass away. The first is a Power of Attorney. This document appoints someone you trust – a relative, a friend or a custodial like a bank – to handle your finances on your behalf should you become incapacitated. The second is a Health Care Directive, […]
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October 1, 2024
Published by Service2Client on October 1, 2024
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Analyzing a company's Accounts Receivables is an effective way to measure its current cash flows and the likelihood of maintaining healthy cash flows. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Index (Third Quarter 2024), 68 percent…
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October 1, 2024
Published by Service2Client on October 1, 2024
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 4 min readContinuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (HR 9747) – This continuing resolution was introduced on Sept. 22 as a “clean” extenuation of the federal budget to fund the government until Dec. 20. Up until this point, a handful of Republicans had attached unrelated bills pertaining to November election restrictions, which they did not have the votes to pass in the House and would never have passed in the Senate. After several weeks of threatening to shut down the government by not passing a continuing appropriations bill, the House Speaker proposed this “last-minute” tied over with the minimum appropriations necessary to keep the government up and running. While it still does not solidify the federal budget for the […]
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September 1, 2024
Published by Service2Client on September 1, 2024
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Whether it’s a private equity transaction or an institutional or retail investor, analyzing a company’s financial statements is an important part of fundamental analysis. One important but basic way…
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September 1, 2024
Published by Service2Client on September 1, 2024
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Drafting a will is not something that people, for the most part, want to think about. But no one gets out of life alive. So if you want to have a say in what happens to your property and assets after you’re gone, a…
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September 1, 2024
Published by Service2Client on September 1, 2024
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 1 min readAll American Flag Act (S 1973) – Introduced by Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) on June 14, 2023, this bill requires that all U.S. flags used by the Federal government be manufactured domestically. This includes all raw materials. One exception to this mandate is if flags cannot be produced of acceptable quality and quantity as needed at competitive market prices. The bill passed in the Senate on Nov. 2, 2023, in the House on July 22, and was signed into law by the president on July 30. Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits Act of 2024 (S 3696) – This bipartisan bill, also known as the DEFIANCE Act, is designed to protect victims of deepfake pornography. It […]
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September 1, 2024
Published by Service2Client on September 1, 2024
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🖨 Print⏱ 4 min read On Jan. 1, 2024, the U.S. government debuted the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). This legislation established the requirement for the majority of private companies, both big and small, to file information with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). As with most new laws, the initial guidance and interpretations have been both challenged and questioned. In response, FinCEN recently turned out new FAQs, which we review below. Big Question First: To Report or Not Reporting is generally required by all private, for-profit entities. This includes corporations, LLCs, S-Corps, etc., whenever the company was created by filing a document with the office of the Secretary of State. Entities formed under the laws of jurisdictions outside the United […]
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September 1, 2024
Published by Service2Client on September 1, 2024
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 5 min readStep 4: Putting Together a Health Plan Planning for healthcare in retirement is a tricky business. Some hardcore smokers live past 100, while some hardcore exercise and fitness gurus drop dead in their sixties. You just don’t know – which is why you need a plan. Medicare Once you turn 65, Medicare is available to most Americans. The problem is deciding what type of Medicare plan to purchase. Here is an overview: Medicare Part A – This plan covers hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice and some home health services. It is free for eligible beneficiaries but caps some benefit coverage and requires a deductible for each inpatient hospital stay. When a hospital stay is longer than […]
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September 1, 2024
Published by Service2Client on September 1, 2024
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 4 min readSocial media has become a powerful tool for helping businesses reach their prospects and customers. By using social media, a business can connect with its audience, build brand awareness, and drive sales. However, many struggle to convert social media engagement – likes, shares, comments, and followers – into tangible business opportunities. Transforming these engagements into actionable leads and sales is where the real power of social media lies. To successfully unlock this potential, businesses must effectively use social media analytics. Understanding Social Media Analytics Social media analytics involves gathering and analyzing data from social media platforms to help make informed business decisions. This data includes metrics such as engagement rates, reach, impressions, follower growth, and sentiment […]
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August 1, 2024
Published by Service2Client on August 1, 2024
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 4 min read Step 3: Develop a Financial Plan We all have a different vision for our golden years – and we are also on individual financial tracks to meet our financial goals for retirement. But if you’re not where you think you should be by age 50, consider ways to step up your efforts. Some ideas frequently recommended by financial planners include the following: Reduce Your Expenses You could give up some streaming services and your Friday night out with friends, but those are not likely to be impactful moves. Besides, let’s face it, those will be important entertainment and social outlets once you are in retirement, so you might not want to give them up now. […]
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