The Qualified Opportunity Zone program has the potential to help investors lower their federal capital gains taxes while contributing to the development of areas that need support. Here is a look at several factors to consider, including which gains are eligible for the program and when a 1031 like-kind exchange may be preferable. Want more tips and resources to help with tax reform topics? PFP Section memb ...

A Run-Down on What is Changing President Donald Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) presented to him by Congress on December 22, 2017. Debate on the provisions of the bill dominated the last quarter of 2017. It was first presented on November 2, 2017 by Texas Congressman Kevin Brady, chair of The House Ways and Means Committee. Two weeks later, November 16, the House passed the Bill and forwarded ...

In this week’s blog post, we present a select reading list that has helped us keep up with recent legislative developments around equity and executive compensation. To read the full article in Mercer Capital's Financial Reporting Blog, click: Win Some, and Then Some: Equity Compensation Tax Reform. This article is republished from Mercer Capital's Financial Reporting Blog.  It is reprinted with permission.  ...

Republican lawmakers released a framework for tax reform, announcing that their goals are to cut tax rates, simplify the Internal Revenue Code, and provide a more competitive environment for business.  The framework generally reiterates proposals made in April.  Alistair Nevius, JofA’s editor in chief, explains. To read the full article in the Journal of Accountancy, click: Republicans Unveil Tax Reform Fra ...

What Tax Reform Could Mean for Annuities Republican lawmakers have said a tax overhaul framework would retain incentives meant to encourage retirement security, but uncertainty remains about the direction that reform will take.  This article summarizes several ways changes in federal tax laws could affect annuities, charitable giving, and other aspects of retirement planning. To read the full article in Thi ...

Although some types of entities have required tax years, not all do.  Karen Messner helps you find out how to adopt a tax year other than a calendar year by planning ahead. To read the full article in the The Tax Adviser, click: Accounting Period Planning may Provide Preferred Year. ...

Constellation Brands, the third-largest beer seller in the U.S., is modeling several scenarios related to a possible increase in taxes on imported goods. To read the full article in CGMA Magazine, click: How a Major Beer Importer is Planning for U.S. Tax Reform. ...

A Donald Trump administration, combined with Republican control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, makes legislation to reform the taxation of business income more likely.  Hank Gutman, in this detailed report, explains that, despite the increased likelihood of legislative action, the specific content of reform legislation is more elusive than has been suggested by many, as is the path to ...

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) has sent a letter urging Rep. Paul Ryan (R–Wis.), the new chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, to follow the AICPA’s principles of good tax policy to guide tax reform. The letter comes in response to the Tax Reform Act of 2014, a draft proposal put forth by the former Ways and Means chair Dave Camp (R–Mich.). The AICPA’s letter addresses ...

U.S. Middle Market Leaders Express Preferences re: Spending, Debt, and Fiscal Cliff  The National Center for the Middle Market (NCMM) recently (early December 2012) conducted a survey of 1,000 U.S. middle market business leaders across all industry sectors and geographic regions to gauge their preferences for the outcome of the negotiations.  Here's what they found:   ...

Congressional Democrats have proposed financing student-loan legislation by expanding payroll taxes on subchapter S corporations and partnerships. The bill would levy Social Security and Medicare taxes on all business income if the firm is engaged in professional services, such as investment advice, or if 75% or more of the gross income of the firm is attributable to three or fewer shareholders. Investment ...