Estate planning is an essential element of preparing for the future. It addresses issues ranging from end-of-life care to who inherits assets. It also helps individuals minimize the tax burden of inheritors. Estate planning is appropriate at any age, for singles and those with life partners. It’s especially critical for those that have children. It’s never too late to create a comprehensive plan to ensure the financial security of loved ones.

Financial assets and circumstances change over time and so do the needs of individuals. An effective estate planner will help clients create a plan that provides flexibility as their assets grow and family circumstances evolve. Estate planning allows individuals to dictate what will be done with their assets.

An estate plan accomplishes multiple goals. Without an estate plan, the court system will make decisions for an individual and they can be far different than what the owner intended.

Guardianship

Prioritize the guardianship of minor children during estate planning. The guardian must be a trusted person who will give precedence to the children and their needs. It’s a good idea to designate a second guardian if the first is unable to carry out their responsibilities.

Will

Estate planning includes making a will that clearly states who inherits assets and names an executor to ensure those instructions are carried out when an individual dies. Beneficiaries will be of primary importance. A will also confers power of attorney to a specific individual, states end-of-life care, can establish a trust, and make provisions for the funds to pay for a funeral, final expenses and taxes.

Estate planning is a crucial element for every individual, even those with modest estates. Individuals work a lifetime to accrue assets and care for their loved ones. Estate planning ensures their financial wellbeing and that assets are distributed in the manner the manner the client desire.

At Peavy and Associates PC our mission is to assist you with all your tax preparations, payroll and accounting needs.  We provide our clients with professional, personalized accounting services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs. Give us a call today and discover why our clients return to Peavy and Associates, PC year after year!

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Small business owners are always looking for ways to save money and many make the mistake of trying to handle payroll duties on their own. Even if you only have a single employee, payroll services can save you money. There are serious fines and consequences for not meeting reporting deadlines or keeping accurate tax records for employees.

There are many facets to maintaining payroll ranging from employee withholdings to business deposits and withdrawals. It may include paid time off (PTO), 401k deductions and garnishments. It requires a significant amount of time and effort that could be better spent growing your business.

Flexibility

Small business owners face a variety of challenges and a payroll service helps you remain flexible and meet those challenges as the business environment and economy changes. You could be encountering supply chain issues or need to quickly scale up production to meet increased demand. Payroll services enable you to keep ahead of changing circumstances and minimize business disruptions.

Rules and Regulations

Payroll services enable you to remain compliant with state and federal reporting requirements and deadlines. You’ll also be compliant with the many regulations governing employee benefits ranging from retirement funds to insurance coverage.

Fines and Penalties

You can run afoul of the IRS for multiple reasons ranging from failure to pay business income tax, underpayments or late payments. The fines and fees associated with even small infractions increase over time and limits cash flow to your business. A payroll service reduces your risk.

No Degree Necessary

You don’t have to have experience or a degree in accounting. Your payroll company has the knowledge and experience to attend to all the details. They’ll provide you with accurate accountings and keep you informed of the financial health of your business.

Security

You need to maintain security against physical and cyber incursions. A data breach at your company can cost you dearly, leave your business vulnerable to ransomware attacks, and compromise employee data. Payroll services utilize advanced security measures to keep sensitive information about your enterprise safe.

At Peavy and Associates PC our mission is to assist you with all your tax preparations, payroll and accounting needs.  We provide our clients with professional, personalized accounting services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs. Give us a call today and discover why our clients return to Peavy and Associates, PC year after year!

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Increasing concern for the environment has led many to pursue a career as an environmental accountant without fully understanding what’s involved. It’s a field that was first introduced in the 1980s and is employed by multiple types of businesses and governments to determine the best way to conduct business, while minimizing the impact on the environment.

There are four types of environmental accounts. They encompass environmental financial accounting, environmental cost accounting, environmental management accounting, and environmental national accounting.

Environmental financial accounting pertains to estimating and public reporting of environmental liabilities, along with financial material environmental costs. They produce reports of exposure and management of the financial and non-financial impacts due to climate change of various entities.

An environmental cost accounting expert is concerned with the use and depletion of natural resources. The professionals calculate the costs of managing natural resources and the operational costs of doing so within multiple types of organizations and businesses.

Environmental management accounting helps companies save money and provide product pricing through optimal use of resources. The information can result in cleaner production practices. The primary benefit is increasing value for shareholders, improving an entity’s reputation, and improving the public’s perception of a company.

The field of environmental national accounting is used to determine a country’s economy and the environment. It takes into consideration a country’s physical and monetary assets and operational costs of natural resources.

The environment plays a vital role in the economy. Environmental accountants provide businesses and nations with important data that’s instrumental in determining criteria ranging from economic health, degradation of natural resources, and the costs of pollution. The professionals provide data on the contribution of the environment to the economy and vice-versa.

Environmental accounting is also known as green accounting. The accounting processes have become invaluable for business and countries in making policies in regard to natural resources in an international marketplace.

At Peavy and Associates PC our mission is to assist you with all your tax preparations, payroll and accounting needs.  We provide our clients with professional, personalized accounting services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs. Give us a call today and discover why our clients return to Peavy and Associates, PC year after year!

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Farm businesses need the services of an agricultural accountant. In many instances, farm businesses are large corporations. Farm accountants provide an essential service for farmers, helping them anticipate expenses, track expenditures, and ascertain ventures that will be most profitable – such as planting more corn, wheat or soybeans and letting field lie fallow.

Reporting and tracking farm expenses pose some interesting challenges. Cash basis accounting is one type of method to report income and costs and can be used to report taxable farm income. Farm accounting is utilized to record all goods, money and services used in the farming industry.

A farm accountant will deal with a variety of aspects relating to their client, from cash flow, day-to-day expenses, government subsidies when applicable, and even estate planning. Farm accountants provide a wide range of information to their clients to help them make informed and strategic decisions about their business and potential risks.

Agriculture plays a major role in the nation’s overall economy, just as much as oil and other resources. The accounting specialists will need an extensive variety of knowledge. They’ll need to be cognizant of fluctuating costs and prices, have an understanding of how unpredictable weather affects the business, and changing commodity prices locally and around the globe.

Farming is a unique type of business with special challenges. Farmers always have the last decision, but they rely on an agricultural accountant to help them plan for purchases of land, equipment and the operation of their business. Agricultural accounts are responsible for filing taxes on time, accounting for assets, liabilities and depreciation, along with meeting specific government regulations and definitions.

Farm accounting is an ideal profession for anyone that loves numbers and farming. They’ll be called upon to keep track of arable land to native plants, pasture to crop production, changes in land use, and even green/sustainable farming practices.

At Peavy and Associates PC our mission is to assist you with all your tax preparations, payroll and accounting needs.  We provide our clients with professional, personalized accounting services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs. Give us a call today and discover why our clients return to Peavy and Associates, PC year after year!

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A significant number of college students are reassessing their career path. They’re discovering they won’t make as much as they anticipated. A study conducted by Real Estate Witch found that undergrads across all majors overestimated their starting salaries by 88 percent. There are numerous well-paying opportunities in accounting for 2022 and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a significant growth rate in all areas.

Bookkeeper

A bookkeeper maintains a company’s day-to-day financial transactions. They record, prepare and present financial statements to supervisors and managers about some or all of an organization’s accounts. They’re responsible for keeping a running total of costs and income and it represents an excellent opportunity for those entering the field. Bookkeepers enter data, verify billing statements, and work with multiple types of financial software.

Personal Accountant

There’s an almost endless need for personal accounts. They keep track of and help individuals and business owners manage credit card and bank statements, keep tax records, review expenditures, and ensure staff are paid.

Tax Preparer

Individuals, entrepreneurs and small businesses utilize the services of a tax preparer throughout the year to ensure their finances stay on track. Tax preparers prepare taxes, ensure clients are only paying what they should, and help them organize records. They may work for a larger company, but often operate their own business out of their home.

Forensic Accountant

Law enforcement agencies, lawyers, private investigators, insurance companies, government agencies and financial institutions employ forensic accountants. They’re often called as expert witnesses in court cases to prove embezzlement, fraud and other financial wrongdoing. They analyze financial statements, bank records and other documents.

Environmental Accountant

The job includes recording income, expenditures and other transactions related to cost savings. Many companies and corporations employ environmental accountants to create social responsibility statements in terms of energy costs and similar changes relating to green practices.

At Peavy and Associates PC our mission is to assist you with all your tax preparations, payroll and accounting needs.  We provide our clients with professional, personalized accounting services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs. Give us a call today and discover why our clients return to Peavy and Associates, PC year after year!

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One of the most pressing questions for individuals and businesses is whether to hire a certified public accountant (CPA) or an accounting firm. The most important difference is that CPAs are allowed to sign tax returns for clients and represent them during a tax audit. Accountants don’t have the same standing with the IRS. All CPAs are accountants, but not all accountants are CPAs. A CPA has an advanced level of rigorous training, expertise and certification.

The success of any business relies on its financial health and individuals need to choose the right professional for their needs. The terms CPA and accountant are often used interchangeably, but there are distinct differences.

Accountant

An accountant provides basic bookkeeping tasks and can verify the work of an in-house bookkeeper.  They create reports and analyze those documents to generate long-term business plans. The professionals file tax returns and provide tax planning advice. An accountant can perform cash flow management and provide projections, along with bookkeeping services.

Accountants record, maintain and interpret financial records. They ensure the accuracy of financial documents, evaluate operations and can recommend best practices for clients. Accountants can create forecasts, perform risk analysis, and provide guidance on reducing costs and enhancing revenues.

CPA

A CPA provides all the services of an accountant and more, especially forensic accounting. They’re able to detect irregularities ranging from embezzlement to tax evasion. In addition to passing the stringent CPA certification exam, to keep their license, CPAs must also complete yearly educational requirements.

CPAs can legally represent clients before the IRS in the event of an audit. A CPA can file taxes and they utilize the most advanced financial software on the market that’s not available to the average individual. They’re experts in financial planning, provide clients with profit and loss statements, and can assist with profit-sharing and employee benefit packages. CPAs provide the data that business owners need to make sound decisions for the future of their company.

At Peavy and Associates PC our mission is to assist you with all your tax preparations, payroll and accounting needs.  We provide our clients with professional, personalized accounting services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs. Give us a call today and discover why our clients return to Peavy and Associates, PC year after year!

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Choosing an accounting firm to handle business interests, personal finances and/or taxes can be confusing. Compounding the problem is the inability to discern which financial services are actually needed or an insufficient budget to hire an accountant. Instead, people often try to navigate their financials on their own and leave money on the table.

Identify Needs

Private individuals and businesses will typically have vastly different needs, though they can intersect. The same is true for startups, established businesses and sole proprietors. Cryptocurrency investors, those with lottery winnings, stocks, and rental properties will need an accountant with experience in those areas.

Qualifications

An accounting firm should be willing to provide their qualifications and areas of specialization in the services for which they’re being hired. Don’t be hesitant about asking questions to discover if they’ve been involved in audits and the outcomes. Seeking referrals from family, friends and/or other business owners is a good way to learn about accounting firms that may be right for an individual’s needs. Don’t forget to contact the Better Business Bureau to determine if there have been any complaints about the firm.

Experience and Support

Having experience in the specific areas for which an accountant is hired can’t be overstated. They’ll know about tax laws, deductions and credits available within specific industries. They’ll also have the expertise to assist with future planning and goal setting. Audits are always a potential event and the accountant should provide support and services that represent the client’s interests in that eventuality.

Near or Far

The location of the accountant relative to the client is important. Individuals may not have the time to drop everything to meet with their accountant. That’s especially true for people that frequently travel or have overseas holdings.

Making Connections

Clients should feel comfortable discussing any facet of their financial or business interests with their accountant. If they don’t, it’s time to find a new accountant. The chosen accountant should be able to explain things in clear and understandable language without jargon specific to the accounting industry.

At Peavy and Associates PC our mission is to assist you with all your tax preparations, payroll and accounting needs.  We provide our clients with professional, personalized accounting services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs. Give us a call today and discover why our clients return to Peavy and Associates, PC year after year!

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Approximately 33 percent of all taxpayers prepare their own taxes each year, thanks to online tax preparation software. What you may not know is that you could be leaving money on the table by not consulting with a tax accountant. Tax laws are highly complex and complicated. The following are just some of the ways that a tax accountant can help.

Minimize Audits

The odds of being audited increase the more you make and a tax accountant will considerably reduce the potential. If you make less than $200,000, the chances of being audited is 0.9 percent. That number increases to 3.7 percent if you make over $200,000 and 12.5 percent if your income exceeds $1 million.

Own a Business

If you own a business, are self-employed, or are in partnership, a tax accountant can determine how much you should pay in quarterly taxes. The benefit is that you won’t be faced with a huge tax bill at the end of the year.

Life Changes

Buying a house, getting married, having a child, getting a divorce, or investing in the stock market are all significant events in anyone’s life. A tax account is able to help you take advantage of the available tax breaks and even help you adjust your withholding to accommodate those changes.

Failure to Pay

If for any reason you failed to pay your taxes in the past or owe a balance, a tax accountant is able to help you file appropriately. He/she will also know about IRS programs designed to help people in these situations.

Other Situations

A tax accountant can help in a wide variety of situations, including if you’re anticipating a large capital gains tax, have investments and income from foreign sources, or if you have rental properties. You can utilize a like-kind-exchange to minimize taxes if you’re thinking of selling real estate. A tax accountant can also help you if you’re planning on making a large gift, putting away money for your kids’ college, or creating a trust.

At Peavy and Associates PC our mission is to assist you with all your tax preparations, payroll and accounting needs.  We provide our clients with professional, personalized accounting services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs. Give us a call today and discover why our clients return to Peavy and Associates, PC year after year!

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In the digital age, a majority of individuals simply file their taxes through an online service that provides tax software. Others make use of tax preparers that can be found at kiosks located in malls and chain stores. The people that work in retail franchises such as H&R Block and Jackson Hewitt are competent for individuals that are filing a very straight forward tax return.

Individuals often find certified public accountants (CPAs) and enrolled agents (EAs) working at those kiosks. EAs are the elite by IRS standards and are allowed to represent clients before the IRS. For those that choose to utilize the experience and knowledge of a tax accountant, there’s some basic information individuals should ascertain before hiring them.

Qualifications

One of the best ways to find a reliable tax accountant is to seek recommendations and referrals from family, friends and business owners. Don’t be reticent about contacting the firm and asking questions. Contact the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints may have been filed.

The tax accountant should be willing to provide their qualifications and any areas of specialization. Ask if they’ve ever been involved in an audit, how they handled the situation, and the outcome. Tax accountants can’t accept payment without a preparer tax ID number (PTIN). Make sure the tax accountant has one.

Due Diligence

After the initial interview with a tax accountant, individuals can contact the state’s board of accountancy to discover if they’re licensed, in good standing, and if they’ve had any disciplinary actions taken. It can also be helpful to search their name online.

Red Flags

There are some red flags of which every individual should be aware. If a tax accountant promises a large refund before they’ve even looked at a person’s financial situation, look elsewhere. The same is true if they tell a client they can claim an excessive number of deductions.

Shop Around

Every taxpayer and tax accountant won’t be a good fit for each other. Individuals have the right to shop around, change their mind, or even take their return elsewhere if they desire. If necessary, individuals can always ask for an extension on filing their taxes. No one should trust their finances and tax returns to someone without the proper certifications and experience.

At Peavy and Associates PC our mission is to assist you with all your tax preparations, payroll and accounting needs.  We provide our clients with professional, personalized accounting services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs. Give us a call today and discover why our clients return to Peavy and Associates, PC year after year!

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In an accountant’s reporting systems, depreciation of a business’s fixed assets such as its buildings, equipment, computers, etc. is not recorded as a cash outlay. When an accountant measures profit on the accrual basis of accounting, he or she counts depreciation as an expense. Buildings, machinery, tools, vehicles and furniture all have a limited useful life. All fixed assets, except for actual land, have a limited lifetime of usefulness to a business. Depreciation is the method of accounting that allocates the total cost of fixed assets to each year of their use in helping the business generate revenue. 

Part of the total sales revenue of a business includes recover of cost invested in its fixed assets. In a real sense a business sells some of its fixed assets in the sales prices that it charges it customers. For example, when you go to a grocery store, a small portion of the price you pay for eggs or bread goes toward the cost of the buildings, the machinery, bread ovens, etc. Each reporting period, a business recoups part of the cost invested in its fixed assets. 

It’s not enough for the accountant to add back depreciation for the year to bottom-line profit. The changes in other assets, as well as the changes in liabilities, also affect cash flow from profit. The competent accountant will factor in all the changes that determine cash flow from profit. Depreciation is only one of many adjustments to the net income of a business to determine cash flow from operating activities. Amortization of intangible assets is another expense that is recorded against a business’s assets for year. It’s different in that it doesn’t require cash outlay in the year being charged with the expense. That occurred when the business invested in those tangible assets.

At Peavy and Associates PC our mission is to assist you with all your tax preparations, payroll and accounting needs.  We provide our clients with professional, personalized accounting services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs. Give us a call today and discover why our clients return to Peavy and Associates, PC year after year!

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