Gig Workers Face Complex Tax Laws

If you’re dreaming of working from home, being your own boss, or owning your own business in the gig economy, think carefully. You need to be aware of some pertinent facts that will significantly affect your financial health and welfare. It can be especially shocking and frustrating when it’s time to file your federal income taxes. Be prepared – you’re going to pay more in taxes in 2025 when you report your 2024 earnings.

You’re Self-Employed

The IRS defines gig workers as self-employed if they earn $400 or more. As such, you must pay employer and employee federal income taxes. That means Social Security, Medicare, and a self-employment tax. The self-employment tax is 15.3 percent of what your gig work earnings, 12.4 percent for Social Security, and 2.9 for Medicare.

You Might be a Gig Worker…

You could be a gig worker and not even realize it. If you do on-demand freelance projects, you’re a gig worker. The realm of gig work encompasses food delivery, driving a rideshare, or walking dogs.

Ways to Reduce the Burden

The first rule as a gig worker is to save every receipt for money you spend in connection with your work, whether you consider it gig work, freelancing, or a side hustle. You can deduct those expenses on your income tax return.

Hire an Accountant

With gig work, your taxes become more complex, complicated, and require more forms. The services of an accountant familiar with gig work and the tax structure is indispensable. He or she can help you find ways to minimize taxes, while maximizing what you keep.

Software and Setting Aside Funds

It can be helpful to use home accounting software, but you have to be diligent about making entries. You’ll need to set aside a portion of your earnings to cover the cost of your taxes when you file, since it’s difficult to know exactly how much you’ll owe. A good rule of thumb is to set aside 30 percent.

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Administration
posted by mavadmin
November 19, 2023

Expense Fraud Can Cost You Millions

Expense fraud is a common occurrence in many enterprises and organizations. Owners may be unaware that it’s happening or even be aware that it could be a problem. The practice can cost you dearly, reducing your profitability and hindering future growth.

It occurs when someone manipulates or falsifies costs or expenses for personal gain. The culprit can be employees, vendors or volunteers. It’s done to avoid paying out of pocket or to receive a larger reimbursement. It’s unethical, illegal and a type of financial fraud. All businesses and organizations are at risk.

Common Schemes

Expense fraud occurs at all levels each year. Some of the most common ways it’s committed are:

Claiming mileage that isn’t driven
Fake receipts for food, gas or lodging
Claiming a personal expense as one that’s work-related
Submitting duplicate receipts
Using company funds for personal expenses, usually in the form of a credit card)

Why People Do It

The most common reasons are for personal or financial gain. Sometimes the individual may not understand a company’s or organization’s procedures or policies. They may also falsify records to demonstrate they’re making quotas or target goals. It may be a form of rebellion against an employer they feel doesn’t value them. Others may simply feel that the company can “afford it.” Reasons aren’t excuses for essentially committing theft.

Talk with Your Accountant

No one can help your company or organization more effectively than your accountant. He/she will track all the expenses associated with your business, detect patterns of behavior, and bring it to your attention. It’s just one way that your accountant helps you efficiently and effectively manage your finances.

It’s essential to have a very specific reimbursement policy in place that spells out the consequences. It’s equally critical that someone is vetting all requests for reimbursement Make sure that the policy is included with the packet of papers that every employee receives when they’re hired.

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Administration
posted by mavadmin
October 28, 2023

10 Most Common Scams and Fraud

Millions of people fall victim to scams and fraud every year. It occurs when someone uses deceptive, misleading or illegal means to cheat you out of your money or jeopardizes your financial health. Financial fraud has increased by 70 percent during the past year, costing people billions. The threat can arrive in a variety of forms, via video, text, phone, mail and email. Artificial intelligence is exacerbating the problem.

Charity

Scammers often utilize names similar to authentic charitable organizations. The scams are especially prevalent during holidays, after a natural disaster or emergency.

Debt Collection

Fraudsters pose on the phone or via a letter, claiming you owe a debt that you don’t or one you’ve already paid.

Mortgages

The unscrupulous will ask for an upfront fee to provide a loan modification, prevent foreclosure, or for closing fees on a home.

Grandparents

One of the most effective scams targets grandparents with calls or messages saying a grandchild needs money for bail or other reason.

Imposter

A scammer pretends to be a trusted friend or family member. Sometimes it’s an authority figure threatening jail.

Lookalike Logos

Letters and websites. often contain official looking logos and insignias to confuse the unwary.

Jobs

Ads promising online employment or work from home jobs turn unsuspecting people into money mules that do the scammers’ work for them. They’re often not aware they’re being used.

Money Transfers

The availability of money apps makes it easy for scammers to conduct the fraud.

Lottery or Prize

In this scam, the perpetrator contacts you in any number of ways to say you’ve won a lottery or other large prize. You can only receive it after paying a fee.

Romance

Millions of people are looking for love and that’s how scammers find their victims. They steal images and profiles to commit the crime. They always need money to escape a foreign country, pay a fine, cover medical expenses, or other fake need.

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Administration
posted by mavadmin
October 28, 2023

9 Tips to Manage Consumer Debt

Consumer debt is at an all-time high and continues to rise as people use credit cards, payment plans and payday loans to make ends meet. Debt management is essential for maintaining financial health, but too many people don’t know where to start to achieve that goal. Good debt management increases your credit score and can open new avenues of opportunity. It also nets lower interest rates.

Pay Bills Promptly

Pay them as soon as they arrive. You won’t accidently forget a payment or incur late fees.

Prioritize Debt

Make paying high interest debt a priority. You’ll avoid exorbitant late fees. You can put that money on the next highest card when it’s paid off or into an emergency fund.

Always Pay at Least the Minimum Amount

You’ll avoid late fees that adds more to your debt. It pays the interest, but nothing on the principal, while demonstrating you’re trying to meet financial obligations.

Create An Overview

List all your debts and the monthly amount. Include credit cards, loans, car payment, mortgage or rent, and utilities. This tells you how much money you have going out each month. Compare it to your take-home pay.

Emergency Fund

An emergency fund is essential for eliminating unnecessary spending, debt, and to handle unexpected expenses such as medical bills, job loss, or home or car repairs Experts recommend saving 3 to 6 mos. worth of living expenses.

Pay What You Can Afford

If you can afford to pay more on credit cards or loans, do so.

Track Spending

Monitoring expenses tells you where money is being spent. unnecessarily.

Set Up Alerts

Bankruptcy

This is an option of last resort. It stays on your credit report for 10 years and will affect your ability to buy a car, rent or buy a home, and even obtain employment

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Administration
posted by mavadmin
October 1, 2023

The Pros and Cons of a Property Rental Business

Rental properties have always been a popular method of building wealth and creating an income. The cost of rent has increased significantly since the lockdowns of the pandemic ceased. That increase has motivated many to invest in rental properties of their own. However, before becoming a landlord its critical that individuals explore the pros and cons. Most people new to the rental industry don’t examine both side of the equation. It’s important to understand that operating rental properties is a business and is going to require the services of an accountant if the enterprise is to be profitable.

The Benefits

Being a landlord is a great job for those who are people persons. They interact with an array of interesting people. It’s also a good business for those who are retired. Benefits of a rental business include:

Nearly passive income
Long-term investment
Tax deductible business expenses
Can be operated in addition to a “day job”
Can pay for itself on a monthly basis
Property value increases
Equity accrual

The Disadvantages

Operating rental property has some definite disadvantages, the most obvious of which are destructive or constantly complaining tenants. Other considerations include:

Must be operated as a business
Maintaining compliance with the law
Tenant screening
Time consuming investment
Yearly upkeep and maintenance
Tenant safety and security
Appliance replacement
Cost of contractors to perform repairs

Perhaps one of the most unpleasant tasks of a landlord is evictions. It can be a difficult, costly and time-consuming process, during which time the structure isn’t earning any income.

An Accountant Can Help

An accountant that specializes in real estate tax accounting is invaluable. He or she can help improve profitability, file accurate tax accountings, and do so at the appropriate time. The accountant can help property owners plan for the future and establish online rent paying. They’re experts at assisting rental property business owners minimize their tax liability, stay updated on pertinent laws, and maximize their business structure.

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Administration, IRS Information
posted by mavadmin
September 2, 2023

Run Your Business More Efficiently by Outsourcing

As a business owner, you’re always looking for strategies to maximize your profitability. Many enterprises are reaping the benefits of outsourcing to accomplish financial goals. Even the smallest of companies can take advantage of outsourcing. The practice has been prevalent since the late 1980s and has given rise to an increasingly large gig economy.

What is Outsourcing

It’s a popular practice that many businesses utilize to save money. Business owners hire a third-party individual or firm outside the company structure to perform services, complete tasks, or provide products that would ordinarily be done in-house by regular employees. Outsourcing services are most often delegated to resources in other countries where labor costs are cheaper.

How it Can Save You Money

Unlike an on-site employee, there are no employee-based insurance costs or benefit packages the business must provide. Outsourcing enables businesses to provide high-quality services at a fraction of the cost. The practice enables business owners to focus on the core aspects of their enterprise, while delegating other tasks that they may not be able to provide as well as another.

Outsourcing can help businesses expand their range of services. It’s also helpful for providing enterprises with access to high-tech resources, eliminating the need to purchase expensive and specialized software or equipment.

Many Ways to Save

One of the most well-known examples of outsourcing is customer service call centers. Payroll and accounting are often outsourced instead of performed on-site. Products ranging from ties and hats to T-shirts are often outsourced. Other examples include:

Marketing and advertising
Information technology
Legal services
HR department duties
Cleaning services

A great many services are regularly outsourced by companies without realizing what it’s called.

Solutions for Any Business

No matter what industry a business operates within, there are opportunities for outsourcing. Contracting with a third-party can help a business operate more effectively and cost efficiently.

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Accountant
posted by mavadmin
June 30, 2023

Choosing the Right Accountant for Your Business

Choosing an accountant isn’t a task to be taken lightly. An online search can be helpful for accountants in your area, but you’ll have no point of reference. It can be helpful to seek referrals from family, friends and associates when seeking an accountant. You’ll want an expert that’s nearby, responsive, and available to answer any questions that may arise. The professional will play a vital role in your business and should be selected carefully.

Know Your Needs

A small business or one that’s newly established will have very different needs than that of a larger and more complex enterprise. It’s important that you take a good look at your business and understand the services you need before hiring an accountant.

You may need bookkeeping, payroll or tax preparation services. An accountant can provide all of that, keep you informed of financial trends, identify inconsistencies, and aid in maintaining cash flow. He or she can also assist in helping you create business strategies, investment opportunities for the future, and a business structure that best benefits you.

Certification

Only work with a certified public accountant (CPA) and one with experience in the same industry as yours. The professionals have the extensive training and expertise required to assist with bookkeeping, tax preparation and planning to help you attain your goals.

Ask Question

Narrow down your candidates and set up a meeting to talk with each one. Ask about their qualifications, services offered, and how much they charge. Determine what types of businesses they work with and how they can help your company grow and thrive. One of the primary questions should be their recommendations for saving your company money.

Take your time choosing an accountant. He or she may be an integral member of your business for many years to come. The right accountant for your business will be one of your greatest assets.

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Accountant
posted by mavadmin
May 31, 2023

Who Uses a Forensic Accountant?

Most people would be very surprised to learn the extensive variety of industries in which forensic accountants are employed. They analyze data and determine through irrefutable numerical facts if and where a crime has been committed. They work in multiple industries where individuals and criminal enterprises may be involved.

Forensic consultants are primarily employed in white collar crime cases to determine if a crime has been committed. They also perform routine forensic services to ensure the honestly of companies and organizations in multiple industries. The specialists produce numerical evidence and may be required to testify in court. A forensic accountant is a certified public accountant (CPA) that has earned credentials as a certified fraud examiner (CFE).

Financial Institutions

Banks, credit unions and community development lenders all use forensic accountants, along with brokerage firms and savings and loan associations. Government lenders also employ the specialists, including those that make loans to veterans, homebuyers and students.

Insurance Agencies

Insurers are a prime target for fraud, making the companies a natural environment for forensic accountants. The professionals are kept especially busy after a natural disaster, as they sort through the myriad of real vs fraudulent claims that are made.

Government Agencies

Forensic accountants are employed by local and state governmental entities. The professionals also work at the federal level, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and Internal Revenue Service (IRS). They also work with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Fire Arms and Explosives (ATF) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Law Enforcement

From the local to federal level, forensic accountants work in conjunction with law enforcement. They handle a variety of cases in which a crime involving money is concerned, such as murders when a huge insurance policy is at stake and bankruptcy court.

Companies and Security

Risk management and security service agencies employ forensic accountants to aid in preventing crimes such as embezzlement and to strengthen corporate policies. Forensic services are used in the credit card and utility industries.

Phone and Internet

Computer applications, phone fraud and telemarketer fraud are all within the investigative abilities of a forensic accountant.

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Accountant
posted by mavadmin
May 31, 2023

What is the Role of a Forensic Accountant?

There’s been much in the news about forensic procedures ranging from police work to voting machines. A lot of misconceptions surround forensics in the field of accounting. A forensic accountant is a certified public accountant (CPA) who looks for evidence of a crime.

Forensic accountants typically work for financial firms, insurance companies, government entities, a wide range of law enforcement agencies, and even consulting companies. CPAs earn certified fraud examiner (CFE) credentials to be a forensic accountant.

The professionals often collaborate with other investigative teams, primarily to identify where a crime has been committed. The legendary criminal, Al Capone, is an example of someone who was taken down for tax evasion by forensic accountants in conjunction with law enforcement.

Skills

A forensic accountant has advanced skills in data analysis and is knowledgeable in the many ways that fraud can be hidden. They’re also highly experienced with the myriad of schemes criminals use.

What They Do

Forensic accountants perform a variety of highly-regarded and valuable tasks. They trace and conduct research into where funds and assets are going – known colloquially as “follow the money.” They prepare in-depth reports of their findings and may testify in court about the data when required. They typically work on white collar crime cases that include the following areas.

Money laundering
Insurance fraud
Securities fraud
Credit card fraud
Bankruptcy fraud
Locating hidden assets
Computer applications
Telemarketing fraud
Legal system procedures
Misappropriation of assets
Violations of generally accepted accounting practices (GAAP) or generally accepted auditing standards (GAAS)

Opportunities

Fraud is a crime that never takes a vacation, with new schemes and variations occurring every day. It’s significantly increased the demand for forensic accountants and created new and expanding opportunities in the field. Fraud is a crime that individuals take great lengths to hide and for which forensic accountants are uniquely qualified to ferret out.

What are the Best Accounting Practices to Use for an Online Business?

Low overhead costs, greater scalability, and the ability to work from anywhere desired makes
an online business appealing. However, online business owners are subject to the same
requirements as brick-and-mortar stores.
Hire an Accountant
Many people are good at operating a business, but lack money management skills. Meeting tax
deadlines and having up-to-the-minute financial details are just some of the benefits of hiring
an accountant. The professionals have experience, strategies and highly specialized software.
They provide multiple financial services, relieve stress on owners, and enables individuals to
focus on operating their business.
Budgeting
A realistic budget is an integral part of operating any business endeavor. Doing so will tell
owners if they’re overspending, if collections are slow, and allows individuals to make
adjustments as needed.
Business Software
For those determined to take care of the financial aspects themselves, there are business
accounting software programs that can be used. However, they don’t have the specialization of
those utilized by accountants.
Entering Data
It’s critical to enter receipts, invoices and all transactions immediately to ensure accuracy. It’s
necessary to track income and expenses for tax purposes. It provides a record of business
health. Payroll will also need to be addressed if the business has employees.
Taxes
Business owners need an excellent grasp of their tax obligations and filing deadlines. There are
self-employment taxes and other expenses for which business owners are liable and for which
they must plan.
Financial Changes
Tax laws change quickly and they can adversely affect any business owner that doesn’t see
them coming. Staying informed of those changes will help individuals protect their enterprise.
Business owners must stay informed of issues affecting their industry.
Follow the Financials

Go over financial statements monthly to understand the financial state of the business. Those
statements will indicate areas where the company is doing well and where improvement is
needed.

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