Rebecca Jacobs

Meet Our Team – Rebecca H. Jacobs

Rebecca joined RBG in January 2009, initially joining as an intern. During this internship phase, her roles primarily revolved around handling tax-related matters and client accounting. Her dedication and competence eventually led to a full-time position within the company, marking her transition to the role of a tax staff member, which she assumed in October 2011.

In her capacity at the firm, Rebecca specializes in providing a wide spectrum of services, including tax compliance and consulting. Her niche, however, revolves around serving high-net-worth individuals and families, demonstrating her expertise in this specific area. Rebecca has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting earned from Christian Brothers University for her undergraduate degree, while she pursued a Master of Science in Accounting with a concentration in Tax at the University of Memphis.

Rebecca has cherished almost 12 years of marriage to her husband, Seth. The two are parents of a 9-year-old daughter named Vivian and a 3-year-old son named William. She also maintains close family ties to one brother, one sister, and four nieces, all residing within the Memphis area.

Fun Questions

  1. If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?

Probably cook. I love to make food, but don’t feel like I have time to do real cooking anymore.   

  1. What fictional place would you most like to visit?

Hogwarts!

  1. What is a new skill that you would like to master?

I’d like to learn how to play the guitar.

  1. What do you wish you knew more about?

Other cultures – I love learning about how different people live and how it’s similar/different from me.

  1. What’s the farthest you’ve ever been from home? 

My senior year of high school I traveled to England during Spring Break.

  1. What question would you most like to know the answer to?

Where is the Ark of the Covenant?

  1. What was the best compliment you’ve ever received? 

Probably something relating to my kids being well-behaved. It was likely a lie, but it’s nice to hear as a parent.

  1. What accomplishment are you most proud of? 

Being a mom to two pretty awesome kids.

  1. What is your favorite smell? 

Dinner that someone else is cooking.

  1. If you had a clock that would countdown to any one event of your choosing, what event would you want it to countdown to? 

My daughter getting her driver’s license so I can stop being an unpaid chauffeur.

  1. When was the last time you climbed a tree?

My freshman year of college. I did a high ropes course and we had to climb a tree (using ropes, belay, etc.) to get started.

  1. What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever eaten? 

Crocodile (yes, it tastes like chicken)

  1. What was your first job? 

A hostess at a small Italian restaurant

  1. If you could have any superpower, what would it be? 

Invisibility – I love people watching.

An overworked  business man

How to Organize Your Tax Documents

Since tax time isn’t until next April, organizing your documents right about now might not be top of your 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. You’ll also want to keep jury duty records, income and expenses from a hobby (or side hustle), prizes and awards (monetary), health care reimbursements, as well as alimony you received. If you earned money doing something, keep the receipts and put them in this folder.

Vehicles/Cars

First, make a copy of the state taxes for your vehicles. Even if you don’t own your own business, make sure you keep track of miles driven, parking and tolls. (Of course, if you have a company, you’re already doing this.) Next, keep all your receipts for gas, car washes, maintenance, etc., so you can claim these.

Kids

Be sure to keep receipts for childcare. Why? You can get a credit that will cover up to 35 percent of childcare expenses, or up to $3,000 for a child under 13, or $6,000 for two or more qualifying children. Furthermore, your employer may offer a plan that excludes up to $5,000 from your taxable wages for qualified childcare expenses. In addition to these costs, make sure you keep a record of child and caregiver tax ID numbers and/or Social Security numbers. You’ll need them.

Doctor/Dentist

Keep these receipts for all out-of-pocket procedures. You know there will be some. In fact, if your total annual medical expenses are greater than 7.5 percent of your AGI (adjusted gross income), you can claim the deduction. Hang on to those precious receipts.

Investments

This is an important category. First, make sure you have all the necessary documents for your 401k, IRAs, etc. But that’s not all. Do you have a college fund? Any other investments? If you have any doubt about something, don’t throw it away. Keep it.

Real Estate

Whether you own one home or many, make sure you keep your 1098, which is your mortgage interest statement. Your closing statement, property taxes and home improvement receipts are also important papers to safeguard.

Charities

Did you give to a friend’s kid’s band fund? Give any clothes away to Goodwill? Donate to your alma mater? Wherever you’ve made contributions, document it. It’ll come in handy.

Other

This is the category for the things that don’t fit neatly into any of the above categories. If you have questions about any of your receipts, check out this guide.

Admittedly, keeping track of important tax documents and receipts isn’t the easiest thing to do – or the most fun. But if you designate categories, slow down, and take time to stash important papers away, you’ll be way ahead next spring.

Sources

https://apersonalorganizer.com/tax-documents-checklist/

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/family/sweet-child-of-mine-tax-credits-for-parents/L1DqxZ9mh

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/health-insurance/is-health-insurance-tax-deductible/#:~:text=You%20can%20usually%20deduct%20the,you%20can%20claim%20the%20deduction.

Internet and computer security concept.

Securing Your Identity: The Role of Decentralized Identity Systems in Data Breach Prevention

Data 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 that could include financial losses, reputation damage, and identity theft.

The current identity systems are centralized and have inherent vulnerabilities and limitations. These centralized identity systems involve a central authority, such as a government agency or a corporation, storing and managing individuals’ personal information. This means that if a hacker breaches the central authority’s security, he or she gains access to a vast amount of sensitive data.

Furthermore, since the centralized systems often collect extensive personal information, the practice raises concerns about data privacy. The entities storing user data predominantly control and monetize it, which has led to discomfort and distrust among users.

The centralized systems also create a fragmented user experience. This is because different platforms, such as social media, online retailers, news websites, etc., require users to create accounts. Users then must juggle multiple usernames, passwords and data formats, complicating the digital experience. Businesses also incur high costs associated with ensuring secure systems, the latest infrastructure, and compliance.

How Decentralized Identity Systems Can Help Prevent Data Breaches

Decentralized identity systems are an alternative to centralized identity management. These systems put individuals in control of their own digital identities. The decentralized identity systems are enabled by technologies such as Web3, a concept based on a trust framework for identity management. Web3 evolution has led to decentralized identifiers, and this allows for secure management of user data and authentication through blockchain wallets.

Using blockchain technology ensures the security and immutability of identity data. Once information is added to the blockchain, it cannot be altered or deleted without the user’s consent.

However, they allow users to have control over their identity information. Users choose what data to share and with whom, enhancing privacy and security. There is no need for third parties to verify user identity.

Since users store data on their devices or a location they choose, it eliminates single points of failure. Instead of a centralized authority, identity data is distributed across a decentralized network of nodes. Additionally, these systems use advanced cryptographic keys, allowing only the user to access their data.

Decentralized identity systems are already making an impact in various industries, such as healthcare, financial services, and government services. The security benefits of decentralized identity include:

  • Enhanced Security

Decentralized identity systems offer robust security measures. With data stored on a blockchain, it becomes exceedingly difficult for hackers to breach the system. Even if one node is compromised, the decentralized nature of the network ensures that other nodes maintain the integrity of the data.

  • Privacy Control

Users regain control over their personal information. They decide what data to share and retain the ability to revoke access at any time. This puts an end to excessive data collection by corporations and governments.

  • Reduced Identity Theft and Fraud

Decentralized identity systems make it incredibly challenging for fraudsters to impersonate individuals or access their data. This significantly reduces the risk of identity theft and related fraudulent activities.

  • New Economic Models
    Decentralized identity models can create new economic models where consumers are awarded when they choose to share their data with service providers.

While decentralized identity systems offer promising solutions, they are not without challenges. The widespread adoption of decentralized identity systems presents scalability challenges. Another challenge is usability, as complexity can deter individuals and businesses from embracing this technology. The need for a regulatory framework is another challenge, as it is necessary to address factors related to legal and compliance.

Conclusion

Decentralized identity systems offer hope in an age where data breaches are a constant threat. These systems can revolutionize how users secure their digital identities by putting control back into individuals’ hands. While challenges exist, the benefits of enhanced security, privacy control, and reduced fraud make decentralized identity systems a promising solution in the ongoing battle against data breaches.

Cryptocurrency golden bitcoin coin. Conceptual image for crypto currency, toned

IRS Plans to Use AI and Ramp Up Enforcement on Millionaires, Partnerships and Crypto

Recently, 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 agency plans to designate agents to focus on these high-impact collection cases. A prior campaign resulted in a collection of more than $38 million in tax debt.

High-Income Earners with Foreign Bank Accounts

Another new initiative focusing on high-earning taxpayers includes ramped-up inspection for those who have foreign bank accounts and use them to evade taxes.

By law, every U.S. resident who has a financial interest in or control over a foreign financial account must disclose this information if he or she had $10,000 or more at any point in the year by filing an FBAR.

The IRS conducted an analysis and identified potentially hundreds of taxpayers who should be filing an FBAR and are not, with average balances of more than $1 million. The most egregious cases are planned to be audited in fiscal year 2024.

Partnerships and Corporations

Starting in 2021, the IRS began the initial stages of a new compliance program focusing on complex partnership tax returns. Now, the IRS is set to expand this initiative over more partnerships.

In total, the IRS has plans to open examinations on the 75 biggest U.S. partnerships. “Biggest” means these businesses have on average more than $10 billion in assets; so it’s safe to say small and medium-sized businesses won’t be affected.

Additionally, the IRS will be looking into smaller (but still large) partnerships with more than $10 million in total assets that have balance sheet mismatches. The focus is on partnerships with balance sheet discrepancies where the prior year’s ending balance sheet is not equal to the next year’s opening balance sheet without any explanation. The IRS uses this as a red flag because they have found through full inspections that balance sheet issues are often the proverbial canary in the coal mine for other areas of non-compliance.

Once again, the focus will be on larger partnerships with balance sheet mismatches. The agency plans to send notices to approximately 500 partnerships. Depending on the initial follow-up, an audit may result.

Digital Assets, Including Crypto

The IRS plans to continue its virtual currency compliance campaign, educating taxpayers on the rules, regulations, and reporting obligations surrounding cryptocurrencies. The rules around the taxation of digital assets have evolved in recent years, and more and more taxpayers are invested in these types of assets.

The IRS subpoenaed transaction information from centralized exchanges and found that potentially an estimated 75 percent of taxpayers involved in crypto are non-compliant; some as a form of tax evasion and others simply from ignorance. In any case, the IRS plans to ramp-up digital asset enforcement this coming year.

Artificial Intelligence

Lastly, the IRS is looking to utilize artificial intelligence to help agents do their job more effectively. The IRS is particularly interested in how AI can help flag tax returns for audit in important areas.

The agency plans to invest in the latest analytic solutions that can detect patterns, trends, and activities that are typically linked to tax evasion, thereby freeing up employees to focus on other matters.

Conclusion

Overall, the IRS’s focus is on high-income, tax debt burdened individuals, the largest partnerships, and sizable crypto players. This means that these enforcement campaigns shouldn’t have much of an impact on the average taxpayer. However, the growing use of AI will impact everyone from top to bottom.

Crumpled tax form with financial documents, calculator and notepad on the table. Top view. Business concept.

Common Financial Reporting Mistakes and How to Correct Them

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 the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the first nine months of 2018 saw 8.8 percent more accounting fraud enforcement action cases versus 2017.

Controls are procedures implemented to lower the chance of financial reporting issues. While these mechanisms are meant to prevent an overload of problems, they are not always foolproof. Corporations also are required to show that sufficient financial oversight is in place for financial records and assets by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. There are two types of controls: preventive and detective.

As the name implies, preventive controls are devised to avert mistakes before they happen. Methods include on-going training, worker evaluations, and mandating different layers of authorization for transactions.

Detective methods look at the granular accounting steps. Having internal and external audits performed, and comparing real world activity against what’s been budgeted or forecast are two ways to implement this approach. However, performing account reconciliation where the business’ financial data is compared against third-party documentation can provide near real-time insight into what is actually occurring. This includes analyzing checks and cash the business has collected and documented on their books but that may not be reflected on bank statements. Another factor in the reconciliation process are checks the company has sent out that have not been processed by the business’ vendors, etc.

Since detective controls alert companies to errors after the fact, it is important that they are conducted in a timely manner – daily, monthly, quarterly or annually. If there’s a discrepancy between the company’s ending cash balance and the bank’s monthly statement, there might be differing balances. This can be due to the financial institution’s service fees and checks taken into account by the business that aren’t yet reflected on the financial institution’s statement.  However, other cases of discrepancies could point to signs of fraud. 

According to the University of California Los Angeles, there are many ways to split tasks. Doing this is integral to successful mitigation of errors and unauthorized behavior because it deters the likelihood of multiple workers collaborating. Specifically, when it comes to authorizations, reconciliations and responsibility for the assets, it is a high priority for businesses to break tasks up among multiple workers.

Examples include dividing the duties between opening the mail/preparing a list of checks to review and the individual who deposits the checks. The individual who oversees accounts receivables should be separate from the person who creates a list of checks received. It’s not advisable for a sole employee to initiate, approve, and record a transaction. Similarly, reconciling balances, handling assets, and reviewing reports should not be done by a single employee. A minimum of two individuals should be available to handle any transaction.

While the most diligent accounting professional has made a mistake from time to time, learning how to identify financial reporting mistakes can reduce the likelihood of even rare mistakes being unknowingly shared with others.

Health care costs. Stethoscope and calculator symbol for health care costs or medical insurance

What’s Best, FSA or HSA?

Many employers offer health flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) as part of their employee benefits packages. Both plans allow you to set aside money to pay medical expenses with pre-tax dollars, providing a significant tax benefit. But which is the better option?

Although FSAs are only available through an employer, you may be able to open an HSA on your own if you have an HSA-eligible health plan through work, your spouse’s employer, private insurance, or the insurance marketplace.

How Health Flexible Spending Accounts Work – A Health Flexible Spending Account (FSA, also called a “flexible spending arrangement”) is a special account you put money into that you use to pay for certain out-of-pocket health care costs.

You don’t pay taxes on this money. This means you’ll save an amount equal to the taxes you would have paid on the money you set aside. Employers may make contributions to your FSA, but they aren’t required to. With an FSA, you submit a claim to the FSA (through your employer) with proof of the medical expense and a statement that it hasn’t been covered by your plan. Then, you’ll get reimbursed for your costs.

To learn more about FSAs, contact your employer for details about your company’s FSA, including how to sign up. 

 Facts about Health Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA):

  • The amount you can put into an FSA for 2023 is limited to $3,050 per employer. If you’re married, your spouse can put up to $3,050 in an FSA with their employer too. The amount is indexed for inflation each year.

    You can use funds in your FSA to pay for certain medical and dental expenses for you, your spouse if you’re married, and your dependents.
    • You can spend FSA funds to pay deductibles and copayments but not for insurance premiums.
    • You can spend FSA funds on prescription medications, as well as over-the-counter medicines with a doctor’s prescription. Reimbursements for insulin are allowed without a prescription.
    • FSAs may also be used to cover costs of medical equipment like crutches, supplies such as bandages, and diagnostic devices like blood sugar test kits.

 

You generally must use the money in an FSA within the plan year. But your employer may offer one of 2 options:

  1. It can provide a “grace period” of up to 2-½ extra months to use the money in your FSA.
  2. It can allow you to carry over up to $610 per year (the 2023 inflation-adjusted amount) to use in the following year.

Your employer doesn’t have to offer these options. If it does, it can be either one of these options, but not both.

Don’t put more money in an FSA than you think you’ll spend within a year on things like copayments, coinsurance, drugs, and other allowed health care costs.


Health Savings Account (HSA) – Is a type of savings account that lets you set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for qualified medical expenses. By using untaxed dollars in a Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and some other expenses, you may be able to lower your overall healthcare costs. HSA funds generally may not be used to pay premiums.

While you can use the funds in an HSA at any time to pay for qualified medical expenses, you may contribute to an HSA only if you have a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) — generally a health plan (including a Marketplace plan) that only covers preventive services before the deductible. For plan year 2022, the minimum deductible for an HDHP is $1,500 for an individual and $3,000 for a family. When you view plans in the Marketplace, you can see if they’re “HSA-eligible.”

For 2023, if you have an HDHP, you can contribute up to $3,850 for self-only coverage and up to $7,750 for family coverage into an HSA. HSA funds roll over year to year if you don’t spend them. An HSA may earn interest or other earnings, which are not taxable if used for qualified medical expenses. Some health insurance companies offer HSAs for their HDHPs. Check with your company. You can also open an HSA through some banks and other financial institutions.

Establishing and contributing to an HSA can be more than just a way for individuals to save taxes and gain control over their medical care expenditures. It can also be a retirement vehicle, especially for taxpayers who are maxed out on their other retirement plan options or who can’t contribute to an IRA because of the income limitations. There is no requirement that medical expenses must be paid or reimbursed from the HSA, so a taxpayer can maximize tax-free growth in the account by using funds from other sources to pay routine medical costs. Later, distributions can be used tax-free to pay post-retirement medical expenses. Or, if used for non-medical purposes, an individual aged 65 or older will pay income tax, but not a penalty, on the distribution. Unlike IRAs, no minimum distributions are required to be made from HSAs at any specific age.

FSA and HSA COMPARISONS

DIFFERENCES

FSA

HSA

Funds not used for medical purposes
carry over year to year

Limited

Yes

Contributions are pre-tax

Yes

Yes

Contributions may be tax deductible.

Yes

You must have high-deductible
medical insurance to qualify

No

Yes

The plan is only available through
an employer

Yes

No

Funds can be invested for tax-free
growth

No

Yes

Can be used as a retirement vehicle

No

Yes

Plan belongs to employer

Yes

No


As you can see, an HSA allows larger contributions and retirement options but requires high-deductible medical insurance to qualify. While an FSA is only available if your employer offers an FSA as an employee benefit but only has limited carryover of unused funds.
If you have further questions related to HSAs and FSAs, please give RBG a call.

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Mega Backdoor Roth IRA

The Roth IRA is a retirement savings account in which you invest only after-tax dollars. Subsequently, all earnings grow tax-free and may be withdrawn tax-free. However, there are limits to who can contribute and how much they can contribute to a Roth IRA.

 Federal rules restrict direct contributions to a Roth IRA for high-income earners. In 2023, a single, head of household, or married, filing separately tax filer may contribute up to $6,500 if under age 50; $7,500 if 50 or older. However, if the investor has a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) above $138,000, he is permitted only limited and phased out contributions up to a total annual income of $153,000, above which he cannot contribute to a Roth. Limited contributions for an investor who is married filing jointly begins at $218,000 in annual income and phases out at $228,000.

 However, there is a way to work around these contribution rules using a Roth IRA conversion. To optimize this strategy, investors may be able to conduct a Mega Backdoor conversion from their employer-sponsored retirement plan to a Roth.

 The Mega Backdoor Roth strategy is suitable in a handful of circumstances:

  • When you’ll be able to max out your employer plan contribution
  • When your earned income is too high to contribute to a separate Roth IRA
  • If you can save more than the 401(k) and IRA combined limits in one year

Employer Rules

To deploy this strategy, the investor must check with his retirement plan administrator to ensure that the plan allows for post-tax contributions and in-service distributions. If so, the investor should first max out his income-deferred contributions to the 401(k). In 2023, the maximum 401(k) contribution limit is $22,500; $30,000 if age 50 and older.

 However, he may invest a maximum of $66,000 or $73,500 (age 50 and up) in his 401(k) for the year, which is the combined total for employer and employee contributions. For example, let’s say a 52-year-old employee earns $200,000 and defers 15 percent ($30,000) of his pre-tax income. His employer kicks in another dollar-for-dollar match up to 4 percent of his salary ($8,000). With the deferred total at $38,000, the employee could pitch in another $28,000 in post-tax contributions to his after-tax 401(k) account – to reach the maximum total of $66,000.

 The next step is for the employee to take advantage of in-service distributions by immediately rolling over his contributions from the 401(k) to an in-plan Roth option or a separate Roth IRA – before any earnings accrue (to avoid taxes on earnings).

 Tax Notes

Once the after-tax funds are converted to the Roth IRA, the money grows tax-free, and the investor can withdraw it as tax-free income in retirement. There also is no RMD requirement for Roth IRA funds at any age. However, note that if the funds are converted to an in-plan Roth option, earnings are subject to a penalty if withdrawn before age 59½. If the funds are converted to a separate Roth IRA, tax-free withdrawals are only available penalty-free five years after each corresponding rollover is conducted.

 The Mega Backdoor Roth strategy is appropriate for high earners looking to minimize taxes on both their current income and their long-term retirement investments.

Russ-Headshot

Meet Russell Powers, CPA

Russ joined RBG in 2023 and serves as director of the Financial Institutions team. In this role, he provides assurance and consulting services to financial institutions of all sizes, including community banks, credit unions, and farm credit associations. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Economics along with a Masters in Accounting from Rhodes College in Memphis.

Russ’s wife, Chelsea works in Marketing at FedEx and they have been married for 3 years.  The two have a baby boy, Sully, who turns one in May.  Russ has four younger siblings who all live in Memphis except for his comedian brother, who lives in Chicago.

Fun Questions

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?

Honestly, I would probably still sleep because I love it but maybe a little less and spend some extra time running and playing basketball.

What fictional place would you most like to visit?

The Grizzlies championship parade down Beale Street. 

What is a new skill that you would like to master?

I have taken up golf as an adult and have accepted I will never master it, but I would like to at least get to average.

What do you wish you knew more about?

In another life I may have tried to do something in music.  I have Spotify on all day and love all types of music, but I know very little from a technical standpoint.

What’s the farthest you’ve ever been from home?

I did a Maymester in Antwerp for a month and traveled to Brussels, Reims, Paris, and Amsterdam.  I loved every minute but that is the only time I have ever been out of the country.

What question would you most like to know the answer to?

Probably just everything that did not get answered at the end of Game of Thrones.

What is the most impressive thing you know how to do?

  I used to wakeboard a lot and was never great but could hold my own.

What was the best compliment you’ve ever received?

I play a lot of basketball and anytime someone on the other team tells their teammate that they have to actually guard me I blush a little bit.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am going to have to go with the honest/cheesy answer of being a dad.

What is your favorite smell?

Would definitely have to go with coffee.

If you had a clock that would countdown to any one event of your choosing, what event would you want it to countdown to? 

Probably the start of BBQ Fest. I am a member of team Grill N Grind and look forward to it every year.

When was the last time you climbed a tree?

Probably when I was 25 to jump off the waterfall in Pickwick Lake.  That may be my last time ever as well. 

What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever eaten?

I hate to admit I do not have a good answer for this.. Probably just sushi. 

What was your first job? 

I have a lot of younger siblings and cousins so I would have to say babysitter/chauffeur.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

I think teleporting would be pretty cool.   

Valuation-Methods-for-a-Company-1

Different Ways to Value a Business

When it comes to valuing a business, there are many ways to examine a company’s profitability. Looking at a business’ liquidation value and its breakup value are two of many approaches to see how a company is functioning and how it might run under different management and economic environments.

Liquidation Value

This type of valuation can be defined as the difference between what tangible assets would sell for at auction minus outstanding liabilities. Typically, intangible assets are not considered in this type of valuation. However, if the intangibles along with the physical assets are considered for sale and not sold at auction, it would be considered a business’ “going-concern value.” Examples of intangibles include goodwill, brand recognition, patents, etc.

There are many considerations when exploring liquidation value. Generally speaking, the liquidation value is more than salvage value but less than book value. When a company is going out of business and assets are auctioned off, proceeds will normally be valued below the asset’s historical cost. Historical cost refers to how assets are reported on the balance sheet. However, if the market assesses assets lower in value compared to business use, it could be lower than book value.

Here is an example of how liquidation value can be calculated. Say a business has liabilities of $1.1 million. Based on the balance sheet, the book (or historical) value of assets is $2 million; and assets have a salvage value of $100,000. If the value of selling the business’ assets via auction is projected to be $0.80 per dollar, it could be expressed as follows:

$1.6 million (assets sold at auction at $0.80 per dollar) – $1.1 million (liabilities) = $500,000 (Liquidation Value)

Breakup Value

Also known as “the sum-of-parts value,” the breakup value determines the worth of a corporation’s individual segments if they were operating independently. Investors might pressure the company to spin off one or more segments into a separate publicly traded company to maximize its value.  

For each operating unit, the first step involves determining the segment’s cash flow, revenue and earnings. Such valuations can be benchmarked to publicly traded industry peers to determine comparative value of the business segment in question.

Financial ratios, including price-to-earnings (P/E) or price to free cash flow, are examples of starting points that analysts use to compare segmented business lines to industry peers to determine if it’s trading at below fair value, fair value or above fair value.

For example, if the P/E ratio of the company being analyzed is lower than its peers, it could mean the company is cheaper, or trading below fair value on an earnings basis. Though a more thorough financial analysis and assessment of macroeconomics is recommended, such as interest rates, inflation, etc., analysts could make an educated projection on how future earnings may or may not hold up in the future, compared to the business segment’s snapshot valuation.

Another way to evaluate is via discounted cash flows (DCF). This shows the segment’s future free cash flow projections through a discount rate, generally the weighted average cost of capital (WACC). The formula arrives at the present value of the business segment’s future cash flows. The following DCF example can tell the expected profitability and how to treat it going forward as part of the business:

Assume the company’s WACC is 10 percent; the amount invested is $5 million; it will last three years; and the annual estimated cash flows are as follows:

Cash Flow                           Discounted Cash Flow

Year 1: $2 million             $1,818,181.82

Year 2: $4 million             $3,305,785.12

Year 3: $6 million             $4,507,888.81

Compared to the amount invested of $5 million for the business’ selected business segment, the discounted cash flows for the project are $9,631.855.75. This could give an indication of how the business line might do if it’s spun off or how its performance will impact other lines of the business financially.

While valuation is subjective, especially in periods of volatile inflation and interest rate conditions, the more points of valuation analysis that occur, the better the chances that valuations will turn out to be correct.

TAX TIPS. text on white notepad paper on white background. near the table clock

6 Tax Tips for 2023

It’s that time of year again: tax time. And while many of your money-saving options might be limited after Dec. 31, there’s still a lot you can do to help lower your taxes, save money and avoid penalties. Here’s a quick snapshot.

Contribute to Your Retirement Accounts

Yes, doing this will help lower your tax bill. So, if you haven’t already maxed out your contribution for 2022, you can still do so up until April 18 for a traditional IRA (deductible or not), and a Roth IRA. If you have a Keogh or Simplified Employment Pension Plan (SEP), you can apply for a tax filing extension until Oct. 16; however, it’s best not to wait that long to contribute to those plans so you begin tax-free compounding. Plus, when you make a deductible contribution, your money will compound tax deferred. For instance, if you put away $5,000 a year for 20 years with an annual return of 8 percent, your $100,000 in contributions will grow to more than $250,000. Do you see these numbers? Gotta love this.

File a Form 2210

So last year, if you had an income windfall that arrived after Aug. 31, 2022, and you think you might owe taxes on it, you can file what is called an Underpayment of Estimated Tax. It will help annualize your estimated tax liability and possibly reduce any extra charges. That said, don’t try to pay too much. It’s better to owe the government than to expect a refund. As we all know, the IRS doesn’t give you any interest when they borrow money from you.

Itemize Your Deductions

While it’s so much easier to take the standard deduction, you could save a boatload when you do this, especially if you’re self-employed, own a home or live in a high-tax area. Here are couple ways to figure out if this option is right for you.

  • When your qualified expenses add up to more than the 2022 standard deduction of $12,950 if you’re single and $25,900 if you’re married.
  • If the portion of your medical expenses exceeds 7.5 percent of your 2022 adjusted gross income.

Take that Home Office Deduction

Good news: eligibility rules for claiming your home office deduction have been loosened, so for small business owners this is huge. And the rules apply even when you don’t have clients visit you in your office space. Here’s what you can write off:

  • Rent or mortgage interest
  • Utilities
  • Insurance
  • Repairs or maintenance
  • Depreciation
  • Housekeeping

Note: The percentage of these costs that are deductible are based on the square footage of your office within the context of the total area in your home.

Provide Dependent Taxpayer IDs

Don’t forget to enter Taxpayer Identification Numbers (usually Social Security numbers) for your children or other dependents. If you fail to do this, the IRS will deny you these important credits that might rightfully be yours, such as the Child Tax Credit. However, you’ll want to be careful if you’re divorced. Only oneof you can claim your kids as dependents. If you and your ex both claim your child, your return process will be detoured and they’ll be contacting you for more information. If you’re a new parent, be sure to get your child’s Social Security card as soon as you can so you’ll have it ready at tax time.

Consult a Professional

If you feel you need help or if your numbers aren’t where you’d like them to be, get in touch with your trusted tax specialist. You might be missing some critical info in your return that could help lower your tax obligation.

Taxes are a necessary part of life in the United States, so make sure you have all the right tools when diving in. When you’re well-equipped, chances are this process won’t be as much of a chore.

Sources

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/how-small-business-owners-can-deduct-their-home-office-from-their-taxes#:~:text=The%20home%20office%20deduction%2C%20calculated,%2C%20maintenance%2C%20depreciation%20and%20rent

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/tax-planning-and-checklists/tax-tips-after-january-1st/L8fY6OyFl