Blog
A Business Owner’s Introduction to Cost Segregation Studies
The first few years of business can be the most challenging — money is typically tight, you’re just getting the word out, and you’re up against competition that has likely been in the market for a while now. In fact, research shows that less than 80% of small businesses make it longer than a year, […]
What Happens When You Don’t Have a Will and Power of Attorney?
Do you have a will and power of attorney? If not, you’re not alone. According to recent research, at least 68% of Americans do not have a will yet, with nearly 71.6% of those who do, having one that is not fully up-to-date. AARP adds that only slightly more than half of U.S. adults have […]
4 Ways Tax Advisors Help You Save Money
No one likes thinking about tax season. Between the paperwork and the payment of your hard-earned money, it’s no wonder that many people put off tax filing until the last moment. While it may feel that delaying the inevitable will save you time, it certainly won’t save you money. In fact, if you’re among the […]
What Is Land Depreciation, and How Can You Take Advantage of it?
Many small business owners struggle with balancing their books. Yet, from mom and pop stores to the trendiest tech startups, getting the numbers right is what guarantees business survival. The Small Business Agency estimates that about 30 percent of small enterprise failures arise out of cash flow problems. However, with proper accounting practices, it is […]
Keep Your Financial House Organized With an Estate Planning Firm
For many, the phrase “estate planning” evokes images of sprawling mansions and accountants hunched over a computer. For this reason, you might think that this essential preparation process doesn’t apply to you or your family. You might even be under the impression that you don’t need an estate plan at all. On the contrary, estate […]
QuickBooks for Small Business in 2022
By now, QuickBooks has quickly become the ‘must-have’ accounting software for most small business owners. It’s not only highly-rated but highly efficient. Small business owners can count on it for managing invoices, tracking cash flows, paying bills, and more. In fact, Investopedia ranks QuickBooks as the ‘Best Overall’ accounting software for small businesses, citing that […]
WEBINAR – 2021 Q3 Market Update
Jared Faltys and Clint Weeder provide an update on the current status of the market. The question, “Why invest in international stock?”, is also answered. Recorded 11/11/2021.
Tax Filing 101: Filing Self-Employment Taxes
As tax season rolls around, a large portion of the Norfolk population may find it challenging to complete their taxes properly. This becomes especially true as more people venture out of the traditional workforce and into self-employment, taking on more complex filing. Of the nearly 25,000 people living in Norfolk, Nebraska, at least 6.5% (or […]
Improve Your HVAC Business With Productivity Consulting
The most important step you can take towards business growth is increasing productivity in your HVAC business and preparing for the future. There are a lot of moving parts in the HVAC industry, from the start of a job to its finish. If time isn’t spent wisely, there’s a lot of room for missed opportunities. […]
WEBINAR – 10/22/21 MARKET UPDATE – THIRD QUARTER REPORT
Dimensional Fund Advisors Vice President, Apollo Lupescu, PhD and Jared Faltys, CPA/PFS provide a current market update. Recorded October 22, 2021.
Buy-Sell Agreement Overview: Why Your Business Should Have One
Every small business that hopes to extend its legacy needs to consider a buy-sell agreement. A buy-sell agreement will ensure you can protect the continuity of your business if anything happens to you or another shareholder, like disability or death. This kind of agreement removes any ambiguity in the succession plan and the owners’ exit […]
Purchasing a Farm: Land Depreciation vs. Amortization
Purchasing a farm may seem like a good investment opportunity. However, with further analysis, the net return is often much lower than anticipated. This typically happens because investors also view agricultural land as a stable investment. Not to worry — there are ways to immediately improve the ROI on the land through potential tax benefits. […]
3 Mistakes a College Planning Consultant Helps You Avoid
When looking for ways to protect your finances while still ensuring your children receive the best education possible, there’s no better place to start than with a college planning consultant. The truth is, there’s nothing more important than being prepared and planning for your child’s future — especially today as tuition reaches new heights. A […]
A Complete 10-Step Year-End Tax Planning Checklist for Your Small Business
The approaching year-end signals the time to start preparing for tax season. Tax preparation and planning allow small businesses to stay ahead of the demands of tax season. For many of these businesses, year-end tax planning may be overwhelming and challenging, tempting you to procrastinate on the work that needs to be done. However, doing […]
Business Valuation Methods for Optometrist Practices
“What is my optometrist practice worth?” This is a question we get frequently from the medical community, and optometrists are no different. Today and in the near future, there are a large number of professionals retiring nationwide who are curious about the worth of their business. The unfortunate part is that most optometrists don’t know […]
How Will the Proposed Biden Tax Plan Affect Nebraska Business Owners?
As a small business owner, you have spent countless days worrying about your business as you grow it from the ground up. You’ve also likely faced the devastating effects of COVID-19 for almost two years now. As you focus your time and energy on growing your revenues, growing a team, and working on your personal […]
What Does Rising Inflation Really Mean for Consumers?
Chances are, you’ve been worrying about the potential for rising inflation since the pandemic — and what this means for your purchasing power. This may also have you wondering where you should put your money, and you’re not the only one. The truth is, rising inflation is here, and small businesses everywhere are asking for […]
Inflation Concerns Webinar
Business Valuation Services: Why You Need to Know Your Value?
The COVID-19 pandemic, uncertain market conditions, and potential tax law changes continue to impact small business owners and their families nationwide, and our community is no different. It has left many owners unsure of what the future may hold for their business and what planning they should consider to keep their business viable for years […]
5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Personal Financial Specialist
As a business owner, if you are considering partnering with a personal financial specialist (PFS), you are on the road to mastering your financial future. You may have reached a position in your small business where you have accumulated enough assets and feel the need to work with an expert. And most importantly, you want […]
5 Compelling Reasons Why Small Businesses Need a CPA
Many small businesses lack the capacity and the financial muscle to manage specific functions effectively. Preparation of financial statements and complying with the federal tax laws are among the most challenging functions that can put small businesses at risk.As a business owner, do you find yourself wondering if your business is maximizing profit? Do you […]
WEBINAR – 7/22/21 MARKET UPDATE – HALFTIME MARKET REPORT
Dimensional Fund Advisors Vice President, Apollo Lupescu, PhD and Jared Faltys, CPA/PFS provide a current market update. Questions from the audience we answered afterwards.
Child Tax Credit
Recently, there were changes made to the child tax credit that will benefit many taxpayers. As part of the American Rescue Plan Act that was enacted in March 2021, the child tax credit: Amount has increased for certain taxpayers Is fully refundable (meaning you can receive it even if you don’t owe the IRS) May […]
Be Prepared
Natural and human-made disasters can strike anywhere and anytime. Here are ways your business can be prepared. Identify all your risks. Hurricanes, floods and wildfires may be on your list. But consider prolonged power outages and cyber threats. Develop an emergency plan, communicate employees’ responsibilities and have alternate locations where you can work. Design a […]
Valuing Your Business
Knowing how much your business is worth can do more than figure out how much money you can get when you sell it. Creating an accurate valuation is part of an ongoing business strategy. COMPARING AND PROJECTING Think of a business valuation as an appraisal, which is generally created by analyzing a company’s tangible and […]
Professional Financial Designations
When it comes to managing your personal finances, you need the right financial professional on your team. Knowing the differences between the various professional designations will help. CPA (Certified Public Accountant): One of the more widely recognized certifications. These professionals are tax and accounting specialists who can help with reducing taxes, preparing tax returns, and […]
Big Changes to Child Tax Credit
The American Rescue Plan Act, signed into law in March 2021, made significant changes to the child tax credit for 2021 only — unless Congress extends these changes. OLDER CHILDREN COVERED The tax credit now includes children who are age 17 as of December 31, 2021. INCREASED AMOUNT The credit amount increased from $2,000 to […]
Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF)
Applications are now open for restaurants and other eligible businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19. The Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) was established under the American Rescue Plan Act and provides up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location for pandemic-related revenue loss. Businesses will not have to […]
Understanding Interest Rates
From a mortgage to credit cards, interest rates affect nearly everyone’s budget. Understanding how interest rates are set and how your credit score affects the rate you receive can show you ways to potentially pay less. HOW RATES ARE SET The twelve Fed members of the Federal Open Market Committee set the federal funds rate. […]
Reminder of Special Tax Breaks
The December 2020 stimulus package provided a few noteworthy tax breaks for companies. A temporary tax break for 2021 and 2022 allows businesses to deduct 100% of business meals eaten at a restaurant, up from the usual 50%. For businesses hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Employee Retention Tax Credit is available for the […]
Tax Benefits for Education
The IRS provides numerous tax breaks for higher education expenses. Tax credits and tax-deferred savings plans take some of the sting out of paying for college. TAX CREDITS The American Opportunity Tax Credit is available to students in the first four years of higher education. Using this credit can offset up to $2,500 of qualified […]
Tax Deadline Updates!
Details on the extensions issued by the IRS: • There has been a 30 day extension (to May 17th, 2021) to file your federal income tax return and to pay your balance due for the 2020 tax year.• There has been a 30 day extension (to May 17th, 2021) to file your Nebraska state income […]
American Rescue Plan Act signed—a quick look
President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act today, March 11th, 2021. Among the act’s many provisions there are several tax related items to pass along. Here is a look at the key tax provisions that may affect you: Unemployment benefits The act makes the first $10,200 in unemployment benefits tax-free in 2020 for taxpayers […]
COVID Stimulus programs recap—does your organization qualify?
With the COVID relief package passed in late December, many are still reviewing the rules to see if they qualify. There were numerous changes retroactive to the beginning of the CARES Act (March 2020) and many new changes going forward in 2021 which has made this new bill cumbersome to navigate. Based on the rules […]
What you can do now to prepare for round two PPP loan applications
List of items to consider: First, figure out if you are eligible to apply: Run quarterly income statements for 2019 and 2020. Companies demonstrating a 25% or more reduction in gross receipts in any quarter in 2020 as compared to the same quarter in 2019 are eligible to apply. Special rules apply to new businesses […]
Update to original Paycheck Protection Program loan rules
An eligible recipient may have a PPP loan forgiven in an amount equal to the sum of the following costs incurred and payments made during the covered period: (1) payroll costs; (2) interest (but not principal) payments on any covered mortgage obligation (for mortgages in place before Feb. 15, 2020); (3) any payment for any […]
CAA, 2021 changes to Paycheck Protection Program second draw
At the end of 2020, Congress passed, and President Trump signed, a new law that provides for additional relief related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This law, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA, 2021), includes a second draw of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans (PPP Second Draw Loans). It also allows businesses to deduct ordinary […]
2020 COVID relief bill provisions affecting individual taxpayers
Here is an overview of key provisions in the recent COVID relief legislation that affect individuals. The legislation is the COVID-related Tax Relief Act of 2020 (the “Act” or COVIDTRA) and the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020 (TCDTR), both of which are part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. RECOVERY REBATE/ECONOMIC […]
Additional 2020 economic impact payments
You’ve probably heard that IRS will be making millions of ”economic impact payments” (also called ”recovery rebates”) in the near future to help people stay afloat during this time of economic uncertainty related to the COVID-19 crisis. These payments are in addition to the $1,200 payments ($2,400 for married couples) issued earlier in 2020. Here’s […]
New law’s tax provisions that affect businesses
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (the CAA, 2021), signed into law on December 27, 2020, is a further legislative response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The CAA, 2021 include–along with spending and other non-tax provisions and tax provisions primarily affecting individuals–the numerous business tax provisions briefly summarized below. The provisions are found in two of […]
Deductibility of business meals provided by restaurants in 2021 and 2022
You’ve probably heard that the recent stimulus legislation included a provision that removes the 50% limit on deducting business meals provided by restaurants in 2021 and 2022 and makes those meals fully deductible. Here are the details. In general, the ordinary and necessary food and beverage expenses of operating your business are deductible. However, the […]
What you need to know: Key highlights of the latest COVID-19 legislation passed by Congress.
We will continue to update you as more information becomes available. IMPORTANT NEWS ON THE LATEST COVID-19 LEGISLATION PASSED BY CONGRESSCongress just passed a $900 billion COVID-19 relief bill as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. The bill has not been signed into law yet, but we wanted to provide you with some of the […]
IRS Finally Rules on PPP Expense Deduction
The IRS has issued Revenue Ruling 2020-27 which denies any taxpayer the ability to deduct expenses that have been forgiven under the PPP loan program in 2020. This is also true if you wait until 2021 to ask for forgiveness. This follows the past IRS’s logic that expenses related to tax-exempt income are not deductible. This […]
WEBINAR – 2020 Year End Tax Planning
McMill CPAs & Advisors, Andrew Steffensmeier and Clint Weeder, discuss tax planning strategies to wrap up tax year 2020 and begin 2021. Key Topics Individual tax planning Retirement and estate planning Business tax planning Covid-19 legislation CARES Act Payroll Protection Program (PPP) Status of new stimulus legislation Q&A
Nebraska is Offering New Grant Programs – Applications Open 10/21
SECOND ROUND OF GRANTS AVAILABLE TO NEBRASKANS! APPLICATIONS OPEN AT 10 AM WEDNESDAY 10/21 APPLY HERE The Governor announced that Nebraska will award a second round of grants to use remaining funds from the states coronavirus relief grant. This round of grants will be offered to a larger variety of groups, including small businesses, farmers, […]
Market Update Webinar – VIEW RECORDING NOW!
Dimensional Fund Advisors Vice President, Apollo Lupescu, PhD and Jared Faltys, CPA/PFS have a round table on the current status of the economy and the market, including perspectives on election implications. During a year of COVID and an election, many people may be feeling a variety of emotions. Any time you make emotional decisions, they […]
FAFSA for 2021-2022 Academic Year Opens on October 1
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for the 2021-2022 year opens on October 1, 2020. The FAFSA is a prerequisite for federal student loans, grants, and work-study. In addition, colleges typically require the FAFSA before distributing their own need-based aid and, in some cases, merit-based aid. Students must submit the FAFSA every year to […]
ImagiNE Nebraska Act
Is expansion in the future for your business located within the State of Nebraska? Nebraska passed LB 1107 ImagiNE Nebraska Act on August 17, 2020 to help businesses grow their workforce and/or invest major funds into buildings or equipment. This incentive program will replace the 2005 Nebraska Advantage Act which is currently in place. There […]
Payroll tax holiday for employees—pros and cons for the business owner
In response to the stalemate, on August 8, the president signed four executive actions including the presidential memorandum to allow employees to defer certain payroll tax obligations. The memorandum directs the Treasury Secretary to use his authority to defer the withholding, deposit and payment of employees’ 6.2% Social Security tax for wages or compensation paid […]
Clint Weeder is Recognized as a 40 Under Forty Honoree
McMill CPAs & Advisors is pleased to announce that Clint Weeder has been recognized as a 2020 “40 Under Forty” honoree by the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA). The 40 Under Forty program recognizes emerging leaders for their past accomplishments and their contributions yet to come. Clint is a shareholder at McMill […]
Special Edition Lemonade Camp 2020!
McMill CPAs & Advisors is proud to announce the success of Lemonade Camp 2020! We are thankful for the community support of our two lemonade stand finalists who collectively raised over $1,400 for their selected charities, Christ Lutheran School and the Animal Shelter of Northeast Nebraska. Both lemonade stands will also have a portion of […]
IRS Backlog & Possible Incorrect Late Payment Notices
Did you receive a letter from the IRS with a late payment notice? You are not alone. The IRS has begun mailing backlogged letters and notices as it returns to normal operations. Many of these are being mailed with past due payment or response dates due to IRS delays. We are finding many of these notices […]
VIDEO – David Booth on Value and Values
David Booth, Dimensional Executive Chairman and Founder, on Value and Values. History shows that you can’t time stock returns. To capture the market’s historical premiums, you have to be patient. dimensional.com
Important Reminder about Applying for COVID-19 Grants
DED Issues Important Reminder about Applying for COVID-19 Grants for Small Businesses, Livestock Producers There are two major steps to completing an application. After filling out an online eligibility form, those who are eligible will receive a confirmation email containing a confirmation number and a link to the full application. You are not finished applying […]
Apply Now! Grant Available for Small Businesses & Livestock Producers
Nebraska Small Business Stabilization (SBS) Grant for Small Businesses & Livestock Producers –The DED is Now Accepting Applications!The SBS Grant allocates working capital to help cover operating expenses. This will enable small businesses and livestock producers to get back on their feet and back to profitability. *FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED* Steps to Complete: Complete the eligibility […]
Four New COVID-19 Relief Grants
These four new grants are designed to provide assistance to individuals, families and businesses who have been economically impacted by COVID-19. May 27, 2020, Governor Pete Ricketts announced the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) will co-administer four new State grant programs — utilizing $392 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) […]
Nebraska Personal Property Tax Penalty & Interest Waiver
Personal property tax returns normally due May 1st have been extended to July 15th if you want to be allowed the $10,000 exemption. Any returns filed after that time but by December 31, 2020 will forfeit the exemption but will not be assessed the late filing penalty. Interest will start to accrue starting July 16th […]
Coronavirus: What to Do if You’re Out of Work
Coronavirus—aka COVID-19. It has flooded our social media, nightly news, and has even made its way into some of our communities. It goes without saying that this thing has created mass hysteria and panic across the globe. But if you’re looking for that here—you won’t find it. We haven’t lost our hope, and you shouldn’t […]
A Message of Hope Series: Dave Ramsey, Rachel Cruze and Ken Coleman
Hope is greater than fear. Join bestselling authors Dave Ramsey, Rachel Cruze and Ken Coleman as they give super practical, super clear advice on what you need to do with your money and career right now.
Nebraska Chamber on Unemployment Options
The Nebraska Chamber hosts Nebraska Department of Labor Commissioner John Albin & General Counsel Katie Thurber for a briefing on Nebraska’s unemployment programs during the coronavirus outbreak. Tuesday, March 24, 2020 3:30 p.m. CDT
Ricketts extends tax filing deadline, praises crowd compliance
Gov. Pete Ricketts announced Monday that Nebraska’s state income tax filing deadline would be moved from April 15 to July 15, matching the three-month federal extension already granted by the Internal Revenue Service. But the governor urged Nebraskans who have not been significantly impacted by the economic fallout resulting from the spread of the coronavirus […]
Tax Filing Deadline Update
Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced that the April 15th tax filing deadline will be extended to July 15th. This extension applies to federal income tax only. Nebraska has not extended filing or payment deadlines at this time. The tax payment extension applies to federal tax due with 2019 tax returns, plus 2020 first quarter tax payments. […]
Tax Deadline & Market Update
TAX DEADLINE (3/18/20) Details on the payment extension issued by the IRS: ● April 15th, 2020 remains the deadline for filing taxes. UPDATE 11:30am 3/20/20: The Treasury Secretary recently announced the federal filing date will be July 15th, 2020. ● There has been a 90 day extension (to July 15th, 2020) for all federal payments […]
Stock Market Corrections
The average decline for stock market corrections is about 13.7% and they last around four months- unless, of course, they become bear markets, characterized by a dip of 20% or more .-CNBC, February 27, 2020
TAX EXTENDERS AND DISASTER TAX RELIEF
Congress passed and the President signed the Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act. Here are a few of the extenders that may affect you: If you have canceled debt that is also qualified principal residence indebtedness, you may be able to exclude that canceled debt from income. This provision had expired in 2017, but has […]
Tax Tips For Individuals
With time left before the April filing deadline, it makes good financial sense to recheck for don’t miss deductions and credits that can lower your tax bill. One caveat: You will have to choose between taking the standard deduction and itemizing individual deductions. BIG BREAKS One big break is the adoption tax credit, which is […]
McMill Tax Letter
October 16, 2019 To Our Clients and Friends: With year-end approaching, now’s the time to take steps to cut your 2019 tax bill. Here are some relatively foolproof year-end tax planning strategies to consider, assuming next year’s general election doesn’t result in retroactive tax changes that could affect your 2020 tax year. Year-end Planning Moves […]
Amazon Stock
On January 30th, Amazon’s stock rose 12% in a matter of minutes, and that increase added $110 billion to the market value of the company. By comparison, UPS’s entire market cap is $93 billion.-Bloomberg, January 30, 2020
Business Owners Resolve To Become More Competitive
Business owners typically have little time for planning. However, making that time during this New Year — and new decade — can help most businesses become more competitive now and in the future. PLAN YOUR SUCCESSION Whether you plan to eventually sell your business to strangers or pass it down to the next generation, succession […]
You, Your Retirement, and the SECURE Act
You may have missed the news – buried in a much bigger spending bill, and passed in the thick of the holiday season. But after months of nearly bringing it to the finish line, it’s now official: On Friday, December 20, 2019, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act was signed into […]
2020 Tax Brackets, Deductions, Plus More
Beginning on Jan. 1, 2020, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has new annual inflation adjustments for tax rates, brackets, deductions and retirement contribution limits. Note, the amounts below do not impact the tax filing you make in 2020 for the tax year 2019. These amounts apply to your 2020 taxes that you will file in 2021. […]
Resolve To Become More Financially Secure
Many people make resolutions to coincide with the advent of the New Year, including becoming more financially secure. If you want to improve your financial outlook, now is a good time to take steps to achieve this goal. TAP THE EXPERTS You go to a doctor for medical care and a mechanic to fix your […]
Lacking Confidence
Few employers are “very confident” their employees are on the way to becoming retirement-secure, according to the report, “Employers: The Retirement Security Challenge,” from the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies. Only 17% of employers felt very confident, which lined up with 18% of employees who felt the same. About 23% of employers were not too […]
There’s Still Time
Individuals have a few tax breaks to explore. The IRS disallows many deductions if you take the standard deduction, but not all, for 2019. For example, you can deduct some expenses related to self-employment if you’re self-employed. Student loan interest and college tuition and fees may also be deductible. Talk to your tax professional to […]
Tax-Loss Harvesting
If investments you sold in 2019 lost money, you may find some solace in the IRS tax code. You can deduct certain losses from your taxable income – called tax-loss harvesting – when you understand the rules. Here they are briefly: TERMS DEFINED For starters, the IRS has separate tax rates for long-term investments – […]
2020 W-4 Update
On Dec. 5, the IRS released the long-awaited final version of the 2020 Form W-4, retitled Employee’s Withholding Certificate, with major revisions designed to make accurate income tax withholding easier for employees starting next year. All new employees hired as of Jan. 1, 2020, must complete the new form. Current employees are not required to […]
NEW IRS INDEXED LIMITS FOR 2020
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced that employees in 401(k) plans will be able to contribute up to $19,500 next year. The IRS announced this and other changes in Notice 2019-59 (PDF), posted today on IRS.gov. This guidance provides cost of living adjustments affecting dollar limitations for pension plans and other retirement-related items […]
Five Ways to Get Your Financial House in Order in 2020
As the end of the year draws near, many families think they have a sound “financial plan” because they own investments or have established a saving strategy for retirement. This is a good start but it’s incomplete. There are many components to ensuring your financial future and getting your “house in order” is the first […]
Update from McMill Wealth Regarding TD Ameritrade
It was confirmed that Charles Schwab and TD Ameritrade are combining (11/25/19). This has no bearing on our firm and we will still manage the accounts in the same manner we previously have. We have had a relationship with both firms for a long period of time and will evaluate possible changes to make sure […]