New basis-consistency requirements make defensible valuations even more important.
Bonus depreciation safe-harbor rules for vehicles issued
Rev. Proc. 2019-13 allows a deduction in succeeding years of excess unrecovered basis remaining after the Sec. 280F first-year limitation.
Firms selected to co-sponsor scholarship and internship program focused on diversity
Each firm will co-sponsor one student for an internship during the 2020 tax season (January–April). The AICPA will then award up to $20,000 per student to assist with tuition in his or her final academic year.
New audit disclosures
Complying with the new PCAOB auditor’s reporting standard requires careful consideration of the most challenging matters in a public company audit.
A dozen Excel time-savers
I’ve compiled a list of a dozen Excel tricks that will help any CPA become more efficient and effective.
The meaning of qualified W-2 wages under Sec. 199A
Determine the best method for computing “total W-2 wages” for purposes of the Sec. 199A qualified business income deduction.
Scholarships aid 20 incoming freshmen pursuing careers in accounting
Twenty students received the second annual AICPA Foundation High School Scholarship for incoming college freshmen planning to pursue careers in the accounting profession.
FASB alters accounting for episodic TV series
The change is a response to the popularity of online streaming services.
Optimizing residential real estate deductions
The new Sec. 199A safe harbor and tangible property regulations offer ways for landlords to reduce taxable income from rentals.
Discovering a better answer
Meet Bill Reeb, CPA/CITP, CGMA, the AICPA’s 2019–2020 chair.
FASB proposes guidance for measuring share-based payments to customers
The change is intended to reduce confusion after a 2018 update.
Software offers ‘Fresh’ approach to small business invoicing
FreshBooks is a basic bookkeeping software package that specializes in providing invoices for very small businesses and freelancers. Launched in 2004, FreshBooks today offers cloud-based bookkeeping tools to manage invoices, payments, and expenses, and also to provide minimal time management.
GASB issues proposed lease accounting implementation guide
GASB issued a proposed implementation guide that is designed to help state and local governments understand the board’s new standard on lease accounting.
Developing your own specialized niche practice
CPA firms can establish a competitive advantage for themselves by concentrating on one type of client and developing deep expertise in a certain area.
Providing services to cannabis clients
CPAs should understand the unique risks associated with clients in the cannabis industry and formulate strategies to mitigate those risks.
IAASB aims to enhance engagement quality reviews
Changes would affect eligibility criteria and reviewer performance.
Lewis recognized for Tax Division contributions
Troy K. Lewis received the Tax Division Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contributions to the division.
PCAOB strengthens rules for auditing estimates, supervising specialists
A new standard emphasizes professional skepticism.
IRS clarifies new qualified equity grants
Income recognition from exercise or settlement of employer stock options and RSUs may be deferred for up to five years.
Young CPAs receive Standing Ovation in FVS
Twenty-six young CPAs were recognized through the Forensic and Valuation Services (FVS) Standing Ovation program for significant contributions in their accounting specialty areas and in their communities.
Features
FROM THIS MONTH'S ISSUE
How a CPA beat burnout after strokes, depression
Get ready for tax season with the JofA’s annual filing season quick guide, an easy-to-use compilation of dollar thresholds, tax tables, standard amounts, credits, and deductions. Download and print for quick reference this tax season.
