The Whitlock Company, CPAs and Consultants, Springfield Missouri

Sometimes there can be a silver lining in a down economy, but you have to be paying attention to see them. Here are some ideas that should capture your attention.

The second quarter of 2009 saw significant federal tax developments from the White House, Congress and the IRS. Many of the developments relate to temporary tax breaks in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (2009 Recovery Act), which Congress passed in February to help stimulate the U.S. economy. Additionally, important guidance for individuals, businesses and pension plans also came from the IRS. This article describes some of federal tax developments that occurred during the second quarter of 2009.

Health care reform continues to elude Congress as lawmakers struggle to find ways to pay for its estimated $1 trillion cost. The House is poised to pass a massive health reform bill, America’s Affordable Health Choices Act (H.R. 3200), which includes a surcharge on higher income individuals. The Senate, however, is unlikely to pass its version of health care reform before Congress’ August recess. A final bill is not expected to pass Congress until the fall or maybe later.

Changes Are Substantial
While the Internal Revenue Service and Department of Labor have collectively spent a considerable amount of time and effort overseeing the compliance of the rules governing 401(k) retirement plans, they have spent very little time, up until now, examining the ways tax-exempt organizations operate their 403(b) retirement plans.  This has all changed following [...]

Many unemployed individuals want to keep their former employer-provided health insurance but the cost is too high. To help pay for COBRA continuation coverage, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (2009 Recovery Act) provides a temporary subsidy. COBRA premium assistance is available for individuals who are involuntarily terminated from employment between September 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009.

CCH recently published their Tax Briefing on the Obama Administrations “Green Book” of tax proposals.

The Obama administration released much-anticipated details about its proposed tax cuts and revenue raisers on May 11. The Treasury Department’s General Explanations of the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2010 Revenue Proposals (also known as the “Green Book”) describes the administration’s tax agenda.

Individuals who have been “involuntarily terminated” from employment may be eligible for a temporary subsidy to help pay for COBRA continuation coverage. The temporary assistance is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (2009 Recovery Act), and is aimed at helping individuals who have lost their jobs in our troubled economy. However, [...]

Many businesses are foregoing salary increases this year because of the economic downturn. How does a business find and retain employees, as well as keep up morale, in the face of this reality? The combined use of fringe benefits and the tax law can help. Some attractive fringe benefits may be provided tax-free to employees and at little cost to employers

The Internal Revenue Service has issued guidance to clarify the COBRA benefits offered under the recently passed stimulus bill.