Latest Industry Insights

• 09.11.2018

  Podcast,

  Private Equity 360: Research & Development (R …

  Bob Woosley, National Private Equity Leader discusses R&D tax credits with Tommy Zavieh, National R&D Tax Credit Practice Leader. Topics include the history of R&D tax credits, the qualifications, benefits and why you need a R&D tax c

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• 09.06.2018

  Podcast,

  Culture of Compliance: Utilizing Cybersecurity in …

  Sabrina Serafin interviews Jack Healey, CEO of Bear Hill Advisory Group. His firm provides strategic planning and crisis management services. Topics include, Cybersecurity in relation to other business management Common misconceptions of cybersecurit

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• 08.14.2018

  Tax,

  Sales Tax Planning: What You Need to Know about th …

  For internet retailers, the June 21 U.S. Supreme Court ruling on South Dakota v. Wayfair has significant implications, including the added burden of sales tax compliance. As a result of this ruling, many internet shoppers will notice their favorite r

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• 08.14.2018

  2018 Tax Law,

  New Rules for Passthroughs Ease Concerns, Allow Ag …

  One of the more complex areas of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) is the 20% deduction for the “qualified business income” of sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, and S corporations. While the deduction is an important tax break for...

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• 08.07.2018

  Georgia State Tax, Tax Incentives,

  R&D Tax Credits: Georgia Makes a Good Deal Ev …

  In order to encourage companies to invest in R&D, and to reward them for doing so, Federal and Georgia tax rules provide what can be very significant tax credits (dollar for dollar reduction in tax liability). On February 7, 2018,...

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• 08.03.2018

  Tax,

  State Collection of Online Sales Taxes Cleared by …

  For the past 26 years, sellers of goods across state lines have been protected from state sales tax laws by the 1992 Supreme Court decision in Quill v. North Dakota, which held that out-of-state sellers cannot be required to collect...

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• 08.02.2018

  Podcast,

  Culture of Compliance: Visual Data Analytics: An I …

  Sabrina Serafin, National Practice Leader of Frazier & Deeter’s Process Risk & Governance Practice, interviews Joe Oringel, Managing Director of Visual Risk IQ.They discuss the importance of visual data analytics and reporting in relati

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• 07.26.2018

  2018 Tax Law,

  Draft Form 1040 Falls Short of Simplification Prom …

  Congress promised big tax cuts and simplification of income taxes in its mammoth tax bill, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. It certainly delivered on the tax cut promise, but the simplification effort fell short, as evidenced by the IRS’s...

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• 07.26.2018

  2018 Tax Law,

  IRS Again Waives Repatriation Tax Penalties

  In its third action this year, the IRS announced that it will waive additional late payment penalties for the repatriation transition tax on offshore profits. More guidance is also provided on how individuals subject to the tax make elections (see...

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• 07.26.2018

  Tax,

  Tax Reform 2.0 Effort Launched in The House

  Making the individual tax cuts permanent is the cornerstone of a new effort by House Republicans to craft Tax Reform 2.0. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-Texas) has indicated that the White House and House Republicans are...

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• 06.27.2018

  2018 Tax Law,

  IRS to Restrict Workarounds for SALT Deduction Cap

  One of the biggest revenue-raisers in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) is a strict limit on the federal deduction for state and local taxes. The new law caps the state and local tax (SALT) deduction for individuals to...

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• 06.27.2018

  2018 Tax Law,

  Huge Gain Deferral Possible with New Qualified Opp …

  To attract private investment in distressed communities throughout the U.S., Congress has created a generous tax deferral program that allows investors to rollover their capital gains into special funds designated for investment in these areas. Depen

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• 06.27.2018

  Georgia State Tax,

  Georgia Rural Hospital Tax Credit Expanded as Feds …

  The State of Georgia has raised the tax credit for donations to rural hospitals from 90% to 100%. At the same time, the IRS has taken steps to limit the use of donations to special state funds to offset federal...

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• 06.27.2018

  2018 Tax Law, Tax,

  Deducting Auto Expenses after the Tax Cuts and Job …

  Driving for work just got more expensive for some taxpayers. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) restricted the deduction of automobile expenses, effective in 2018 in several ways. Using autos for moving is no longer deductible except for members...

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• 06.25.2018

  Podcast, Risk Management Compliance,

  Culture of Compliance – 4 Critical Steps to …

  Sabrina Serafin, Partner and National Practice Leader of Frazier & Deeter’s Process, Risk and Governance Practice talks with Tim Martin and Skeet Spillane from Pillar Technology Partners about how they help clients prepare for all things cy

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• 06.11.2018

  Internal Controls, Podcast,

  Culture of Compliance – SOC 2 Update

  SOC 2 experts of Frazier & Deeter’s own Process, Risk & Governance practice walkthrough the reporting changes. Moderator – Sabrina Serafin | Partner & National Practice Leader Speakers – Gina Gondron | Partner Shelby Nel

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• 06.07.2018

  Women Business Leaders,

  [Blog] Women Crushing Through Barriers and Paying …

  I recently went to see RBG, a documentary about an intelligent, determined, tiny woman blazing a trail to reach the absolute apex of her profession. Her response to the discrimination she faced in her career was to make a quest...

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• 06.06.2018

  2018 Tax Law, Tax,

  Taxing Situation for Technology Companies

  The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 is unquestionably the most significant change to U.S. tax law since the 1980s. While it is true many businesses will now be subject to lower tax rates, the devil is always in...

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• 05.29.2018

  Compliance, Podcast,

  Culture of Compliance – Evolution of Complia …

  In Culture of Compliance’s first episode, Sabrina Serafin, Frazier & Deeter’s National Process, Risk & Governance Practice leader, talks with Darryl Cox, Strategic Cloud Adviser & Sales Executive at QTS Realty Trust, about cha

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• 05.24.2018

  2018 Tax Law, Tax,

  IRS Rushes out Key Guidance on TCJA for Corporatio …

  With a December 22, 2017 signing date and an effective date just nine days later, the IRS has been rushing to implement the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act so that taxpayers can make necessary changes in planning and reporting for...

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• 05.24.2018

  Georgia State Tax, Tax,

  Georgia Supreme Court Ends Stand-off Between Cellp …

  Between 2005 and 2010, four AT&T subsidiary cellphone companies collected and remitted to the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) $6 million in sales tax on internet data services. The problem is, these services were exempt from sales tax under G

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• 05.24.2018

  2018 Tax Law, Tax Incentives,

  Meals and Entertainment Deductions Traded for Lowe …

  When Congress enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in December 2017, it had to make difficult trade-offs. Popular deductions had to be sacrificed to lower tax rates, and the lawmakers were concerned with the distributional effects. The changes...

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• 05.24.2018

  Tax,

  Developer’s Benefit Kills $4.8 Million Conse …

  The cardinal tax rule for charitable contributions, including deductions for conservation easements, is that there cannot be a quid pro quo for the donor. If there is any benefit flowing back to the donor, any deduction must be offset by...

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• 05.11.2018

  Accounting Topics, Podcast,

  Untangling the Technical – Lease Accounting …

  Sean Lager, Audit Partner at Frazier & Deeter and member of AICPA’s Technical Issues Committee explains the changes to lease accounting. He also describes how public and private companies are impacted by these changes. Untangling the Techni

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• 04.30.2018

  2018 Tax Law, International Tax, Podcast,

  Untangling the Technical – New International …

  The complicated new rules for multi-national businesses were one of the headlines of the new tax law. In this episode, Frazier & Deeter’s International Tax guru Mike Whitacre discusses the implications for U.S. businesses with foreign earning

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• 04.24.2018

  2018 Tax Law, Business Tax,

  Is C Corporation Your Best Option Under the New Ta …

  If you do a quick read of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) you’ll see that the new C Corporation tax rate is 21% while the top individual rate is 37%. Also, individuals are allowed a 20% deduction for...

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• 04.24.2018

  2018 Tax Law, International Tax,

  IRS Waives Estimated Tax Rules, Penalties on Deeme …

  The IRS has rushed out yet another guidance document on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act’s deemed repatriation rules for offshore profits. Notice 2018-26 includes rules on penalty waivers, special elections, and the mechanics of reporting and paying the t

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• 04.24.2018

  2018 Tax Law, Business Tax,

  How the New Business Interest Limits Will Work Und …

  Year 2018 is well underway and companies are grappling with how to comply with the in-force Tax Cuts and Jobs Act’s vague statutory language and an underfunded IRS. The IRS offered some help this month by releasing Notice 2018-28, explaining...

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• 04.17.2018

  Podcast,

  Private Equity 360 – GDPR Basics for Private …

  Bob Woosley, National Private Equity Leader, discusses the upcoming General Data Protections Regulation (GDPR) with FD’s Process, Risk & Governance Partner, Gina Gondron, who is an expert on both data privacy and GDPR. We discuss how GDPR

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• 04.17.2018

  Compliance, Internal Controls,

  As risk evolves, so does SOC 2 reporting

  Technological advances over the past 25 years have driven unimaginable conveniences, but our rapidly evolving technology has also increased the complexity of managing risk. As new risks emerge, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (

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• 04.12.2018

  Accounting Topics, Revenue Recognition,

  Technology Companies: the Revenue Recognition Tran …

  The accounting world has been debating the pending changes to how revenue is recognized for nearly a decade. The new standard (ASC 606) for revenue recognition became effective for public companies beginning January 2018 and nonpublic companies are o

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• 03.28.2018

  Podcast,

  Private Equity 360 – Avoiding Acquisition An …

  In this episode of Private Equity 360 Bob Woosley talks to Rhonda Ratliff, a Transaction Advisor and Six Sigma Black Belt, about steps you can take leading up to a deal to improve the value you can drive after the...

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• 03.23.2018

  Georgia State Tax,

  Georgia Governor to Stop State Windfall from Feder …

  Georgia Legislature Acts to Lessen Taxpayers’ State Tax Hit from Federal Law Change Yes, it seems counterintuitive, but the huge federal tax cuts enacted in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) were going to be a windfall for the...

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• 03.23.2018

  2018 Tax Law, Business Tax,

  Don’t Use S Corps to Avoid Carried Interest …

  IRS to Tax Payers: Don’t Use S Corp to Avoid Carried Interest 3-Year Rule The fall out from hasty drafting of the massive Tax Cuts and Jobs Act continues, this time with the Department of the Treasury and the IRS...

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• 03.23.2018

  Georgia State Tax,

  Georgia Readies Online Sales Tax Bill Waiting for …

  Supreme Court to Decide Fate of Online Sales Tax as Georgia Readies to Start Collection For 26 years, buyers and sellers of goods across state lines have relied on a major roadblock to requiring out-of-state sellers to collect sales taxes—the...

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• 03.23.2018

  International Tax,

  Repatriation of Corporate Profits a Priority for I …

  Tax Bill Guidance Continues to Focus on Repatriation In the few months since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was signed into law, the IRS has released three important items of guidance relating to the transition tax on foreign...

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• 03.13.2018

  Cybersecurity, Risk Management Compliance,

  The Countdown to GDPR – Will you be ready?

  March 16th marks ten weeks left before the May 25 deadline for the European Union’s (EU) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).   GDPR unites all of Europe with one data protection law, replacing the prior European Commission’s Data

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• 03.02.2018

  Podcast,

  Private Equity 360 – Carried Interest

  Carried interest has been a target of politicians in recent years. In the first episode of Private Equity 360, Bob Woosley interviews Tax Partner Bryce Nations to learn about how the new tax law impacts carried interest. Available on iTunes,...

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• 02.27.2018

  Tax,

  Interest on Home Equity Loans May Still Be Deducti …

  One casualty of the new tax law was thought to be the deduction for interest paid on home equity loans. The language of the bill was vague, and the conference report simply states, “…the Conference agreement suspends the deduction for...

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• 02.27.2018

  International Tax, Tax,

  The Bank Is Open: IRS Tells Corporations How to Pa …

  The first topic the IRS tackled in guidance regarding the new tax law is how corporate taxpayers should compute and pay the “transition tax” on the untaxed earnings of foreign subsidiaries. In exchange for the lower 21% corporate tax rate

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• 02.27.2018

  2018 Tax Law, Tax,

  Congress Skips Extenders in Thousand-Page Tax Law, …

  It is hard to believe, but the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed by Congress in December left out many key expiring tax provisions, the so-called “extenders.” Instead, Congress included the extenders in H.R. 1892, the Bipartisan Budget Act of.

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• 02.27.2018

  Cryptocurrency, Risk Management Compliance,

  No Hiding Behind Virtual Currency, IRS Insists  …

  Bitcoins and other virtual currency are on the national radar with articles and commentary offered every day on their increasing use and on the government’s attempts to regulate the cryptocurrency market. No agency is more interested in the ris

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• 01.26.2018

  2018 Tax Law, CFO Topics, International Tax, Tax,

  New Tax Law a Game-Changer for Corporations

  Reducing the high U.S. corporate tax rate was a key driver for enacting the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), Public Law 115-97. The most significant change is the reduction in the corporate tax rate to 21% from 35% and...

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• 01.18.2018

  2018 Tax Law, Tax,

  What the New Tax Law Means for Your 1040

  The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) takes effect this year. The big question now is what are the big changes and how do they affect taxpayers with different situations? More tax cut than tax reform, the measure is expected...

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• 01.12.2018

  2018 Tax Law, Tax,

  Complex New Rules for Passthrough Taxes Explained

  Just before year-end in 2017, President Trump signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Public Law 115-97, with massive tax cuts of $1.5 trillion over the next decade. The changes affect all individuals and every type of business...

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• 01.08.2018

  Accounting Topics, CFO Topics, Tax,

  Large Employers Should Watch for IRS Letters about …

  While Congress eliminated the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate, that doesn’t impact the employer requirements. The IRS is ramping up its efforts to enforce penalties against large employers who do not provide adequate health insurance pla

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• 01.08.2018

  Georgia State Tax, Tax, Tax Incentives,

  Georgia Musical Tax Credits on my Mind

  Georgia has always been known for exceptional music talent with home-grown artists like James Brown, REM, Jermaine Dupri, Usher, Ludacris, the Allman Brothers and Alan Jackson. Now Georgia is set to become an even bigger venue for music with its...

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• 01.08.2018

  Georgia State Tax, Tax, Tax Incentives,

  Georgia Postproduction Credit Seeks to Expand Film …

  In the State’s continued quest to become the top film industry spot in the U.S., the Georgia Legislature in early 2017 expanded the film credit, this time for postproduction activities. The thought is that, not only do state leaders want...

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• 12.22.2017

  2018 Tax Law, Tax,

  A New Tax Era Begins – Actions to Take by Ye …

  The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) has passed Congress and is expected go into effect in 2018. This lengthy new law contains an array of changes that will impact both individual and business taxpayers. Depending on your personal financial...

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• 12.20.2017

  2018 Tax Law, Tax,

  Biggest Tax Changes in 30 Years Passed by Congress

  Last night the Senate signed a slightly modified version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a key hurdle in passing the tax legislation. While the House needs to vote again today, the bill is expected to be signed into...

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• 11.20.2017

  Accounting Topics, CFO Topics, General, Tax,

  Partnership Loses Millions for Faulty Conservation …

  The Palmolive Building in Chicago is one of the country’s premier Art Deco skyscrapers. Built in 1929 as headquarters for the famous soap manufacturers, the building was later occupied by Playboy Enterprises for about 30 years, then housed reta

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• 11.20.2017

  Tax,

  Million Dollar FBAR Fine not Excessive, Court Rule …

  Letantia Bussell’s tax troubles, which read like the script of a reality show, started in the mid-1990s with the proverbial Swiss bank account. Bussell and her husband, John, were Beverly Hills doctors who tried to avoid paying taxes by opening

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• 11.15.2017

  2018 Tax Law, Tax,

  Congress in Its Own Christmas Rush to Pass Tax Ref …

  Side-by-Side of House and Senate Bills Determined to get something passed before the holidays, the House and Senate are working feverishly on tax reform bills. The House bill is H.R. 1, reported out of the House Ways and Means Committee...

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• 10.24.2017

  Tax,

  Movement Afoot to Lessen IRS Power over Your Money

  Everyone has heard the horror stories of overreach by the IRS—freezing bank accounts, improper levies, mathematical errors that won’t go away—some true, some maybe exaggerated. Two powerful members of Congress want these stories to stop. Th

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• 10.24.2017

  Estate Tax Planning,

  Spouse’s Estate Can be Reopened when Couple …

  Most taxpayers would breathe a sigh of relief when getting an IRS letter stating that their spouse’s estate tax return had been accepted as filed. However, a recent Tax Court case has made it clear that the earlier estate return...

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• 10.24.2017

  Tax,

  New Withholding Regulations for Gambling Payouts a …

  Until recently, the IRS’s latest regulations on gambling winnings were rules released back in 1983. Both technology and industry practice have changed significantly since then. To modernize its approach, the IRS has released new rules, first in

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• 10.24.2017

  CFO Topics, Tax,

  How Business Taxation Will Change Under Tax Reform …

  The House Ways and Means Committee and President Trump have released more details on the Republicans’ joint tax reform plan, agreed to in principle by the Big Six, made up of key Congressional and Administration tax officials. (See our earlier.

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• 09.25.2017

  Tax,

  Captive Insurance Case: Taxpayers Lose $2.4 Millio …

  A couple who owned three shopping centers and three jewelry stores in Phoenix, AZ lost big in the U.S. Tax Court in August 2017. In a long-awaited decision, Avranhami v. Commissioner, the Court found that amounts paid by the couple’s...

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• 09.25.2017

  Fraud Prevention, General, Risk Management Compliance, Tax,

  W-2 Scam Lures Businesses into Releasing Employee …

  The IRS has issued a dire warning to businesses and nonprofits—don’t respond to e-mail requests for employee information without confirming the source—even if the request comes from within your own company. Here’s why. In the latest s

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• 09.25.2017

  Tax,

  IRS Balks at Court Decision Allowing Long Construc …

  The use of like-kind exchanges to defer gain on business and investment property is common, with about 4 million transactions between 1998 and 2013, according to the IRS. A large percentage of like-kind exchange transactions are real estate swaps, ma

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• 09.25.2017

  Tax,

  Conservation Easements Case: Texas Ranch Boundary …

  Bosque Canyon Ranch in Texas is home to the habitat of the gold-cheeked warbler, a listed endangered species. It also is the subject of a far-reaching Circuit Court decision that halted the IRS’s attempt to invalidate a conservation easement pu

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• 08.25.2017

  Georgia State Tax, Tax,

  Georgia Tax Authority Explains Sales Tax Rules

  The Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) has issued several important rulings on the application of sale and use taxes to various commercial products, including online software, home construction features, and extended warranties. Businesses that offe

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• 08.25.2017

  International Tax, Tax,

  IRS Launches Country-by-Country Reporting Tool

  Countries across the globe banned together a few years ago to put in place a mechanism for tracking the income of multinational companies in each country in which they operate. The effort came under the umbrella of the very bureaucratic...

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• 08.25.2017

  Tax,

  Real Estate Partnership Loses Huge Charitable Dedu …

  Serious missteps by a real estate partnership caused it to lose a huge charitable deduction claimed for donation of property to the University of Michigan. The facts in the Tax Court case, Reri Holdings I, LLC, Jeff Blau, Tax Matters...

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• 08.25.2017

  Tax,

  Trump Has Chance for Big Victory with Tax Reform

  The Trump Administration has few places for big victories this year, but tax reform may be one of them. This assessment comes from Washington insiders who have carefully analyzed the “Big Six” joint statement released in July while most o

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• 07.25.2017

  Tax,

  House Appropriations Bill Stops IRS Action on Curb …

  The House Appropriations Committee has approved legislation that bans the IRS from enforcing rules to curb conservation easement syndications. Currently, the ban only applies to past transactions, those easements entered into before January 23, 2017,

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• 07.25.2017

  Accounting Topics, CFO Topics, Tax,

  Partnership Audit Rules Shift Focus to the Entity

  Two years ago, Congress enacted the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, which made significant changes to the way partnerships are audited. The Act requires that tax be assessed and collected at the partnership level instead of the partner level. The...

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• 07.25.2017

  Tax,

  Mobile Workforce Bill Attempts to Simplify State T …

  Today’s business travelers deal with “A patchwork of complicated nonresident income tax laws.” This assessment comes from the Mobile Workforce Coalition, an advocacy group seeking simplification of state laws taxing nonresidents who

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• 06.30.2017

  Tax,

  Research Credit Can Offset Payroll Liability

  Beginning with their 2016 returns, small business startup companies can choose to apply all or part of their research credit against their social security payroll tax liability. Before 2016, the research credit could only be taken against income tax

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• 06.30.2017

  Tax,

  Will Congress Take Away 401k Deduction?

  Congress is considering a shift from pretax benefits for retirement accounts to after-tax, Roth-type plans in its tax reform efforts, warn retirement plan advocacy groups, such as the American Retirement Association and the American Benefits Council.

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• 06.30.2017

  Deathbed Transfer to Family Limited Partnership Co …

  On August 7, 2008, a taxpayer’s son and heir formed a family limited partnership. Then, using the power of attorney for his mother, he transferred $10 million of his Mother’s cash and securities that were in a revocable trust to...

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• 06.30.2017

  Ways and Means Holds Full Committee Hearing on Tax …

  US TAX CODE RANKED 31 OUT OF 35 IN COMPETITIVENESS AND CONGRESS WANTS TO FIX IT House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) opened the May 2017 hearing on U.S. competitiveness by offering a startling statistic. The U.S. ranks...

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• 05.19.2017

  Accounting Topics,

  New Accounting Alternative for Private Companies

  Breaking News! A new accounting alternative for private companies has been approved by the Financial Accounting Standards Board.   Find out more about the new guidance for applying variable interest to common control leasing arrangements by reading

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• 05.18.2017

  Estate Tax Planning, Tax,

  Estate Planning Technique – Trusts (Part 2)

  In the first part of our Estate Planning Series we discussed common mistakes that clients make when planning their estate. In this post, we will look into one of the best techniques to help you meet your estate planning goals, Trusts....

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• 05.18.2017

  Estate Tax Planning, Tax,

  Common Estate Planning Mistakes (Part 1)

  Frazier & Deeter was recently recognized in an edition of “Estate Planning Experts” by Shane Smith, Esq. where the Head of the Tax Department, Terri Lawson, was asked to share her views on common mistakes she sees clients making when.

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• 05.17.2017

  Estate Tax Planning, Tax,

  Estate Planning Technique – Trusts (Part 2)

  In the first part of our Estate Planning Series we discussed common mistakes that clients make when planning their estate. In this post, we will look into one of the best techniques to help you meet your estate planning goals, Trusts....

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• 05.16.2017

  CFO Topics, Entrepreneurship, Women Business Leaders,

  The CFO as Chief Creative Officer

  We ring in the new year with observations from our entrepreneur blogger Moira Vetter, CEO of Modo Modo Agency. Moira’s topic this month is a different view to the role of the CFO. In this market, there are few positions...

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• 05.16.2017

  Women Business Leaders,

  Women Owned Business and the Million Dollar Hurdle

  Recent statistics show that only 3% of the 7.8 million women-owned businesses in the U.S. have revenues over $1 million, compared to 6% of businesses owned by men. So what does it take for women-owned businesses to exceed the $1...

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• 05.16.2017

  Risk Management Compliance,

  Defense wins championships Internal Controls for G …

  It is a common refrain in sports that, “Offense sells tickets, defense wins championships.” This analogy can be applied in the business world as well. As companies grow they have more to protect and the need for defense, in the...

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• 05.15.2017

  Entrepreneurship, General,

  myRA retirement plans

  Worry-free retirement plans for small businesses? The myRA may be the answer. 07.31.2014 Many small business owners find that it is impractical or too costly to offer retirement plans to their employees. Employee retirement plans are highly regulated

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• 05.15.2017

  Accounting Topics, CFO Topics,

  Accounting Standards Update Issue 12 D

  On January 17, 2013 the Financial Accounting Standard Board’s Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) finalized an issue related to accounting for obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements. If the EITF’s

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• 05.08.2017

  Tax,

  Border Adjustment Could Be Sticking Point For Tax …

  Taxing imports and exempting exports sounds like a simple plan to protect U.S. jobs. However, this part of the House GOP tax reform plan is proving to be a controversial proposal that could split Congress just enough to stall the...

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• 03.15.2017

  Accounting Topics, Revenue Recognition,

  Perspectives: Revenue Recognition and Healthcare O …

  Healthcare organizations face possibly the most daunting set of compliance issues of any industry. On top of the ongoing uncertainty regarding the ACA and the need to protect private patient information, healthcare organizations also have changes to

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• 02.20.2017

  General,

  First Executive Orders Target Obamacare, Slow IRS …

  On January 20th after President Trump was inaugurated he signed Executive Order Number One, which directs federal agencies to start moving to shut down the Affordable Care Act (ACA). “It is the policy of my Administration to seek the prompt...

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• 02.16.2017

  Tax,

  Tax Tips for Physician Practices

  For physicians who own their own practice, tax season can be daunting. To help you through the complicated process of filing taxes, reduce the risk of an audit and keep your mind focused on your patients, consider the following suggestions:...

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• 01.23.2017

  General, Tax,

  Small Employer May Now Offer HRAs

  While many Americans were focused on the Presidential election and transition, Congress and President Obama in mid-December quietly agreed on significant legislation to boost funding for medical research, make approval of experimental treatments easi

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• 11.28.2016

  Accounting Topics, CFO Topics,

  DOL Overtime Regulations on Hold

  The December 1st deadline for U.S. Department of Labor’s increased exempt-status salary thresholds is on hold, at least temporarily. Last week a federal judge in Texas entered a nationwide injunction blocking the Department Of Labor (DOL) from

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• 11.18.2016

  Tax,

  Tax Outlook in New Trump Administration

  Comprehensive tax reform is high on the agenda for the new Trump Administration. It is listed on President-elect Trump’s 100-day plan, and House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) promised just weeks ago that he would force major tax cuts through Cong

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• 11.14.2016

  Women Business Leaders,

  Making the Jump to CEO

  Earlier this month Frazier & Deeter CPA and the law firm of Morris, Manning and Martin offered a panel event featuring three highly accomplished women CEOs from diverse backgrounds. Panelists Dr. Amy Baxter, Founder and CEO of MMJ Labs, Mary...

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• 10.31.2016

  General, Tax,

  Private tax debt collection: Let’s hope it&# …

  “Taxpayer Rights Protected” screams the headline of the IRS’s recent announcement that it is going to begin private debt collection in Spring 2017. If this latest attempt at privatizing tax collections is anything like the last time

  Continue Reading
• 10.27.2016

  Risk Management Compliance,

  Cybersecurity: What do experts see as the biggest …

  Recently we convened a panel of experts to talk about the trends and risks they are seeing in cybersecurity, in terms of both the types of attacks that are taking place and what organizations are doing to protect their data...

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• 10.17.2016

  Accounting Topics,

  Educating Your Purchasers

  Recently, I attended a presentation by Wayne Stanley and Michelle Korsmo, both with the American Land Title Association. Their presentation summarized the findings of several focus groups and research studies pertaining to the real estate closing pro

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• 09.14.2016

  Accounting Topics, Tax,

  Bill to Defer Stock Options Tax Attracts Bipartisa …

  Stock options are a very popular part of executive compensation packages but some tax rules make it difficult for employees of start-up and private companies to exercise their options and take control of their ownership stake. To broaden access to...

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• 08.05.2016

  Accounting Topics, Tax,

  Are your wellness program incentives taxable to yo …

  Yoga classes, weight loss programs, biking to work, and free health screenings are becoming a ubiquitous part of the modern workplace. A recent survey from Fidelity Investments and the National Business Group on Health (NBGH) estimates that 80% of em

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• 06.06.2016

  Accounting Topics, CFO Topics,

  Time to take a look at Overtime: The Department of …

  An estimated 4.1 million salaried workers will become eligible for overtime pay under the new rule published by the DOL that goes into effect December 1, 2016. The updated rule substantially changes which administrative employees are entitled to over

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• 05.23.2016

  Accounting Topics, CFO Topics, Tax,

  Has the Technology Revolution Left Depreciation Be …

  The existing depreciation system was developed over 30 years ago, when desktop computers had a capacity of 512k, and there were no cell phones, tablets, or Chromebooks™. Class lives and recovery periods for business assets are now outdated and have

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• 05.03.2016

  Georgia State Tax, Tax,

  Georgia Clears Bill to Waive Sales Taxes on Ticket …

  One of the last moves by the 2016 Georgia Legislature was passage of a bill to remove the sales tax on tickets to the Super Bowl or any other major sporting event hosted by the State. The exemption would apply...

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• 05.03.2016

  CFO Topics, Georgia State Tax, Tax,

  No Double-Dipping on Georgia Jobs Credit

  A Georgia corporation had an enviable problem several years ago when it had to decide between two great jobs tax credits. It chose one, but then reconsidered and later wanted to choose the other, using the same jobs. The rules...

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• 03.29.2016

  Accounting Topics, CFO Topics,

  Big changes are coming to Lease Accounting: How wi …

  Balance sheets for many companies will start looking a bit different in the relatively near future. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) announced changes under the U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) that will require com

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• 03.07.2016

  Fraud Prevention, General,

  Trending: Tax Scams

  Creative con artists have a variety of tax scams they utilize this time of year. If you get a request via a phone call or an email that asks for personal information that is supposedly from the IRS you should...

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• 02.15.2016

  Accounting Topics, CFO Topics, Entrepreneurship,

  R&D Tax Credit Changes Benefit Tech Start-Ups

  While there are many tax benefits available for small businesses and technology companies, the challenge is how to take advantage of them in the early years when there is no taxable income to offset. The 2016 changes in the research...

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• 01.11.2016

  Accounting Topics, CFO Topics,

  Department of Labor Asks Employers to Seek Qualifi …

  Late in December the Department of Labor (DOL) sent out an important communication to companies across the country about their Employee Benefit Plan Audits. The DOL is encouraging plan fiduciaries to take a closer look at their auditors’ qualif

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• 12.10.2015

  Entrepreneurship, Women Business Leaders,

  Leadership tips from the trenches

  Frazier & Deeter’s marketing leader, Adelle Erdman, reflects on wisdom shared by six senior executives at the firm’s recent Women Business Leadership events. 4 Tips from the C-Suite Trenches It is fairly certain that anyone with whom

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• 11.11.2015

  Accounting Topics, Women Business Leaders,

  Not another Ladies Luncheon…

  Adelle Erdman, Frazier & Deeter’s Director of Marketing, reflects on the need for programming for women senior executives and business owners. When I changed jobs 3 years ago I found myself involved in a corporate Women’s Initiative f

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• 11.02.2015

  General,

  ACA Individual Mandate Update

  In 2014, the most significant change to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“Affordable Care Act” or “ACA”) is the individual mandate, which is the topic of today’s blog. Signed into law on March 23, 2010, th

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• 10.06.2015

  Women Business Leaders,

  Women Seeking the C-Suite

  This week Gina Gondron talks about tools and rules that every female can embrace to better herself, not just personally but professionally. Three years ago, as part of my MBA studies at the University of Georgia I wrote an Independent...

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• 08.27.2015

  General,

  Overcoming Adversity with Character

  This week Bob Woosley reflects on golfer Ollie Schniederjans and overcoming adversity. As many of you know, Frazier & Deeter recently announced a partnership with an aspiring young PGA golfer, Ollie Schniederjans. Ollie and his family have had a

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• 08.24.2015

  Entrepreneurship,

  Breaking Down the 2015 Summer Supreme Court Ruling …

  This summer, the Supreme Court made major rulings on same-sex marriage and health insurance subsidies that are sure to spark discussions as the presidential election heats up. Same-sex Marriage The first ruling has been long debated and was finally v

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• 07.30.2015

  Accounting Topics,

  DOL Survey Says: Choose Your EBP Audit Firm Wisely

  Employee Benefit Plan (EBP) audit providers conduct over 80,000 audits each year. A recent Department of Labor (DOL) study analyzed the quality of employee benefit plan audit work done by CPA firms, and the results may be alarming to some...

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• 07.17.2015

  Entrepreneurship,

  Three Legged Growth Strategies For Second Stage En …

  This week’s guest blog by Moira Vetter originally appeared in her blog for Forbes. In it she discussed the ‘three-legged’ test that entrepreneurs should consider to make sure they have a profitable growth strategy. Let’s say your

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• 07.02.2015

  General, Tax,

  IRS Heavy Hand Blamed for Increase in Expatriation …

  “U.S. legislation is resulting in denial of financial services to Americans residing overseas.” This banner headline appears on the website of a U.S. expatriate group, the American Citizens Abroad, and underscores the new numbers from Tre

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• 06.15.2015

  Risk Management Compliance,

  10 Questions to Ask About External Business (Third …

  As more and more companies are engaging with third party vendors, there is a greater need to understand what makes the external business relationship a success. Outsourcing, insourcing, co-sourcing… the way that companies choose to leverage externa

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• 05.25.2015

  Accounting Topics, General, Tax,

  Would an ESOP Work for Your Company

  Like hemlines and hairdos, employee stock ownership plans (or ESOPs) have had their ups and downs in terms of popularity. For owners of manufacturing and distribution companies seeking an exit strategy, it’s worthwhile to consider whether an ES

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• 05.18.2015

  Accounting Topics,

  Secrets that Second Time Entrepreneurs Know About …

  This week’s guest blog by Moira Vetter originally appeared in her blog for Forbes. In it she explores some common mistakes first-timers make that starve them of the money they need if they want to be a serial entrepreneur. The...

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• 04.01.2015

  CFO Topics, Entrepreneurship, General, Risk Management Compliance,

  Turnaround Lessons Learned for Going Concern Manag …

  Turnaround professionals work with underperforming companies across different industries that find themselves in financial difficulty. Today’s guest blogger, Jim Wanserski, takes a look at some of the consistent themes he’s seen surface i

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• 02.25.2015

  Entrepreneurship,

  Is the Best Resource to Support Entrepreneur Exit …

  Entrepreneurs are unique and passionate people with a strong drive to achieve their vision. So what happens when an entrepreneur decides the time has arrived to sell the business and move on to pursue the next big thing? In his...

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• 01.05.2015

  General, Tax,

  Tax ID Theft

  It’s the biggest and most prevalent tax scam happening right now – and the peak season is just around the corner. We’re talking about tax identity theft and refund fraud. This scam has become a big problem due primarily to...

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• 11.17.2014

  Tax,

  TAXPAYERS CAN NOW TAKE TAX FREE JUMP FROM 401K TO …

  Moving your retirement money around just got easier. In a conciliatory move for taxpayers, the IRS has issued new rules that allow you to minimize your tax liability when you move 401(k) funds into a Roth IRA or into another...

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• 11.03.2014

  Women Business Leaders,

  One woman’s perspective on retaining women C …

  Studies show that women are entering CPA firms in record numbers. But what are the factors that will keep talented women in public accounting as strong, successful leaders? The Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts that the accounting profession is

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• 09.16.2014

  Accounting Topics,

  B2 Option

  Today the Private Company Council approved an accounting alternative related to recognition of intangibles in a business combination. Frazier & Deeter Partner Sean Lager provides an update. On September 16, 2014, the Private Company Council appro

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• 09.15.2014

  Georgia State Tax, Tax,

  Georgia Tax Credits

  Georgia Income Tax Credits – Are they in your wallet? The State of Georgia provides over 30 income tax credits for a broad variety of business activities. Income tax credits have many nuances and generally target specific regions, industries, and

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• 05.29.2014

  Tax,

  Automatic Restaurant Tips IRS New Rule Takes Effec …

  Restaurants are reconsidering automatic gratuities because of a new IRS rule. Beginning in 2014, automatic gratuities charged by restaurants and others in the hospitality industry will be treated as service charges rather than tips. The IRS developed

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• 05.16.2014

  Entrepreneurship, Women Business Leaders,

  Growth Game Changers

  This week F&D had our latest entrepreneur event: Growth Game Changers. The executives on the panel represented businesses at different stages of maturity that have followed different growth trajectories. Modo Modo Agency was named one of the fast

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• 04.25.2014

  Accounting Topics, Revenue Recognition,

  Revenue Recognition The Road Ahead

  Revenue Recognition has always been a critical consideration for CFOs but this year it takes center stage.  The FASB and the IASB are expected to issue a new converged standard for revenue recognition in the second quarter of 2014. Revenue...

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• 03.26.2014

  Accounting Topics, Tax,

  Real Estate Developers Win Big in Tax Court

  Successful tax planning involves not only minimizing the amount of income but also managing the timing of a taxpayer’s income and deductions. Many disputes with the IRS involve deferral of income, and the IRS has taken a particularly hard line.

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• 03.18.2014

  Accounting Topics,

  New Accounting Alternative for Private Companies

  Breaking News! A new accounting alternative for private companies has been approved by the Financial Accounting Standards Board.   Find out more about the new guidance for applying variable interest to common control leasing arrangements by reading

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• 02.25.2014

  Entrepreneurship, General,

  Spin offs and the art of thinking like an entrepre …

  An astronaut, a miner, a daredevil and a navigator walk into a Big Corporation… It’s the corporate version of the New Year’s Resolution — only this “battle of the bulge” is a quest to become a nimble entrepreneurial or

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• 01.09.2014

  Accounting Topics,

  New Accounting Alternatives for Private Companies

  The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB or Board) is expected to issue two accounting alternatives for private companies next week: Subsequent Accounting for Goodwill and Accounting for Interest Rate Swaps. The Private Company Council (PCC) a

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• 10.16.2013

  Entrepreneurship,

  Entrepreneurs are born not made

  A three-year-old with a briefcase at the front door who says, “I go to the office,” is an entrepreneur. Because entrepreneurs are born, not made. You can make ‘em better…but you just can’t make ‘em. That fact is so true,...

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• 09.26.2013

  Entrepreneurship, Women Business Leaders,

  A day in the spotlight women led business

  Last Friday was an important day for women business owners. Two things happened that made us want to take a minute to focus on women-led businesses on our blog. In Atlanta, an exciting group of women entrepreneurs arrived at Frazier...

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• 09.04.2013

  Accounting Topics,

  Utilities Accounting Standards

  Utilities accounting standards: are you missing an opportunity? Governmental utilities operate in a highly regulated environment with complex accounting standards. Some entities may not realize they have the opportunity to capitalize certain costs th

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• 07.30.2013

  Accounting Topics,

  Selecting the Right Employee Benefit Plan Auditor

  Generally, benefit plans with 100 or more participants  are required to have an audit performed annually in conjunction with the filing of their Form 5500. If you are undertaking an employee benefit plan audit, there are several questions you should

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• 06.28.2013

  Entrepreneurship, General,

  Working with Private Equity Quality of Earnings

  This blog series examines best practices for CEOs and CFOs who are considering a private equity transaction, culled from working with hundreds of transactions across all industries. The third topic in our series about working with a PEG is Quality...

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• 06.19.2013

  Entrepreneurship,

  What Difference Do Women Entrepreneurs Make Anyway …

  Entrepreneur blogger Moira Vetter, author of AdVenture, shares the statistics about characteristics women have that vastly improve business results. Quite a bit it turns out. Women have characteristics that vastly improve business results, which is

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• 06.05.2013

  Entrepreneurship,

  Entrepreneur Education the Nuts and Bolts of Nerve

  Entrepreneur blogger Moira Vetter, author of AdVenture, takes a look at recent studies about starting a business. A recent article in the Economist talked about a new PwC/Google Australia report, The Startup Economy, which found that, among individua

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• 05.22.2013

  Georgia State Tax, Tax,

  Georgia Film tax credits an easy tax saving opport …

  Do you want to pay less on your Georgia income taxes? Have you been interested in being a part of the growing Georgia film industry?  Read our latest tax blog to learn more about the Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act....

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• 05.15.2013

  Accounting Topics, Entrepreneurship,

  The Family Owned Business Succession Plan

  Small businesses are the engine running the U.S. economy, helping fuel the recovery.   According to the Small Business Administration 90% of all businesses in North America are family owned and managed.  With the aging of the baby boomers, a...

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• 05.08.2013

  Entrepreneurship,

  The Entrepreneur Exit

  This week’s entrepreneur blog is from our guest blogger Cliff Oxford, CEO of the Oxford Center for Entrepreneurs and entrepreneur blogger for the New York Times. Cliff takes a look at the dangers of the amateur exit. Successful entrepreneurs ta

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• 04.24.2013

  Entrepreneurship,

  Succession Planning Questions for Founders

  Succession Planning Part Two. This blog series will take a look at Common Problems in Succession Planning, Questions Founders should Ask Themselves, and finally Elements of a Strong Succession Plan. Today’s topic is Questions CEOs/Founders shou

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• 04.12.2013

  Women Business Leaders,

  The Era of Women Led Businesses

  Is this the era of women-led businesses? A March 2013 study published by American Express offers some impressive statistics. Women running their own businesses comprise an important trend driving economic growth. A March 2013 study published by Ameri

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• 04.04.2013

  Entrepreneurship,

  Succession Planning for Family Owned Businesses

  Small businesses are the engine running the U.S. economy, helping fuel the recovery.   According to the Small Business Administration 90% of all businesses in North America are family owned and managed. With the aging of baby boomers, a significant.

  Continue Reading
• 03.07.2013

  Entrepreneurship,

  Go West Young Man, Just Don’t Go Public

  This month more insights about entrepreneurship brought to you by Moira Vetter, CEO of Modo Modo Agency.  There used to be a time when, for ambitious entrepreneurs, the IPO was the end goal. Grow like crazy, then go public. It wasn’t...

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• 03.01.2013

  General,

  Best in Atlanta Real Estate

  Last night was a big evening for the Atlanta Real Estate community. Over 400 people gathered at the Fox Theater’s Egyptian Ballroom to honor some of the biggest real estate deals of the past year. The keynote speaker, Henry Chamberlain,...

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• 02.08.2013

  Entrepreneurship,

  Writing a Business Plan

  This month Wes Pennington of Frazier & Deeter’s Business Valuations Group is starting a a blog series regarding working with private equity investors. His first blog looks at writing a business plan. So you think you might want to sell yo

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• 01.22.2013

  Accounting Topics,

  FASB reaches conclusions at Jan 31 meeting

  At today’s Financial Accounting Standard Board (FASB) meeting the FASB completed deliberations on several topics. Two of the more important conclusions regarded going concern and fair value disclosure requirements for nonpublic entities. Going

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• 01.19.2013

  Accounting Topics, General,

  Employee vs Independent Contractor

  IRS program allows for payroll tax relief…but concerns continue. About a year ago, the IRS launched a program that allows employers to resolve past worker classification issues by voluntarily reclassifying their workers as employees rather than

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• 12.25.2012

  Entrepreneurship,

  Firing the Brilliant Jerk

  This week our entrepreneur guest blogger Cliff Oxford offers a video about a common leadership issue that faces companies as they grow beyond the start up stage: the emergence of the “Brilliant Jerk.” The Brilliant Jerk was once the Bril

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• 12.19.2012

  Accounting Topics, General,

  SEC approves PCAOB standard for Emerging Growth Co …

  The leader of Frazier & Deeter’s Public Company Audit and Advisory Practice, Bill Godshall, discusses AS 16, the first auditing standard issued by the PCAOB and approved by the SEC since the JOBS Act was signed into law. This week the SEC

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• 10.26.2012

  Entrepreneurship, Women Business Leaders,

  Women Entrepreneurs

  Are women entrepreneurs different from their male counterparts? There are statistics that indicate there may be real differences. Only 3% of woman-owned businesses ever pass the milestone of $1 million in revenue…this may sound bleak, but only

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• 10.19.2012

  Entrepreneurship, Women Business Leaders,

  Women entrepreneurs sharing insights

  This week Frazier & Deeter and the Oxford Center for Entrepreneurs organized an event for female entrepreneurs. Peers, a panel & productive networking, what more could you want? While there was nothing terribly original about the event format

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• 09.05.2012

  Entrepreneurship, Women Business Leaders,

  Entrepreneurs – characters that feed marketi …

  Welcome to our new entrepreneur blogger: Moira Vetter of Modo Modo… They say behind every successful so-and-so is a successful so-and-so. That’s true. But the successful one out in front is probably a character. A passionate, focused, in

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• 08.26.2012

  Entrepreneurship, Women Business Leaders,

  The Dream Team or a Nightmare – Part One

  Guest Blogger Cliff Oxford of Entrepreneur Advisors discusses his real life experiences in a three part series regarding a key point in the growth of a company. Where, when and how do you find the right people to take the company...

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• 08.15.2012

  Entrepreneurship, Women Business Leaders,

  The Dream Team Saga Continues

  Guest blogger Cliff Oxford of Entrepreneur Advisors watches the dream team transform into a nightmare. August 22, 2012. So my company needed to add structure to grow to the next level and I was excited to have hired a complete...

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• 08.10.2012

  Entrepreneurship, Women Business Leaders,

  F&D Blog The road back from the Nightmare on …

  Guest blogger Cliff Oxford of Entrepreneur Advisors wraps up his three part saga of hiring in a Dream Team to grow his business… I had hired in the Dream Team  – a group of executives from large, highly successful companies...

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• 07.19.2012

  Women Business Leaders,

  Inspiring Women…

  Frazier & Deeter’s second season of Inspiring Women events starts right after the Olympics…in the meantime we’re already being inspired. We began this program last year, working in conjunction with the Atlanta Dream WNBA bas

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