Classifying a worker as an employee or independent contractor has long been a complicated task for employers, with significant consequences. Misclassification can result in fines and penalties, and, in some cases, employers may be required to pay back wages and taxes to a worker who is reclassified as an employee. Now the U.S. Department of […]
New Rules on Employee/Contractor Classification Proposed Read More »
By Michael L. Cecere, CPA, MST Gray, Gray & Gray, LLP Non-profit organizations that exist to address the needs of society occupy a special place in the business universe. Whether the mission is to provide support for disadvantaged communities, enlighten lives through art and culture, fund medical research, further a cause, or any one of
Why Non-Profits Need to Think Strategically Read More »
By James A. DeLeo, MBA, CPA/MST Leading Partner Gray, Gray & Gray, LLP In an overabundance of eagerness to get a deal done, some companies looking to make an acquisition in the M&A market might lose sight of the critical need to successfully integrate the new business post-merger. There are many challenges to be surmounted
Merger Integration Challenges Read More »
Fraud is an unfortunate, but all too frequent, problem for many businesses. You need to be vigilant lest a customer, vendor, or employee tries to skim, cheat, embezzle or otherwise steal your hard-earned money. The best way to avoid getting ripped off is to have strong systems and processes in place to prevent such larceny.
Protecting Your Business from Fraud Read More »
Individuals who find themselves short of cash due to the economic disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic may find relief in their retirement savings. The CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) includes a provision that eases restrictions on distributions from certain tax-qualified retirement plans, including 401(k), 403(b), tax-sheltered annuity plans, and IRAs. Prior
Using Your Retirement Account During the Pandemic Read More »
Employers who withhold the 6.2% Social Security tax from employee paychecks may now defer collection and payment of withholding amount for pay periods beginning September 1, 2020 and extending through December 31, 2020. However, the taxes are only deferred – not exempted – and must be paid between January 1, 2021 and April 30, 2021,
Payroll Tax “Holiday” Beginning September 1, 2020 Read More »
By Martin E. Prendergast, MBA Gray, Gray & Gray, LLP Architects and engineers are adept at working with their clients to create and implement a vision for the future. However, when it comes to preparing for their own future, many A&E firm partners can be slow to make plans. That can lead to complications in
Architects & Engineers Should Avoid Delaying Succession Planning Read More »
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued further guidance to clarify the loan forgiveness provision of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) part of the CARES Act. In particular, the new guidance addresses questions about the eligibility for forgiveness of owner compensation and specific non-payroll costs. In response to public questions about C- and S-Corporation
New PPP Forgiveness Guidance Issued by SBA Read More »
The economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis on Massachusetts is being seen in a $3 billion tax revenue shortfall for fiscal year 2020, as reported by the Department of Revenue. Yet that news came in conjunction with a report that July tax revenues were higher than expected, at $4.5 billion. Part of the July collections
Massachusetts Tax Revenues Fall Short, But Trend Higher Read More »
While not exactly a “traditional” gift for a high school graduate, paying for the creation of an estate plan for a young adult can have long term benefits for both the grad and their family. If you have a child, grandchild or other relative who recently graduated or reached age 18, an estate plan is
An Estate Plan Makes a Great Graduation Gift Read More »