Forward Thinking
Search Again
Your search for “” AND “Blogs” AND “Manufacturing and Distribution” Industry
Blogs
12.20.16
Compensation Packages: Finding the Right Fit
Many manufacturers are struggling with attracting and retaining skilled workers and complying with government regulations, such as the Department of Labor’s new overtime rule and the shared-responsibility provisions of the Affordable Care Act. This article reveals surprising statistics about health insurance coverage by small businesses. It also provides compelling reasons to buck the trend to not offer health coverage and offers creative alternatives for controlling labor costs. A Sidebar highlights the benefits of hiring veterans, including a temporary tax break.
11.29.16
Valuation Basics: Key Points to Think About Before Transferring Ownership
A business valuation is important when deciding whether to transfer ownership to the next generation or to sell the business to a third party and give the next generation the sales proceeds (or alternative investments purchased from those proceeds). This article describes business valuation methods and the current state of the M&A market.
11.18.16
New Overtime Rules Will Affect You – Are You Ready?
In May 2015, the Department of Labor (DOL) finalized new overtime rules that update the thresholds for classifying workers as nonexempt and highly compensated. The long awaited changes will increase pay for more than 4 million workers. This article explains changes that will go into effect starting on December 1, how they will impact manufacturers and how business can legitimately reduce overtime costs. A Sidebar highlights the stance the National Association of Manufacturers has taken on the new rules.
10.31.16
Accelerating Depreciation Deductions: A Cost Segregation Study May Reduce Taxes
Businesses that acquire, construct or substantially improve a building may want to consider a cost segregation study. These studies combine accounting and engineering techniques to identify building costs that are properly allocable to tangible personal property rather than real property. The result may allow businesses to accelerate depreciation deductions, thus reducing taxes and boosting cash flow. This article details how a cost segregation study works.
08.29.16
Managing Inventory with Cycle Counting
The end of a fiscal year is an exciting time for most organizations. There is a push to collect receivables, pay vendors, evaluate accounting estimates and start planning for the next fiscal year. . It is safe to say that there is one particular component of year-end that most manufacturers dread: the inventory count! Instead of counting inventory periodically, manufacturers should explore the opportunities with adopting cycle counting, which we detail in our latest Manufacturing and Distribution Group blog.
07.26.16
Understanding Tax Issues Related to Shareholder Loans
Owners occasionally borrow funds from their businesses. If the company has extra cash on hand, a shareholder loan can be a convenient and low-cost option. This article explains the importance of treating these transactions as bona fide loans and charging an “adequate” rate of interest. It also provides a list of factors the IRS considers when evaluating advances to shareholders.
06.16.16
Six Simple Steps to Shrink Your Outstanding Receivables
When cash flow does not keep pace with work flow, manufacturers need to take a hard look at their billing practices to ensure that jobs do not fall through the cracks. This article outlines ways manufacturers can strengthen their collection processes. A Sidebar highlights a possible tax break for uncollectible accounts.
05.10.16
The Ins and Outs of Using Accountable Plans to Save Taxes
When an employer pays an expense reimbursement or advance to an employee, the IRS generally considers the arrangement to be disguised taxable compensation. Accountable plans are an exception to this rule, allowing payments to qualify as tax-favored expense reimbursements. This article explains how to set up accountable plans to save taxes for both employees and employers.
04.19.16
Following the New PATH: Recent Tax Law Extends Depreciation-Expensing Tax Breaks — and More
Creating a three- to five-year capital expenditures budget is important for manufacturers and distributors since they tend to invest heavily in equipment, technology upgrades and leasehold improvements. Among numerous other provisions, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015 retroactively reinstated many tax breaks related to depreciating these assets which can affect the timing of when companies will place these assets in service. This article provides details on some depreciation-related breaks that have been permanently carved into the IRS rules and others that have been extended for several years. It also highlights the importance of planning ahead to reap the full benefits of the broad-reaching PATH Act.
03.21.16
Social Media Tips for Manufacturers
Social media can be an inexpensive, but effective, way to market products and brands. However, does it work for manufacturers, especially those that do not sell directly to the public? Some trendsetting manufacturers have successfully integrated social media into their marketing campaigns to drive traffic to their websites, build brand loyalty and attract new talent. […]