MRPR Blog

The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) is one of the most consequential changes to U.S. tax law in decades. It features changes to individual rates, sweeping reforms to corporate taxation, and much more. One of the most important provisions of the new law is the new Section 199A deduction for Qualified Business Income (QBI). Any taxpayer receiving income from a domestic “trade or business” can potentially take a tax deduction for up to 20% of that income. Eligible taxpayers will be able to take the deduction for the first time on their 2018 personal income tax returns - Form 1040.

Many business owners see their leases --everything from buildings to copy machines-- as just that --a lease. But what they aren't used to seeing are those leases showing up on their balance sheets. If you have a long-term lease of any kind, you'll need to understand the new lease accounting standard, also known as, Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 or Leases (Topic 842). For non-public entities, this standard is set to take affect for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) has something for everyone. For example, corporate tax rates were cut from a top marginal rate of 35% to a flat rate of 21%.  And owners of most pass-through entities, such as S Corporations and partnerships, will realize a tax rate decrease of up to 10% as a result of the new Section 199A deduction. However, it's not all good news. 

As the 2018 calendar year end approaches, taxpayers should be aware of the new meals and entertainment rules for tax deductibility.  

The IRS has increased the 2018–2019 per diem rates for substantiating employee business expenses under IRC Sec. 274(d) for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses incurred while traveling away from home. 

If you've haven't heard about the Supreme Court's ruling on South Dakota v. Wayfair, it's time to start paying attention. Wayfair, an online retailer of home furnishings since 2002, had been selling products without charging state sales tax, giving it a consumer benefit edge over its brick and mortar competitors.

We're excited to announce that MRPR has made Crain's 2018 list of Cool Places to Work in Michigan. MRPR ranks 78 among 100 companies recognized by their employees for having outstanding workplace culture. Also a big shout out to our clients at New Eagle, for making the list as well!