fbpx
10 Smart Financial Management Rules for Working Women

10 Smart Financial Management Rules for Working Women

10 Smart Financial Planning Rules for Working Women The start of the New Year is always a great time to plan your finances. Making a solid financial plan should be at the top of your to-do list, as it can significantly impact your financial future as well as that of your children.

 While financial planning is important for everyone, women tend to face unique economic and lifestyle challenges that require special attention. Women tend to live longer and earn less than men on average. Many, if not most women, are also responsible for the household budget. Additionally, they are examples for their children and tend to should the burden of aging parents and relatives as well.

As a working mom, the beginning of the new year is my favorite time to put my finances on the table and “get real” about our money situation as a family. This is especially important after the increased spending of the holidays. While some of us may want to avoid looking at your bank accounts right after the holidays, it’s better to tackle it and start on a fresh financial footing.

10 Smart Financial Planning Rules for Working Women-2

Here are 10 steps to making and implementing your financial plan this year:

 

  1. Confirm your financial priorities

We all have financial priorities. What are yours? As a working woman, it’s important to identify your life priorities and goals, so you can devise the right financial strategy for you. Your financial priorities may be related to sending your kids to college, being comfortable in retirement and/or being able to care for your elderly parents. Decide what’s most important to you in terms of life and financial priorities first.

 

To Do: Make a list of your life and financial priorities. If possible, share this with your spouse or your accountability partner(s).

 

  1. Learn to invest confidently

Even as a Certified Public Accountant, it took me a while to get comfortable with the idea of investing. For some reason, I felt that the investing industry was reserved to men, and that it failed to understand the needs of women. Thankfully, the investing landscape is changing for women. There are now a number of online investment options targeted to women specifically, and more women than ever are taking the lead in their finances.

As women, we have a lot of basic and natural skills that make us excellent investors, from managing our households to leading complex projects. However, we must commit to getting familiar with investments through classes, organizations or on our own, and invest more confidently.

 

To Do: Set some money aside every month as part of your budget to invest. When in doubt, consult with a financial advisor about possible investment opportunities that target your own financial priorities (see Step 1). You can also consult these online financial planning firms for women.

 

  1. Plan for taxes

Very few of us think to plan for our taxes. You know what they say: “There are only two things that are certain, death and taxes!”. Planning for tax savings options allows you to save money, and headaches, in the long run.

From saving your raises to make tax payments, to deducting your student loan interest, there are many ways you can plan ahead for your taxes. Make sure to consult with a tax professional on these.

 

To Do: Get clear on your upcoming tax payments, if any. If possible, set aside some money in your budget for your taxes. Consult a tax professional for the best options to save on your taxes.

 

  1. Save for retirement

Retirement is very real, and can be planned well ahead of time. In order for you to enjoy it and have peace of mind as you get there, consider starting your financial planning efforts now. It starts with determining how much you will need in order to retire comfortably. You can use the help of a financial advisor for this, as well as to make a plan to save accordingly.

 

To Do: Do some research and get familiar with the following questions/concepts when it comes to retirement planning:

  • What is your life expectancy?
  • How much will you need to healthcare costs in retirement?
  • When is it best to claim your Social Security benefits?
  • How much of your nest egg can you withdraw next year?

 

  1. Mind your spouse’s finances

Your spouse’s financial decisions can affect your own financial welfare. It’s important to discuss with them the financial plans they may have or decisions they may be taking. Not discussing finances with your significant other may lead to underfunded savings, financial mistakes and inaccurate budgets.

 

To Do: Have a money date with your spouse to plan your finances periodically. Pick a quiet time and place to discuss your budget, savings and retirement. Frequently ask questions, and create a common budget that takes into account your combined financial situation.

 

  1. Get adequate insurance

Insurance is basically your backup in case an unplanned occurrence requires you to spend a large amount of money. The right insurance plan will protect your assets and safeguard your peace of mind too.

When you think insurance coverage, don’t just limit yourself to your car or home insurance. You may also want to think about:

  • Health insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Business insurance
  • Etc

 

To Do: Do your homework and research the best insurance options for your particular circumstances and budget. If needed, consult with an insurance agent or advisor as to your best options.

 

  1. Create multiple streams of income

Relying on one single income can not only be a source of stress, but also an obstacle if you happen to lose it. If you’re employed, consider pursuing a side hustle or starting investment funds that create additional income for you. If you’re a business owner, start thinking about ways to diversifying your income streams by offering varied products or services.

 

To Do: Brainstorm on additional ways you can create additional income. Try to implement at least one of these this year.

 

  1. Prepare for long-term care

Having health insurance is one thing, planning for long-term care is another one. Start thinking about ways to prepare for long-term care, especially as a woman. Women tend to live longer than men and tend to have a higher rate of chronic illnesses, which also means that they also need more long-term care.

 

To Do: Start planning for your long-term care needs by doing the following:

  • Discuss your options with an advisor
  • Consider shared-care policies with your spouse if you’re married
  • Consider a hybrid long-term care insurance policy that pay you and your family in either long-term care benefits or life insurance proceeds
  • Consider opening a Health Savings Account (HSA): You can use your tax-exempt dollars to pay for long-term care premiums, under certain condition.
  • If you’re single, research the best options for single women or consult with your advisor

 

  1. Create your estate plan

There is another area that few think about as part of their financial planning efforts. However, it’s crucial as it allows you to plan for your assets after you are gone. This usually involves drawing out a will, and listing out all your assets ahead of time, with the help of an estate planner or advisor.

 

To Do: Start researching estate planning options and/or consult with an estate planner or advisor.

 

  1. Plan early and review your plan frequently!

Last but not least, do not wait to implement the various components of your financial plan. The earlier you start planning your financial future, the greater the rewards! In addition, make sure to review your plan as frequently as possible, at least on a quarterly basis. Don’t forget to adjust it in cases of life changes, such as marriage, divorce, children, etc.

 

To Do: Set a timeline for implementing your financial plan, and delineate action steps as to how you can realistically tackle it.

 

 

 

Have you set your financial plan yet?

 

 

To Your Success,

The Corporate Sister.

10 Ways to Overcome Self-doubt as a Working Woman

10 Ways to Overcome Self-doubt as a Working Woman

How to Overcome Self-doubt as a Working Woman You know those moments when you feel like you can’t do it, whatever “it” may be. Those times when you can’t see the forest from the trees and don’t see a way. Or those instances when you feel like you’re not enough, you can’t measure up, or you simply don’t have what it takes. We all do know these, because at one point or another of our lives and careers, we all have experienced them.

 

Some of us are better at dealing with these times of self-doubt, or concealing them. The rest of us have a hard time letting it go. All of us must work on it. It’s called self-doubt, and it’s ruined many a promising future, career or business. It’s this implacable sense that who we are, what we have and where we’re headed is not enough. These voices in our heads that keep telling us we can’t be everything we want to be. The fear and negativity that keep us from living fully and enjoying the journey.

 

As hard as it is for me to admit, I’ve always been plagued by self-doubt. In my career, business and everyday life, I, like so many others, must fight thoughts such as:

Can I do this?”

“Will people like me? Will they like what I produce?”

“What happens if I fail?

How to Overcome Self-doubt as a Working Woman-2

I’ve learnt a while ago that self-doubt is natural. What’s not natural is allowing it to overcome our lives and take away every opportunity to better ourselves. The point is, it’s not so much that self-doubt will come, because it will.

 

The point is, we must move forward even as we’re tempted to be paralyzed by self-doubt.

We must keep pushing, even as we’re terrified, scared, and downright ready to quit and run the other way.

I’m still learning to overcome my self-doubt. I don’t believe I will ever be done. Over time, and after so many failures, here are some tips I have picked up to overcome self-doubt and build confidence as a working woman:

 

PS: Join our email newsletter as I share my journey and the lessons I’ve learnt along the way!

 

HOW TO OVERCOME SELF-DOUBT AS A WORKING WOMAN

 

  1. Start with your why

I often mention how important it is to know your “why”. When you’re defying stereotypes and working to rise above societal expectations and norms, knowing your “why” and trusting your values is crucial.

Many times, I have to ask and remind myself: “Self, why are you doing what you are doing?” When I’m reminded of my purpose, most often through prayer, It’s easier to let go of self-doubt.

 

  1. Allow yourself to feel self-doubt

This may sound counter-intuitive. However, taking the time and allowing yourself to feel self-doubt is actually healing. You cannot fight what you don’t know. Many of us choose to ignore our feelings. Instead, we drown them with work, a busy social calendar, or excessive social media use.

I’ve learnt to sit down with my self-doubt and look at it in the face. “Why am I feeling this way?” “What’s the worst thing that could happen?” “Would it even matter in five years?” All these are hard questions to ask oneself. Yet, they can put things in perspective. It’s never as bad as we may think. Everything is “figureoutable”.

 

  1. Stop comparing yourself to others

One of the worst initiators of self-doubt is comparing ourselves to others. It’s natural to do so, especially in the age of social media. I mean, how can you not compare the glamorous (and largely made-up) pictures on Instagram with your quiet Friday night at home with your family?

I’ve learnt that comparing myself with others is denying my uniqueness. It’s denying that I’m doing the best I can where I’m at, with what I have. It’s violating my own unique purpose. I know this sounds harsh, but it’s a reality.

Life simply happens, and it’s not a race! Stay in your lane, do your best, and keep true to your purpose in life. You’re already amazing!

 

  1. Just do it

Once you’ve allowed yourself to feel the weight of self-doubt and deal with it, it’s time to walk the walk. This means that you must do whatever it is that you have decided to do, regardless of the circumstances at hand or the negative voices screaming in your head.

I’ve learnt to put on blinders, shut down social media and distractions, and just work through it. Very often, it doesn’t look anywhere near perfect, but it gets done. The more I do it, the more the self-doubt melts away. It’s not pretty and the process can be downright painful at times. Yet, it’s in those moments when we’re not motivated and still push through, that our best comes out.

 

  1. Take care of you

Don’t underestimate the power of self-care to overcome self-doubt. Feeling exhausted, depleted and low energy does nothing to help you be more confident. Instead, take some time to be compassionate towards yourself. Do something nice for yourself as often as you can, even if it’s just reading a book you like or taking a warm bath.

I’ve learnt to keep reminders of things that lift up my spirits. For instance, I keep a list of my favorite and most uplifting Bible verses. I also keep a list of the major accomplishments I’ve done throughout life to remind myself of past victories. Pictures of testimonials from happy clients that I can look at when I’m feeling low always bring a smile on my face too.

 

  1. Share it

As strong working women, we may be tempted to keep our vulnerabilities to ourselves. However, there are times when sharing our self-doubt can not only make us feel better. It can also help us learn from someone else, and help them in the process too.

I’ve learnt that pride does not help with overcoming self-doubt. While I don’t necessarily share all my struggles with just anyone, I do have trusted people I confide in. Writing in this blog also warms my heart and helps me in the process.

 

  1. Break up with toxic people

There are confidence-suckers out there that will only increase the self-doubt in you. These are people who are experts at making you feel like you cannot do anything right. These toxic people don’t help you become more confident at all. You can tell by the way you feel after interacting with them: unmotivated, low and conflicted in yourself.

I’ve learnt to recognize the confidence suckers in myself and remove them from my life. This doesn’t mean being dramatic or argumentative. However, distancing yourself from those toxic friends and family members who feed your self-doubt can literally save your life. Trust me.

 

  1. Let go of expectations

You may not have realized it, but you grew up with sets of expectations about our lives. These are timelines, deadlines and aspirations that were chosen for us before we could even decide. Or it’s simply the need to compare ourselves with others and keep up with the Joneses. My mom always wanted me to be a doctor. If you’re from West Africa, most parents want you to either become a doctor, lawyer or engineer. I became neither.

I’ve learnt to release expectations on my life that don’t align with my God-given purpose. I’ve stopped praying for things that are not for me. I’ve also stopped trying to fit in instead of charting my own path.

 

  1. Release the past

In the same way, our pasts often keep us imprisoned in self-doubt. Our past failures, hurts and disappointments stand in the way of us taking risks and living our best lives. Instead of moving forward and trying again, we play it safe, afraid to get hurt.

I’ve learnt to stop letting my past dictate my future. Every time I’m tempted to retreat because of a past mistake or experience, I remind myself that today is another day. As much as I may be scared, I also know that things will work out differently.

 

  1. Get inspired!

I love reading inspirational books, articles and posts about people who’ve overcome struggles and achieved their dreams. It may sound cliché, but some things will speak to you in a way that can change your entire life. For me, it’s being inspired by achievers and leader-servants. For you, it may be something entirely different.

I’ve learnt that the right inspiration for you will keep you motivated even when you’re feeling low and unproductive. Whether it’s listening to a podcast, music, watching YouTube videos, or reading a book, pick a source of inspiration to keep self-doubt at bay.

 

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Self-doubt is a normal part of our lives, careers and businesses. However, the better we can manage it, the more we can fight it and build more confidence.

 

How do you fight your own self-doubt?

 

 

 

To Your Success,

The Corporate Sister.

 

 

 

How to get the support you need as a woman of color at work

How to get the support you need as a woman of color at work

How to get the support you need as a woman of color at work Being a woman of color at work can be an isolating experience in and of itself. Being “the only one in the room” or one of only a few can have its challenges, from fitting in to being afforded opportunities. It’s also the reason why we need support as we face the obstacles we’re often confronted to.

However, very often as women of color, we’re socialized not to seek help outside of ourselves. We’re supposed to be strong, and to look the part too. We’re supposed to raise families on our own, hold multiple jobs, and withstand difficulties alone. Over time, there’s a pride that has quietly overtaken us as well, whereby we won’t even begin to admit we need help.

Add to this the fact that women of color are at the intersection of racism and sexism, and often the subject of a form of exclusionary brand of feminism excluding them. When you consider how the recent policies can also harm women in general, and women of color in particular, it goes without saying that much support is needed to create safer and more progressive environments for women of color at work.

How to get the support you need as a woman of color at work-2

Here are a few ways you, as a woman of color, can get the support you need to be safe and thriving at work:

 

  1. Speak up and share your needs

I remember all the times when I failed to express what I really needed, for fear of being misjudged or worse, rejected. Truth is, an unexpressed need is as good as a non-existent one, especially when stemming from minority groups. This is exactly the reason why it’s important for women of color to speak up and express their needs, in a collaborative and professional way.

Most importantly, what you may need to develop and thrive at work may also be what countless other women of color, and women in general, also need. By expressing it, you’re also liberating others and giving them a voice.

 

  1. Tap into your informal networks

It took me years to discover and start tapping into informal networks such as my church’s business network, neighborhood association or other women’s groups. I didn’t realize early enough how powerful sources of support and growth these could be. As I speak to other women of color around me, I’m also realizing that they too have been pleasantly surprised to discover how supportive their own informal networks are. A friend of mine scored multiple business deals through her church network. Another was able to find the job of her dreams through the power of word-of-mouth.

As women of color, we have access to countless informal networks around us. Leveraging these as sources of support, growth and development can provide us with the contacts and influence to grow in our careers.

 

  1. Expand your network

Outside of informal networks, other networks are also great opportunities to garner professional and business support. We often underestimate the power of entering new circles, especially as women of color.

However, one of the best ways to overcome our fear of not fitting in is to actually face it head on. This means joining professional and business associations and networks we may not have considered before. It also means willfully committing to investing in our own growth and development though paid networks as well.

 

  1. Ask for help

One of the most challenging hurdles I faced in my own career was to simply ask for help. Whether to better understand an unfamiliar area, be mentored or have access to opportunities we desire, having the humility to ask for help can go a long way in getting the support we need.

There may be people around willing to help and support your growth. However, it starts with simply asking. After all, the worst answer you can get is a “No”. When asking for help, remember to come prepared with a plan as to how this support will help you accomplish your goals.

 

 

  1. Reach out to other women of color

One of the reasons why women of color are often isolated in professional settings is because of the lack of collaboration between us. There is a pervasive mindset according to which there is not enough room for all women of color in professional and business settings. As such, many believe that collaboration between us is not recommended.

However, we often overlook the fact that we can be each other’s strongest sources of support and advocates. After all, who better than another woman of color can fully understand their common challenges?

Reaching out to other women of color to create positive support and growth networks is a great opportunity to lessen the challenges we all face.

 

 

  1. Be willing to change your circle

Sometimes, our own circles of influence, whether it be our friends or family members, fail to support us adequately. This also means that in order to grow and thrive professionally, we must be willing to change our environment.

As difficult as it may be, evolving from unsupportive circles to ones that provide you with the support you need may be the best career or business decision you can make.

 

  1. Continuously develop yourself

Last but not least, the best way to support yourself as a woman of color at work is to continuously develop yourself. You must be committed to keep growing and educating yourself regardless of the circumstances you may be facing.

Whether it’s by furthering your education, meeting new people or working on your mindset, committing to self-development will always support your growth.

 

 

What’s your take on it?

 

To Your Success,

The Corporate Sister

10 Best Productivity Hacks for Busy Working Women

10 Best Productivity Hacks for Busy Working Women

10 Best Productivity Hacks for Busy Working Women If you ask most working women what their biggest concern is when it comes to thriving in their careers or businesses, the answer can usually be summed up in one word: Productivity. With so much on our plates, it can be a challenge to be as productive as we’d like to be. This is especially true considering all the distractions we now customarily have to face on a daily basis, from social media to unnecessary meetings and last-minute to-do’s.

10 Best Productivity Hacks for Busy Working Women

As a working mom, being more productive is like trying to lose those last five pounds from my first baby. It’s this endless race to do as much as feasible in as little time as possible. The only thing is, it ends up being just that, an exhausting, oftentimes unproductive, race. As a result, we end up chasing the elusive badge of honor of “busy-ness” instead of the fulfillment of true productivity.

Rather than this endless busy race we too often find ourselves in, here are 10 hacks for working women to be more productive at work:

  1. Plan at least a week ahead

This may sound cliché, but the results are anything but. Planning a week ahead allows you to prepare the resources you need to complete whatever task is on your to-do list. Rather than rushing at the last minute, you can give yourself enough time to tackle your to-do list.

 

  1. Hack your mornings

Mornings are a sacred and precious time, especially for busy working women who are always on the go. Hack your mornings by getting up earlier and starting your day before the rest of the world, and their associated distractions, gets up. If you’re not a morning person, start by small increments. The point is to get an early and productive head start.

 

  1. Exercise

Exercising is one of the most underrated productivity tools. The more physical exercise you practice, the more mental and physical energy you actually have. It may sound counter-intuitive, but it’s actually true. Schedule some time to exercise daily, even if only 20 minutes, and notice how your productivity increases.

 

  1. Prioritize

Rank your tasks in order of priority. Consult with your manager or team to agree on what needs to be completed first, and focus your efforts there. Don’t squander your time and energy trying to do it all when you can knock off the most impactful items on your list instead. The point is not to do it all, it’s to do it well.

 

  1. Eliminate distractions

The biggest obstacles to peak productivity consist of the distractions surrounding us. If you happen to have a smartphone, 99% of these distractions are stored in there. From social media apps to texts from friends and family, there virtually exist a gazillion ways out there to take your focus off of what you’re supposed to do.

The easiest, and by far most effective way to limit these distractions, is to eliminate them. This means deleting these apps from your phone, stopping your notifications, and postponing checking your email, among other ways.

 

  1. Control your calendar

Don’t let your calendar control you! Instead of leaving it open and at the mercy of unlimited meeting requests, block off the time you need to tackle your priorities. You don’t need to have a meeting scheduled or some other event to block off your calendar. Instead, use your discretion to keep your calendar off-limits.

 

  1. Set a strict limit on meetings

Meetings are one of the biggest time suckers at work. Don’t allow these to reduce your productivity though. Instead, set ruthless time limits on any meeting you attend. Keep them to their allotted time too. Make sure to inform the other meeting participants that you will not be able to stay past the scheduled time. If you see the meeting is lasting longer than scheduled, you may even consider excusing yourself.

 

  1. Group your interruptions

Interruptions are almost impossible to avoid at work. To limit their negative influence on your productivity, consider grouping them instead. Ask your team members, reports or even managers, to schedule a time with you when you can go over any open items or questions they may have. This way, you don’t have to be constantly interrupted and waste unnecessary time.

 

  1. Delegate and outsource

You can’t do everything. More specifically, you can’t do everything that you’re not particularly good at. Take a look at your schedule and consider delegating and/or outsourcing the tasks or chores that are least impactful and are not aligned with your strengths.

 

  1. Schedule breaks

Being productive doesn’t mean working tirelessly and endlessly. Instead, the most productive people are also those who periodically stop and take breaks. To ensure that you don’t skip on your breaks, schedule them in your calendar.

 

 

What are your best hacks to be more productive at work?

 

To Your Success,

The Corporate Sister.

The New Tax Plan and Your Business: 13 Things You Must Know as a Business Owner

The New Tax Plan and Your Business: 13 Things You Must Know as a Business Owner

The New Tax Plan and Your Business_ 13 Things You Must Know as a Business Owner The new GOP tax plan, also known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, is final as of December 2017. This sweeping reform of the U.S. Tax Code will affect your business, in more ways than you may realize. This major tax act is one of the most significant reforms for businesses and corporations, with the elimination of the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) among other changes.

The New Tax Plan and Your Business_ 13 Things You Must Know as a Business Owner-2

 

While this new legislation may result in a reduction of taxes for families and individuals, the changes may affect businesses in different ways. Here are a few of the ways that your business may be impacted:

 

  • If you’re a US corporation, you will benefit from a large tax cut

If your business is registered as a U.S. corporation, you’re in luck! The new tax reform actually grants a generous tax cut to corporations registered in the US. Instead of a maximum corporate tax rate of 35%, C corporations that are personal service corporations, such as legal and accounting firms for instance, will now have a 25% rate.

Note that personal service corporations are corporations performing services in the fields of health, engineering, accounting, architecture, actuarial science, consulting, performing arts, and law. This lower tax rate is particularly attractive for corporations because it will ultimately make them more profitable. It also is a great incentive for foreign businesses to move to the U.S.

 

 

  • The corporate AMT no longer exists!

Prior to this tax reform, the corporate Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) consisted of a 20% tax rate that applied in case a company’s tax credits resulted in the business’ effective tax rate dipping below that level. Under this new reform, the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) no longer exists.

 

  • Your corporation’s ability to deduct its interest expense is now limited

This new tax bill actually limits any corporation’s ability to deduct their interest expense up to 30% of their income. This also means that your firm may face more challenges when it comes to borrowing funds. It may also result in businesses issuing less bonds and buying back their stock.

 

  • There are new limits on deducting Net Operating Losses (NOL)

If your business’ expenses exceed its income, your business may incur a Net Operating Loss (NOL). Under the previous tax law, this Net Operating Loss would be carried back two years. This would result in a refund of the taxes paid in the past two years, in partiality or in their entirety.

The new tax regulation eliminates carrybacks of any Net Operating Loss. The only exception applies to small businesses in case of disaster and casualty losses. In addition, taxpayers would be able to deduct any Net Operating Loss (NOL) only up to 90% of the business’ taxable income.

 

  • Increase in Section 179 Personal Property Expensing

Prior to this new tax regulation, business owners may have been able to deduct up to $510,000 of personal property cost purchased and used for business in a single year. Now, this amount is increased to $5 million for property acquired and placed in service between 2018 and 2022.

 

  • If your business has depreciable assets, you can now deduct their cost in one year!

Instead of amortizing any depreciable assets your business may have over the course of several years, you can now take one deduction in one year! However, the depreciable equipment must be purchased after September 27, 2017 and before January 1, 2023.

In addition, this 100% bonus depreciation applies to both new and used property, whereas previously it was only available to new property only. The bonus depreciation for automobiles would reflect an increase from $8,000 to $16,000. However, you should note that depreciation may not be used for real property.

 

  • If you’re a pass-through service business making less than $315,000 per year, you may get a 20% deduction!

Pass-through businesses, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, and S corporations, now get a 20% deduction. This is a great benefit to small businesses, since such a deduction would lower your business’ taxable income. In turn, it will allow these businesses to reinvest any money saved back into the company’s operations.

However, this deduction only applies to service businesses making less than $315,000 per year. This is to avoid potential tax loophole, by limiting certain service-based businesses from taking advantage of lower taxable income.

 

  • No more taxes on your overseas profits

Prior to this new legislation, corporations engaged in business abroad were taxed on the profits they incurred in foreign territories. However, the new regulation includes a shift in what is known as the “territorial” tax structure. As a corporation, you may now have to retrieve profits previously held in foreign territories with a one-time tax of up to 15.5%.

 

  • Offering health insurance to your employees may cost you more!

This new tax regulation also results in the elimination of one of the major tenets of the Affordable Care Act. This requirement consisted in mandating all individuals to purchase health insurance. This also means that insurance premiums will more likely be raised by insurance companies. In return, your health insurance costs as related to your employees could skyrocket as well!

 

  • You may be able to choose between the accrual and cash method of accounting

Under this new tax reform, more businesses are now allowed to use the cash method of accounting instead of the accrual method of accounting. The cash accounting mandates that a business record income when it is received, and expenses when they’re paid. However, under the accrual method of accounting, both expenses and income are booked when owed, as opposed to when they’re received or paid.

As of now, businesses with average revenues of $25 million or less are exempted from using the accrual method of accounting, which is a $5 million increase from the prior tax law.

 

  • Your employees’ withholdings will change!

Considering the standard tax deduction has actually doubled and personal exemptions have been eliminated, what you withhold from your employees’ paychecks will need to be modified. Additionally, any bonus, commission or supplemental wages are now subject to automatic withholdings of up to 28%. This is a 3% increase from the original 25% rate. However, these changes will not be in effect until 2018.

 

  • Watch those employee perks!

Prior to this tax regulation, businesses were able to deduct the cost of food and beverage provided to employees. However, only 50% of these costs are now allowed to be deducted. Additionally, please also note that this provision is only effective until 2025. After this date, you may no longer be able to deduct any of these expenses.

 

  • Other deductions and credits for your business will no longer exist

The new tax law also eliminates the following deductions and credits:

  • Deduction for domestic production activities
  • Local lobbying expenses deduction
  • Childcare tax credit provided by employers
  • Historic structures Rehabilitation Tax Credit
  • Work Opportunity Tax Credit
  • Credit for access to disabled individuals

 

While these changes will only take effect at the start of 2018, it will most likely take a few months for corporations and businesses to implement the related changes. Considering that many businesses have already set their budgets and outlined their growth plans for the new year, this may also result in significant delays.

 

What’s your opinion on these changes?

 

To Your Success,

The Corporate Sister.