The opportunity zone tax incentive program received a new set of proposed regulations from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. PKF Texas Tax Director, Martin Euson, published another article on the Houston Business Journal website, expanding on previously published articles on the topic.

two bulldozers and two tractors digging up dirt in a land area, in preparation for creating an opportunity zone

In his article, Euson states the much-needed guidance was issued in April 2019. The goal is to help investors, fund managers, developers and sponsors take advantage of the tax incentives offered by the program; the proposed regulations help clarify the requirements investors “must satisfy to defer paying tax on capital gains invested in a qualified opportunity fund (QOF).”

Euson further explains which issues are addressed after the first set of regulations and which types of federal tax benefits there are by investing in a QOF.

For the full article with more detail, visit www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2019/09/01/opportunity-zone-program-gets-new-much-needed.html.

To learn more information about opportunity zones, contact Martin Euson at meuson@pkftexas.com.

Many not-for-profit organizations use fundraising methods which cross boundaries of different states. If your not-for-profit is one of them, it may need registration in multiple jurisdictions.

a map of the United States and Canada with colored pins to signify the possibility of nonprofit organizations needing registration in various states

But keep in mind that registration requirements vary — sometimes dramatically — from state to state. So be sure to determine your obligations before you invest time and money in registering.

Continue Reading Does Your Not-for-Profit Need Registration in Different States?

We all know the cost for higher education is expensive. The latest figures from the College Board show that the average annual cost of tuition and fees was $10,230 for in-state students at public four-year universities — and $35,830 for students at private not-for-profit four-year institutions.

a group of students throwing their graduation caps in the air in front of a stone building with windows to celebrate available tax credits for higher education

These amounts don’t include room and board, books, supplies, transportation and other expenses a student may incur.

Continue Reading Tax Credits for Higher Education You Should Know About

The fall Houston Energy Breakfast from KCA is on Friday, September 20, 2019 at the Norris Conference Center. PKF Texas is once again proud to be the Networking Sponsor of this event.

The Houston Energy Breakfast promo banner, showcasing the four speakers

 

Continuing the conversations in “Evolving in the Energy Sector Means…”, the speakers of the September edition are:

  • T. Dukes, Research Director, Wood Mackenzie
  • Allen Gilmer, Founder, Drillinginfo, Inc. – now Enverus
  • Steve Barrett, Senior Vice President Business Development, Oceaneering
  • Keith Barnett, Senior Vice President, ARM Energy

The Houston Energy Breakfast is a thought leadership event, which provides attendees with valuable knowledge and opportunity to meet and connect with other like-minded industry professionals, including senior energy executives from all sectors of oil, natural gas, power and renewable industries.

Team members from PKF Texas and our joint company, Joint Venture Strategic Advisors, will be at the breakfast, as well as meeting and talking with guests at our networking station.

For full details, visit www.kca-us.com/EVENTS.

Following our July 16th employee benefit plan seminar, PKF Texas hosted “Employee Health & Wellness: Using Data Analytics to Improve Employee Engagement, Productivity and Reduce Costs.” Audit Senior Manager, Kristin Ryan, CPA, moderated the panel, which included:

  • Rabih Suki, Founder, CEO and CSO, DHS Group, and
  • Lara Bunn, National Population Health Management Operations Leader, USI

Continue Reading Recap: Employee Health & Wellness Seminar with DHS Group and USI

Borrowing isn’t just for businesses. Many not-for-profits borrow money for major capital purchases, new program funding and even to manage current cash flow. But if you’re hoping to borrow, it’s important to understand that there are likely to be obstacles ahead, including finding a lender that offers reasonable rates.

two men meeting, paperwork on a wooden table, perhaps a lender meeting for nonprofit organizations

Continue Reading Finding a Lender for Your Not-for-Profit Can be Tough…

Here are some of the key tax deadlines affecting businesses and other employers during the fourth quarter of 2019.

Keep in mind that this list isn’t all-inclusive, so there may be additional deadlines that apply to you.

October 15
If a calendar-year C corporation that filed an automatic six-month extension:

  • File a 2018 income tax return (Form 1120) and pay any tax, interest and penalties due.
  • Make contributions for 2018 to certain employer-sponsored retirement plans.

October 31
Report income tax withholding and FICA taxes for third quarter 2019 (Form 941) and pay any tax due. (See exception below under “November 12.”)

November 12
Report income tax withholding and FICA taxes for third quarter 2019 (Form 941), if you deposited on time (and in full) all of the associated taxes due.

December 16
If a calendar-year C corporation, pay the fourth installment of 2019 estimated income taxes.

Contact your trusted advisor to ensure you’re meeting all applicable tax deadlines and to learn more about the filing requirements.

The SEC issued two final rules affecting broker-dealers and investment advisors in an open public meeting on June 5, 2019, which are effective September 10, 2019.

These new rules are designed to increase investor protections and require broker-dealers to adhere to a new standard of conduct, which goes beyond the basic suitability standards currently in place. Although this is still not equivalent to the fiduciary standard required by investment advisors, this new rule will result in big changes with broker-dealers and how they manage and avoid conflicts of interest. Continue Reading Two SEC Rules Impact Broker-Dealers and Investment Advisors, effective Sept. 10, 2019

It’s never easy to say “no” to a generous donor. But a gift acceptance policy can make the decision and process easier. When you receive a personal gift from a friend or family member — even if it’s not something you particularly want — you accept the gift and thank the person. The same isn’t always true of gifts given to your not-for-profit.

a gift wrapped in brown paper tied with a pink bow to signify a gift acceptance policy for not-for-profit organizations

Why? There are many reasons, from space limitations to unsuitability to your mission. Gifts should be examined, and, possibly, refused.

Continue Reading Creating a Gift Acceptance Policy for Your Not-for-Profit

If you’re self-employed and don’t have withholding from paychecks, you probably have to make estimated tax payments. These payments must be sent to the IRS on a quarterly basis. The third 2019 estimated tax payment deadline for individuals is Monday, September 16.

open calendar book to emphasize importance of September 16 tax deadline

Even if you do have some withholding from paychecks or payments you receive, you may still have to make estimated payments if you receive other types of income, such as Social Security, prizes, rent, interest and dividends.

Continue Reading Are You Ready for September 16 Tax Deadline?