Moore v. United States: The Supreme Court’s Tax Dilemma

Dec 13, 2023

In the world of taxes, all eyes have been on the Supreme Court and the case of Moore v. United States. What makes this case so monumental, you ask? It’s not every day that the Supreme Court hears arguments around tax laws affecting individuals, much less a high-stakes case that could redefine the meaning of taxable income.

Supreme Court

At the heart of Moore v. United States is a provision of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act (TCJA) enacted in 2017, requiring companies to pay taxes on foreign profits that had previously been untaxed. This mandatory repatriation tax is now being called unconstitutional by one Washington state couple.

In 2005, Charles and Kathleen Moore invested $40,000 in KisanKraft, a farm equipment retailer based out of India. The couple alleges that they never received any foreign profit payments from the company because all such profits were reinvested by KisanKraft. The Moores argue that such “unrealized gains” are not actually income and therefore should not be taxed. Their case argues that the TCJA provision violates apportionment requirements under the 16th Amendment because it allegedly taxes them on ownership of personal property — in this case, their KisanKraft shares — rather than on realized or received income.

While the Moores are simply seeking a refund of the one-time $15,000 increase in their tax bill due to the change in the law, the case carries much broader implications. A ruling in their favor could threaten other provisions of the tax code. The Justice Department has also noted that a ruling by the Supreme Court invalidating the mandatory repatriation tax could cost the U.S. government $340 billion over the next decade. That amount could grow exponentially if the decision invalidates other tax provisions as well.

While a ruling is not expected until June of 2024, some justices have signaled the possibility of upholding the tax by attributing the income earned by the foreign company to its shareholders. William Vaughan Company’s tax team is closely monitoring updates in the Moore v. United States case. Be sure to subscribe to our insights as we continue to share any breaking news on the ruling.

Categories: Tax Compliance


Should I Cancel My Ohio CAT Account?

Sep 26, 2023

Commercial Activity Tax Changes Under Ohio House Bill 33

We recently covered the changes to Ohio’s tax codes that were enacted by Ohio House Bill 33 after it’s passage into law in July of 2023. The new law introduced several changes to state tax codes that could prove advantageous for Ohio business owners. One of the more significant changes to the tax law relates to how CAT is reported.

The CAT is calculated using a business’s taxable gross receipts. As a result of the passing bill, beginning January 1, 2024, the CAT annual minimum tax will be eliminated, and the exemption amounts for businesses will be significantly increased. Under the new law, the CAT rate of .26% will stay the same, but will now only affect taxpayers with gross receipts over $3 million in 2024, (that number will increase to $6 million in 2025).

Taxpayer Implications
Businesses currently reporting under $1 million in gross receipts, and that are predicted to have less than $3 million in gross receipts in 2024, should cancel their CAT account effective December 31, 2023, and file a final annual CAT return, due May 10, 2024. Once the final CAT return is filed, taxpayers with gross receipts under the exemption amount will no longer have to file an annual CAT return in subsequent years. Taxpayers that predict they will have annual gross receipts between $3 million and $6 million should file their final CAT return the following year, 2025. All remaining CAT payers that do not meet the exclusion amount must still file quarterly returns for tax periods after January 1, 2024.

If a taxpayer does not cancel their CAT account, they will still be required to file a CAT return until the account is canceled, even if nothing is due. Taxpayers may cancel their CAT account by visiting the CAT Cancel Account Transaction on the Ohio Department of Taxation’s Business Gateway (preferred method.) Alternatively, those wishing to cancel their CAT account can also complete and submit a “Business Account Update Form” available in the “Tax Forms” section of the Ohio Department of Taxation’s website.

If a business’s gross receipts happen to exceed the exclusion amount in subsequent periods, the taxpayer must reactivate their CAT account and resume filing returns and paying the Commercial Activity Tax at that time.

Conclusion
Ohio House Bill 33 has made several alterations to Ohio’s tax laws, with the regulations around Commercial Activity Tax being particularly affected. For more information on these changes, visit the official release from the Ohio Department of Taxation.

William Vaughan Company will continue to monitor the changes resulting from this bill as well as other state and federal tax bills.

Questions or concerns about how these changes apply to your specific CAT filings? Connect with us today to get a better understanding of these new developments and mitigate tax risks in your business.

Categories: Tax Compliance


Freeze on Employee Retention Credit (ERC) Processing

Sep 18, 2023

What happened:
As of last Thursday, the IRS temporarily halted the processing of new Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claims, owing to a surge in ERC-related scams and fraudulent submissions. IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel expressed concern over genuine small businesses falling prey to deceptive schemes. “As we move further from the pandemic, it becomes evident how the noble intentions behind this program have been exploited,” stated Werfel.

Initially, the ERC was designed to offer relief to businesses and tax-exempt entities. Yet, the allure of a refundable tax credit has led to a rise in opportunistic consulting firms. Many of these firms, while promising substantial refunds, neglect to inform businesses about crucial wage deduction adjustments an other limitations contained within the ERC rules.

Key details:

  • The processing freeze will be in effect until at least Dec. 31, 2023, meaning no new ERC claims will be entertained.
  • The IRS will still review the 600,000 previously filed ERC submissions.
  • While payments on prior claims will persist, claimants might need to furnish extra documentation to confirm their claim’s authenticity.
  • The standard processing timeframe for ERC claims may exceed 180 days, especially if further scrutiny or an audit is required. The IRS notes that several claims are already earmarked for audits.
  • Due to the heightened examination of filings, expect processing delays and intensified ERC audit inquiries and criminal probes. The agency’s main focus is on potential fraudulent promoters and enterprises.
  • The IRS emphasizes that illegitimate ERC claimants will be liable to repay the credit, potentially with added penalties. Claiming incorrectly might leave businesses in a financially precarious position.

Next Steps:
Given the intricate nature of the credit calculation, it’s imperative to partner with a trustworthy firm. Businesses should remain wary of overtly enticing tax-saving pitches. William Vaughan Company, a trusted industry leader, is poised to offer guidance and insights to anyone with concerns about their ERC filing.

Finally, the IRS has provided resources, including updated FAQs, to ensure businesses aren’t swindled by scam promoters or pressured into fraudulent applications. A forthcoming settlement program will also be launched by the agency this fall to oversee the repayment of certain unjust ERC claims. For comprehensive details, refer to the IRS’s official ERC website.

Categories: Tax Compliance


Ohio House Bill 33 Explained

Jul 17, 2023

Ohioans can expect significant changes to state tax laws next year thanks to Ohio House Bill 33. The newly passed piece of legislature, signed by Governor Mike DeWine on July 3, 2023, establishes state operating appropriations for fiscal years 2024-2025. This comprehensive legislation also brings several tax advantages specifically designed to benefit Ohio business owners. Taxpayers can expect changes to personal income tax, Commercial Activity Tax, Pass-Through Entity Tax Credits, and Municipal tax.

Personal Income Tax Reductions

The first significant change introduced by House Bill 33 is a reduction in personal income tax rates. The new law establishes two tax brackets based on income levels. If you earn over $26,050, you’ll pay a marginal tax rate of 2.75%. For individuals with income over $100,000, the rate increases slightly to 3.5%. Those earning $26,050 or less will be exempt from paying any income taxes to the state of Ohio.

Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) Exemption

House Bill 33 also brings changes to the Commercial Activity Tax (CAT), affecting businesses in Ohio. CAT is determined based off a business’s taxable gross receipts. The new law significantly increases the annual exemption threshold for businesses. Previously, businesses with taxable gross receipts under $150,000 were exempt from paying CAT. However, under the new law, the exemption amount rises to $3 million for the 2024 tax year and further increases to $6 million starting in 2025. This means that a large amount of Ohio-based businesses will no longer have to pay CAT.

Pass-Through Entity (PTE) Tax Credit

Another important change under House Bill 33 is the introduction of a tax credit for Ohio residents subject to double taxation on pass-through entity (PTE) income. Pass-through entities include businesses like partnerships, S corporations, and limited liability companies (LLCs). Often, individuals earning income from such entities face double taxation, meaning they pay taxes at both the entity level and the individual level. The new law allows Ohio residents to claim a credit on their individual tax returns for PTE taxes paid to other states, helping alleviate the burden of double taxation.

Municipal Tax Changes

Finally, House Bill 33 will enact several changes to municipal taxes in Ohio. Municipal taxes are taxes imposed by local governments, such as cities and towns. The new law reduces fees and penalties for late filing of municipal income tax returns, making it more affordable for taxpayers to comply with local tax obligations. Additionally, the bill extends the due date for filing municipal net profits tax returns from October 15th to November 15th, giving individuals and businesses more time to prepare their tax returns.

Furthermore, House Bill 33 exempts individuals under the age of 18 from Ohio municipal income tax. This means that high school students who have part-time jobs or earn income from other sources will not have to pay municipal income tax in Ohio.

Other Changes

The newly passed bill includes numerous other provisions aimed at providing tax relief for both business and individuals. From baby wipes and cribs, to traffic control services often used by construction contractors, taxpayers can expect additions to the state’s list of tax-exempt goods and services. Businesses with remote or hybrid employees in Ohio can also expect a new option for calculating their municipal net profits tax.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the passage of Ohio House Bill 33 introduces several significant changes to the state’s tax landscape. William Vaughan Company’s tax team will continue to monitor changes resulting from House Bill 33 along with other state and federal tax updates. For both businesses and individuals, understanding tax law is crucial when it comes to making informed financial decisions. Don’t leave your finances up to chance, connect with us today to understand how House Bill 33 may effect your specific situation.

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Categories: Tax Compliance, Tax Planning


Scam Alert: Distraint Warrant Scam

Jul 05, 2023

William Vaughan Company was recently made aware of a highly concerning scam surfacing in Lucas County. Many local businesses have received fraudulent “Distraint Warrants” in the mail, sent by a fictitious entity called the “Tax Resolution Unit.” While these letters seem to primarily target businesses, a handful of individuals have also received them. In the interest of our community and the individuals we serve, here are some important detail about this distraint warrant scam along with essential tips on safeguarding yourself against such fraudulent activities.

The Scam:
In this distrain warrant scam, individuals and businesses receive official-looking documents in the mail from the Lucas County “Tax Resolution Unit.” The document claims that a Distraint Warrant has been issued against the recipient due to unpaid tax debts. The scammers exploit fear and urgency, attempting to coerce victims into making immediate payments via telephone to a toll-free number. However, it’s crucial to note that Lucas County does not have a Tax Resolution Unit or an office of Public Judgment Records.

How to Protect Yourself:

Verify the source: Take a moment to verify the authenticity of any suspicious document you receive. Contact the relevant county offices or authorities to confirm the legitimacy of the warrant or notification. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team if you need assistance in this regard.

Exercise caution: Be wary of unexpected or unsolicited communications regarding taxes or debts. Genuine organizations typically communicate through official channels and offer multiple opportunities to resolve any issues. Be skeptical of sudden demands for payment or urgent actions.

Guard your personal information: Under no circumstances should you share sensitive personal or financial information, such as social security numbers, bank account details, or credit card numbers, in response to such requests. Legitimate authorities, like the IRS, will not ask for this information via email or phone. Nor will the IRS take payment by cashier’s check, in the form of gift cards, or wire transfer.

Report the scam: If you receive a suspicious document or believe you have encountered a scam, promptly report it to the relevant authorities. You can report it to the IRS by either calling 1-800-366-4484 or visiting the US Treasury website. Consider calling your local police so it is aware of the scam as often times communities are targeted all at once. Finally, the Federal Trade Commission’s Report A Fraud site is shared with law enforcement across the country. Your report can help bring attention to the scam and prevent others from falling victim.

Spread awareness: Share this information with your friends, family, and colleagues to raise awareness about the scam. Utilize social media, local community groups, or any platform that can reach a wider audience. The more people are informed, the harder it becomes for scammers to succeed.

As trusted tax and business advisors, our clients’ financial well-being and security is our top priority. The “Distraint Warrant” scam targeting Lucas County residents and businesses is an unfortunate reminder of the dangers posed by fraudulent activities. However, by staying vigilant, verifying sources, and reporting suspicious incidents, we can collectively protect ourselves and our community from falling victim to these scams. If you have any concerns or require assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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Categories: Fraud & Forensics, Tax Compliance