AICPA Annual Seminar Curacao with unique Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival 2018

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Seminar Title: Cybersecurity Fundamentals for Finance and Accounting Professionals Certificate, Analytics and Big Data for Accountants (24.5 CPE)

WHO WILL BENEFIT?

CEOs, CFO’s, controllers, management accountants, public accountants, partners, managers, internal auditors and Non-IT finance professionals.

DATE:

August 29th and 30th 2018 from 08.30am to 17.00pm @ Santa Barbara Beach and Golf Resort Willemstad – Curacao, followed by a happy hour on each day.


VERY SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND CURACAO NORTH SEA JAZZ (CNSJ) 2018 FESTIVAL

On the Caribbean we believe that learning should be fun!!! Therefore, all registrants for our AICPA event will be able to combine this unique learning event with the option to join the famous Curacao North Sea Jazz 2018 festival featuring 18 remarkable world artists mostly Grammy Award Winners such as Patty LaBelle, Sting, Shakira and Jean Paul among others. AICPA attendees will be able to purchase discounted* tickets based on coupons provided by Global International Management, LLC.

SUBJECT DAY 1: AUGUST 29th, 2018 – CYBERSECURITY FUNDAMENTALS FOR NON-IT FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING PROFESSIONALS (16.5 CPE/CPD)

$6 trillion in damages. With a T. The annual cost of cybercrime is projected to reach $6 trillion by 2021, according to Forbes. With so much at stake, all organizations must demonstrate that they are managing cyber threats. They need to have the right processes and controls to detect, respond to, mitigate and recover from cybersecurity events. This is where you come in.

What is your role? Develop your fluency in Cybersecurity! As a CEO, CFO or trusted adviser you must be able to speak intelligently on cybersecurity. Learn the terminology and the appropriate questions to ask. Our cybersecurity fundamentals seminar will help you do just that. Stand out from the crowd. Be tone of the first to help your company or clients meet critical cybersecurity safeguards. Develop your fluency and gain the confidence to make sound strategic decisions regarding cybersecurity risk. Learn what you should be doing to help protect your clients a nd your organization from cyber threats.

Cybersecurity Workshop + Certificate (16.5 CPE): Attend the live on-site in-person workshop on August 29th, 2018 for an interactive learning experience with our cybersecurity expert. Then, continue the learning on your own time with 2 self-paced online modules. After attending the workshop and completing the online learning, you will receive a digital badge that can easily be shared with your professional network.

The online learning modules will be automatically added to your account on August 29th, so you can continue your course of study to complete the certificate immediately following the workshop. These modules will be available in your account for one year.

Cybersecurity Workshop Only (8 CPE): Learn the key concepts from the Cybersecurity Fundamentals for Finance and Accounting Professionals Certificate in a one-day workshop and get yourself started on the road to cybersecurity fluency. A certificate or digital badge is not available with this option.

NASBA FIELD OF STUDY: Information Technology
Level: Basic
Prerequisites: None
Advance Preparation: None 
Delivery method: Live on-site

Key Topics

  • Cybersecurity terminology and digital transformation
  • Attacks and the security mindset
  • Data breaches and privacy
  • Cybersecurity frameworks including NIST CSF
  • Cybersecurity risk management program and the related description criteria
  • The benefits of investing in cybersecurity

Learning Objectives

  • Recall key terms related to cybersecurity.
  • Recognize the impact of digital transformation on business.
  • Recognize what it takes to have a security mindset.
  • Recognize the threat landscape and the importance of security to various technologies.
  • Recognize how a data breach occurs and the organizational impact.
  • Recognize the impact to the organization when privacy is compromised.
  • Identify which security framework or frameworks would be most appropriate for your organization or client.
  • Identify the five functions described in the core of the NIST CSF.
  • Recognize the definition and purpose of a cybersecurity risk management program.
  • Recognize the importance of the cybersecurity description criteria within a cybersecurity risk management program.
  • Identify the overall potential opportunities and risks to the organization or client related to cybersecurity.
  • Cybersecurity service offerings

SUBJECT DAY 2: AUGUST 30th, 2018 – ANALYTICS AND BIG DATA FOR ACCOUNTANTS (8 CPE/CPD)

A new force driving business: Analytics is the new force driving business. Tools have been created to measure program impacts and ROI, visualize data and business processes, and uncover the relationship between key performance indicators, many utilizing the unprecedented amount of data now flowing into organizations. In this course you will discuss leading- edge topics in analytics and finance in a session that is packed with useful tips and practical guidance that you can apply immediately.

What is your role? Help your organization or clients to set the initial step to become data-driven! Many companies don’t leverage data properly. “The biggest barriers companies face in extracting value from data and analytics are organizational; many struggle to incorporate data-driven insights into day-to-day business processes,” according to an MGI and McKinsey research report. That doesn’t have to hold true for your organization.

NASBA FIELD OF STUDY: Finance
Level: Basic
Prerequisites: None
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery method: Live on-site

Key topics

  • Evidence-based techniques for finding or generating data, selecting key performance indicators, isolating program effects
  • Relating data to return on investment, financial values, and executive decision making
  • Data sources including surveys, interviews, customer satisfaction, engagement, and operational data
  • Visualizing and presenting complex results

Learning objectives:

  • Deal with major trends in predictive analytics, optimization, correlation of metrics, and big data.
  • Interpret and manage new trends in analytics techniques affecting your organization.
  • Utilize new tools for data analytics.
  • Critically interpret analytic reports and advise decision makers.

8 CPE/CPD points: Advance your career and earn up to 8 hours of CPE/CPD credit.

VENUE

Santa Barbara Beach and Golf Resort Willemstad – Curacao. Hotel Reservation is not included in pricing for (international) participants. For more info about the venue see:https://www.santabarbararesortcuracao.com/


AICPA EVENT PRICING

INCLUDING LUNCH, SNACKS, REFRESHERS, COFFEE BREAKS AND HAPPY HOURS ON BOTH DAYS

Day 1 – Cybersecurity $500

Day 2 – Analytics and Big Data $500

AICPA PACKAGE DISCOUNT: Attend both days and pay $950


REGISTRATION AND PAYMENTS

Seats and registrations are only reserved and confirmed once payment is received. Participants can pay and register by clicking on the below link. This is a secured payment link powered by CPAcharge:
https://secure.cpacharge.com/pages/globalintmanagementllc/aicpa-curacao-jazz-event-learning

Important note: Please indicate the name(s) of the participant(s) paid for and include at least one email address in the Reference line during your payment. You can also use the invoice number line item to include additional comments if preferred. Registration course materials will be distributed electronically via email after the course cancellation period has expired.

REFUND POLICY OR CANCELLATION POLICY 

Refunds or Cancellations – Requests for refunds or cancellations must be received by e-mail at info@globalintmanagement.com before July 31, 2018 12:00pm AST.

*DISCOUNTED ($10) CURACAO NORTH SEA JAZZ (CNSJ) FESITVAL 2018 TICKETS

AICPA attendees willing to attend CNSJ festival can obtain tickets for $185.00 (discount of $10 on the regular price of USD 195.00) per day, via Global International Management, LLC by notifying us. Purchase a package and save even more: Purchase one entrance ticket for Friday 31 August plus one entrance ticket for Saturday 1 September and receive one entrance ticket for Thursday 30 August for free. This is an exclusive offer provided by Global International Management, LLC to our AICPA event participants. Note that cards will only be issued after the course cancellation period has expired. For more info on CNSJ 2018 see link: https://www.curacaonorthseajazz.com/en/


COMPLAINT RESOLUTION POLICY

If you have problems with registration, please contact Rocher Cyrus CPA, CGMA by email at rcyrus@globalintmanagement.com or by phone via +59998440057, +59995200270, for participants from the Dutch Caribbean and Suriname or at +13024496498 for international participants.

SPEAKER BIO

GARRETT WAGNER CPA, CITP – CEO/FOUNDER C3 EVOLUTION GROUP

Garrett focuses on monitoring the evolving technologies and best practices in the industry to achieve the highest degree of success without being afraid to break free from traditional methods.  Garrett specializes in providing innovative solutions to today’s CPA firms and is able to successfully ignite change by using his communication style to get support from key members of the firm.  With his ability to think outside the box, develop procedures, and engage key employees Garrett has had tremendous success in bringing about lasting change.

Garrett is trailblazing a new path in the industry with his unique perspective at understanding the new role of the entrepreneurial CPA.  He works with CPA firms across the country helping them to implement lasting change by focusing on their vision, technology, and people. By helping CPA firms understand the vision of the firm, leverage technology, and empower their people he is able to help the firm evolve.  This combo allows the firms to experience tremulous growth and profitability.

Garrett specializes in helping firms transition into an ever expanding advisory role with their clients to no longer just provide just tax and accounting services, but a full range of business consulting services.  He works with firms to help them along this transition from compliance to advisory services to usher in a successful transition.

ASSOCIATION OF INTERNATIONAL CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS

The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (the Association) is the most influential body of professional accountants, combining the strengths of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) to power opportunity, trust and prosperity for people, businesses and economies worldwide. It represents 667,000 members and students in public and management accounting and advocates for the public interest and business sustainability on current and emerging issues. With broad reach, rigor and resources, the Association advances the reputation, employability and quality of CPAs, CGMA designation holders and accounting and finance professionals globally

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATE BOARDS OF ACCOUNTANCY

The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors.  State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: https://www.nasbaregistry.org/

 

ABOUT THE PUBLISHER AICPA
The AICPA is the world’s largest member association representing the accounting profession, with more than 420,000 members in 144 countries, and a history of serving the public interest since 1887. AICPA members represent many areas of practice, including business and industry, public practice, government, education and consulting. The AICPA sets ethical standards for the profession and U.S. auditing standards for private companies, non profit organizations, federal, state and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination, and offers specialty credentials for CPAs who concentrate on personal financial planning; forensic accounting; business valuation; and information management and technology assurance. Through a joint venture with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, it has established the Chartered Global Management Accountant designation, which sets a new standard for global recognition of management accounting.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR GLOBAL INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT, LLC

Global International Management, LLC is the authorized partner of the AICPA, Confirmation.com and Becker Professional Education for the Dutch Caribbean and Suriname. We strive to increase the quality of (finance) professionals by offering superior professional education and provide access to practical tools and resources, which are readily available for use and can be easily tailored for large, medium and small organizations.

We are the authorized partner of the AICPA, Confirmation. com and Becker Professional Education for the Dutch Caribbean and Suriname driving innovation and Artificial Intelligence (AI). 16.000+ audit firms, 125.000+ auditors, 3000+ law firms, 4000+ banks in 160+ countries all trust Confirmation.com. With Becker Professional Education’s our vision is to empower people around the world to advance their careers through a lifelong partnership of professional education.

FOR MORE INFO:

Global International Management, LLC

Curacao office: +59998440057

Curacao mobile: +59995200270

International: +13024496498

www.globalintmanagement.com

info@globalintmanagement.com

SPONSORS:

Successful AICPA CPEA Event Curacao

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Last week on April 05th, 2018 local United States Certified Public Accountants (U.S. CPAs) held a unique event in Avila Beach hotel – Curacao, Willemstad emphasizing the need for more local U.S. CPA’s in the Dutch Caribbean and Suriname including steps to strengthening their position within these regions. This was a unique event opened by the U.S. Consul General to Curacao Mrs. Margaret Hawthorne who emphasized the importance of a strong relationship between the U.S and our local economies. Curacao is in need for more U.S. investors who can embolden our small scaled economy. More “local” U.S. CPAs will build international Trust, Opportunity, Prosperity and will protect the public interest providing the same of level of trust expected by the largest U.S. investors.

Regulations such as the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter Financing of Terrorism (CFT) and U.S. Corresponding Banking rules and regulations are primarily U.S. driven and can have a significant impact on local financial institutions. Further internationally U.S. CPAs are signing of on the world’s largest financial institutions and companies. More local accountants with the U.S. CPA designation could add substantial value to the economy and local markets.

In addition, this event was coupled to a seminar (8 CPE) regarding the new Revenue Recognition rules which will become effective in 2018. The Revenue Recognition session was led by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Center for Plain English Accounting (CPEA). The AICPA is the world’s largest organization representing the accounting profession and visited Curacao for the first time. The speaker was Thomas J. Groskopf CPA, CVA, MBA – Technical Director for the AICPA’s Center for Plain English Accounting, past representative from the U.S. on the International Financial Reporting Standards’ (IFRS) Small- and Medium-sized Entity Implementation Group. This new Revenue Recognition standard is a converged standard between U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP) and IFRS.

“This was an outstanding opportunity to obtain superior technical content knowledge and practical guidance for Accountants in the (Dutch) Caribbean, Suriname and South American region in a full-day on-site training session. We will continue having these sessions in 2018 and going forward. During this event it was also discussed what next steps will be taken to create a fair level playing field for local U.S. CPA designation and other designation holders eliminating unfair protectionism. We also honored 3 local finance professionals who passed all 4 sections of the U.S. CPA exam and there are much more professionals expected to pass in the remainder of 2018. Overall the event was a great success and a first step in the right direction towards strengthening the position of U.S. CPAs in the region” said Rocher Cyrus CPA, CGMA – Managing Director of Global International Management, Partner of Becker Professional Education and Confirmation.com Dutch Caribbean and Suriname. “We will continue to strongly advocate on behalf of the U.S. CPA profession within the region and deepen our relationship with all relevant stakeholders locally and internationally”.

If you want to participate in future events please click the following link: https://www.globalintmanagement.com/contact.php
You can also email us directly on info@globalintmanagement.com or call us on +13024496498 or +59998440057.

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Dutch Caribbean & Suriname In Need Of More Local Accountants

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Local United States Certified Public Accountants (U.S. CPAs) started an initiative to strengthen their position on the Dutch Caribbean & Suriname. There is a need for more U.S. investors and U.S. related companies to invest in the Dutch Caribbean and Suriname in order to boost these local economies and to develop them sustainably. U.S. investors and U.S. Companies with significant funding resources are very skeptical to invest in foreign countries which do not provide the same level of trust, risk and comfort that they are used to. The total U.S. economy runs on U.S CPA’s and U.S. investors rely heavily on the trust that U.S. CPAs provide to the economy.

U.S CPAs are auditors of the world’s largest technological companies and financial institutions such as Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, and Bank of America. They are at the forefront in performing rigorous research regarding Innovation, Education, Cybersecurity, and Thought Leadership while protecting the public interest. The American Institute for Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) is the world’s largest member organization representing the accounting profession in more than 143 countries. Worldwide there are over 650.000 active U.S. CPA’s in 173 countries strengthening the largest capital markets and delivering value to the global financial system.

Due to the need to attract more U.S. investors and to create and cultivate the right investment climate Global International Management, LLC started an initiative to strengthen the local economies of the Dutch Caribbean & Suriname by providing local accountants a unique opportunity to seek and obtain the aforementioned most sought and respected U.S. CPA designation powering Trust, Opportunity and Prosperity into our relatively small local economies. For example, new rules and regulations applicable to our local financial institutions such as the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) are U.S. driven and compliance by local financial institutions is extremely important to remain white listed. Additionally, many banks in our region are having difficulties finding or keeping a USD corresponding bank which is eminent in doing business with the U.S. and Internationally.

More “local” U.S. CPAs will drive a dynamic internationally known local audit and accounting profession that works every day to build trust, create opportunity and grow prosperity for the Dutch Caribbean & Suriname.

To kick off this initiative, the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants – Center of Plain English Accounting (AICPA’s CPEA) is heading to Curacao for the first time on April 5th 2018 for a full-day one-site seminar in Avila Beach Hotel to outline the latest accounting standard regarding “Revenue Recognition”. Additionally, the U.S. Embassy on Curacao is stimulating a fair level playing field for U.S. CPAs on the Dutch Caribbean & Suriname and the event will be opened by the U.S. Consul General in Curacao, Mrs. Margaret D. Hawthorne. “We are honored to have both the AICPA’s CPEA and U.S Consulate General Curacao’s support and welcome as many accountants on this event which will be the first step towards strengthening the position of our local U.S. CPAs here in the region” said Rocher Cyrus CPA, CGMA – Managing Director of Global International Management, LLC and authorized Partner of Becker Professional Education and Confirmation.com.

For more info on the upcoming event: AICPA’s CPEA comes to Curacao for the “New Revenue Recognition Standard (Part I) – Course (8 CPE). Location: Avila Beach Hotel, April 5th 2018 from 07.45am to 18.00pm. We will also honor our first 3 students who passed all 4 parts of the U.S. CPA Exam. Registration is required via info@globalintmanagement.com or via rcyrus@globalintmanagement.com. Please contact us for more info on the event, course, speaker bio via these email addresses and/or to register or click on the following link: https://globalintmanagement.com/wordpress/aicpa-cpea-seminar-curacao/

We call upon all U.S. CPAs in the region to subscribe for this event which will be the first step towards strengthening our position within the Dutch Caribbean and Suriname!

AICPA CPEA Seminar Curacao

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Hello (Dutch) Caribbean & South America, You’ve spoken. We listened. To all international oriented Accountants abroad we have heard your requests! The AICPA’s Center for Plain English Accounting (CPEA) is heading to Curacao with expanded on-site training courses for accountants from the (Dutch) Caribbean and South America. This is an outstanding opportunity to obtain superior US technical content and practical guidance for Accountants.

We will offer The New Revenue Recognition Standard (Part I) – full-day on-site training Course (8 CPE). Revenue from Contracts with Customers, is the most impactful accounting standard issued in many years. The new revenue recognition model is codified in FASB Accounting Standards Codification (FASB ASC) 606. FASB ASC 606 has the potential to affect every entity’s day-to-day accounting and, possibly, the way business is executed through contracts with customers.

The CPEA will offer a full-day on-site training course on the new revenue recognition standard. Using active learning techniques, these training course delivers a thorough study of FASB ASC 606, impart an across-the-board understanding of the key principles and essential elements of the new guidance, and upskill participants in implementing the five-step process of recognizing revenue.

Date: April 05, 2018

Time: 07.45am – 18.00pm (Including breakfast, coffee breaks, lunch and happy hour).

Venue: Avila Beach Hotel, Penstraat 130, Willemstad – Curacao

Regular price: USD450 (including: coffee breaks, light lunch, happy hour bar & snacks).
Special price: USD350 for US CPA students (Dutch) Caribbean & Suriname

Registration*: Registration is required via: info@globalintmanagement.com

*IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to international participants from the US, Dutch Caribbean & Suriname and South America seats are very limited and subject to our approval.

Learning Objectives: After participating in this training, participants will be able to apply technical literature and other practice guidance relevant to the topics covered in this program. The program will include an explanation of technical standards along with a discussion of practical implementation issues related to those standards.

Instructional Delivery Method: Group Live

Total CPE Credits: 8 (Accounting = 7 Auditing = 1)

Pre-requisites: Experience in Accounting & Auditing Program Level: Update

Advance Preparation: n/a

·         Refund policy or cancellation policy: Refunds or Cancellations – Requests for refunds or cancellations must be received by e-mail at info@globalintmanagement.combefore March 30, 2018 12:00pm AST.

·         Complaint resolution policy: If you have problems with registration, please contact Rocher Cyrus CPA, CGMA by e-mail at rcyrus@globalintmanagement.com or by phone at +599 9 8440057, +599 9 5200270 for the Dutch Caribbean and Suriname and for International participants on +1302 449 6498

The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

About the Speaker THOMAS J. GROSKOPF, CPA, CVA, MBA. Tom Groskopf is a nationally recognized authority on accounting and auditing topics and is service line leader for Barnes, Dennig & Co., Ltd. A&A practice. He also serves as Technical Director for the AICPA’s Center for Plain English Accounting, a national A&A resource center for PCPS firms. Tom is a past member of the Private Company Council and was the past representative from the U.S.A. on the International Financial Reporting Standards’ Small- and Medium-sized Entity Implementation Group. Tom previously served on the advisory-only FASB Private Company Financial Reporting Committee, and he served a three-year term on the AICPA’s Technical Issues Committee.

This course is brought to Curacao by Global International Management, LLC who is a member of the AICPA PCPS and strives to increase the quality of accountants in business and audit.www.globalintmanagement.com; US 616 Corporate Way Ste 2 5463, Valley Cottage, New York 10989, (+302) 449 6498. Curacao: Chuchubiweg 17, Willemstad, Curacao, (+599) 9 844 0057

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Additional course information: Understanding FASB ASC 606: Part I

Starting with an overview of FASB ASC 606 and explaining the importance of the topic, Part I educates participants about key aspects of the new standard. Participants gain a grounding in several core concepts of revenue recognition under the new standard and develop skills to implement the provisions of FASB ASC 606. Interactive exercises are utilized to deepen the participant’s knowledge of major concepts. Some of the topics addressed include:

  • Scope of FASB ASC 606. The new revenue recognition standard does not apply to revenue deriving from all transactions and events. Participants learn which items of revenue are covered by the new standard and which items are not covered by the new standard.
  • Key Provisions. This segment covers the core principle of revenue recognition and then individually analyzes the five steps necessary to achieve that principle. Emphasis is placed on the contract with the customer and its importance in applying the standard. Additional key learning points include accounting for multiple performance obligations, significant financing components, customer acceptance provisions, and bill & hold arrangements.
  • Contract Modifications. FASB ASC 606 introduces a general framework for accounting for contract modifications. We explain the new rules regarding contract modifications (i.e., change orders). We also cover the impact of these new rules on industries which currently do not have specific guidance related to contract modifications.
  • Identification of “Distinct” Performance Obligations. Performance obligations are treated as separate units of account if they are “distinct.” This segment covers the criteria for determination of the units of account in a contract including a detailed analysis of the application of the new concept of whether performance obligations are “separately identifiable.”
  • Long-Term Contracts. This segment deals with recognizing revenue for performance obligations that are satisfied over time. Participants learn about the new rules that replace the percentage-of-completion method, including measurements of performance and the criteria to qualify to recognize revenue over the life of a contract.
  • Contract Costs. In this portion of the program, we cover the definitions of, and the accounting for, incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer, as well as contract fulfillment costs.
  • Loyalty Programs and Marketing Incentives. The new revenue recognition guidance will result in major changes to the way many entities currently account for loyalty programs, marketing incentives, and other customer promotions. The approach mandated in FASB ASC 606 (an approach similar to today’s multiple-element revenue recognition method) is outlined and there is a discussion related to the impact on entities.
  • Promises and Customer Care Programs. The CPEA believes that FASB ASC 606 may significantly change the accounting for implied promises to customers for many entities and may prompt those entities to change their practices related to customer care programs. This segment educates participants about those changes in this important area.
  • Variable Consideration. The notion of variable consideration is broad and FASB ASC 606 changes the accounting for such consideration. Participants will learn the types of arrangements that are variable consideration and the differences between recognition and measurement of variable consideration under current revenue recognition standards.
  • Warranties. Participants are taught about the specific guidance related to applying the revenue recognition model to warranties. Guidance associated with distinguishing between different warranties and the related accounting methods are discussed.
  • Income Tax Accounting Implications. This segment overviews some key income tax considerations of the new revenue recognition standard.
  • Regulator Views and Areas of Focus. This segment informs participants about the viewpoints of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s staff related to several areas of the new revenue recognition standard, including the use of judgment when applying FASB ASC 606.
  • Case Studies, Commentary, and Examples. For each area covered, we draw upon various resources (including the AICPA Revenue Recognition Working Groups, FASB TRG, and FinREC) to provide practical implementation advice, implementation experiences, and real-world examples. This approach facilitates deeper comprehension of the new revenue recognition standard.
  • Additional Resources. The new revenue recognition guidance is broad and complex. Practitioners will benefit from the array of implementation resources available to them. This segment will provide a rundown of those resources, including numerous CPEA reports and educational materials.

To reserve your seat please email us at: info@globalintmanagement.com

OR call us: (International) participants: +1 302 449 6498 / Dutch Caribbean and Suriname, South America: +599 9 8440057 / +599 9 5200270

What to do when your Tax Return is late

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Tuesday, April 17, 2018, was the tax deadline for most taxpayers to file their tax returns. If you haven’t filed a 2017 tax return yet, it’s not too late, and it may be easier than you think.

First, gather any information related to income and deductions for the tax years for which a return is required to be filed, then call the office.

If you’re owed money, then the sooner you file, the sooner you’ll get your refund. If you owe taxes, you should file and pay as soon as you can, which will stop the interest and penalties that you will owe.

If you owe money but can’t pay the IRS in full, you should pay as much as you can when you file your tax return to minimize penalties and interest. The IRS will work with taxpayers suffering financial hardship. If you continue to ignore your tax bill, the IRS may take collection action.

How to Make a Payment

There are several different ways to make a payment on your taxes. Payments can be made by credit card, electronic funds transfer, check, money order, cashier’s check, or cash. If you pay your federal taxes using a major credit card or debit card, there is no IRS fee for credit or debit card payments, but the processing companies charge a convenience fee or flat fee. It is important to review all your options; the interest rate on a loan or credit card may be lower than the combination of penalties and interest imposed by the Internal Revenue Code.

What to do if you Can’t Pay in Full

Taxpayers unable to pay all of the amount owed on a tax bill are encouraged to pay as much as possible. By paying as much as possible now, the amount of interest and penalties owed will be less than if you do not pay anything at all. Based on individual circumstances, a taxpayer could qualify for an extension of time to pay, an installment agreement, a temporary delay, or an offer in compromise. Please call if you have questions about any of these options.

For individuals, IRS Direct Pay is a fast and free way to pay directly from your checking or savings account. Taxpayers who need more time to pay can set up either a short-term payment extension or a monthly payment plan.

A short-term extension gives a taxpayer an additional 60 to 120 days to pay. No fee is charged, but the late-payment penalty plus interest will apply. Generally, taxpayers will pay less in penalties and interest than if the debt were repaid through an installment agreement over a longer period of time.

Most people can set up a payment plan using the Online Payment Agreement tool on IRS.gov. A monthly payment plan or installment agreement gives a taxpayer more time to pay. However, penalties and interest will continue to be charged on the unpaid portion of the debt throughout the duration of the installment agreement/payment plan. You should pay as much as possible before entering into an installment agreement.

Taxpayers who owe $50,000 or less in combined tax, penalties and interest can apply for and receive immediate notification of approval through an online, IRS web-based application. Balances over $50,000 require taxpayers to complete a financial statement to determine the monthly payment amount for an installment plan.

A user fee will also be charged if the installment agreement is approved. The fee (effective January 1, 2017) is normally $225 but is reduced to $107 if taxpayers agree to make their monthly payments electronically through electronic funds withdrawal. The fee is $43 for eligible low-and-moderate-income taxpayers.

Individual taxpayers who do not have a bank account or credit card and need to pay their tax bill using cash, are now able to make a payment at one or more than 7,000 7-Eleven stores nationwide. Individuals wishing to take advantage of this payment option should visit the IRS.gov payments page, select the cash option in the other ways you can pay section and follow the instructions.

What Happens If You Don’t File a Past Due Return

It’s important to understand the ramifications of not filing a past due return and the steps that the IRS will take. Taxpayers who continue to not file a required return and fail to respond to IRS requests for a return may be considered for a variety of enforcement actions–including substantial penalties and fees.

Need Help Filing your 2017 Tax Return?

If you haven’t filed a tax return yet, don’t delay. Call the office today to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Using a Car for Business: New Rules under TCJA

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Many of the tax provisions under tax reform were favorable to small business owners including those relating to using a car for business. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Section 179 Expense Deduction

If you bought a new car in 2018 and use it more 50 percent for business use, you can take advantage of the Section 179 expense deduction when you file your 2018 tax return. Under Section 179 you can immediately deduct (rather than depreciating) the cost of certain property in the year it is placed in service. In 2018, the Section 179 expense deduction increases to a maximum deduction of $1 million of the first $2,500,000 million of qualifying equipment placed in service during the current tax year. It is indexed to inflation for tax years after 2018.

For sport utility vehicles (defined as four-wheeled passenger automobiles between 6,000 and 14,000 pounds), however, the maximum deduction is $25,000 (also indexed for inflation). Certain exceptions may apply, however such as a seating capacity of more than nine persons behind the driver’s seat. Vehicles weighing more than 14,000 pounds are typically considered “work vehicles” and would not be used for personal reasons. As such, there is no expense deduction limit.

2. Luxury Auto Depreciation Allowance

For luxury passenger automobiles placed in service after December 31, 2017, the amount of allowable depreciation increases to a maximum of $10,000. The deduction increases to $16,000 for the second year, then decreases to $9,600 for the third year and $5,760 for the fourth year and for years beyond. These dollar amounts are indexed for inflation. Deductions are based on a percentage of business use; i.e., a business owner whose business use of the vehicle is 100 percent can take a larger deduction than one whose business use of a car is only 50 percent.

3. Additional First-Year Bonus Depreciation for Passenger Vehicles

For passenger autos eligible for the additional bonus first-year depreciation, the maximum first-year depreciation allowance remains at $8,000. It applies to new and used (“new to you”) vehicles acquired and placed in service after September 27, 2017, and remains in effect for tax years through December 31, 2022. When combined with the increased depreciation allowance above, the deduction amounts to as much as $18,000.

4. 100 Percent First-Year Bonus Depreciation for Heavy Vehicles

For tax purposes, pickup trucks, vans, and SUVs whose gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is more than 6,000 pounds are treated as transportation equipment instead of passenger vehicles. Heavy vehicles (new or used) placed into service after September 27, 2017, and before January 1, 2023, qualify for a 100 percent first-year bonus depreciation deduction as well, if business-related use exceeds 50 percent. These deductions are based on percentage of business use and vehicles used less than 50 percent for business are required to depreciate the vehicle cost over a period of six years.

5. Deductions Eliminated for Unreimbursed Expenses for Business use of a Car

Under tax reform miscellaneous itemized expenses were repealed. As such starting in 2018, if you are an employee who is required to use your own vehicle for business-related use and are not reimbursed for these expenses by your employer you are no longer able to claim a deduction for unreimbursed expenses for business use of a car on your tax return.

Questions?

If you have any questions about business use of a car, don’t hesitate to call the office.

Selling Your Small Business

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Selling a small to medium-sized business is a complex venture, and many business owners are not aware of the tax consequences.

If you’re thinking about selling your business the first step is to consult a competent tax professional. You will need to make sure your financials in order, obtain an accurate business valuation to determine how much your business is worth (and what the listing price might be) and develop a tax planning strategy to minimize capital gains and other taxes to maximize your profits from the sale.

Accurate Financial Statements

The importance of preparing your business financials before listing your business for sale cannot be overstated. Whether you use a business broker or word of mouth, rest assured that potential buyers will scrutinize every aspect of your business. Not being able to quickly produce financial statements, current, and prior years’ balance sheets, profit and loss statements, tax returns, equipment lists, product inventories, and property appraisals and lease agreements may lead to loss of the sale.

Business Valuation

Many business owners have no idea what their business is worth; some may underestimate whereas others overestimate–sometimes significantly. Obtaining a third-party business valuation allows business owners to set a price that is realistic for potential buyers while achieving maximum value.

Tax Consequences of Selling

As a business owner you probably think of your business as a single entity sold as a lump sum. The IRS however, views a business as a collection of assets. Profit from the sale of these assets (i.e., your business) may be subject to short and long-term capital gains tax, depreciation recapture of Section 1245 and Section 1250 real property, and federal and state income taxes.

For IRS purposes each asset sold must be classified as capital assets, depreciable property used in the business, real property used in the business, goodwill, or property held for sale to customers, such as inventory or stock in trade. Assets are considered tangible (real estate, machinery, and inventory) or intangible (goodwill or trade name).

The gain (or loss) on each asset sold is figured separately. For instance, the sale of capital assets results in capital gain or loss whereas the sale of inventory results in ordinary income or loss, with each taxed accordingly.

Depreciable Property

Section 1231 gains and losses are the taxable gains and losses from Section 1231 transactions such as sales or exchanges of real property or depreciable personal property held longer than one year. Their treatment as ordinary or capital depends on whether you have a net gain or a net loss from all your Section 1231 transactions.

When you dispose of depreciable property (Section 1245 property or Section 1250 property) at a gain, you may have to recognize all or part of the gain as ordinary income under the depreciation recapture rules. Any remaining gain is a Section 1231 gain.

Business Structure

Your business structure (i.e., business entity) also affects the way your business is taxed when it is sold. Sole proprietorships, partnerships, and LLCs (Limited Liability Companies) are considered “pass-through” entities and each asset is sold separately. As such there is more flexibility when structuring a sale to benefit both the buyer and seller in terms of tax consequences.

C-corporations and S-corporations have different entity structures, and sale of assets and stock are subject to more complex regulations.

For example, when assets of a C-corporation are sold, the seller is taxed twice. The corporation pays tax on any gains realized when the assets are sold, and shareholders pay capital gains tax when the corporation is dissolved. However, when a C-corporation sells stock the seller only pays capital gains tax on the profit from the sale, which is generally at the long-term capital gains tax rate. S-corporations are taxed similarly to partnerships in that there is no double taxation when assets are sold. Income (or loss) flows through shareholders, who report it on their individual tax returns.

As you can see, selling a business involves complicated federal and state tax rules and regulations. If you’re thinking of selling your business soon, don’t hesitate to call the office and schedule a consultation with a tax and accounting professional.