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As a small business owner, you want to protect your assets and create separation between your private and public or business finances. An LLC is a very popular way to provide legal security and protection for business owners, but it is so much more than that.  One of the most important parts of setting up a small business is to establish an LLC. But what exactly is an LLC, and is it better than other business structures, like a corporation?  This guide will answer the question, “What is an LLC for dummies?” We will break down exactly what it is and help you understand whether it is a good choice for your business.    What is an LLC? An LLC is a limited liability company. It legally organizes a business, protecting personal property from financial or litigation risk. It is a way of structuring a business as a legal entity.    What an LLC Does The most common thing an LLC does is separate the businesses’ assets from the business owner’s personal assets. It’s all in the name; it limits the liability to just the assets owned by the company, not the business owner’s personal assets.  Let’s explain this with an example.  If an LLC owns two real estate properties but defaults on its loans, the creditor can only go after any assets owned by the LLC. They cannot demand personal property from the business owner. They are separated legally, so the LLC must settle all debts, litigations, and other liabilities with assets it owns.  There are going to be caveats and other situations, but that is a simple example.  This is the most common benefit and why most people set one up. It’s essential to make sure that personal property is separated from the dealings of the business.  Let’s look at the most significant benefits of an LLC so you can see more clearly what it can do for your business.    Pros and Cons of an LLC  The easiest way to see what an LLC does is to look at the pros and cons. As advantageous as it is, an LLC isn’t the best idea for every single business.    Benefits of an LLC  Including asset protection, there are five main benefits of creating an LLC. It’s a way to organize and manage your business, and it offers tax flexibility, too.    Asset Protection An LLC protects members from personal liability due to anything the LLC does. This includes anything other members do on behalf of the business.  This means that creditors, clients, or customers cannot pursue personal assets such as financial accounts or real estate as a way to pay for business debts or dealings.  That is why it is called a limited liability company - it restricts how much members are liable for.    Name Reservation Another lesser-known benefit of an LLC is that it reserves your LLC’s name in your state. When you register your LLC at the state level, it prevents other businesses in your industry from using it.  This is a way of legally proving that your business actively uses the name without going through the time and expense of copyrighting it.    Less Red Tape An LLC also involves less bureaucracy than other types of business structures. Setting one up is relatively quick and straightforward.  Since it has fewer compliance requirements than others (like corporations or partnerships), it is one of the quickest ways to set up a business.    Tax Flexibility  An LLC provides more options when it comes to taxes, too. You can either choose to pay taxes as a corporation or a sole proprietorship.  Many LLC members enjoy the freedom to choose how to handle taxes. Often, members decide to allow business profits to go directly into their bank accounts. Then, they pay a tax on the profits on their personal federal income tax returns.  When they do it this way, filing taxes is easier than taxing your business at the corporate level.    Simple Management Lots of people appreciate how easy it is to manage an LLC. Since all of the members have an equal say, it relieves the owner from sole decision-making.  LLCs also make it easy for small businesses to hire professional managers to run the business for them.    Drawbacks of an LLC  Depending on how you look at it, some people view these benefits as negatives.    Members are Self-Employed The IRS taxes LLCs as partnerships by default, so members are self-employed and pay their own Social Security and Medicaid taxes.  Some business owners don’t want to pay self-employment tax; they prefer to pay taxes through a corporation.    Startup Costs It costs money to form an LLC, and there are ongoing fees related to it. This is why some people decide to just stick with a sole proprietorship.  Even though they don’t cost very much to create, even the most negligible fees might persuade a small business to refrain from establishing an LLC.    Difficult to Transfer Ownership The other drawback of an LLC is that all members must vote on and agree to any ownership changes that the business owner wants to make.  Instead of just selling stock or shares, members must agree before adding new members or changing ownership.  This is only a negative experience if there are multiple members in the LLC or it is formed as a partnership and the partners don’t get along.    Who needs an LLC? Now that you know what an LLC is, is it right for you? The best way to decide this is to discuss your business and financial situation with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER.  You might need an LLC if:  You run a business as a sole proprietor Your business has any debts Your business is at risk for litigation  You run your company with a partner or a group of people  Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive. It’s best to speak with an experienced professional who can look at how your business is organized and help you decide which way to set it up further.   Should you start an LLC? Contact us. Knowing what an LLC is for dummies doesn’t take your specific needs into account. Now that you know the basics, it’s time to figure out if it makes sense for your small business.  If you want to discuss the benefits further, contact a financial advisor in Green Bay, WI, a financial advisor in Eau Claire, WI, or a financial advisor in La Cross, WI. They will look at how your business is structured and whether an LLC is the best course of action for you.  

The holidays are upon us, and the pressure is on. There is so much to do to prepare for the holiday season and the holiday bustle can leave you wondering if this is really the most wonderful time of the year. This year, the average American household plans to spend over $1000 this holiday season on gifts, decorations, travel to family and holiday meals. This, on top of normal monthly spending can make November and December some of the most expensive months of the year. Without a plan of attack, December’s holiday magic can easily turn into January’s credit card nightmare. Plan Ahead When it comes to gifts, know who you plan to buy gifts for and how much you intend to spend on them. Stick to the budget. It is easy to get trapped into spending too much especially if you overspend on someone, you may be tempted to buy more for another to make the gift even. If you determine what you are spending, you can determine what you think you’d like to buy to before you enter the store. Use a holiday savings account to save a little bit each month to avoid feeling overwhelmed when the time to shop comes. Keep the store ads with you. Many stores will price match, and this could save you a stop or help you secure an item that you are having difficulty getting at another store. Don’t underestimate how planning your shopping trip ahead can save you both time and money. Plan your route and keep your list handy. By avoiding driving all over town, and potentially backtracking, you can save money on gas and save time. Eating a healthy meal before you head out will put you in a good frame of mind and help you curve the temptation of spending unnecessary money on meals out or stopping for snacks while out and about. Avoid shopping at times that attract crowds like mid-day Saturday and Sunday. By shopping at off times, you can move through your list quickly and with less frustration. Although this one won’t help your pocketbook, time is money and piece of mind is priceless. Shop Online Using a credit card is the most secure way to shop online. It is easier to dispute a fraudulent transaction on a credit card than with a debit card. Remember not to charge anything you cannot pay off when the statement comes. Check multiple websites to make sure that you are getting the best deal. Aim to get free shipping and check for coupon codes. Avoid paying more for something than you should. Items like gaming consoles and other highly desired items are often sold brand new by private parties for a healthy upcharge to parents who are willing to pay anything just to get something that they can’t find in the stores. These items can often be purchased at a fair price after the holidays when the demand drops. Avoid Holiday Scammers and Fraudsters Be mindful of your purse, wallet and credit cards. Watch for skimming devices and be discreet about how you enter you pin number. Track packages and know when they are being delivered. Arrange to have them shipped to your place of employment or to have a neighbor pick them up off your porch. Be wary of vendors selling goods online who ask for gift cards as payment. This is a common internet scam, and it is likely that you will not receive the goods you purchased. Review your credit card statements often. Report and dispute any suspicious transactions right away. By being prepared and organized, you can save time and money so that you can focus on what really matters this holiday season. May your shopping be stress free and may your holiday season be merry and bright!   Rebecca Agamaite, MBA Investment Advisor Representative  Rebecca joined the firm in 2011 as an Investment Advisor Representative. In this role, she works with clients to manage their investment assets and help them obtain their financial objectives. Rebecca brings a great deal of experience to the team having worked for several years at Marshall & IIsley Bank and MetLife.   Advisors Management Group, Inc. is a registered investment adviser whose principal office is located in Wisconsin.   Opinions expressed are those of AMG and are subject to change, not guaranteed, and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security.  Past performance is no guarantee of future returns, and investing involves multiple risks, including, but not limited to, the risk of permanent losses.  Please do not send orders via e-mail as they are not binding and cannot be acted upon.  Please be advised it remains the responsibility of our clients to inform AMG of any changes in their investment objectives and/or financial situation.  This commentary is limited to the dissemination of general information pertaining to AMG’s investment advisory/management services.  Any subsequent, direct communication by AMG  with a prospective client shall be conducted by a representative that is either registered or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration in the state where the prospective client resides.  A copy of our current written disclosure statement discussing our advisory services and fees continues to remain available for your review upon request.

The time to get ready is well before the time comes. Here's how to approach some important talks and what you need to cover. Whether the time is now or somewhere down the road, there are steps you can take to make your life — and their lives, too — a little easier. It’s Time for a Chat The first step is talking to your parents. How will you know when it's the right time to do this? Look for indicators like failure to take medication, new health concerns, diminished social interaction, general confusion or even fluctuations in weight. What can make things more difficult is when the parents are unwilling or unable to talk about their future. This can happen for a number of reasons, including fear of becoming dependent, resentment toward you for interfering, reluctance to burden you with their problems, or because they are already incapacitated. Without their cooperation, you may need to do as much planning as you can without them. However, if their safety or health is in danger, you may still need to step in as a caregiver. If you're nervous about talking to your parents, make a list of topics that you need to discuss. This will help ease tension, and you will be less likely to forget anything. If there is some reluctance on the part of your parents, it may be wise to cover your list over several visits so that it doesn’t sound so much like an interrogation. Get Personal Once you've opened the lines of communication, a good next step is to get as much information as you can to prepare a personal data record. This document lists information that you might need in case your parents become incapacitated or die. Here is some information that should be included: Bank and investment accounts Estate documents like wills and trusts Funeral and burial plans Medical information Insurance information Names and phone numbers of professional advisers Real estate documents Be sure to write down the location of documents and any relevant account numbers. It's also a good idea to make copies of all the documents you've gathered and keep them in a safe place. Explore Living Arrangements Eventually you’ll need to have discussions on more sensitive subjects like your parents’ wishes on medical care decisions and future living arrangements. Where your parents eventually live will depend on how healthy they are. As they grow older, their health may deteriorate so much that they can no longer live on their own. At that point, you may need to find them in-home health care, health care within a retirement community or nursing home, or you may insist that they come to live with you. If money is an issue, moving in with you may be the best or only option. Keep in mind this decision will impact your entire family, so talk about it as a family first. Make It a Family Affair The physical and financial responsibility of taking care of elderly parents may fall on several adult children, and usually not all are equally able to bear the burden. The result can be resentment, even hostility, and the breakdown of family cooperation. The key to keeping harmony is communication when caring for your aging parents. Family meetings on a regular basis are key to keeping tensions down and everyone informed. Families can talk over who can pay for care when it's needed, and who can do physical work for a parent. Even if a family member lives at a distance, there are things they can do. Consolidating accounts in one bank, setting up online access to paying bills and overseeing financial management are areas that can be handled from anywhere in the U.S. Ask for Help The key is to not try to care for your parents alone. Besides getting the family involved, there are also many local and national caregiver support groups and community services available to help you cope with caring for aging parents. If you don't know where to find help, contact your state department of elder care services, or call: 1-800-677-1116 to reach the Elder Care Locator, an information and referral service sponsored by the federal government that could direct you to resources available in your area. Source: Kiplinger.com

When illness or injuries occur, paying for out-of-pocket medical expenses can be overwhelming for many people. By planning ahead and saving a little bit every month you can feel prepared to deal with unexpected medical costs. If you are a participant in a high deductible HSA eligible health insurance plan, a Health Savings Account can be an important part of your overall financial picture. Which insurance plans are eligible? For 2021, an HSA eligible plan must have a deductible of at least $1,400 for and individual and $2,800 for a family plan. HSA eligible plans require the insured to pay for most expenses out of pocket until the deductible is met.  It is important to understand that not every insurance plan is HSA eligible even if the deductible is high. How do HSA’s work? An HSA account allows you to put pre-tax dollars into a savings account, then use those dollars to pay medical expenses without ever paying any tax on the dollars used for the payment. The maximum annual deferral amount depends upon the type of health insurance coverage you have.  Also, the annual contribution limit usually increases slightly each year so you may want to adjust accordingly. HSA eligible health insurance plans may cost less which may allow you to choose to invest what you are not spending on premiums. How much can I save? For individuals with single health insurance coverage the annual contribution limit is $3,600.  For individuals with family health insurance coverage the annual contribution limit is $7,200.  If you are over the age of 55, you can contribute up to an additional $1,000 per year to increase, your maximum annual contribution to $4,600 or $8,200 depending upon the type of health insurance coverage you have. Contributions can be deductible on your tax return if they are paid out of pocket instead through salary deferral from your employers’ payroll. Additional Benefits Some additional advantages an HSA account provides include: At the age of 65 you can treat your HSA like an IRA and take distributions for purposes other than medical expenses without penalty, although you will pay income tax on the distribution. You can invest the assets in the account no matter what your income is. There are no income limits to be eligible to contribute unlike an IRA.  Once your income goes above a certain level you can no longer make tax deductible contributions to an IRA. For higher income earners an HSA is one of the few ways to save money tax deferred. You can do a once in a lifetime tax free rollover from an IRA to an HSA up to the annual contribution limit. However, you must remain in a high deductible health insurance plan for at least 12 months following the rollover. You are not allowed make rollover contributions to an HSA from a 401(k), 457, or other retirement plan. You can first roll money over to an IRA and then do a rollover from the IRA to the HSA There are options available for those who want to grow their HSA in the equities market. This can be attractive for those who don’t typically spend down their HSA on an annual basis or those who have accumulated a larger balance. Can I use my HSA to pay health insurance premiums? You can only use your HSA to pay health insurance premiums if you are collecting Federal or State unemployment benefits, or you have COBRA continuation health insurance coverage through a former employer. Nathan Deets CFP Investment Advisor Representative & Tax Preparer Nathan joined the firm in 2006. As an Investment Advisor Representative, he is part of the team that designs our clients’ investment portfolios, prepares individual tax returns, and helps our Advisor Team with financial planning for our clients. Advisors Management Group, Inc. is a registered investment adviser whose principal office is located in Wisconsin.   Opinions expressed are those of AMG and are subject to change, not guaranteed, and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security.  Past performance is no guarantee of future returns, and investing involves multiple risks, including, but not limited to, the risk of permanent losses.  Please do not send orders via e-mail as they are not binding and cannot be acted upon.  Please be advised it remains the responsibility of our clients to inform AMG of any changes in their investment objectives and/or financial situation.  This commentary is limited to the dissemination of general information pertaining to AMG’s investment advisory/management services.  Any subsequent, direct communication by AMG  with a prospective client shall be conducted by a representative that is either registered or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration in the state where the prospective client resides.  A copy of our current written disclosure statement discussing our advisory services and fees continues to remain available for your review upon request.

Are you one of the millions of Americans who have changed jobs during the pandemic? A report published by Prudential Financial, states that at least 26% of the workforce will change jobs during the current year. Changing jobs can carry a mix of emotions depending on the reason for the career change. Regardless of the reason for the job change, one thing everyone needs to know is what their options are with their 401k account from a previous employer. After you leave your job, you have four options for your old 401k account. Option 1: Leave it where it is. In most cases, you can leave your 401k in the former employer’s plan.  This option requires the least amount of work since there is no additional paperwork needed. Also, your account is still able to grow tax-deferred until you withdraw funds. While this option might be an easier option it may not be the most advantageous. One of the limits of a 401k plan is that there can be fewer investment options. Also, 401k maintenance fees may be passed on to you, which can increase the expenses of the 401k plan. Another restriction is that you cannot contribute to a 401k once you no longer work for that employer. Finally, it can be complicated to keep track of where you have funds if you have multiple 401k with past employers. Option 2: Roll it over to your new employer If your new employer has a 401k and the plan allows rollovers, consolidating your 401k from your previous employer with your new employer may make it easier to keep track of where your funds are located.  Earnings will accrue tax-deferred until you withdraw funds. Some 401k plans allow loans, by rolling over your previous 401k to the new one you may be able to borrow against that balance in the future. The are some potential downfalls of rolling over your 401k to a new employer. Most 401ks plans have limited investment options.  Those investment options can be replaced by the plan trustee without your approval. In addition, record keeping and administrative fees of the plan may be passed on to you. Option 3: Cash out your 401k Cashing out your 401k is another option for an old 401k. While this option allows you to gain access to your funds, it usually carries a penalty if you don’t meet certain qualifications. If you withdraw the money from your 401k and do not meet the required qualifications for a withdrawal (such as age, typically 59.5, financial situation, or disability) you will be required to pay a penalty for the early withdrawal. In addition to the early withdrawal penalty, income tax may also need to be paid on the withdrawal. Option 4: Rollover 401k to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) Rolling your 401k to an IRA allows for the most flexibility with your investment choices. This can give you access to mutual funds, exchange traded funds, stocks and bonds, to name a few.  You may also have greater flexibility with investments that provide income, such as dividends and interest.  IRAs can provide for greater flexibility with withdrawals and various tax withholding.  IRAs continue to allow for tax deferred saving. There are some possible disadvantages to using an IRA.  You are not allowed to take a loan against an IRA.  Depending on your investment choices there could be upfront commissions, high annual fees or even back-end charges limiting you from withdrawing money from the IRA within a certain period of time. It is important to remember everyone’s situation is different. When deciding what is the best option for you, it is wise to research all options and understand the fees involved with those options. These decisions are difficult, and you may want to reach out to a financial professional to assess your situation. In doing so, we suggest you work with a fiduciary, an advisor that works in your best interest. Shay Benedict Trading Specialist Shay joined Advisors Management Group in June of 2020. Shay works as a Trading Specialist for AMG. He works alongside the advisors to trade client portfolios. He helps to provide continuous improvement within the trading department, to ensure we meet our client’s needs. Advisors Management Group, Inc. is a registered investment adviser whose principal office is located in Wisconsin.   Opinions expressed are those of AMG and are subject to change, not guaranteed, and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security.  Past performance is no guarantee of future returns, and investing involves multiple risks, including, but not limited to, the risk of permanent losses.  Please do not send orders via e-mail as they are not binding and cannot be acted upon.  Please be advised it remains the responsibility of our clients to inform AMG of any changes in their investment objectives and/or financial situation.  This commentary is limited to the dissemination of general information pertaining to AMG’s investment advisory/management services.  Any subsequent, direct communication by AMG  with a prospective client shall be conducted by a representative that is either registered or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration in the state where the prospective client resides.  A copy of our current written disclosure statement discussing our advisory services and fees continues to remain available for your review upon request.

Roth IRA contributions are not tax-deductible, so there is no tax benefit for the year of contribution.  The tax benefit comes when you take a distribution.  If you follow the IRS rules, distributions from Roth IRAs are generally tax-free.  Typically, you have to be 59 ½ or older and the account has to have been established for at least five years. Although, there are special rules in the case of death, disability, and conversions. Not everyone can contribute to a Roth IRA.  First, you must have earned income, basically income from a job or self-employment.  Secondly, there are income limits for contributing to Roth IRAs.  In 2021, if your filing status is married filing joint or qualified widow(er) and your modified adjusted gross income falls between $198,000 and $208,000, you can still contribute to a Roth IRA, but the contribution is limited.  If your income is above $208,000, you cannot contribute to a Roth IRA.  For single or head of household filers, the phase-out range is $125,000 to $140,000.  If you are above $140,000, then you cannot contribute to a Roth IRA.  These income ranges can change each year. It is best to consult with a tax professional or an investment advisor to understand if you are eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA and how much. Backdoor Roth IRA If your income is too high and you do not qualify to make a Roth IRA contribution, there may still be a way to contribute to one. The strategy uses current tax law, and the term is coined, “backdoor” Roth IRA contribution.  First, you make a non-deductible Traditional IRA contribution. This can be done even at high-income levels.  Next, you immediately convert that traditional IRA to a Roth IRA; there is no income limitation for these types of Roth IRA conversions. A Few Words of Caution Even though the backdoor Roth IRA process seems simple, there are several things to be aware of when completing one.  The first thing is the timing of the traditional IRA contribution and the conversion to the Roth IRA is important. If done appropriately there may be no tax due on this transaction. Also, delays in the process could cause gains in the traditional IRA to be taxable upon conversion. In addition, if you already have other traditional IRAs, this strategy may not work for you as it can cause unwelcome tax surprises down the road.  Finally, this transaction will generate a 1099-R and will need to be reported on your tax return.  Due to the complexity of this strategy, we recommend consulting a tax professional and investment advisor before starting this process. If you would like to learn more about this strategy to see if it is right for you, please contact one of our team members. Rebecca Agamaite, MBA Client Experience Manager, Investment Advisor Representative Rebecca joined the Advisors Management Group in 2011 as an Investment Advisor Representative. Rebecca brings a great deal of experience to the team having worked for several years at Marshall & IIsley Bank and MetLife.  Advisors Management Group, Inc. is a registered investment adviser whose principal office is located in Wisconsin.   Opinions expressed are those of AMG and are subject to change, not guaranteed, and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security.  Past performance is no guarantee of future returns, and investing involves multiple risks, including, but not limited to, the risk of permanent losses.  Please do not send orders via e-mail as they are not binding and cannot be acted upon.  Please be advised it remains the responsibility of our clients to inform AMG of any changes in their investment objectives and/or financial situation.  This commentary is limited to the dissemination of general information pertaining to AMG’s investment advisory/management services.  Any subsequent, direct communication by AMG  with a prospective client shall be conducted by a representative that is either registered or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration in the state where the prospective client resides.  A copy of our current written disclosure statement discussing our advisory services and fees continues to remain available for your review upon request.

You may have heard people talk about bull markets and bear markets or even use the term to describe how they feel about investing. You may hear people say, “I am feeling bullish” or “I am feeling bearish, but what exactly are they talking about? While the actual reason behind why bulls and bears have become synonymous with investing is unclear; history is full of folklore on why this association has been made over time.  One theory is that the bear representation comes from bearskin traders who would sell bearskins prior to receiving them from trappers in hopes that the future prices would drop and result in a bigger profit.  Bulls were considered the opposite to bears, stemming back to medieval times where blood sports pitted the bear against the bull in a battle to the death. Let’s break it down because once you know, it is easy to remember the difference and you can even begin to use these terms in your own conversations. The terms “bull” and “bear” are thought to come from how these animals attack their opponent. A bull attacks with its horns and pushes its opponent upward. Therefore, a bull market is a market that is going up. If market enthusiasm has got you excited, you are bullish. You are optimistic that the market will continue to go up. On the other hand, when a bear attacks, it claws its victim downward. Therefore, a bear market is going down. If you find yourself feeling pessimistic then you are bearish and you are expecting the market to drop. While we many never know the exact origin of the terms bull and bear markets, they will continue to be commonly mentioned in the world of investing. Rebecca Agamaite, MBA Client Experience Manager, Investment Advisor Representative Rebecca joined the Advisors Management Group in 2011 as an Investment Advisor Representative. Rebecca brings a great deal of experience to the team having worked for several years at Marshall & IIsley Bank and MetLife. 

It has been nearly a year and a half since the pandemic began and while many businesses are beginning to see things start to return to normal there are many other small businesses that are still struggling because of the pandemic. For those business that were negatively impacted by the pandemic several programs have been launched to provide those business with some additional financial support.  Many of these programs for small businesses were a part of the various stimulus packages that were created throughout 2020 and the early part of 2021. Along with the stimulus payments for qualifying individuals, there were programs created specifically to help small businesses deal with the impact of the pandemic. While many of these programs are based on wages paid to employees, the actual money provided by the programs in some situations can be spent on other necessities to continue business operations.  Payroll Protection Program Loan First, there was the Payroll Protection Program Loan. This loan had a first draw and possibly a second draw if your business experienced a decrease of 25% in revenue. These loans could possibly be forgiven and not taxed by the federal government.  Taxation can vary from state-to-state. They required an approved application based on spending requirements, mostly tied to payroll. Shuttered Venue Operators Grant / Restaurant Revitalization Fund Depending on the industry or nature of your operations, some businesses also qualify for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant or the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.  The Shuttered Venues Grant is meant for those businesses that host live events, such as concerts, and were not able to be hold those events over the past year.  This grant does have an order of priority which is determined based on the magnitude of the revenue loss experienced by the venue from April 2020 - December 2020.  If a business received a PPP Loan, it may reduce the amount of the grant for the business. Restaurants, food carts and trucks, bars, saloons, bakeries, breweries, wineries and other businesses whose on-site sales comprise 33% of their revenues could qualify for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.  The purpose of this loan is to account for lost revenues from 2019 to 2020 based on the business’s tax returns but are reduced for any PPP Loans received.  Both programs have requirements on how the funds are to be used and there can be additional reporting required in order to meet the requirements of these programs. Employee Retention Credit The final program is the Employee Retention Credit (ERC). The ERC is different than the previous programs because there is no application that needs to be completed and it is not submitted to a bank or the Small Business Administration (SBA).  The Employee Retention Credit is something a business can qualify for if either of the following occurred for 2020. 1) Gross Receipts decrease of 50% when compared to 2019 2) The business was fully or partially suspended by a government order due to COVID-19 during the calendar quarter. If either of those situations occurred and the business has less than 100 full-time employees, wages paid during those specific periods could be eligible for a credit of 50% on a maximum of $10,000 of wages per employee.  The $10,000 figure for 2020 is the full-year maximum. However, in 2021, there are a few changes, the first one being that you only need to experience a 20% decrease in gross receipts when compared to 2019, and the second is the eligible wages are $10,000 per quarter and a 70% credit on those wages. Understanding and coordinating all these programs can be an overwhelming task since each business’s situation is unique and could have a different plan when it comes to combining these relief opportunities. If you think your business could benefit from a discussion on any of the above programs, please reach out to Advisors Management Group today at (800) 488-4032 or schedule a meeting with a team member. Adam Pederson, EA Director of Business Consulting , Senior Accountant Adam joined the Advisors Management Group team in December 2015 and is now the Director of Accounting and Consulting. He has worked extensively in the accounting industry as an Assistant Controller and a Senior Accounting Analyst before coming to Advisors Management Group.

The financial world can seem a bit like alphabet soup at times, with so many acronyms used. QCD, RMD, IRA, ETF, and on and on. Today we will be highlighting one of these acronyms, in hopes of helping you understand if you could benefit from the QCD tax strategy. What is a QCD? In the financial world, “QCD” stands for Qualified Charitable Distribution. Normally when you take a draw from your Traditional IRA you are taxed on these dollars, even if you donate them to a charity later. However, amounts distributed as a QCD are excluded from your taxable income. What’s the difference?  Generally, if you take money out of your Traditional IRA, it counts as taxable income. Having more taxable income can move you into a higher tax bracket and may reduce your eligibility for some tax credits and deductions.  It can also cause more of your social security income to be taxable.  A donation given through a QCD can lower your taxable income, as opposed to a donation given from a regular IRA distribution. If you do not use a QCD, you could receive a deduction for your donation on your tax return if all of your itemized deductions are greater than the standard deduction for your tax filing status. With the higher standard deduction, fewer people are itemizing and are not getting a full deduction for their donation.  What are the rules for a distribution to count as a QCD? You must be at least 70 ½ years old at the time you request the funds Funds must be transferred directly from your IRA to a qualified charity. Have your custodian make the check payable to the charity. Only certain accounts are eligible for QCDs Traditional IRAs Inherited IRAs SEP IRAs SIMPLE IRAs The maximum annual QCD limit is $100,000 per individual. How are QCDs reported on your income tax Return? A QCD, from a non-inherited IRA, is generally reported as a normal distribution on tax form 1099-R; for inherited IRAs, it is generally reported as a death distribution.  For this reason, it is important to keep a copy of the receipt you receive from the charitable organization for tax documentation.  QCD and the RMD Requirement Once you are age 72 or older, the IRS requires that you take a certain amount out of your tax deferred accounts each year.  This amount is called a Required Minimum Distribution, or “RMD.” Amounts taken as a QCD can work toward satisfying your RMD requirement.  If you are required to take out more money than what you need each year, a QCD could be option for you. If you have any questions or are wondering if a QCD is right for you, be sure to consult with your tax preparer or other financial advisor. Kate Pederson Investment Advisor Representative, Tax Preparer Kate joined Advisors Management Group in December 2017. Prior to joining the firm, she worked in manufacturing and healthcare during her career as a financial analyst.

Updated: March 26, 2020 There have recently been changes to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 that business owners should be aware of. We have highlighted a few of those changes below.  The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)-based leave may still take a payroll tax credit to cover wages paid has been extended through September 30, 2021. Additional Reasons Supporting Emergency Sick Leave – ARPA expands the reasons an individual may receive a tax credit for emergency sick leave to include: Is scheduled for the vaccine or recovering from adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccine. Is seeking or awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test when the employee has been exposed to COVID-19 or employer requested the test. Paid Sick Leave “Reset” – ARPA provides that employers may receive a tax credit for an additional 10 days of emergency paid sick leave between April 1 and September 30, 2021.  Nondiscrimination – ARPA requires that the employer extend emergency sick and/or expanded FMLA to all employees, not just to specific groups or classes of employees. Additional Reasons Supporting Expanded FMLA – Is now brought in line with the emergency sick leave reasons.  The employer can now claim a payroll tax credit for up to 12 weeks of leave for any of the following reasons: The employee is subject to or is caring for an individual who is subject to a federal, state, or local quarantine or isolation order. The employee has been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine due to concerns related to COVID-19 or is caring for an individual who has been so advised. The employee is caring for a son or daughter because the child’s school or place of care has closed or is unavailable due to COVID-19. The employee is receiving or experiencing negative effects from the COVID-19 vaccine or is awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test requested by the employer or necessitated because of close contact. Increase Cap on Expanded FMLA Dollars – The FFCRA had a cap of $10,000 of paid leave wages per employee, the ARPA raises the limit to $12,000. If you have any questions regarding the above information, please call us at (608) 782-0200. Updated: March 23, 2020 There has been new information released regarding the $10,200 unemployment tax break that was a part of the American Rescue Plan Act.  The IRS plans to automatically process refunds for taxpayers who had unemployment income in 2020 and filed their tax returns before legislation passed that made those benefits tax-free. The IRS Commissioner, Charles Rettig, is suggesting not to file an amended return at this time. The IRS believes they will be able to automatically issue refunds associated with the $10,200. People who had unemployment income in 2020 and have not yet filed their tax return may need to wait to ensure that they submit all information to the IRS correctly.   Both Wisconsin and Minnesota have extended the filing dates to May 17th for the 2020 returns. This extension does not include an extension for estimated payments thus far. Neither Wisconsin nor Minnesota have adopted the non-taxable unemployment as of March 18, 2021. Wisconsin will most likely have a Schedule I adjustment and MN has updated their tax form to make an adjustment to add back the non-taxable benefit to the MN return. As the IRS will releases more details in the coming days we will share more updates.    Updated: March 19, 2020 Recently, there have been new legislations and bills passed by the United States Government that could directly affect you. As we continue to learn more, we will update and post here on the latest news. American Rescue Plan Act An economic stimulus bill passed last week to speed up the United States recovery from the economic and health effects of COVID-19 pandemic. The American Rescue Plan Act will have major tax impacts for the 2020 and 2021 tax returns which include: Tax-Free unemployment benefits for 2020 Up to $10,200 of unemployment benefits received in 2020 is EXEMPT from federal income tax for households with an adjusted gross income under $150,000. If you are married, you and your spouse can each exclude up to $10,200 of unemployment compensation. If you have already filed your 2020 taxes, we suggest waiting for further guidance from the IRS. It is unknown if individuals will need to amend their taxes or if the IRS will automatically adjust. Retroactive refunding of the advanced premium tax credit If you qualify for a premium tax credit for healthcare purchased on the exchange and you had an excess premium tax credit for 2020, no repayment is required. If you have already filed your 2020 taxes, we suggest waiting for further guidance from the IRS. It is unknown if individuals will need to amend their taxes or if the IRS will automatically adjust. Stimulus checks to individuals $1,400 stimulus checks ($2,800 for married filing joint) will be issued to eligible individuals. This includes $1,400 for each minor and adult dependent.  This is different from the previous two stimulus packages that cut off payments for dependents that were 17 and older. There are income limits for this payment. You will receive the full payment amount if you fall beneath the thresholds listed below.  If your income is within the thresholds you will receive an adjusted payment amount. If your income is above the listed thresholds you will not qualify to receive a payment.  Single: $75,000 to $80,000 Married filing joint: $150,000 to $160,000 Head of household: $112,500 to $120,000 Distributing checks, the week of March 15th How will people get the check? Direct Deposit Physical checks-sent to home address Debit Cards-Prepaid Visa Card sent to home address Expanded child tax credit for 1 year (2021) Individual filers with income up to $75,000, married filers with income up to $150,000 and head of household filers with income up to $112,500 will get $3,600 for each child under 6 years old. For children 6-17 the credit is $3,000 When will people get the child tax credit? Families could receive half their total credit on periodic basis - up to $300/month per child up to age 6 and $250/month per child ages 6-17. This could start as early as July and run through the rest of the year. Families could claim the remaining half on their 2021 tax returns. Tax filers above the income threshold will still be eligible for the existing $2,000 child tax credit that phases out at $200,000 ($400,000 for married filing jointly). Required Minimum Distributions (RMD’s) Secure Act changed the start date for RMD’s from 70 ½ to 72 years if individual reaches age 70 ½ after December 31, 2019. If an individual turned 70 ½ after Dec. 31st, 2019, they are not required to take an RMD until age 72. If an individual turned 70 ½ in 2019 they are required to take an RMD by April 1st, 2020 but due to the CARES ACT the deadline was waived. If individual did not take their first RMD in 2020, they need to take it by April 1, 2021 and the 2021 RMD by Dec 31st, 2021. This only applies to those who turned 70 ½ in 2019 and did not take an RMD in 2019.   Deadline for 2020 Taxes to be filed for Federal extended until May 17, 2021. The deadline for State returns has not been determined.  We will continue to make updates as soon as we learn more.