An audit is, in itself, not a bad thing. we have come to equate audit with accusation or wrongdoing but an IRS audit is simply a review of the records. Int his spirit, there is no reason to fear IRS audit. In reality, the IRS audit process is triggered by… [Read more]
Will AB-5 Withstand Coronavirus?
As we look forward from April into the second quarter of 2020 the question on many business owner’s minds is: will the rules outlined in AB-5 stand in the face of coronavirus? At the start of 2020, business owners’ level of concern about California EDD’s newfound power to audit businesses… [Read more]
Unemployment Claims Spike: So May EDD Audits
Unemployment claims are in the millions as a result of the coronavirus epidemic and the ensuing quarantine and lockdown. Small businesses are being deeply impacted by the downturn and many are having to lay off over half their workforce. Since the start of the outbreak, 3.2M people have filed for… [Read more]
How IRS Criminal Investigations Start
IRS Criminal investigations begin with a suspicion of fraud and violations of: Internal Revenue Code Bank Secrecy Act Money laundering statutes …Among others. When IRS determines there is a case against a violator, they refer it to the Department of Justice. Why IRS Special Agents target a business for investigation… [Read more]
Your Guide to Navigating an EDD Audit
In the face of a perceived increase in the number of independent contractors, the California Employment Development Department (EDD) has begun a campaign of stricter enforcement of employment tax laws. With EDD conducting more audits of California business’ employment records, business owners and their bookkeepers should be prepared for the… [Read more]
The Dynamex Case, EDD and What the New Rules Mean for Your Independent Contractors
The California Supreme Court recently heard a case that is changing the rules on the classification of Independent Contractors in the state of California. Previously, there were 13 factors that EDD would look at in assessing whether a worker was a contractor or an employee. In October of 2018 that… [Read more]
Large Cash Transactions: Your Reporting Responsibilities and Penalties for Failing To File
Businesses who are paid in cash have a responsibility to report payments over $10,000 to IRS using form 8300. Form 8300 is similar in function to a 1099 in that services paid for from one business to another usually generate a 1099, submitted by the company who received the work… [Read more]
Risks of Misclassifying Independent Contractors and Employees
Is the person you just hired a 1099 contractor or an employee? Making a false assumption could be costly. In California, there is a fine line separating these two categories of workers and significant penalties for misclassification. Here are some of the consequences you might have to face for mislabeling… [Read more]
California EDD: 1099 Contractors vs Employees How to tell the difference
The primary goal of the California Employment Development Department is to investigate companies whose employees are potentially mis-classified as contractors when they should be classified as employees. When determining whether your workers should be classified as employees or 1099 contractors take the example of the pLumbing Company who hires additional… [Read more]
6 Mistakes Businesses Can Make When Hiring and Working With Independent Contractors
Business owners hire independent contractors to help with specialized or contracted work. But, as a business owner, if you find yourself engaging in what may be considered an ‘employer-employee relationship’ with your independent contractor hires, you may be contacted by the Employment Development Department (EDD) and/or the Internal Revenue Service… [Read more]