Steyer Blog

Unlock tax-free gains with QSB stock

If you run your business as a C corporation, you may be eligible for a potentially significant tax break for qualified small business (QSB) stock. This opportunity has existed for years, but recent tax law changes have enhanced it. What’s a QSB corporation? QSB corporations are a special type of C corporation. At the entity level, QSB

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Material participation: Why it matters for LLP and LLC owners

The passive activity loss (PAL) rules may limit your ability to deduct losses from a business structured as a limited liability partnership (LLP) or limited liability company (LLC). Depending on how your ownership interest is treated under these rules, you may have more or less flexibility to claim losses in the current year. Here’s a

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ACA penalties may still apply — and they’re increasing for 2026

Many small businesses don’t have enough employees to worry about the play-or-pay provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). However, as your business grows, these rules can apply sooner than expected. This issue also may not be on your radar because there’s a common misconception that the repeal of ACA penalties under the Tax Cuts

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FAQs about the research credit

Companies that engage in research and development activities may qualify for a federal tax credit for some of those expenses. The credit is complicated to calculate, and not all research activities are eligible — but the tax savings can be significant. Here are answers to questions you might have about this potentially lucrative tax break.

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Debt vs. equity: Classification counts when shareholders put money into their corporations

If you operate your business as a C corporation, how you put money into your company — and how you take it back out — can have a major impact on your tax bill. Payments from shareholders to fund the business can either be classified as capital contributions (equity) or shareholder loans (debt). That might sound

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Should your business consider a fiscal year end?

Most businesses close their books for tax and accounting purposes on December 31 because it aligns with the calendar year. But a calendar year isn’t always the best option. For some companies, choosing a fiscal year end that better reflects their business cycle can improve financial reporting and simplify year-end procedures and tax filing. Here’s

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Business deductions for four-legged coworkers

Did you know that you can claim tax deductions for animals that serve a bona fide business purpose? This benefit extends beyond agricultural operations. Working animals in many sectors may qualify. Here are the details. Working animals vs. personal pets A working animal must provide a clear and direct business benefit. Common examples include: Dogs

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Options for forfeited employee FSA balances

Many businesses offer health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs) as part of their employee benefits package. These plans provide valuable tax savings to employees and payroll tax savings to employers. If your company operates a calendar-year FSA with a 2½-month grace period, employees have until March 15 to incur eligible expenses for their

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Not all “business” expenses are tax deductible

Valuation professionals often use discounted cash flow (DCF) techniques to determine the value of a business or estimate economic losses. A critical input in a DCF model is the cost of capital — the rate that’s used to discount future earnings to today’s dollars. Modest changes in this rate can have a major impact on

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Avoiding inadvertent S corp termination

S corporation structure provides most of the tax benefits of a partnership plus the liability protection of a corporation. But because of the strict requirements that apply to these entities, preserving S corporation status requires due diligence. Reap the benefits Like a traditional C corporation, an S corporation shields its shareholders from personal liability for the corporation’s

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