Managing construction project scope often looks solid on paper. But put boots and equipment on the ground and suddenly — or, more often, gradually — the job can go soggy as additional, unanticipated work seeps into other tasks. Sometimes you can get paid for this additional work if the owner will sign off on a…

The SBA released the Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Application on May 15. Read below for a detailed analysis of the application. IMC is offering high-level and extensive assistance with the PPP Loan Application and Forgiveness Process. Reach out today to set up a time to discuss how it may affect your company. Chris Iannuzziciannuzzi@imc-cpa.com248.641.0005…

True to their name, recently created qualified opportunity zones (QOZs) may raise attractive opportunities for contractors. But, before taking advantage, familiarize yourself with the requirements of these projects and be on guard against their potential risks. How QOZs Work QOZs were established under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. They’re designed to attract investment in…

The federal government’s response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has included many tax law changes. To simplify matters, let’s look at three issues that contractors should keep an eye on in light of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Maintaining Payroll As of this writing, some construction work was continuing, but…

Late last year, the Financial Accounting Standards Board granted a one-year reprieve from new lease accounting rules to private companies that comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). This means that GAAP-compliant construction businesses with a calendar year end now have until 2021 to implement Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 842, Leases. (Contractors with a…

Determining the market value of your construction company may be necessary or desirable for many reasons. Examples include a sale or merger, financing, succession planning, tax and estate planning, insurance claims, divorce, or setting up an employee stock ownership plan. Whatever the reason, it’s important to consult an experienced valuation professional. Some contractors use rules…

Would you recognize an indirect cost if you saw one? Indirect costs can have a substantial impact on a construction company’s financial picture and bottom line. But they’re not always the easiest things to “see.” Let’s zoom in to bring indirect costs better into focus. Viewing the numbers It helps to first define project costs…

Companies that qualify as “small businesses” enjoy several tax benefits, including simplified tax reporting and the ability to defer taxes under certain circumstances. Your construction company’s eligibility for these advantages depends on your gross receipts, including those earned by certain related entities. Previously, the gross receipts threshold was $5 million ($10 million in some cases)….

Is your construction business organized as a sole proprietorship or pass-through entity (such as a partnership, S corporation or limited liability company)? If so, the new 20% “pass-through” deduction can be a valuable tax break. But the deduction is subject to complex limits and restrictions. That’s why it’s important to review your situation carefully to…

Construction businesses are often surprised to learn that they may be eligible for the research tax credit, often referred to as the “research and development,” “R&D” or “research and experimentation” credit. Too often, they assume that this tax break is for only large pharmaceutical, biotechnology, software and aerospace companies, so they don’t bother to investigate…