AGH Employee Benefits Audit Practice is pleased to announce the addition of Clack and Associates CPAs.  Shannon Clack and his team of experienced auditors are known for their deep expertise in fulfilling the annual audit requirement for companies with over 100 employees.  Read more below!

Current estate tax law uncertainty should alter your planning strategies in 2012

Without congressional action before year end, on Jan. 1, 2013, the current $5.12 million gift and estate tax exemption will drop to $1 million and the top rate of 35% will increase to 55% — as prescribed by pre-2001 tax law.

Many believe Congress will address the expiring estate tax law provisions before year end. Will they extend the current estate tax regime for a set number of years, make it permanent or take a middle-ground approach by, for example, adopting a $3.5 million exemption and a 45% top rate?

This uncertainty can play havoc with estate planning. However, with the currently high gift tax exemption and low top gift tax rate, now is a good time to remove large amounts of wealth from your estate with lifetime gifting. In addition, consider adding flexibility to your estate plan to prepare for potentially lower exemptions and higher rates in 2013.

by Cindy Buie, CPA and Kevin Irlbeck, CPA

Reprinted with permission of Current Accounts and The Georgia Society of CPAs

Despite optimistic reports that real estate is beginning the upswing from 2009 fallouts, Atlanta still lags in national reports against the nation in a variety of areas. What are the real issues and where are the opportunities? What is slowing down Atlanta’s real estate market and what will it take for real growth to ensue at marathon rates? The good news is that there is movement and energy in the Atlanta market - activity where there has been little to none for months. If ever, now is the time to take action in real estate. Those well positioned to do so will reap the rewards. Yet, the current landscape is rocky. It is going to be a real uphill battle to get things done.

Consider the tax impact of crossing state lines

The commercial real estate market is still in a tough environment as discussed in an article written by two of AGH's senior real estate advisors this month published in the Georgia Society of CPAs’ June/July 2012 issue of Current Accounts. Historical assumptions about rent growth, lease renewals, and similar issues are less reliable than in the past. That means due diligence for new transactions will require more intensive effort and a broader, more conservative focus...

The concept of lean management has been applied for over a decade to other industries, and it’s now making its way to health care. The essence of lean management is doing more with less. It may be just the tool your practice needs in this time of cost pressures, reduced reimbursements, quality concerns and reform initiatives..

Your company's financial needs over the years may have grown so much that you need a chief financial officer. While permanently expanding the C-Suite can be an expensive proposition, AGH offers a less costly and equally effective solution.