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Category: Contractors/sub-contractors

March 6, 2024

Corporate Transparency Act Ruled Unconstitutional by Federal District Court

On March 1, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama ruled that the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) was unconstitutional. In response to this ruling, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has indicated that it will comply with the ruling for as long as it remains in effect, and that this ruling only applies to the plaintiffs in the case.  Since this ruling is limited to the plaintiffs in the case, other reporting companies should continue to comply… Read more ›

February 28, 2024

Independent Contractor vs. Employee Status: The DOL Issues New Final Rule

The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) test for determining whether a worker should be classified as an independent contractor or an employee for purposes of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) has been revised several times over the past decade. Now, the DOL is implementing a new final rule rescinding the employer-friendly test that was developed under the Trump administration. The new, more employee-friendly rule takes effect March 11, 2024. Role of the New Final Rule Even though the DOL’s final… Read more ›

January 22, 2024

Cost Reporting: Mapping the Solution to Cost Overrun

Cost overruns have continuously presented a burden on earning profit for construction companies. They lead to delays, heavy financial strain and sometimes even project failures. Cost overruns coupled with pressing economic challenges the construction industry’s shrinking profit margins are making it harder to stay in business. There may still be something businesses can do to save themselves from this trouble. Cost reporting and audits are two fantastic methods of effectively managing overruns and preventing future financial threats. The role of… Read more ›

January 18, 2024

How Construction Company Owners Can Build a Succession Plan Framework

At some time or another, construction company owners must hang up their hard hats. But what will happen to your business when you retire or move on to the next professional opportunity? And what if you suddenly can’t work for an extended period, because of illness or injury? Having a succession plan in place is key to ensuring business continuity. Even if you’re nowhere near retirement, it’s a good idea to start work on a succession plan early. The best ones… Read more ›

November 3, 2023

What Construction Businesses With Inventory Should Know About Section 263A

Section 263A is an often misunderstood and misapplied part of the Internal Revenue Code. And it’s one that many construction businesses — particularly homebuilders — should get a handle on to avoid unexpected tax issues and unwanted attention from the IRS. Let’s review the basics. UNICAP Rules Sec. 263A, also referred to as uniform capitalization or UNICAP, requires eligible businesses to capitalize — rather than currently deduct — certain direct and indirect costs related to producing, acquiring, improving and holding property… Read more ›

November 3, 2023

10 Ways Construction Companies Can Tighten Up Their Estimates

In a perfect world, initial project estimates would match actual costs at the end of every job — with no hint of cost overruns or profit fade. But, let’s be honest, that hardly ever happens. Fortunately, there are ways contractors can tighten up estimates so they’re as close as possible to final job costs. Here are 10 to consider: 1. Leverage software and digital tools.  Be sure you’re using carefully chosen, up-to-date and construction-specific accounting software and digital tools to ensure accuracy and… Read more ›

October 19, 2023

Case Study: Optimizing Taxes by Switching Accounting Methods

Challenge A stonemasonry business encountered significant tax liabilities due to its use of the accrual method of accounting. Because the business was a C corporation and the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act offered opportunities for tax relief to organizations such as theirs, the owners reached out to CBM’s construction and real estate team for assistance. Solutions CBM’s team was familiar with the tenets of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act due to having assisted several other businesses and advised… Read more ›

August 10, 2023

When to Get a Business Valuation for Your Construction Company

A business valuation report is the complex process of and set of procedures used to estimate the economic value of a business. This economic value can be used to make financial decisions or determine the outcome of a major business event. In industries subject to constant change, such as construction, this can be a life saver for the company’s economic wellbeing. Ideally, an industry-recognized valuation expert—such as a certified valuation analyst—who has experience working with construction businesses with their taxes,… Read more ›

July 17, 2023

3 Big Inventory Issues for Construction Companies

In the construction industry, supply-chain challenges are nothing new. They’ve just gotten much more media attention over the last few years. Increased globalization, a pandemic and geopolitical strife have all contributed to some notable slowdowns, though things have generally been better lately. One way that construction companies can mitigate supply-chain problems is to maintain their own inventories of various building materials, products and supplies. However, an inventory can also complicate tax planning. Here are three big issues to consider. 1…. Read more ›

February 2, 2023

How to Hold a Successful Project Closeout Meeting

They say hindsight is 20/20. You can take advantage of that hindsight by holding regular project closeout meetings to find nuggets of truth about how the project went and learn from them. Not every project makes money for your firm. You can find ways to improve project and accounting management if you set a tone of openness to genuine feedback that will filter down to your project managers and other key employees. Here are some guidelines for success in this… Read more ›