General Tax

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Entrepreneurs and Start-Up Expenses

April 23, 2019

For start-ups, before you even open the doors, you generally have to spend a lot of money to train workers and pay for rent, utilities, marketing and more. Entrepreneurs sometimes are surprised to find out that many expenses can’t be deducted right away.

Leasing or Buying Equipment

March 12, 2019

Have you ever wondered if leasing or buying equipment would be more tax efficient for your business? Recent changes to federal tax law and accounting rules could affect whether you make the decision to lease or buy equipment or other fixed assets.

Pass Through Entities: Beware of Ides of March

February 26, 2019

The Ides of March, more commonly known as March 15, is the federal income tax filing deadline for "pass-through" entities such as calendar-year partnerships, S corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs) treated as partnerships or S corporations for tax purposes.

Like-Kind Exchanges of Real Property

February 19, 2019

Generally, if a taxpayer exchanges business or investment property solely for business or investment property of a like or similar kind, they don’t need to recognize a gain or loss.

Hennen Appointed Board Chair

August 10, 2018

Olsen Thielen is proud to announce Adam Hennen has been appointed Board Chair for the White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce.

Apartment Complex Property Manager – Employee or Independent Contractor?

July 11, 2018

The IRS recently won a tax court case that reclassified an apartment complex manager (who was being treated as an independent contractor) as an employee, subjecting the apartment building’s owner to employment taxes and penalties.

South Dakota v. Wayfair Supreme Court Decision – How This Could Affect You

June 22, 2018

Prior to South Dakota v. Wayfair, businesses were not required to charge, collect, and remit state and local sales tax unless they had a physical presence in that state (employees, a store, a distribution center with inventory, etc.). However, our current Internet marketplace has dramatically changed our shopping habits. Customers

Michael Bromelkamp to Retire

June 19, 2018

Olsen Thielen Principal, Michael Bromelkamp, is in the process of transitioning from his many responsibilities at Olsen Thielen after 25 years with the Firm.

Lisa Dunnigan Named Finalist for ORBIE Awards

May 22, 2018

Lisa Dunnigan, Olsen Thielen CIO and Principal was named a finalist for the Twin Cities CIO of the Year ORBIE Awards. The Twin Cities CIO of the Year ORBIE Awards honor chief information officers who have demonstrated excellence in technology leadership.

Net Operating Loss Treatment

May 10, 2018

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) made some significant changes in net operating loss treatment. A net operating loss (NOL) occurs when deductible expenses exceed income. While this is not usually the desired result, the NOL can result in tax benefits when used to offset other income.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit Hiring from Certain “Target Groups”

March 7, 2018

If you hired new employees in 2017, or are planning to hire in 2018 and your new hires include members of certain “target groups,” you may be eligible for the Work Opportunity tax credit (WOTC).

Thorough Due Diligence Can Protect Your Acquisition From Fraud

November 12, 2017

In today’s rough-and-tumble world of mergers and acquisitions (M&As), buyers need to get to know business sellers and their executives, test their representations about asset condition and financial performance, and screen for common fraud schemes.

Tax Identity Stolen? The IRS Can Help

October 4, 2017

Recovering from tax-related identity theft can be a frustrating and time-consuming process. But the IRS can help remove fraudulent, inaccurate information from your federal tax records and ensure that your legitimate return is processed correctly. The key is to address the issue as soon as you realize your identity has

Possible Tax Reform Could Affect Timing Strategies

October 4, 2017

Projecting your business income and expenses for this year and next can allow you to time when you recognize income and incur deductible expenses to your tax advantage. Typically, it’s better to defer tax. This might end up being especially true this year, if tax reform legislation is signed into

How Some Spouses Attempt to Hide Income and Assets During Divorce

October 3, 2017

Parties to divorce sometimes accuse their spouses of hiding income or assets. Unfortunately, such accusations occasionally are true.