Key Financial Solutions Inc

Does your business hold intangible assets? Intangibles are nonphysical, long-term resources that can add significant value to a business. Examples include copyrights, licenses and customer lists. The tax implications can be complex. IRS regulations require the capitalization of costs to 1) acquire or create intangibles; 2) create or enhance a separate, distinct intangible; 3) create or enhance a future benefit identified in IRS guidance as capitalizable; or 4) facilitate the acquisition or creation of intangibles. Capitalized costs can’t be fully deducted in the year paid or incurred. They generally must be ratably deducted over the asset’s life. Questions? We’re here to help. Call us at (313) 221-9397.

There are several benefits to having an estate plan. It can protect your wealth while giving you peace of mind that your assets will be distributed according to your intentions. In addition, it can save taxes, minimize legal complications and family disputes, and reduce expenses for your heirs. Do you have young children? An estate plan is a must so you can name guardians for them in the event of your untimely death. If you’re ready to begin your estate planning journey, or if you’d like us to review your current plan, contact us at (313) 221-9397.

If you work remotely and split your time between two states during the year, it can create state tax issues. A state with an income tax generally can tax all income of its residents and income earned within its borders by nonresidents. Residency rules vary but may consider your domicile, days spent in the state and whether you maintain a home is there. Your domicile is generally your true, fixed, permanent home — the place you intend to return to. Some states may treat you as a resident for income tax purposes if you maintain a home and spend a specified number of days there. Contact us at (313) 221-9397 to review your situation and help determine whether you may have tax obligations in more than one state.

IRS penalties can add up quickly. Fortunately, some taxpayers may qualify for penalty relief. There are three main types of relief: 1) first-time penalty abatement for taxpayers with a strong compliance history, 2) reasonable cause relief for situations such as serious illness or natural disasters, and 3) statutory exceptions. These exceptions generally apply to penalties resulting from erroneous written IRS advice or to taxpayers affected by certain federally declared disasters or involved in military combat-zone operations. If the IRS has assessed a penalty on your account, contact us at (313) 221-9397. We can help determine whether you qualify for penalty relief.

Payroll administration can be challenging for small business owners — and errors can be costly. Common trouble spots include incorrect withholding, late tax deposits, and failure to include taxable bonuses, awards or fringe benefits in employees’ wages. Mistakes can happen even with payroll software or an outside payroll provider. Reducing your risk requires two things: formal review procedures to identify problems quickly and prompt action to correct them. We can help you comply with your payroll tax obligations. Contact us at (313) 221-9397 if you discover a payroll error or have questions about the applicable rules.

Running a successful business requires more than keeping up with the day-to-day. It also requires taking time to evaluate your financial position, identify opportunities and plan for what’s ahead. Whether you need assistance with accounting, bookkeeping, tax planning or strategic business advice, we can help you gain clarity. Our team provides practical guidance tailored to your specific needs, so you can focus on running and growing your business. Contact us at (313) 221-9397 to learn more.

Many individuals invest in real estate to help diversify their portfolio, create an income stream for themselves from rental income and build net worth over time. Income and losses from investment real estate are considered passive by definition — unless you’re a real estate professional. Even then, you generally must “materially participate” in a rental activity for it to be treated as nonpassive. Why is this important? Passive income may be subject to the 3.8% net investment income tax on top of any income tax otherwise due, and passive losses are deductible only against passive income, with the excess carried forward. Call us at (313) 221-9397 to discuss tax planning for your investment real estate.

If you’re thinking about financing a new vehicle, you may be able to deduct up to $10,000 per year of interest paid. The deduction is available for certain personal auto loans originated after Dec. 31, 2024 — even if you don’t itemize deductions. Modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) limits apply, and only qualifying vehicles assembled in the U.S. are eligible. Before purchasing, consider whether eligibility for the deduction should factor into your vehicle choice. We can help run the numbers. Call us at (313) 221-9397.

To attract and retain skilled workers, your small business needs to offer more than competitive pay. Your benefits package matters, too. Tax-free fringe benefits may be especially valuable to employees. Examples include many types of insurance (health, disability, long-term care and life), assistance plans (dependent care, adoption and educational) and transportation benefits, subject to certain limits. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act also changed some fringe-benefit tax rules for 2026 and beyond. Open enrollment is right around the corner for many businesses. As you review your 2027 benefits package, contact us at (313) 221-9397 for help evaluating your offerings and fine-tuning them as needed.

Are your bills piling up? Managing accounts payable can be challenging for small businesses — especially when payment obligations aren’t clearly tracked. QuickBooks Online tools can help by organizing upcoming bills, automating bill entry, and simplifying electronic or check payments. Stronger payables management may reduce missed deadlines and late fees and improve cash flow visibility. We can help your business use QuickBooks Online more efficiently and streamline your payables process. Contact us at (313) 221-9397 to learn more.