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Newsletter from
Steve Richardson & Company, Certified Public Accountants

July 1, 2024

Investing in Farmland

To Our Clients and Friends:

Recently, one of our clients made a significant investment by purchasing a substantial tract of farmland. Just yesterday, I had the pleasure of touring half of this expansive property by ATV—it was quite an adventure! This vast piece of land is truly impressive, and our client, along with his family, has every reason to be proud of such a notable acquisition.

Many of our clients are farmland owners. Additionally, some of the nation’s wealthiest individuals, such as Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, along with various investment funds, have also chosen to invest in farmland. While this can be a wise choice for some, it’s essential to remember that farmland ownership isn’t suitable for everyone. The carrying costs, including property taxes, maintenance, insurance, and potential mortgage and interest payments, must be carefully considered. Especially if borrowing is required for the purchase, which might not be advisable for most.

Farmland can be an excellent component of a multigenerational wealth management plan, but any decision to purchase must be part of a well-thought-out investment strategy. From my perspective, reducing and eliminating debt should be a cornerstone of any investment plan.

A comprehensive investment strategy typically includes retirement funds, mutual funds, brokerage accounts, and both residential and commercial real estate. The way these assets are invested and their ownership structure—such as family LLCs or trusts—play crucial roles in a long-term strategy. If your plan aims for multigenerational wealth, farmland can be a valuable addition.

Here are a few reasons why farmland attracts competent and successful investors:

  • Inflation Hedge: Farmland is generally a good hedge against inflation.
  • Limited Downside Risk: The downside risk of farmland is relatively limited.
  • Carrying Cost Reduction: There are multiple ways to reduce the carrying costs of farmland through leases and farm production.

One crucial recommendation I made to my client was to hire a professional farm manager. This turned out to be extremely beneficial. The farm manager recommended several government reforestation and timber programs, as well as comprehensive land management plans. He also arranged for substantial farm rental income, significantly offsetting the carrying costs.

Additionally, the farm boasts nine recreational fish ponds. While not currently suitable for fish farming or aquaculture, these ponds enhance the property’s value. The ponds, along with the entire property, are extremely well maintained, adding to the overall appeal and worth of the land.

The farm is also teeming with wildlife, including turkey, deer, dove, and all sorts of wild game native to Alabama. While this wildlife cannot be commercially exploited, it certainly adds a fun aspect for family and friends to enjoy. It’s important to remember that having fun with your farm does not make your farm a hobby.

If you have a farm property, use it! Many of my clients retreat to their farms for periods of rest, reflection, and recreation.

Due to these farm rentals, there is a possibility that the farm may show a profit in the year of acquisition. In subsequent years, it is almost certain that the farm will show a profit based on timber and farm rentals.

It’s important to note that the IRS is very suspicious of farm losses, especially for high-income individuals, as these often trigger tax audits. However, there are simple steps you can take to minimize the risk of a tax audit related to farm operations:

  • Show a Farm Profit in 3 of 5 Years: Demonstrating a profit in three out of five years can help avoid IRS scrutiny.
  • Maintain Business-Like Books and Records: Keep comprehensive and accurate records of all income and expenses related to the farm.
  • Develop a Business Plan: Have a clear business plan that shows how you intend to make a profit from the farm operations.

With proper tax planning, individuals can optimize both income and capital gains tax outcomes. Tax planning for farmland is unique to each investor’s situation. Typically, incomes or losses from farmland investments are considered “passive,” and understanding the specific tax considerations for passive income or losses is crucial in farmland tax planning.

As always, if you have any questions about incorporating farmland into your investment strategy or need assistance with tax planning, feel free to reach out.

Steve Richardson

Certified Public Accountant
Steve Richardson & Company

 

 

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Urgent! I do not like that word at all

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Newsletter from
Steve Richardson & Company, Certified Public Accountants

June 6, 2024

Urgent! I do not like that word at all.

To Our Clients and Friends:

“Urgent” is a word that I rarely use, but in this situation, it is merited.

In the recent past, I have written newsletters about the problems and issues with the US Mail and the theft of checks being sent through the mail. This problem is reaching epidemic proportions. One of the biggest and fastest growing issues in the US banking system is check fraud and theft.

Our clients have experienced check theft firsthand. Yesterday, Todd showed me a large estimated tax check that was taken out of an envelope addressed to the IRS and cashed by a fictional person. A few months ago, a client sent in a church tithe check by US Mail for $40,000 that was stolen. The church’s name was washed off; the check was cashed by a criminal. Fortunately, the church had a hidden camera that proved helpful in recovery and prosecution.

But they wash off the name!

Current chemical technology allows a check thief to wash off the name to whom the check was written and write in any name they choose. The technology is so good that it does not fade the ink on the check itself, only the ballpoint pen.

These are not isolated incidents.

Our clients have had hundreds of thousands of dollars of checks stolen. So far, the banks are making these stolen checks good. The largest bank expense in recent years is the cost of stolen checks. This is a very big deal.

What Should You Do?

Never send money to any tax authority by US Mail. This is the most common target of check thieves. Almost every tax authority has an electronic method that will allow you to make secure tax payments online. When we do tax returns, we have the option on the federal tax return to pay any federal taxes due by allowing the IRS to direct draft your bank account. It is safe and secure. It may sound a little scary, and it took a while for the IRS to win me over. Additionally, the IRS has an excellent method that will allow you to make estimated tax payments in the same way.

Most states have similar capabilities. Not all states allow estimated tax payments as part of the tax return processing, but all the states that I am familiar with have a method of allowing online tax payments. Alabama, for example, has their own tax site, www.myalabamataxes.alabama.gov. It’s not a bad site. It could be better, but it is safe!

It’s Not Just Taxes

When and where possible, instead of sending checks, use available electronic payment methods. There are many such methods, some customized for personal transactions, others for business transactions. Interestingly, the legendary accountant’s “paper trail” is better with electronic payments than with traditional checks.

Do Not Use the US Mail Unless You Have No Choice

Three years ago, I received a package of tax data by US Mail that took two years to arrive. It aggravated both me and my client. That was three years ago. In 2024, late arriving or lost packages in the US Mail are a daily occurrence. By late arriving, I mean months or years late. Do not use US Mail unless you have no choice. There are certain IRS addresses that have only PO Boxes. With PO Boxes, you have no choice but to use US Mail. If you have a choice, don’t.

The Need to Send Documents is Rapidly Diminishing

Most of our client documents arrive by electronic means. Our firm has multiple secure portals that will allow you to upload documents. Converting your documents to PDF format will allow you to email these documents to us. There are many ways to send documents without using US Mail or using no common carrier at all such as Zip.files.

There Are Reliable Common Carriers When You Must Send Documents

UPS and FedEx are well-known common carriers that do a good job of making on-time deliveries. They are not alone.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance with setting up electronic payments.

Sincerely,

Steve Richardson

Certified Public Accountant

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Real Estate Investments in the South of France

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Newsletter from

Steve Richardson & Company

Certified Public Accountants

June 16, 2023

 Real Estate Investments in the South of France


A working trip = a tax deduction: maybe? (See Footnote #1)
Jane and I have returned from a two-week trip to the French Riviera. The purpose of this trip was to explore the possibility of real estate investments in the French Riviera. Although it was primarily a work trip, I cannot deny that it was also incredibly enjoyable.

Our hosts are dear friends who reside in the small village of Eze sur Mer (Eze by the Sea). Their home is situated on the side of a cliff, approximately a quarter mile away from the Mediterranean Sea with a magnificent view! Perched about 1,400 feet above their home is the ancient village of Eze, a medieval fortress town characterized by its charming cobblestone streets, battlements, cactus, and an array of fabulous restaurants.

While there is a walking pathway from their house to Eze in the clouds, we opted to drive instead. The climb of 1,400 feet straight up would have been quite a challenge, and I believe Jane was the only one of us fit enough for such a stroll.
Having close friends host us proved to be a significant advantage. This family has a successful track record in real estate investing both in the USA and in France, making our trip even more perfect.

The French Riviera

Weather
The Riviera truly is magnificent. Nice, France serves as a central hub on the Riviera and interestingly shares a similar northern latitude with Portland, Maine (43.7 degrees). However, despite their shared latitude, Nice experiences much milder weather. During our trip, we were fortunate to have mostly high temperatures in the upper 70 degrees Fahrenheit. As evening fell, the breezes flowing down from the nearby Alps caused the temperatures to drop into the 60s.

Harsh storms are a rarity along the Riviera, adding to the region’s allure and making it a delightful destination to enjoy its natural beauty and pleasant climate.

Architecture
The architecture found on the French Riviera is truly iconic, and I have a deep appreciation for its beauty as a form of art. During our exploration, we had the opportunity to witness a multitude of magnificent buildings, some of which had an ancient origin, and a few even traced back to the medieval period. It was truly awe-inspiring to witness the enduring charm and craftsmanship of these historic structures.

Furthermore, I was pleased to observe that the modern architecture along the French Riviera demonstrated a great sense of respect for the region’s architectural heritage. The contemporary buildings we encountered seamlessly blended with the surrounding environment while paying homage to the rich architectural traditions of the area. It was evident that the architects behind these modern designs took great care to preserve the cultural and historical significance of the French Riviera.
The French Riviera’s architectural landscape serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the past while embracing the innovations of the present.

Gardens
The French display notable passions for various pursuits, and one such area is the creation of beautiful gardens. Even modest French homes boast charming and well-tended gardens. Throughout public and private spaces, the presence of blooming flowers provides a year-round delight.

It is evident that the French place great value on the aesthetics of their gardens. They take pride in meticulously selecting plants and flowers that bloom at different times throughout the year. From the vibrant blossoms of spring to the lush foliage of summer, and even the captivating colors of autumn, French gardens offer a constant feast for the eyes.

This love for gardens extends beyond the boundaries of private residences. Public areas, parks, and squares in France are often adorned with meticulously designed and maintained gardens.

Exploring these gardens is a truly pleasurable experience, providing a serene sanctuary and an opportunity to appreciate the artistry and tranquility of nature. The French have truly mastered the art of cultivating and admiring beautiful gardens, making them an integral part of their culture.

Food
It is indeed a universally known fact that the French have a strong appreciation for good food, and this reputation holds true. As one French waiter aptly put it, “if it is on my menu, it is delicious!” He didn’t exaggerate. During our visit, we had the pleasure of enjoying almost every meal alfresco (in the open air). Each dining experience was truly fabulous, and what’s more, the prices were quite reasonable.

Our host family, who are dear friends, rarely dine at home because the sidewalk cafes in France are simply too tempting to resist. The quality and variety of food available at these cafes are exceptional, making it a delightful experience to savor the local cuisine while immersed in the lively atmosphere of the streets. The French truly excel in creating culinary delights that please the taste buds and leave lasting impressions.

The combination of dining alfresco and the exceptional quality of food offered in France make it a culinary paradise. It is no wonder that the French have gained a well-deserved reputation for their culinary expertise and their appreciation for the pleasures of good food.

Mass Transportation
The train system along the French Riviera is truly outstanding. However, it’s important to note that it can get crowded during rush hour, so plan your travel accordingly.

During my visit, my main objective was to explore real estate opportunities while also admiring the fabulous architecture of the Riviera. Opting to travel by train proved to be the most efficient way to see as much as possible.

The train network allowed me to conveniently reach various destinations along the Riviera, providing easy access to different towns, cities, and their respective real estate markets. Additionally, as I traveled by train, I had the opportunity to appreciate the stunning architecture that adorns the Riviera, from elegant villas to historic buildings and modern structures.

By utilizing the train system, I was able to maximize my time and explore the diverse real estate offerings and architectural wonders of the Riviera in an efficient and enjoyable manner.

The places I visited are numerous.  I have listed them in Footnote #2.

The Side-Effect of Mass Transportation
Wear Good Quality Shoes! You will walk.  A lot. One day we walked 18,000 steps!

Automobiles
The Riviera is characterized by a complex network of narrow one-way streets, which often presents challenges when driving and parking. Given the circumstances, if I were to reside on the Riviera, I would choose not to own a car.

This brings me to two important observations that I will emphasize later in this newsletter. Firstly, the value of residential real estate is greatly enhanced by its proximity to a train station. The convenience and accessibility offered by train connections are highly sought after by residents and potential buyers alike.

Secondly, owning a dedicated parking space is another significant factor that positively impacts the value of residential properties on the Riviera. Considering the scarcity of parking in the area, having a secure and reserved parking spot is highly desirable and can be a valuable asset for homeowners.

These two observations underscore the importance of considering proximity to train stations and securing dedicated parking spaces when assessing the value and desirability of residential real estate on the Riviera.

Europe is a good investment.
Europe presents an enticing investment opportunity for several reasons. Europeans enjoy a relatively prosperous lifestyle and experience gradual but steady improvements in their standard of living. Notably, they strike a commendable balance between work and leisure, which ranks among the highest globally. Moreover, Europeans highly value and fully embrace their vacation time.
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Considering these factors, investing in short-term rental properties that cater to European vacationers can be a smart financial choice. Such properties can benefit from consistent demand driven by Europeans’ fondness for vacations and their preference for comfortable and distinctive accommodation experiences.

On a side note, it’s worth mentioning that Americans could benefit from adopting a similar work-life balance to that of Europeans. The European approach emphasizes a healthier equilibrium between work and leisure, while Americans often tend to overwork without fully prioritizing leisure time. By embracing a more balanced approach, Americans could improve their overall well-being and enjoy a more fulfilling personal life. It’s important to recognize the value of leisure and relaxation alongside professional commitments in order to achieve a more harmonious work-life balance.

Residential Real Estate on the Riviera may be a good investment.
Residential real estate in the right location along the Riviera possesses several favorable qualities as an investment. Two notable factors are:

  1. Stability: Riviera residential real estate tends to exhibit more stability in value compared to similar properties in the United States. This stability can contribute to a sense of confidence for investors.
  2. Predictable Appreciation: Real estate on the Riviera typically experiences a more gradual and predictable appreciation over time. This subdued rate of appreciation can be appealing for investors seeking a steady and reliable return on investment.

However, it is crucial to note that these two factors may not hold true for all locations along the Riviera. Certain areas, such as Monaco and Cannes, may not align with these characteristics. Additionally, Paris (I know it’s not the Riviera, but it is Paris!) has its own unique considerations, which are briefly discussed in Footnote #3.

Tourette-du-Château and Saint-Paul de Vence, two mountain towns in the hill country of the French Riviera, possess a captivating charm. However, I advise against real estate investments in these towns primarily due to the absence of a train station. While they do have excellent bus service, personal preferences regarding transportation can play a role in investment decisions. It is worth noting that respected individuals do have real estate investments in these towns.

Monaco and Cannes, on the other hand, are regarded as overpriced locations. Monaco is notoriously overpriced. Everything, including dining experiences, tends to come with a steep price tag. Lunch, for instance, cost us a staggering $500. While the quality may be good, the exorbitant prices can be off-putting for potential investors.

Monaco is not a tax haven: see footnote #4.
Like Monaco, I’m not impressed with the investment potential of Cannes. Cannes is well on its way to becoming a big city with big city problems and, like Monaco, it is expensive.

Not a Tax Shelter!
French real estate or any foreign real estate investment is not a tax shelter. The USA taxes worldwide income and imposes additional strict measures on foreign income and banking.  See footnote #5.

Other important factors in making residential real estate investments in the Riviera:

  1. Not all residential real estate comes with dedicated parking.
    1. Parking is very important!
    2. Parking on the Riviera is limited and expensive.
    3. Dedicated parking adds substantial value and potential appreciation to any real estate investment.
  2. Be within a mile (2-klicks) or a comfortable walk to the train station.
    1. Train transit along the Riviera is outstanding so long as you know to avoid rush hours.
    2. The train system will take you to 90% of the places you want to visit.
    3. Mass transit (including buses) is inexpensive and well maintained.
  3. Jane made a noteworthy suggestion to include “The View” as an essential factor to consider. She strongly believes that having a scenic view of the Mediterranean Sea is a crucial element when investing in residential real estate along the Riviera.

Jane’s perspective highlights the allure of the stunning coastal vistas that the Riviera has to offer. A captivating view of the Mediterranean Sea can greatly enhance the overall appeal and value of a property.

The Costs
The cost of residential real estate on the Riviera is considered reasonable when compared to highly desirable locations in Atlanta, Georgia. While not inexpensive, the square foot costs in these sought-after Riviera locations are comparable to those in desirable areas of Atlanta.

The cost of ownership
Moreover, the cost of ownership for comparable properties on the Riviera is significantly lower in comparison to Atlanta. This can include expenses such as property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and utilities. The favorable cost of ownership contributes to the overall appeal and financial feasibility of investing in residential real estate on the Riviera.

Overall, while the cost of real estate on the Riviera is not exorbitantly high, it offers an attractive balance between affordability and the desirable lifestyle and amenities provided by this renowned coastal region.

  1. Property Taxes: Property taxes in France are typically around one-fourth of what you would expect to pay for comparable properties in the USA.
  2. Insurance: Insurance costs tend to be lower in France. In many cases, the homeowners’ association (HOA) covers the building insurance, while the owner is responsible for content insurance.
  3. Maintenance and Repairs: French craftsmen are known for their high quality of workmanship and lower costs compared to their US counterparts. Typically, the cost of hiring French craftsmen is around half to three-quarters of what you would pay for similar services in the USA. French craftsmen take pride in doing the job right the first time.
  4. Property Management Fees: Surprisingly, property management fees in France are slightly higher. It is common to pay around 25% of rental income to a management company. I will provide a more detailed explanation for this later.
  5. Utilities: Electricity in France is notably cheaper, typically around one-fifth the price of electricity in the USA. This significant difference is mainly due to the fact that over 90% of France’s electricity is generated from nuclear power.
  6. Homeowners Association (HOA) Fees: HOA fees in France are typically around one-fourth of what you would pay for comparable properties in the USA. This is influenced by the lower costs of craftsmen and other factors listed above.
  7. Legal and Accounting Fees: Legal and accounting fees in France are generally similar to those in the USA. It is advisable to have a French attorney who can also act as a tax accountant. Reporting income or losses on a French tax return is a straightforward process.

These factors highlight the financial advantages of owning property in France, including lower property taxes, insurance costs, maintenance expenses, utilities, HOA fees, and comparable legal and accounting fees.

There are other things you need to know.
American citizens with foreign bank accounts face increased reporting requirements, including the obligation to file FBAR (FinCEN Form 114). These reporting requirements are not optional.

In the recent past, French banks were hesitant to accept American citizens as clients due to the demanding rules and regulations imposed by the US government on foreign banks doing business with Americans. However, there have been changes in French law that have made it easier for French banks to engage with American clients. These changes, although recent, do not guarantee that all French banks will accept new American customers. French banks retain the right to decline potential customers for any reason, and it is not uncommon for them to refuse American banking clients. This legacy of caution may continue for some time.

There are viable banking options.

Regarding business entities, while the US has LLCs (Limited Liability Companies), France has its own equivalents, such as “Société par Actions Simplifiée” (SAS) and “Entreprise Individuelle à Responsabilité Limitée” (EIRL), each with their own specific characteristics and requirements. The choice of business entity in France depends on various factors, including the nature of the business, the number of shareholders, and the desired level of flexibility and liability protection.

When it comes to owning residential real estate on the Riviera, it is essential to seek French legal advice. While a French legal entity is one option, it is not the only option available. Depending on your specific circumstances and objectives, an LLC formed in Monaco, known as “Société à Responsabilité Limitée” (SARL), could be a valid alternative. The choice of entity should be made in consultation with your French attorney, who can provide the necessary guidance based on your individual situation and preferences.

Footnote #1: One of our clients, a profitable corporation, recently organized a working vacation in the Central European Time Zone. The trip involved two corporate officers, their spouses (who are also shareholders), and a total of eight children, resulting in a group of twelve individuals in total.
I can assure you that this will not be 100% tax deductible. The vacation, pleasure component of this working holiday is significant.

The deductibility will depend on two primary factors:

  • The Primary Purpose and Substantial Business Component
    • Why was that time zone necessary?
    • Who did they meet with and why?
  • Documentation and more documentation.
    • Allocation of expenses
    • Quality of record keeping

Once this very responsible and conservative client understands these complex rules, there is a very high probability that they will simply forgo the tax deduction.
That may be a wise choice.

Footnote #1 – Addendum: No matter how you twist or bend the law, Jane’s contributions to the French fashion industry can never be a tax deduction!

Footnote #2:
The places I visited while in France by using the train are:

  1. Cannes
  2. Golfe-Juan-Vallauris
  3. Juan-les-Pins
  4. Antibes
  5. Biot
  6. Villeneuve-Loubet
  7. Cagnes-sur-Mer
  8. Saint-Laurent-du-Var
  9. Nice-Saint-Augustin
  10. Nice-Ville
  11. Villefranche-sur-Mer
  12. Beaulieu-sur-Mer
  13. Èze-sur-Mer
  14. Cap-d’Ail
  15. Monaco-Monte-Carlo
  16. Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
  17. Carnolès
  18. Menton-Garavan
  19. Menton

Trip not on the Train:

  1. Tourette-du-Château
  2. Saint-Paul de Vence
  3. Paris!

Footnote #3:
Paris, being a major city, is not exempt from the challenges commonly associated with urban areas. Despite its allure and cultural significance, some individuals, like our host family, have opted against real estate investments in Paris in favor of the Riviera.

During our stay, we experienced the charm of a delightful French boutique hotel, where it seemed that most guests were Americans. The breakfast conversations revolved around real estate, and a consensus emerged: Paris is perceived as having overpriced properties, and the quality of routine services often falls short of expectations compared to the Riviera.

While Paris undoubtedly has its unique appeal and cultural offerings, the cost and quality factors raised by fellow guests at the breakfast roundtables have influenced our host family’s decision to pursue real estate opportunities elsewhere. These insights highlight the specific considerations that potential investors take into account when evaluating investment options in different regions of France.

Footnote #4: Monaco is recognized as an independent country that boasts a tax-friendly environment. It imposes no income tax, wealth tax, local tax, property tax, or capital gains tax on individuals. Furthermore, corporate tax and inheritance tax are considerably low compared to many other nations. This may initially sound appealing, but there are important considerations to bear in mind.

However, before jumping to conclusions, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons. Unless one is subject to paying substantial amounts in U.S. income and capital gains taxes in the millions of dollars, obtaining citizenship in Monaco could prove to be a significant mistake. There are two hidden taxes that individuals pay while in Monaco: 1) the value-added tax imposed on goods and services and 2) the considerably high cost of living in the region.

For me personally, the deal breaker lies in the fact that to take advantage of Monaco’s perceived tax haven status, one must renounce their U.S. citizenship. While our nation is not without its imperfections, it is still our homeland. The benefits and advantages of being an American citizen are significant and should not be disregarded lightly.

Footnote #5: It is important to note that investing in French real estate or any foreign real estate does not serve as a tax shelter. The United States taxes its citizens on their worldwide income, which includes income generated from foreign sources. Additionally, the US government has implemented stringent measures to regulate foreign income and banking activities.

US taxpayers are required to report their foreign income, including rental income from foreign properties, on their tax returns. They must also comply with reporting requirements for foreign bank accounts, such as the FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) and FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) regulations. Failure to comply with these reporting obligations can result in severe penalties.

It is essential for US taxpayers considering foreign real estate investments to consult with a qualified tax professional who is well-versed in international tax matters. They can provide guidance on the reporting requirements and help ensure compliance with US tax laws. By understanding and fulfilling these obligations, taxpayers can navigate the complexities of foreign real estate investments while adhering to their tax obligations in the United States.

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W-2 Wages and Reasonable Wages

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Newsletter from

Steve Richardson & Company

Certified Public Accountants

December 07, 2022

W-2 Wages and Reasonable Wages 


To Our Clients and Friends:

Sub-S Corporations can be important in a tax plan

Sub-S Corporations can be an important part of a tax planning strategy. I personally like to use them in tandem with LLCs to create financial structures that are tax and financially efficient.

For tax planning to be successful …

The success of tax planning depends upon two essential factors:

  • Quality books and records.
  • Predictable Profits.

The meaning of “quality books and records” is obvious. Your accounting should be fair, accurate and honest.  Just to be clear, “fair, accurate and honest” means that you obey the tax laws. If you fail this1st step, tax planning will do far more harm than good.

Tax law is complicated. With no intent whatsoever, you can accidentally violate tax law. Thus, the need for tax professionals. In highly technical areas, such as tax law, reliance on tax professionals is important.
The second essential factor, profits, is also obvious; without profits, tax planning is the least of your problems.  (Side note: we have a consulting practice that can help businesses with non-tax problems.)

Sub-S Corporations can have pitfalls

A few weeks ago, I saved a client from a $36,179 IRS bill created by a Sub-S tax trap. Unintentionally he violated tax law. I saw the mistake and corrected the error. He is grateful and happy that I know how to apply tax law.

The 1st Mistake with S-Corps!

The1st mistake people make with S-Corps is thinking that they are simple and easy to operate. S-Corp stands for “Small Business Corporation”, which translates to most taxpayers as something designed to be simple and easy to operate. S-Corps are complicated! There are literally dozens of ways to make serious tax mistakes in an S-Corp environment. When we do S-Corp tax returns, we keep our eyes open for possible errors and misapplications of tax law. That’s how I saw this very expensive mistake.

The number-one most common S-Corp mistake!

An unexpected tax bill of $36,179 would put a dampener on any day.

Let me give you the background. This is not a wealthy family nor an extremely profitable S-Corp. Their S-Corp earns a bit less than $100,000 each year. Not bad, but not wealthy either.

The problem is that they did not have a “reasonable wage”.

A reasonable wage

The law is clear. Every S-Corp must pay its owners who work in the corporation a fair and reasonable wage.  The wages cannot, by law, be too low. Having $15,000 wages in an S-Corp earning $100,000 is too low.
The unreasonably low wages described above triggered an unexpected tax of $36,179. I do want to emphasize that this is not hypothetical. This is as real as it gets.

The calculations

The risk

The risk of unreasonably low (or no) wages is too high. These are not hypothetical calculations. I have seen the IRS nail these penalties to people of modest income. Penalties this high can create financial hardships. As your S-Corp income increases, these penalties increase too.

Notice in the above calculations that the IRS will go back to the three open years. Thankfully we have the Statute of Limitations in tax law that limits the damage the IRS can do.

What happened?

When I saw this penalty situation, I immediately contacted the client and corrected the situation. I instructed Liz (Liz handles payroll issues for the Firm) to set up a W-2 for our client in the amount of $45,000. In this situation, I consider $45,000 to be reasonable.

What is Reasonable

Reasonable is a matter of professional judgement. The tax professional and the IRS must consider all the “facts and circumstances” and the relevant case law to arrive at an estimation of a reasonable compensation.

Estimation

That word, estimation, throws some people. There is a sharp difference between a “professional estimation” and a layman’s estimation. Do not confuse the two. The difference is vast!

Do you have an S-Corp

If you have an S-Corp or know of someone who does, please set up a phone conference with me or one of our staff to discuss the topic of reasonable compensation.

We may need to increase your W-2 reported wages as a matter of financial security.

Sincerely,

Steve Richardson, CPA

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When Disaster Strikes

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When Disaster Strikes

To Our Clients and Friends:

Business Disaster & Recovery
Our year started with a disaster!  We’re going to be ok; in fact, I believe, before the year is over, we will be back to “good”. There is a fair probability that we will be back better, but for right now, better is a work-in-progress.

This will be very hard to write.  Thinking back over these past few months is painful.

Disasters are Catastrophic. 
This newsletter is not about “problems”. Disasters are matters of life and death.

Disasters affect every aspect of your business and personal life. They are big, frightening, and dangerous, threatening many lives and livelihoods.

Planning to manage a disaster requires both personal and professional plans.

Disasters Happen to Everyone
Disasters happen. You have already experienced a disaster or will experience one in the future; they are, to some degree, unavoidable. The main lesson for managing these disasters is one I have often taught: learn from failure, overcome it, and come back better.

It is the speed and quality of your recovery that matters most.

Is it a Business or Personal Disaster? Does it matter?
You will have your own disaster at some point.  I hope your disaster looks very different from ours. Be as prepared as possible.

Our Disaster
Just prior to Christmas 2021, David, my son, and a key workhorse in our CPA firm was diagnosed with cancer.

Everything froze.

Time slowed to a crawl and every other important thing became a secondary issue.  This diagnosis began an ordeal that is, hopefully, over.  David recently finished his chemo and is regaining his strength.

Cancer is a horrifying disease.

In March, we thought we might lose him; not to cancer, but to complications related to chemo.  Even a month removed from chemo, these powerful lifesaving drugs still have brutal lingering side effects.  We believe that David will recover from these and return to his hobbies of running marathons and hitting the gym hard and heavy, but not today.

The Personal Costs of Disaster
You can imagine the personal and emotional battles we have had to fight, together as a family and in my own life as a dad.  David truly was in a fight for his life.

It was not all bad. There were good things that happened directly related to David’s illness.  Our family grew closer.  We were amazed to see David’s core group of friends rally around his family in love and support.  This was a long-term commitment by David’s cohorts; I am deeply humbled by the commitment and quality of David’s friends.

There seemed to be nothing these dear people would not do to support David, Nikki, and the four “Rowdy Richardson” children.  Including providing childcare, food, transportation, supervision of sporting events and complex schedules, and even grabbing a kid or two for short vacation trips.

The larger cancer community also stepped up.  I have often heard about how cancer professionals and survivors rally around cancer victims, but now I know for myself how remarkable this community truly is! These people are amazing, providing literally lifesaving advice.

Unanticipated Friendships
During our disaster, a person that I, for good reason, sincerely do not like [the feeling is mutual (for equally good reasons)] hugged me; he cried with me and told me that we would be ok.  He did this because he went through the same thing. Disasters bring people together and forge unanticipated friendships.

The Business Costs of Disaster
Production
Any personal disaster will have professional consequences.  In our CPA firm, David is a major workhorse. With David’s illness, we lost a significant portion of our firm’s production capacity.

Internal Controls
I’m a dad first.  When David got sick, my ability to produce work was significantly impaired.  Overall production suffered and internal procedures (i.e., the To-Do lists) were not followed.  Because David is a significant cog in our internal control (I/C) structure, his illness also caused operations of that I/C structure to fall to subordinates.

Staffing
Because of David’s illness and my impairment, everyone on our staff needed to step up but not everyone did.

One of our junior staff members stepped up in a big way and got a post-tax season promotion.  Another Junior staff member was invited to seek employment elsewhere. A disaster will showcase strengths and weaknesses in your personnel.

Efficiency
Our CPA firm is efficient.  Perhaps I should say, has always been efficient. While in the past, we have always been able to turn work around quickly and accurately, our turnaround time has stretched out much longer than I find acceptable. Most of our clients have been understanding. Not all.

Workplace Environment
David’s illness was unfair to our staff and to our clients.  Cancer is unfair.

We have always enjoyed a low stress, pleasant work environment. Structural inequities built into our environment never became issues until the disaster. Disasters introduce stress into a workplace not accustomed to managing stress. Fractures occurred!

The costs of workplace stress are high. We lost a junior staff member we did not want to lose, I think, in part, because of the increased stress levels in our work environment.  That was unfair to our CPA firm and to that young person.

We are going to reestablish that low stress environment – soon.  Our internal work environment is already much improved.  More importantly, we are addressing strategic inequities that fractured under stress. This next year will be important.

The Real Issue: Disaster Recovery
Disaster Shows Your Weaknesses
Recovering from disaster is more than getting back to normal.  Disaster showcases your internal weaknesses. Disaster recovery for us is, and will be, a deliberate process of addressing these weaknesses.  We expect to be, for the most part, finished this year.  The full recovery will take a year or even two. In this reorganization process of the operations of our firm, Todd is taking a lead role, but the process will be collaborative.  Already, the communication between our senior staff is much improved.

Todd
I mention Todd often in my newsletters assuming everyone knows him. Todd is one of our most senior staff members and he is the CEO of our firm.  That is correct: Todd oversees firm operations, i.e., he’s the boss!

His opinion carries a lot of authority in our firm, and he rarely receives any push back from me.

These anomalies occur when I think Todd is trying to change the firm’s unique culture.  Our culture evolved in a small firm environment, but we are not a small firm anymore.

Our Firm is Very Personal
This is a strength and an important part of our firm’s culture.  Our clients like knowing who to call and what to expect. We want to keep this same level of personal care and attention at the forefront throughout the reorganization process.

The issue for us is how to keep a high level of personal care when faced with the inevitability of disease, disability, and death.  These three “d’s” often equal disaster.

Reviewing Work
Our senior staff will do more quality review work over a broader range of client work.  The quality review will not be so niche oriented.

We are already seeing the benefits of having accounts evaluated from multiple perspectives. As a result of this change, our staff can discuss various tax and other preparation ideas and techniques that improve the quality of work produced for more of our clients. This is becoming a tax and financial planning incubator.

We are learning.  This week, Amy has taught me a few things about S-Corp returns that I needed to know.

This level of intellectual cross breeding will keep us sharp. (As iron sharpens iron.)

Internal Controls
Todd is keen to push the demands of our internal control management structure to the clerical level and to make it more dependent on systems and less dependent on personnel.  When your staff is sick or unable to work, the controls may fail unless your I/C structure is system driven. Todd is 100% right; this is a necessary change. Systems can operate independent of key people.

But he is getting push back from me of all people.  “My problems” are that I like to:

  • Do my own filing
  • Sort my own papers
  • Write my own letters
  • Keep my own work-in-process logs and to-do lists
  • Do a dozen other things that are obviously clerical

Even I see that this is ‘bad behavior’. The two most obvious problems are:

  • These are time stealers. If I’m wasting time on clerical issues, I’m not doing the tax and financial planning that I am so very good at doing.
  • To quote Todd, by allowing these time stealers, “I am being unfair to my clients”.
  • If I’m incapacitated by worry, fear, and grief, my failure to do my “clerical” job leaves a serious hole in the firm’s structure and management.
  • If I’m incapacitated, client service suffers.

Increasing Capacity and Staff Training
We are going to slowly, in a deliberate manner, add staff.  We pay well and do have a great work environment. We intend to hire quality people.

If you look at that short list of “my problems” above and based on our review of other internal control structures, you can easily see how bringing new staff up to operating speed could be hard.  If new staff must adopt “my work procedures”, I can see that as being a bit daunting.  We have a long history of doing exactly this.

We make jokes about it: “Steve will just toss you in the deep end and tell you to get it done!”  Todd, Amy, Rachel, Liz, David, etc., were all trained this way.  It works when you are a really small firm and when the boss (that would be me) is really patient and can work one-on-one with the staff.  But we’re not a small firm anymore and we have more than one boss.

Looking at it now, this is unfair to our junior staff people.  We need to change how we train our staff. We cannot burden our junior staff with all the junk that I do (administrative overhead) when they really need to learn how to service clients.

Newsletters Should be About Helping You
There is a point to this. My newsletters are about helping you.

I do not want you to read this newsletter and hear:

  • Disasters happen
  • There is nothing you can do to prepare
  • The only thing that matters is how you recover

There is a lot you can do to prepare for a disaster.

Todd Again!
We knew about the strategic flaws in our management and internal control structures. Todd, our CEO, has been telling us, in detail, about these flaws for 15 years.  Todd has also been telling us that when we have a disaster, these are the things that would happen.  1-2-3, by the numbers, he nailed it.

Todd has a strategic picture for our firm that I did not allow him to implement.  I was wrong.  I was afraid of losing our small-firm culture.

Disaster Plan Step One: Draw a Strategic Picture
Anticipate your disaster by drawing a strategic picture of your business.  It’s not hard.  Here’s the recipe:

  • List your key people.
  • What happens to your business if they die?
  • How can you mitigate the fallout of that death?

You have completed step one of your disaster plan.

Disaster Plan Step Two: Get Professional Help
Step two of the disaster plan will likely require professional help.

Call us. We can help or, in your unique case, we know who can. We have recent experience.

Is Your Business Too Small to Have a Disaster Plan?
No.

Sincerely,

Steve Richardson, CPA

 

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Entrepreneurship

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Entrepreneurship

To Our Clients and Friends:

Entrepreneurship
Ninety percent (90%) of all new business startups fail within the first five years. That statistic is 100% true and yet very misleading!

Statistics
My wealthiest client failed in four prior businesses. Each of his “failed” businesses contributed to that “statistically” accurate 90% failure rate, but he does not consider himself a failure. The question then becomes, What does a 90% failure rate actually mean?

Mark Twain said there are “lies, damned lies, and statistics.” He’s 100% right (pun intended).

Mushrooming Entrepreneurship
According to the Wall Street Journal, new business start-ups increased by 60% in the last three years. This is a completely accurate statistic and, also, misleading.

When statistics are being tossed about in a presentation or an argument, (to paraphrase Mr. Twain) people are attempting to:

  1. Obscure their lack of knowledge, or
  2. Mislead (i.e. to lie)

In my opinion, the only honest way to use statistics is in presentations of scientific or mathematical data to others trained to understand the limitations and uses of statistical data.

Unless you are trained to understand and use statistics, statistical data is largely useless to you.

Back to the Wall Street Journal
The Wall Street Journal (November 30, 2021) implies that Covid is the driving force in this new wave of entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurship has been accelerating at increasing rates over a decade, but “Covid Compression” has accelerated many already-existing trends. Remember this term.

“Covid Compression”
One of our key staff people, Rachel Hollingshead, I think, created this economic term. She can’t remember if she created it or borrowed the term.

“Covid Compression” means that the economic trends destined to happen in the next decade are being “compressed” into a single year, creating much disruption and anxiety.

Rachel uses this term to discuss the economics of higher education, an important discussion in Tuscaloosa. Rachel manages several large student housing real estate clients. Their future is very much tied to the rapidly changing economics of higher education.

(I plan to write a newsletter addressing the changing economics of higher education. Very important issues that impact family decisions are quickly developing due to “Covid Compression”.)

Why do people start a business?
By far, the most common reason is lifestyle.

As a young person of 25 years, I started my business as a lifestyle decision. There were three reasons I left traditional employment:

  • Economics: I wanted to make more money.
  • Family: I wanted to spend more time with Jane and our children.
  • Personal Philosophy: I was unhappy with the fluid nature of professional ethics to which I had been exposed with two traditional employers in my industry.

The factors driving modern entrepreneurship haven’t changed.

On the other hand, the Millennials are driving modern entrepreneurship and have changed the landscape in very positive ways.

Economic and social forces
People are distressed by our economy that requires two-earner families. This economy demands jobs that require too many sacrifices of our families, especially our children.

Our Millennials, to their credit, are less likely to compromise on their social and ethical ideals. The Millennials are seeing the sacrificial prices being demanded of them and they are not happy!

The Millennials
Our Millennials are smart, well-educated, team-oriented over-achievers. They are highly motivated and tech-savvy. Best of all, to me, they are family-centric. And they are not afraid to act.

I love our Millennials.

All the statistics you often hear of about “The Millennials” that “prove” how inadequate they are, to quote Mark Twain, are “lies”. To quote me, “it’s jealousy.” Our Millennials are so much better than us Boomers. The Millennials are exceptional!

Our Millennials see the economy as a rigged game. They are very much aware that most of them will never make as much money as mom and dad, and they see that as unfair. With the superior education and skill sets common in the Millennial generation, the economic opportunities are simply not there. It is unfair and they know it!

The Millennial solution: they often start their own businesses.

How do the Millennials beat the 90% “misleading” failure stat?
As a group, the Millennials do a few things better than any prior generation that I have worked with:

  1. They plan.
  2. They get qualified advice.
  3. They act.

When I say they plan, I mean the Millennials assume that they know nothing. They are not embarrassed by any lack of knowledge. One more thing: Millennials assume that what they think they know may not be complete or correct. They research everything. Prior generations are not this humble.

They plan on paper. They brainstorm mostly in informal groups. Then they assume that they have missed critical points and retrace everything. Millennials assume they are clueless and take delight is seeking to remedy that state. I like that.

By the time I see a business plan, it is often on the 13th or 15th draft.

When it comes to family and financial matters, they are careful but not fearful. They use groups to hone and sharpen their thinking and focus before they act, but they are not afraid to act.

Failure
Sure, they fail – often. They anticipate failure, learn from it, and move on. They prove that the 90% failure rate is both true and a springboard to success.

I’m not seeing a true sample.
A false sample in “statistics” is called “anecdotal” data. It is true that Millennials who see a CPA early in the process are more likely to be successful. It is also true that Millennials who see a CPA are a select group and not a “statistical” sample.

That does not render my observations inaccurate. The Millennial entrepreneurs who come to see me are far more successful than the mythical 90% failure rate for new business startups. But it is also true in the larger population that Millennial entrepreneurs are more likely to succeed than prior generations. There are good reasons for this improved success rate.

In many counselors there is wisdom
Millennials will come seek my advice as a part of the planning process. If not from a CPA, then from other people they trust. Millennials take my advice and, for the most part, try to apply it.

Minority Citizens and the Poverty Cycle
No matter what I write about the minority poverty cycle, I’m going to get hammered by everybody, left, right and center. For years I have been planning to write an article focused on the minority poverty cycle, but, if I do, I will ask my friend, Tyshawn Gardner, PhD, to co-author with me (to share the heat). There will be plenty of heat to go around. I’ve also considered drafting an article with a respected minority small business owner focusing on his experiences.

Minority business startups have unique challenges.

The 21st Century has seen a sharp rise in minority owned new business startups. The motivation is obvious. Building a better life for you, your children and their children is a dream of every family.

Poverty in America is largely avoidable. Multigenerational cycles of poverty are criminal. Until we defeat this multi-headed Hydra, our society can never achieve its potential.

Becoming an Entrepreneur
Start with an idea and plan. And plan some more. Early in the process, get professional advice from a trusted CPA and from other successful people. Truly successful people want you to succeed; they will help you if they can.

You are going to fail and that’s ok
To be an entrepreneur is to know failure. That 90% statistic may be misleading, but it still has teeth. Failure is part of the process. Do not waste a failure; learn everything possible from every failure.

Plan and plan, and plan again
Pencil to paper:

  1. What are you going to do?
  2. How much will it cost to do it?
  3. How will it make money?

Without pencil to paper, there is no plan. It’s not that complicated. The complicated part is vetting the plan. Recruit advisors and counselors early in the process. Your first plan is always trash. Your 12th or 15th plan may have merit. If you can’t trash your first plan, you’re not doing it right.

Carefully vet all your many plans.

Create your process to enhance the possibilities of success
The process could look like this, but it needs to be your own process, your creation.

  1. Find people who are successful and create a mentorship. In many counselors there is wisdom.
  2. It takes hard work and time. There are a ton of get-rich-quick schemes floating about. None of them are worth a thin dime! If it’s too easy, it’s a scam.
  3. If the income projections are too good, you have missed something vital to your success. Look again. Ask for help!
  4. To-Good-To-Be-True is, well, we know what it is.
  5. Be very skeptical.
  6. Learn to put yourself in the pathway of luck. Learn how to create luck and forge connections. Luck, in the business world, is not a random event. Good connections matter. Luck can also be called opportunity. Good connections and good luck are the same thing.
  7. Persevere. Learn from failure. Fail and fail and fail again, but don’t quit.

Your process can be created in collaboration with trusted advisors, but it must be your creation.

There are four reasons why people start a new business.
The four demarcations listed below are a bit arbitrary and certainly fluid. A Lifestyle business start-up can become a Legacy and so on.

  1. Lifestyle
  2. Legacy
  3. To Sell
  4. A Philosophy

Lifestyle
I discussed “lifestyle entrepreneurship” on page 2. It is, by far, the most significate reason that people start a new business.

Gina Allen, now my editor, was at one time a key employee of our CPA Firm. Gina started her small business to spend more time with Mr. Allen and their first-born son. This is a perfect example of “lifestyle entrepreneurship”.

Legacy
An entrepreneurial legacy is a deliberate multi-generational move into the middle class. An example would be a business started by mom and pop that creates a platform from which the children (and their children) can start their own business or become successor owners of mom and pop’s business.

A good example of legacy entrepreneurship in practice is the fact that we have fewer Chinese restaurants and why that’s good for the economy. The children do not want to operate mom and dad’s Chinese restaurants. Economically, they have moved on. Asian Americans are a driving force in American entrepreneurship and have become essential to the national economy.

Building a multi-generational economic legacy is the second most common reason the start a business.

A lifestyle business start-up, such as a Chinese restaurant, can become a legacy start-up as the children start a modest manufacturing company – parents paving an economic road to success for their children.

To Sell: part 1, the individual.
Starting a business with the intent to sell as an exit strategy is the third most common reason to start a business.

I have one much-loved client that has brought me five or six business plans that end with, “… this will make $30- or $40-million dollars and then we can sell it!!”

Nothing ever worked out until now. Now they have a legitimate business that can be sold at a substantial gain. Five business failures for one very significant success.

These venture-oriented risk takers are aware that most of their business plans will fail. They have a preconceived loss ratio that they can live with, such as 5 failures to 1 success. Or 3 failures to 1 success, depending on the context of the business plan. Even Warren Buffett had 15 highly publicized failed investments.

Do not be afraid to fail.

To Sell: part 2, an existing business can be entrepreneurial
Entrepreneurship is not unique to individuals. Existing businesses can and often should be entrepreneurial. A former Google CEO, Eric Schmidt, had a well-known rule for internal entrepreneurship called the “70-20-10” rule. He spent 70% of his time on the core business. 20% of his time was spent on legitimate entrepreneurial planning and opportunities. 10% of his time was spent on the weird, wild, and wonderful. Not bad.

CEO Schmidt was willing to take a 1 in 5 success rate on the 20% investment in entrepreneurship. He was willing to take a 1 in 10 success rate on the weird, wild, and wonderful investments.

Most businesses explore new product introductions. When framed as acts of internal entrepreneurship, the success rate of these business expansions are much improved. Asking for a 1 in 3 success rate on new product introductions is appropriate.

Internal entrepreneurship can organize a long-term pattern of success for existing businesses.

A Philosophy
I started my business, in part, due to a personal philosophy. My first two jobs as an accountant taught me that our industry had serious problems with the ethics and work-life balance offered in the traditional CPA employment. I simply could not work in that environment, so I created an environment where I could work.

There is a bit more to it than this simple retelling. The philosophy that drives our firm is:

  • External: Our clients’ welfare comes first.
  • Internal: We seek a healthy balance between family and work.

We do this legally, ethically, and with a high degree of professional competence.

The value of a philosophy
A philosophy helps create a sense of mission and purpose. We teach more than job and technical skills to our staff. Mentorship is required to help people understand what our philosophy is and why it matters.

As a result, we have technically competent professionals of the highest ethical standards. And we are here to serve you.

Sincerely,

Steve Richardson, CPA

 

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Success through Good Decisions

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Last night’s post was an accidental re-post of our November 5th newsletter, “Overnight” version 2.0 under the wrong title. Here is the sequel, expanding on the topic of Good Decisions.

 

Good Decisions

My most recent newsletter, “Overnight” version 2.0 (about becoming and overnight financial success) was one of the most read and shared of my recent publications. If you haven’t read it, read it now.

The feedback from “Overnight” tells me to expand on a related topic of making good business, personal, and financial decisions. The plan outlined in this newsletter has been used by my business clients and modified and used by families. The initial purpose is to execute significant and rapid debt reduction. The plan works! I have walked through it with my clients thousands of times.

The planning process that I use includes (in reverse order) four steps:

  1. Automatic
  2. Systematic
  3. Deliberate
  4. Premeditated

I call this plan the Automatic and Systematic Planning Process.

I think I developed this planning method, but frankly, I’ve used it for so many years that I do not remember the early days of how this planning process evolved. There is so much common sense in the process that it seems disrespectful to claim creation rights to the Automatic and Systematic Planning Process.

Automatic
The first step (last step?) to a successful business operations plan is to make it as automatic as possible. I am introducing these four steps in reverse order for reasons that I will explain.

When appropriate, use automatic payments, such as recurring bank drafts, automatic bill payments, and anything else that can be automated. Make it automatic. For example, the technology exists to make the time clock obsolete. Likewise for auto mileage logs. In the construction trades, tracking employees and jobs can be, to a large degree, automated. Automatic operations significantly reduce the potential for human error or interference with the plan. Automatic processes minimize the need to make decisions.

Make decisions but make fewer of them.
A human being can only make a certain number of high-quality decisions each day. It is unwise to waste decision-making capacity on insignificant issues that can be easily automated.

There is a famous story about a meeting between President Bush and President Elect Obama in which President Bush explained this process of ‘automatic decision making’ to then President Elect Obama. President Bush told Mr. Obama that he only owned two suits – a gray suit and a blue suit – of which he had nine each. On day one, Barbara laid out the gray. The next day, she laid out the blue.

He told Mr. Obama, ‘Barbara even lays out my shirt and tie. I never have to think about what I’m going to wear. I save my decision making for bigger issues. Your job, as President, is to make decisions.’

If you look at photos and videos of President Obama, he always wore a dark gray or a dark blue suit on alternating days as did President Bush.

Automatic processes have other advantages
Automatic processes can be easily modified or changed. These processes evolve and grow as you and your business grow, and as plans and decisions change.

The larger economy understands automatic processes
In today’s economy, there are times where you are not given a choice. It’s automatic or go home. Most home mortgages issued in the last 5-years require payment by bank draft. That’s automatic. The reason that you are not always given a choice is the business world understands the power of automatic processes.

Systematic
Systematic seems like automatic, yet they are different. An example of systematic is the 401(k) retirement plan. The process of getting money out of your paycheck and into the 401(k) is automatic. What the 401(k) does with the money is a system; it is systematic.

Another example is the Roth IRA. I particularly like Roth IRA accounts when they are available. A Roth IRA account is a “system”. You fund a Roth IRA, and the Roth IRA invests the funds in a planned and systematic program.

The Roth IRA can be funded in an automatic or un-automatic manner. For example, you can write an annual check for up to $6,000 ($7,000 if you’re age 50 or older), deposit that amount into a Roth IRA account and let the Roth IRA system take over. A far better alternative is to have an automatic monthly bank draft in the amount of $500 deposited into a Roth IRA account. A Roth IRA is more effective if it is automatically funded.

Business systems always work better with an automated front-end.

You can invent your own systems
The cool thing about systems is that you can invent or customize systems to accomplish specific tasks. The marriage of automatic and systematic creates powerful management tools. Inventing systems is management genius. Last week, I had a substantial client conference wherein the client invented systematic ways to reduce and manage future debt related to equipment acquisitions.

Automatic and Systematic: An Example
Consider Widgets Inc. and the business’ future equipment purchases.

  1. I know which piece of equipment I will need and I know approximately when it will need to be acquired.
    1. I know that in three years, on or about December 2024, Widgets Inc. will need a new Plastics Extruder.
    2. Expected Cost: $600,000
  2. I must minimize debt.
    1. Systematic: Widgets Inc. will set up a system called an escrow savings account to the Plastics Extruder.
    2. Automatic: Widgets Inc. will bank draft from the operating account $16,600 each month and have it deposited into the Plastics Extruder escrow account.

Deliberate
Automatic. Systematic. Deliberate. The short paragraph above is an example of deliberate behavior. It’s Widgets Inc. taking control of their own money instead of being at the whim of customers, contracts, and creditors.

Deliberate behavior and deliberate decisions will put you in charge of your finances!

Deliberate is a public word. In business or family decision making, deliberate requires consultation and discussion within your business and, possibly, with outside counselors such as your CPA. The most productive of these discussions are the three-to-five-person discussion clusters that form around a business issue. These ad hoc, informal meetings most often accomplish the real management work.

The formal written business flow chart and the informal decision-making structure are always very different!

Once a decision is reached, the automatic-systematic structure to support the decision is designed and installed. The deliberate behavior drives the creation of the automatic-systematic support structure. The automatic-systematic support structure is easily modified as it evolves to support the deliberate decision-making.

Premeditated
Premeditated is listed fourth, yet it is actually the first and most important step because it asks the most important of all business questions: Why? Why?

Why does Widgets Inc. exist? What is its long-term mission? The premeditation determines how to best accomplish that mission, your mission. The mission may not change. How to best accomplish that mission will change.

What is your mission?

The mission of our CPA firm is two-fold and well understood. Many of you have heard me explain our mission in plain English.

  1. We will do everything we can to make sure that our clients do not get old and poor at the same time.
  2. Our Firm’s goal is to offer a quality lifestyle for our employees and staff.

Every client tax return, audit, consulting engagement is, to some degree, focused on our primary issue: the financial success of our clients.

Our second goal is to offer a quality lifestyle for our employees and staff. The CPA industry – primarily through overwork – has a very bad reputation of destroying its employees and staff, particularly its young staff. Overwork is not the only weapon the CPA industry uses to undermine a healthy work environment.

These are our goals. This is the DNA of our CPA Firm.

What is your goal? You must answer that question. The answer to that question will color your deliberations and how you establish your automatic systems.

Hint: making enough money to take care of my family is, by itself, not strong enough. You need to have more substance to your goals.

Conclusion
This is a good letter. I spent a lot of time drafting it. It needs to be well used.

  • Learn the plan: Upon receipt: read this letter together with your key decision makers. Discuss it at length. It has profound implications.
  • Repetition and Drill: The first month, read the letter together again and discuss it weekly. Make it a part of a required short staff meeting (even if Joe Bob is out of town). Ten or fifteen minutes is all the time required. Jane and Joe Bob can read and discuss it on FaceTime if necessary, although meeting in person would be better. Face-to-face meetings stimulate more and deeper discussions. ‘Repetition and Drill’ will make this planning process a part of Widgets, Inc’s management DNA!
  • Thereafter: Once each quarter, read and discuss this letter. Use this letter like a textbook. Make it a part of the Widgets Inc. long-term planning culture. This is the continuing education to which I referred to in my most recent newsletter. If you have not read my last newsletter, please do so. Make this letter a part of your on-going professional education.
  • Lifetime Education: Finally, never stop asking questions. Always seek competent counsel. Follow the plan. Revise the plan and follow the plan. Failure to plan is a plan to fail.

Sincerely,

Steve Richardson, CPA

 

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Good Decisions

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Good Decisions

I rarely scrap an entire newsletter and start over. This is the re-do. The newsletter in my trashcan was pretty good, but it focused too much on one client that experienced a one-hundred-fold increase in revenues from 2019 to 2021 (with no end in sight). That’s exciting. It makes for a fun story. The educational value of such a newsletter is, however, limited.

I have a dozen or more clients that have enjoyed remarkable growth since 2019: consistent and sustainable growth rates between 10- and 100-times revenues and profits. This, instead, is a story we can all learn from!

As diverse as these clients are as people and in their businesses, they have a lot in common.

Overnight Success!
When the term “overnight success” is mentioned, they scoff. The term is bogus. Only outsiders looking in use this term.

In every case, success was painfully built over many years of hard work. Many smaller successes and some failures always paved the way to the larger, ultimate success.

Success is built on a foundation
Success in business rarely happens without a foundation. As a very young teen, Bill Gates had unlimited access to state-of-the-art computers and an upper middle-class family that supported his interests. It’s a good foundation.

Many would say that this is ‘unfair’. I disagree. I worked hard to give my children every competitive advantage possible. That is part of parenting. We want our children to be more successful than we are personally, spiritually, and financially.

Building the foundations of success is a two-step process; personal foundations and a wise plan are crucial.

First, build your personal foundations.
Even if you do not have anything approaching the Bill Gates’ advantages or even the more modest advantages that I gave to my children, you should deliberately build your own success foundations.

It can be done. It’s not easy for anyone. For some, building personal success foundations can seem an impossible goal.

Some essentials of your personal success foundations are:

  1. Education
  2. Ethics
  3. Common sense
  4. Managing successes and failures

Education
The most successful people that I know embrace lifetime education. At some point (ideally in elementary-through-high school), successful people embrace the need for education. All successful people continue a lifetime of professional and technical education in their field. Many, I would say most, read and study far outside of their technical literature in history, biographies, and the sciences. A passion for education is a key foundation for success.

Ethics
Most of us, thank God, learned basic ethics sitting on mama’s knee. Unfortunately, not all of us enjoyed the benefits of early childhood ethics training. Do not despair.

It has been my experience that personal ethics can be learned and enhanced at any age. The true value of basic ethical training is not always apparent until after a painful experience. But ethics can be learned

Even the best of us learn from our lapses in judgement and moments of just-plain-dumb. Yes, you are hearing the voice of personal experience.

Without these core-level ethics, the ethics of your profession or career are meaningless. You can memorize them, cite them, and recite them, but they will not accomplish any intended purpose.

Here’s the caveat. We all know of “successful” people who apparently have no ethics. They may have a lot of money, but I would not call them successful.

I have counseled with more than a few as they are in despair. A few were even suicidal. I would not trade my life for theirs with a 20-billion-dollars bonus thrown in to boot.

You understand how much ethics matters when you deal with these lost souls.

What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses…
his wife, his children, his health, his moral compass, and his soul?
Ethics matter.
Common sense
  • Finish high school
  • Get a job. Any job. Do the best job you can do.
  • Be married before you have a child.
  • Nurture your marriage. Divorce is costly.
Common sense is important. This list is too short, but it’s a good list.

Managing successes and failures
There seems to be an economic law that goes something like this: Successes breed successes; failures breed failures.

I’m kind of a geek, so let me geek-out a bit here. In math, there is a “Bernoulli Distribution” that has only two values: the winner and the loser. The winner is awarded a plus-one; the loser is assigned a minus-one. When graphed, it shows a rocket-steep curve concentrating the multi-winners in the upper 2% of the population-curve (wealth?) and the rest of the population on a sharp sliding board into Loserville with the other 98%.

Google the “Bernoulli Distribution” curve and look at a graph. It’s not political. It’s math.

But the “Bernoulli Distribution” is just a math trick. It doesn’t mean anything because it fails to consider human determination. Like Hobbits, human beings are “Tricksy” creatures. We can and should beat the “Bernoulli Distribution,” especially in economic matters.

Success breeds successes
Capitalize on every success. Do not take even modest successes for granted. Extract every bit of joy you can from your successes. More importantly, be self-critical and understand how and why you were successful in this situation.

Ask questions. How did my education help me succeed in this situation? How should my education be enhanced? What did I learn? What role did common sense play in my success? Did common sense help me manage my work or schedule, or balance my family life?

What part of this success can I capitalize upon and use to build my next success story?

By far, the most under-utilized tool in management analysis – especially management self-analysis – is the use of questions. Questions are far more powerful than statements.

Second, it is essential to have a plan.
This is the crucial second-step. Successful people know how to plan.

Most people (and I include me in “most people”) are incapable of forming a business plan with multi-million-dollar profit potential. That’s ok. Not everyone needs to be a gazillionaire!

Successful entrepreneurs developed business plans. And, often, they fail. They revisit and revise the business plan; again, and again. And it failed again – and again. Managing failure is essential to success.

They will go over the new, improved, and revised business plan (often with me) and try again. Successful people always address their failures. Each plan is better. They have a process. Their process works.

It is a process of revise, adapt, overcome, plan, and execute, and plan again; and, if necessary, repeat the process.

Static plans do not survive in a business environment.
Failure must become a learning tool and mistakes an asset (don’t accept failure as absolute). If not, you are doomed to repeat the failure cycle, or worse, you are frozen into inaction.

Success is built on a process
Nick Saban did not invent the phrase, he borrowed it from management literature. Therein is a lesson all its own: if a concept is well tested, tried, and true, borrow it! Don’t be too creative.

I can help
The clients that I refer to in this newsletter believe that I have helped them become successful in business. I can help you become more successful.

I also believe every family, especially families of limited financial means, needs a family financial plan. I can show you how to plan for you and your family.

To enjoy maximum success, your small business needs a plan unique to you, your family, your customers, and your business. It’s not hard to do.

There are two hard parts when planning for a family or a small business:

  1. Following the plan. This is the heart of economic success. Some people can plan. Some cannot. The irony is that many people are not even willing to try and create a plan.
  2. Revising the plan in a meaningful way when it is not working. Far more difficult than creating a plan is the ability to revisit and revise the plan if it fails to meet expectations. This is essential. It’s also hard to do.
This newsletter is far too short. Many excellent textbooks have been written on the topic of personal and business financial success. Even here, be choosy. I have read some bad books on management and economic strategy. If your reading is broad enough, you will have the ability to sort the two. The one book I often recommend is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.

Counselors
A wise man said, ‘In many counselors, there is wisdom.’ The most successful people I know have a small team of counselors.  Wise counsel will increase your chances of success.

Rely on your CPA as a counselor
As always, our firm is here to help you.

Sincerely,

Steve Richardson, CPA

Visit Our Website: www.srcocpa.com
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Overnight

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“Overnight” version 2.0

I rarely scrap an entire newsletter and start over. This is the re-do. The newsletter in my trashcan was pretty good, but it focused too much on one client that experienced a one-hundred-fold increase in revenues from 2019 to 2021 (with no end in sight). That’s exciting. It makes for a fun story. The educational value of such a newsletter is, however, limited.

I have a dozen or more clients that have enjoyed remarkable growth since 2019: consistent and sustainable growth rates between 10- and 100-times revenues and profits. This, instead, is a story we can all learn from!

As diverse as these clients are as people and in their businesses, they have a lot in common.

Overnight Success!
When the term “overnight success” is mentioned, they scoff. The term is bogus. Only outsiders looking in use this term.

In every case, success was painfully built over many years of hard work. Many smaller successes and some failures always paved the way to the larger, ultimate success.

Success is built on a foundation
Success in business rarely happens without a foundation. As a very young teen, Bill Gates had unlimited access to state-of-the-art computers and an upper middle-class family that supported his interests. It’s a good foundation.

Many would say that this is ‘unfair’. I disagree. I worked hard to give my children every competitive advantage possible. That is part of parenting. We want our children to be more successful than we are personally, spiritually, and financially.

Building the foundations of success is a two-step process; personal foundations and a wise plan are crucial.

First, build your personal foundations. Even if you do not have anything approaching the Bill Gates’ advantages or even the more modest advantages that I gave to my children, you should deliberately build your own success foundations.

It can be done. It’s not easy for anyone. For some, building personal success foundations can seem an impossible goal.

Some essentials of your personal success foundations are:

  1. Education
  2. Ethics
  3. Common sense
  4. Manage successes and failures

Education
The most successful people that I know embrace lifetime education. At some point, hopefully in elementary and high school, successful people embrace the need for education. All successful people continue a lifetime of professional and technical education in their field. Many, I would say most, read and study far outside of their technical literature in history, biographies, and the sciences. A passion for education is a key foundation for success.

Ethics
Most of us, thank God, learned basic ethics sitting on mama’s knee. Unfortunately, not all of us enjoyed the benefits of early childhood ethics training. Do not despair.

It has been my experience that personal ethics can be learned and enhanced at any age. The true value of basic ethical training is not always apparent until after a painful experience. But ethics can be learned

Even in the best of us, we always learn from our lapses in judgement and those moments of just-plain-dumb. Yes, you are hearing the voice of personal experience.

Without these core-level ethics, the ethics of your profession or career are meaningless. You can memorize them, cite them, and recite them, but they will not accomplish any intended purpose.

Here’s the caveat. We all know of “successful” people who apparently have no ethics. They may have a lot of money, but I would not call them successful.

I have counseled with more than a few as they are in despair. A few were even suicidal. I would not trade my life for theirs with a 20-billion-dollars bonus thrown in to boot.

You understand how much ethics matters when you deal with these lost souls.

What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses…
his wife, his children, his health, his moral compass, and his soul?
Ethics matter.

Common sense
  • Finish high school
  • Get a job. Any job. Do the best job you can do.
  • Be married before you have a child.
  • Stay married. Divorce will destroy your future. Divorce is a dream crusher.
Common sense is important. This list is too short, but it’s a good list.

Manage successes and failures
There seems to be an economic law that goes something like this: Successes breed successes; failures breed failures.

I’m kind of a geek, so let me geek-out a bit here. In math, there is a “Bernoulli Distribution” that has only two values: the winner and the loser. The winner is awarded a plus-one; the loser is assigned a minus-one. When graphed, it shows a rocket-steep curve concentrating the multi-winners in the upper 2% of the population-curve (wealth?) and the rest of the population on a sharp sliding board into Loserville with the other 98%.

Google the “Bernoulli Distribution” curve and look at a graph. It’s not political. It’s math.

It’s just a trick of math
“Bernoulli Distribution” is just a math trick. It doesn’t mean anything because it fails to consider human determination. Like Hobbits, human beings are “Tricksy” creatures. We can and should beat the “Bernoulli Distribution” especially in economic matters.

Success breeds successes
Capitalize on every success. Do not take even modest successes for granted. Extract every bit of joy you can from your successes. More importantly, be self-critical and understand how and why you were successful in this situation.

Ask questions. How did my education help me succeed in this situation? How should my education be enhanced? What did I learn? What role did common sense play in my success? Did common sense help me manage my work or schedule, or balance my family life?

What part of this success can I capitalize upon and use to build my next success story?

By far the most under-utilized tool in management analysis, especially management self-analysis, is the use of questions. Questions are far more powerful than statements.

Successful people know how to plan
It is essential to have a plan; this is the crucial second-step.

Most people (and I include me in ‘most people’) are incapable of forming a business plan with multi-million-dollar profit potential. That’s ok. Not everyone needs to be a gazillionaire!

Successful entrepreneurs developed business plans. And, often, they fail. They revisit and revise the business plan; again, and again. And it failed again – and again. Managing failure is essential to success.

They will go over the new, improved, and revised business plan, often with me, and try again. Successful people always address their failures. Each plan is better. They have a process. Their process works.

It was a process of revise, adapt, overcome, plan, and execute, and plan again; and, if necessary, repeat the process.

Static plans do not survive in a business environment.
Failure must become a learning tool and mistakes an asset (don’t accept failure as absolute). If not, you are doomed to repeat the failure cycle, or worse, you are frozen into inaction.

Success is built on a process
Nick Saban did not invent the phrase, he borrowed it from management literature. Therein is a lesson all its own: if a concept is well tested, tried, and true, borrow it! Don’t be too creative.

I can help
The clients that I refer to in this newsletter believe that I have helped them become successful. I can help you become more successful.

I believe every family, especially families of limited financial means, need a family financial plan. I can show you how to plan for you and your family.

To enjoy maximum success, your small business needs a plan unique to you, your family, your customers, and your business. It’s not hard to do.

There are two hard parts when planning for a family or a small business:

  1. Following the plan. This is the heart of economic success. Some people can plan. Some cannot. The irony is that many people are not even willing to try and create a plan.
  2. Revising the plan in a meaningful way when it is not working. Far more difficult than creating a plan is the ability to revisit and revise the plan if fails to meet expectations. It’s essential. It’s also hard to do.
This newsletter is far too short. Many excellent textbooks have been written on the topic of personal and business financial success. Even here, be choosy. I have read some bad books on management and economic strategy. If your reading is broad enough, you will have the ability to sort the two. The one book I often recommend is ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ by Stephen Covey.

Counselors
A wise man said, ‘in many counselors, there is wisdom.’ The most successful people I know have a small team of counselors.  Wise counsel will increase your chances of success.

Rely on your CPA as a counselor
As always, our firm is here to help you.

Sincerely,

Steve Richardson, CPA

Visit Our Website: www.srcocpa.com
Use Buttons to LIKE & Share This with Friends!