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Accountable Plans: A Win-Win for Employers and Employees
Article Highlights:
Accountable Plan
Overcoming Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Limits
Benefits From an Employers Point of View
Benefits From an Employees Point of View
IRS Criteria
Basic Plan Wording
Plan Customization
As an employer or an employee one intricacy of tax laws and regulations that often goes unnoticed is the concept of Accountable Plans. These plans, when implemented correctly, can provide significant tax benefits for both employers and employees.
Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) signed into law by President Trump in 2017, the rules for deducting employee business expenses changed significantly. Prior to the TCJA, employees could potentially deduct unreimbursed business expenses as miscellaneous itemized deductions on their personal income tax returns.
However, for tax years 2018 through 2025, the TCJA suspended the ability for employees to deduct unreimbursed business expenses as an itemized deduction. This includes expenses such as local business transportation and away-from-home travel expenses.
An accountable plan provides a way around the TCJA deduction restrictions. Accountable plans are reimbursement or allowance arrangements that meet the criteria set by the IRS. These plans allow employers to reimburse employees for business-related expenses without the reimbursement being considered taxable income. There are benefits for both employer and employee:
From an Employer's Perspective - The benefits for employers are twofold. First, reimbursements under an Accountable Plan are not subject to payroll taxes. This means employers can save on their share of FICA (Social Security and Medicare) taxes, which can add up to substantial savings. Second, these reimbursements are deductible as business expenses, further reducing the company's taxable income.
From an Employee's Perspective - For employees, reimbursements under an Accountable Plan are not considered taxable income. This means they do not have to report these reimbursements on their income tax returns. There’s also no FICA tax withholding for the reimbursement received by the employee. As a result there’s significant tax savings for employees, especially those who frequently incur business-related expenses.
However, to qualify for these benefits, the plan must meet three criteria set by the IRS:
Business Connection: The expenses must be incurred while performing services as an employee.
Substantiation: Employees must provide their employers with documentary evidence of these expenses within a reasonable time.
Returning Excess Amounts: If an allowance exceeds the substantiated expenses, the excess must be returned within a reasonable time.
Accountable Plans can be a win-win for both employers and employees. They provide a way for employers to reimburse employees for business-related expenses without increasing their tax liability. At the same time, employees can receive these reimbursements tax-free, leading to significant tax savings.
However, setting up and maintaining an Accountable Plan requires an understanding of IRS regulations. It's crucial to ensure that the plan meets all IRS criteria to avoid potential tax penalties. Here's a very basic example of what an accountable plan might look like:
[Your Company Name] Accountable Plan
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Please note that this a basic example and may not cover all the necessary specifics appropriate for your business. It is highly recommended additional detail such as the following be added:
Date the plan becomes effective.
Type of expenses reimbursable under the plan.
Extent to which supervisory approval of expenses is required.
Cost limits applicable to the different types of expenses.
Overall periodic limits on periodic reimbursable expenses.
Time limits for submitting expense requests.
The procedures for submitting requests.
Required documentation by type of expense.
How and when excess reimbursements must be returned.
If applicable, a list of preferred suppliers.
If you have more questions about Accountable Plans or need a consultation to customize your plan, please contact this office.
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Get to Know Prestige Accounting Services Group (previously Prestige Wealth Accounting Group)
Offices in Flemington, NJ and Califon, NJ
Our Mission: At Prestige Accounting Services Group (previously Prestige Wealth Accounting Group), we are on a mission to redefine the tax experience for individuals and small businesses. With a focus on personalized service, strategic planning, and expert guidance, we aim to empower our clients to succeed financially with confidence and ease.
Expertise in Action: With a wealth of experience and a team of dedicated professionals, we specialize in individual and small business tax preparation. While we excel in all areas of taxation, our passion lies in serving the unique needs of small business owners in New Jersey. We understand that small business taxation requires specialized knowledge and attention to detail, which is why we go above and beyond to ensure our clients receive the guidance and support they deserve.
Tailored Solutions for Every Client: Whether you're a high-net-worth individual seeking comprehensive tax planning or a small business owner in need of accounting and bookkeeping assistance, we have the expertise to meet your needs. Our team takes the time to understand your specific situation and develop customized solutions that align with your goals and objectives.
Why Choose Us?: What sets us apart from other New Jersey tax firms is our commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of taxation. We don't just prepare tax returns; we provide strategic insights, proactive planning, and actionable advice to help our clients achieve their financial goals. With a team of two CPAs, an EA, and an ERO, we have the expertise and resources to deliver exceptional service and results.
Your Success is Our Priority: At Prestige Accounting Services Group (previously Prestige Wealth Accounting Group), we measure our success by the success of our clients. We are dedicated to building long-lasting relationships, providing unparalleled service, and helping our clients thrive in today's ever-changing tax landscape.
We can't wait for you to experience the Prestige Accounting Services Group (previously Prestige Wealth Accounting Group) difference.
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