Your nonprofit may have an internal controls gap
The typical defrauded nonprofit loses $75,000 per fraud incident, according to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners - and that does not account for the negative publicity and subsequent lost donations and support that often follow fraud.
Should your company buy or lease equipment?
Businesses periodically need to add equipment to grow their operations and replace outdated assets. This article discusses factors to consider when deciding whether to buy or lease equipment, including how recent changes to the lease accounting and federal income tax rules have muddied the waters.
How to pick a qualified employee benefit plan auditor
ERISA generally requires employee benefit plans with 100 or more participants to have their annual reports audited. Plan administrators have fiduciary responsibilities to hire independent qualified public accountants to perform quality audits.
Retroactive Retirement Plans Can Skip First Form 5500
On August 6, 2021, the IRS explained in an announcement (available here) that certain retirement plans adopted after the close of the employer's taxable year will not be required to file a 2020 Form 5500.
5 ways nonprofits can prepare for an audit
Annual audits are not an event many not-for-profit organizations look forward to. However, regular maintenance and preparation specific to an impending audit can make the process less disruptive.
Do you know the new accounting rules for gifts in kind?
Not-for-profit organizations that accept contributions of nonfinancial assets, such as land, services and supplies, need to know about Financial Accounting Standards Board rules approved last year.
Concerns about the going concern assumption during an audit
The estimated number of going concerns for fiscal year 2019 fell to the lowest amount in 20 years. But the pandemic caused financial distress that could bring an end to this downward trend for fiscal year 2020.
Temporary 100% Deduction for Business Meals
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 created a temporary 100% (vs. 50%) deduction for certain food or beverages provided by restaurants. The 100% deduction applies to amounts paid or incurred after December 31, 2020 and before January 1, 2023.
PA ID Validation Letters - Be on the lookout if you requested a refund!
If you are a Pennsylvania taxpayer and are requesting a refund on your Pennsylvania personal income tax return, please be on the lookout for a PA ID validation letter to be issued to you requesting an action be performed to confirm your identity before the refund will be issued.
Sisterson Announces Promotions
Regional certified public accounting and financial consulting firm, Sisterson & Co. LLP has announced the following promotions.
Is it time to tune up the accounting function of your nonprofit?
It is a good idea to regularly review the accounting function of a not-for-profit organization for inefficiencies and oversight gaps.
Sisterson Admits Three to Partnership
Sisterson & Co. LLP has announced that Melissa A. Pugne, EA, MST, Jared G. Sullivan, CPA and Megan E. Walsh, MBA, CFE have been admitted to the partnership effective January 1, 2021.
What to do when the audit ends
Financial audits are among the most effective tools for revealing risks in not-for-profit organizations. Independent audits help assure donors and other stakeholders about the stability of an organization so long as the audit results are responded to appropriately.
Private foundations need strong conflict-of-interest policies
Does your private foundation have a detailed conflict-of-interest policy? If not, or if the policy is not followed closely, you could face IRS attention that results in penalties and even the revocation of your tax-exempt status. Learn how to prevent accusations of self-dealing.
Recording gifts in kind and donated services
As unemployment and financial insecurity become widespread during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, many not-for-profit donors find themselves unable to provide monetary support to their favorite charities.
Agreed-Upon Procedures Engagements: No Written Assertion, No Problem
The AICPA's Auditing Standards Board ("ASB") issued a revised attestation standard in December 2019. The revised standard gives accountants more flexibility when performing agreed-upon procedures ("AUP") engagements.
Sisterson Again Recognized for Quality Control Standards
Pittsburgh-based certified public accounting firm Sisterson & Co. LLP has achieved the highest level of report following a peer review of the Firm's quality controls for accounting and auditing engagements.
How a not-for-profit should prepare for a financial audit
Outside financial audits may seem like an extravagance to not-for-profits working to contain costs and focus on their mission. However, undergoing regular audits allows an organization to identify risks early and act quickly to prevent problems.
Employee benefit plans: Do you need a Form 5500 audit?
Some benefit plans are required to include an opinion from an independent qualified public accountant (IQPA) when filing Form 5500 each year.