Until recently, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) have long been considered universally acceptable for both publicly and privately held companies. However, there have been growing concerns about the specific needs of privately held companies which must report to a narrower range of financial statement users, such as lenders, venture capitalists, and insurers.

Hidden within the 2,409-page document known as the Health Care Reform Law, is a provision intended to close the “tax gap,” the estimated $300 billion difference between tax revenue that is collected by the government and that which is not, presumably because of unreported business income.

The new health care law that president Obama signed into effect this year carries with it several new financial requirements, most of which will significantly effect small business owners.

On March 18, 2010, President Obama signed the new Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act (HIRE) into law. This federal legislation creates brand new tax breaks for hiring and retaining unemployed workers Here’s a quick rundown on two of these key tax breaks:

Periodically we receive inquiries regarding how long you should keep old records. In general, record retention periods are the same for electronic records and their hard copy counterparts.

Back in 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) formally announced that it would reconsider the accounting for leases, and as we enter the second quarter of 2010, they are preparing to release a preliminary standard. Although the final rules and changes are not anticipated to be finalized for another year or two, you can expect some significant changes on how you will need to begin accounting for your lease agreements in the future.