PA Settles Natural Gas Royalties Lawsuit
The lawsuit claimed that Chesapeake had incorrectly deducted post-production gas processing expenses from landowner royalty checks. If you think your royalty check is lower than it ought to be based on your lease agreement, consider hiring a qualified CPA to inspect the books and records of the production company on your behalf. Leases may include provisions that if the production company significantly underpaid you, they also become responsible for your accountant’s and attorney’s fees to recover the underpayment.
Form 5500 and Plan Audits
Generally, employee benefit plans with 100 or more participants are required to submit audited financial statements when they file an annual return/report (Form 5500 series). A quality audit performed by an independent auditor helps protect plan assets and ensure the financial integrity of the plan.
Taxation of Coronavirus-Related Distributions
The CARES Act provided for “coronavirus-related” distributions from certain qualified retirement plans. Participants who chose to take advantage of the program could avoid the normal 10% early withdrawal penalty for distributions taken before age 59 ½ and spread the income over a three-year period for federal income tax purposes.
Are Unemployment Benefits Taxed?
With so many people out of work during the COVID-19 pandemic, and some rule changes increasing the number of people who qualify for unemployment benefits, do unemployment benefits need to be included in your gross income for tax purposes?
Love and Taxes
Valentines Day is February 14th. While most of us are thinking about roses and chocolates, your tax accountant is thinking about the connection between love and taxes. Here is a quick summary of some of the ways marriage will affect your taxes.