Congress is considering new legislation that could streamline accounting procedures for tens of thousands of U.S. companies by liberalizing the rules for the use of the cash accounting method by small business taxpayers. The bill, introduced by Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, dovetails neatly with President Bush's drive to streamline the federal tax code -- a move that she said is needed to improve the efficiency of the U.S. tax system "and strengthen our overall economy." The main thrust of her legislation, however, is to provide relief for small businesses from "the burdensome record-keeping requirements that they must deal with currently in paying their income taxes." Some companies already enjoy such relief under rules set by Congress, allowing many small businesses with annual income under $5 million to use cash accounting. Cash accounting recognizes revenue and expenses when cash is received or disbursed, as opposed to when it is earned or incurred. Larger companies, however, are required to follow the accrual method of accounting, which Snowe said "tends to impose additional financial and administrative costs that should be eliminated." Under her proposal, the "obsolete $5 million threshold" for use of cash accounting would double to $10 million -- a change that would allow many more small business owners "to satisfy their tax obligation in a cheaper, more efficient manner," she told lawmakers. As a result, these entrepreneurs "will be able to invest more time and resources into their business," Snowe said. In urging other lawmakers to support her proposed accounting change, the senator argued that small businesses are overwhelmed by the complexity of today's tax system and by the burden of complying with unneeded accounting requirements.
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The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board today sanctioned Goldman & Company, CPA's, Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton, and PWR CPAs.
July 11 -
The Senate passed a bipartisan bill that would provide tax-filing relief for taxpayers in states that have issued state-level disaster declarations, sending the bill to President Trump for his signature.
July 11 -
Wiss hosts third annual summer financial literacy program; Schneider Downs adds five shareholders; and more news from across the profession.
July 11 -
Plus, Abacus announces $6.6 million seed funding for agentic AI assistants; and other news and updates from the accounting tech arena.
July 11 -
Underhanded underground; down on the farm; reality check; and other highlights of recent tax cases.
July 10 -
Smith + Howard, an Atlanta-based Top 100 Firm, has opened two new tax practices: site selection + incentives and state and local income tax consulting.
July 10