As a business owner, you wear a lot of hats from CEO and CFO to HR expert, technology guru, and more – and that’s in addition to your brewery-distillery-distributor-focused responsibilities. Over time, especially as your business grows, you may find yourself wanting or needing deeper expertise in a particular area. While a full-time staff member may not be warranted, you may want to explore opportunities to outsource work, engage professionals for a defined number of hours a month, or simply have resources lined up for you to access as needed or on demand.

For example, have you been wondering whether you are effectively using financial data to identify opportunities or recognize red flags for your business? Do you think about possibly adopting a retirement or other benefit plan to strengthen your employee value proposition but don’t know where to start? Do you know what options are available for your business over the long-term and how this intersects with your personal financial legacy?

Here’s how some experts can support you and your business on a part-time, full-time, outsourced, or contract basis…

Accountant: Prepares and examines financial records, including accurate, complete, and compliant financial statements. Helps you understand, meet, and navigate tax obligations and liabilities while maximizing tax opportunities. Completes tax filings. Provides assistance with banking, finance, financial technology, and more.

Auditor: Reviews and verifies the accuracy of financial records and accounting methods to ensure tax compliance and protect against financial crimes (i.e., embezzlement and fraud). Recommends best-in-class practices, processes, and systems to protect the financial integrity of the business, benefit plans, and more.

Benefits administrator: Designs benefit plans (i.e., retirement, health, life insurance, disability, and more); provides administration, actuarial, and recordkeeping services; performs compliance services; and educates employees.

Bookkeeper: Records and maintains all financial transactions for your business; manages payroll; processes invoices; produces financial reports; automates transactions; and organizes data.

Chief Financial Officer: Manages financial operations and serves as a senior business advisor. Develops, monitors, and updates financial plans and goals. Advises on taxation, investing, and cash flow management. Analyzes strengths, weaknesses, and course corrections. Identifies opportunities and strategic financial moves based on your industry, geographic location, competitive environment, and national trends, and a deep understanding of economics, finance, business, and compliance.

Estate planner: A financial expert who creates a plan defining your personal wishes and wealth legacy. Ensures your wishes are documented and legally protected while helping you employ financial vehicles and strategies (i.e., trusts and gifting) so more of your wealth goes to the people and causes you care about rather than taxes.

Human resources expert: Someone with expansive knowledge of the people side of running a business, so you have the processes, plans, and infrastructure to attract and retain the right talent to promote business success. Includes everything involved with recruiting, hiring, and onboarding; benefits and compensation; legal compliance; engagement; training and development; performance management; succession planning; diversity, equity, and inclusion; retention; and more.

Valuation expert: Provides the information you need to understand your business’s worth, potential, and options, so you can make informed decisions to help you meet future goals. Conducts professional business valuations, intangible asset appraisals, and financial consulting to define, enhance, and protect business value. Includes business valuation, forensic accounting, equipment appraisal, appraisal review, economic damages, and business planning.

If you are interested in learning how any, some, or all of these experts can help your business without adding to the headcount, give RBT CPAs a call. Our team of world-class professionals and those at our affiliates – Advent Valuation Advisors; Spectrum Pension & Compensation; and Visions Human Resource Services – can help you assess your needs, explore options, and design an engagement that fits your business and budget, proving we can be Remarkably Better Together.

RBT CPAs never offshores work outside of the U.S., so you always know who is handling your financial information.

Sustainability is a way of operating to minimize negative impacts on the environment and use resources more effectively. Not only can it be a brand enhancer, as many potential customers feel better about doing business with companies that operate sustainably, but it can also save you money by eliminating waste and effectively using resources.

Every stage of brewing presents opportunities to operate more sustainably and, possibly, save money at the same time. From the water, energy, and other resources used for each batch of brew to sourcing, packaging, and transporting your product – not to mention all of the resources used when running a facility – there are numerous ways to reduce pollution and waste, promote energy efficiency, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

An easy place to start is with your facility. Explore using LED lighting. Install energy-efficient windows and doors. Motion control lights, touchless taps in sinks, low-flow toilets, autoflush sensors, and hand dryers in bathrooms can help save energy and water. Even when buying paint, furniture, or cleaning products, there are eco-friendly options available. When it comes to the power you need for your entire operation, you may want to consider using renewable energy like solar or wind.

As for the actual brewing process, look for sustainable options at each stage. Starting with sourcing, if possible, grow some of your own ingredients (eliminating shipping and packaging costs); opt for organic; and source locally to improve freshness and reduce shipping and storage costs.

Turning to production, there are numerous to minimize waste and recycle. Reduce water and electricity consumption with retrofits or upgrades to new energy-efficient, automated equipment. Inspect equipment regularly for leaks and maintenance needs. Explore closed-loop water and cooling systems; heat exchangers to capture and reuse heat; and more.

When it comes to packaging, explore using recyclable or biodegradable materials. Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it also puts your business in a better position should legislation on reducing plastic and other materials in packaging come to fruition.

As for transportation, you may be able to reduce associated fees and carbon emissions by sourcing locally. If you have business vehicles, there are tax incentives available to go electric.

Finally, sustainability efforts offer ways to strengthen engagement with your employees and the surrounding community. Involve employees in your efforts by asking for their ideas and suggestions. Show you care about their development by paying for them to get sustainability certifications. Engage with the community by supporting and donating to environmental causes. Be a good neighbor and partner with local farms that can use wastewater and spent grains to feed livestock or for composting (you may even be able to charge a small fee).

Government resources are available to support your sustainability efforts. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency administers the Energy Star program.  NYSERDA, the New York Energy Research and Development Authority, offers services and resources to help you identify energy-saving opportunities, map out a strategy, and even find equipment. Both can also help direct you to related tax incentives.

For example, under Section 179, you can write off the purchase price of machinery, software, and vehicles. Plus there’s a 60% bonus depreciation that allows you to deduct qualifying costs for equipment placed into service in 2024. If you do research and development related to water recycling and waste management, you may qualify for an R&D tax credit. New York sales tax exemptions may also be available on certain purchases.

While you focus on the many aspects of running a successful brewery and distillery business, you can count on RBT CPAs to be your trusted advisor for accounting, audits, taxes, and more. Learn how we can be Remarkably Better Together by contacting us today.

RBT CPAs never offshore work outside of the U.S., so you always know who is handling your financial information.

Nothing screams “summer” like a cold brew or cocktail and…

Finish that sentence with the right marketing plan, events, and special touches to make the most of the 2024 summer season.

Here are some ideas to help get you started:

• If you’re bringing on the summer brew – typically a lighter 4% to 5% AC for easy drinking, pale ales, and fruit beers – have a naming contest, tasting, and launch party.
• Create an outdoor seating area. Take advantage of the local view or landscape or build a space with a summer theme where people want to come, relax, and have fun.
• Add music and entertainment. Feature local bands or create a summer playlist. Get guests moving with line dancing lessons. Have a weekly summer movie night – think Jaws, Caddyshack, and Dirty Dancing. Invite the local ice cream or hot dog truck to stop by periodically.
• Don’t forget the games – trivia, cornhole, volleyball, and more.
• Summer-up your menu. Get creative with drinks and their names. Have fun with charcuterie boards and grazing tables. Incorporate local produce into your menu. Serve drinks in small coolers and snacks in mini picnic baskets.
• Update your décor to make it feel like summer. Find what works with your brand. Explore flowers, scented candles, lighting, fun seating, misting fans, tabletop firepits with smores kits, and anything Hawaiian.
• Support local businesses. Incorporate local business products into your menu and décor. If you’re hosting contests, offer prizes from local businesses to build goodwill and a sense of community.
• Hold a fundraiser. Pick a local cause or, even better, a couple of different ones.
• Invite the dog! Whether you make it an everyday thing or a special event, allow paying customers to bring their furry friend and treat them to something on a dog-friendly menu item.
• Create a club, with free tastings, a birthday drink, and even a personalized glass that can be used for discounted drinks.
• Host a tour, pub crawl, brew festival, or scavenger hunt. Join together with other local brewers and restaurants to create an “experience” or “event.”
• Put your feelers out for local farmers markets, community tag sales, county fairs, and other summer events that may need sponsors and vendors.

As you focus on making the most of the upcoming busy season, remember, RBT CPAs can help lighten your load by handling all of your accounting, audit, advising, and tax needs. Find out how we can be Remarkably Better Together. Give us a call or drop us a line.

RBT CPAs is proud to say 100% of its work is prepared in America. Our company does not offshore work, so you always know who is handling your confidential financial information.

Under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), certain businesses formed or operating in the U.S. must report information about their beneficial owners – the people who own or control them – to the Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This applies to most companies, including small businesses.

While it sounds like the stuff spy movies are made of, FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting is real and is something businesses need to take seriously.

The U.S. adopted the law to protect against money laundering and related crimes while promoting national security. The willful failure to comply or the willful attempt to provide fraudulent information can result in fines of up to $591 each day a violation continues and criminal prosecution (imprisonment for up to 2 years and/or up to a $10,000 fine).

Earlier this year, the law was challenged in the Northern District of Alabama. The court ruled it exceeds Congress’ power and can’t be enforced against the plaintiffs (Isaac Winkles and companies for which he is the beneficial owner; the National Small Business Association, and its members. This is currently under appeal. For now, any covered entity other than those named in the suit are required to comply.

So, what is beneficial ownership information (BOI)? BOI is information about individuals who directly or indirectly own or control a company.

What companies are required to report BOI? According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a reporting company is any privately held company – domestic or foreign – registered to conduct business in the U.S.

There is a list of 23 entity types that are exempt from reporting, including nonprofits, government authorities, publicly traded companies, banks/credit unions, and such. If your business is not considered exempt and it is a domestic or foreign reporting company, filing requirements and deadlines apply.

A business created or registered before January 1, 2024, has until January 1, 2025, to file. Otherwise, the business must file within 90 calendar days of receipt of the company’s creation or registration if it’s before January 1, 2025. Thereafter, the filing must occur within 30 days of creation/registration.

Full details and resources are available on the FinCEN website.  Go there to file BOI information, see Frequently Asked Questions, and access resources for small businesses including a Compliance Guide.

As you take care of the many aspects of running a business – including BOI filings (if required), please remember RBT CPAs is available to meet all of your accounting, tax, audit, and advisory needs. We’ve been proudly serving municipalities, businesses, non-profits, and individuals in the Hudson Valley for over 50 years. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call and find out how we can be Remarkably Better Together.

RBT CPAs is proud to say 100% of its work is prepared in America. Our company does not offshore work, so you always know who is handling your confidential financial data.

Note: RBT CPAs is not a law firm and the information provided herein should not be taken as advice. Any questions should be directed to your legal counsel.

Artificial Intelligence – a.k.a. AI – has taken the world by storm, especially with certain apps making their way to the mainstream in the last year. World leaders are trying to figure out how to govern it. Large companies are looking for ways to maximize it. Discussions about the impact on jobs and industries – from law and accounting to teaching, medicine, marketing, and everything in between – continue. This leads to the question: What role will AI play in the brewing industry?

While images of robots serving customers may come to mind, most of the potential uses aren’t that obvious. As we began researching the topic, numerous technical terms kept coming up, prompting us to take a step back and start with some basics. AI is technology that performs cognitive functions typically associated with human intelligence. It can incorporate visual perception, speech recognition, learning, language processing, decision-making and more, and bases its output on an abundance of data. All of this comes together in smart machines and computer programs.

When it comes to brewing, I came across many stories about brewers at locations across the globe playing with AI to create new recipes; brainstorm and tweak existing recipes; and explore which brews are most likely to be a hit based on taste and consumer data. Some brewers are extending their venture into AI beyond recipes and using it for package and bottle designs, labeling, press releases, social media content, and marketing.

In numerous cases, brewers are engaging customers in the novelty of the potential role of AI in brewing by holding contests where customers get to vote on whether they like a non-AI or an AI-generated brew better; where they can give product feedback, and more. No doubt the trend of exploring the role of AI in creating brews and marketing to engage customers in the process will continue to grow.

Beyond recipes, there are AI solutions that are helping brewers with multiple locations adjust for variables like water or altitude so the final brew tastes the same no matter where it is produced. There’s a robot in Australia producing consistent foam with each pour. Systems and sensors are being used to promote quality; identify leaks and reduce waste; monitor variables that can impact quality (i.e., temperature of a shipping container and transit time); and conduct predictive maintenance to keep production moving.

Predictive analytics powered by AI help analyze data about market trends, consumer preferences, buying, and more to help brewers make informed decisions about everything from product development and pricing to marketing and sales.

When it comes to supply chain management, AI algorithms are being used to forecast demand, improve inventory management and production schedules, and cut costs. There are even AI-based tools that use data about production costs, competitors, consumer demand, and buying to create pricing strategies that can be adjusted in real-time to promote sales.

Whether you’re looking to shorten development time, hasten go-to-market time, reduce costs, increase output, promote compliance, standardize quality, boost sustainability, or strengthen marketing and sales, based on what other brewers are doing, it appears there’s a role for AI. Still, there is another side to the story…I’ll use my mom’s banana bread to illustrate the point I want to make.

Personally, if I had to choose a banana bread baked by my mother or one from a robot, I’d choose my mom’s every time. There’s just something about it being made by mom, using my grandmother’s recipe, that makes it taste better than any other banana bread out there. I don’t think this will ever change and I hope this isn’t completely lost as the role of AI in our daily lives evolves.

If you need time to learn more about AI in brewing, you can count on RBT CPAs for your accounting, tax, audit, and advisory needs. We’ve been proudly serving municipalities, businesses, non-profits, and individuals in the Hudson Valley for over 50 years. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call and find out how we can be Remarkably Better Together.

RBT CPAs is proud to say 100% of its work is prepared in America. Our company does not offshore work, so you always know who is handling your confidential financial data.

You’ve worked hard to build your wealth. Protect it by resolving to make gift and estate tax planning a priority in the New Year.

This is especially important in 2024 and 2025 since, without legislative action, the valuable Tax Cuts and Jobs Act’s (TCJA’s) gift and estate tax exemption is set to revert to pre-2018 levels starting in 2026, significantly increasing the amount of an estate subject to Federal taxes. Add to that New York’s estate tax rules and planning becomes paramount.

When the TCJA took effect on January 1, 2018, certain provisions increased the amount of assets individuals and married couples may gift annually and over a lifetime (as well as leave as part of an estate), with no federal taxes owed. Each year, exemption amounts are adjusted for inflation. For 2024:

• The annual gift exclusion limit is $18,000 (or $36,000 for a married couple) per person. You do not have to pay taxes on gifts up to the limit. Also, amounts up to the annual limit do not count toward the gift and estate tax lifetime exemption. So, let’s say you are married and have two children. You and your spouse may each gift $18,000 to each child, for a total combined gift of $36,000/child in 2024. You won’t have to pay taxes on the gift and the gift won’t apply toward your lifetime gift and estate tax exemption. (There is an exception: if you are married and your spouse is a U.S. citizen, you can gift an unlimited amount to your spouse tax-free. If your spouse is not a U.S. citizen, there is an annually adjusted limit on tax-free gifts. For 2024, that amount is $185,000.) To qualify for the annual gift exclusion, the gift must be a present interest gift.
• The gift and estate tax lifetime exemption is $13.61 million (or $27.22 million/married couple). Amounts above the lifetime exemption are taxable. Even though the exemption is scheduled to decrease starting January 1, 2026, any exemptions for 2018 through 2025 will be honored at the higher exemption amounts in effect at the time. The Federal tax law has a portability provision that provides for the unused exemption of the first spouse to die to be available to the surviving spouse if an estate tax return is filed when the first spouse passes away and the surviving spouse is a U.S. citizen.

Both the annual limit and lifetime exemption will be adjusted for inflation again at the start of 2025. Then, on January 1, 2026, the gift and estate lifetime exemption goes back to its pre-2018 level of $5 million, adjusted for inflation (so it’s expected to be in the $7 million to $8 million range). This will significantly reduce the amount of assets that can be gifted over a lifetime and passed on as part of an estate tax-free. In New York, it’s a bit more complicated.

New York does not have a gift tax; however, it does have different rules for estate taxes. Key differences include:

• An estate tax exclusion is tied to federal tax laws from 2014 and gradually indexed for inflation. For 2024, the New York estate tax exclusion amount is $6,940,000.
• However, there is a “cliff” built into the calculation. If a decedent’s taxable estate is between 100% and 105% of the exclusion amount as of the date of death, exclusion benefits phase out. There is no exclusion benefit if a taxable estate is more than 105% of the exclusion amount as of the date of death. This means New York State estate taxes are due starting with the first dollar of assets.
• Gifts made within three years of death are not excluded and are “clawed back” to be included in the calculation of New York estate taxes.
• New York does not have a portability provision and, thus, does not allow an unused exclusion amount to transfer to a surviving spouse.

There are actions New Yorkers can take to stay within the state’s exclusion amount while avoiding the “cliff” and maximize opportunities under Federal estate tax laws. If you’re interested in learning about your options, contact RBT CPA Trust, Estate and Gift Practice professionals by emailing Ita Rahilly, CPA, at irahilly@rbtcpas.com. Your RBT CPA client manager is also available to help start the discussion, in addition to handling your accounting, tax, audit, and business advisory needs. Give us a call today.

RBT CPAs is proud to say 100% of its work is prepared in America. Our company does not offshore work, so you always know who is handling your confidential financial data.

In the blink of an eye, we’re in the last quarter of 2023. Don’t blink again or you’ll miss the three months remaining in 2023 to make decisions that can impact how much you’ll pay in taxes come April. Here are a few questions to consider and possible tax deductions and credits that may help you reach your goals.

What goals did you set at the start of 2023 and how close are you to reaching them? Are there tax moves that can help you cross the finish line?

Did you have a goal to increase the number of customers you serve?

Whether you want to build awareness of the value your business delivers or offer special deals and incentives at year-end, marketing is key, and related costs are deductible. Expenses can include digital or traditional marketing, website work, professional conference attendance, business cards, marketing professionals and services, and more.

Are you trying to upgrade operations for the future?

Under Internal Revenue Code Section 179, if you buy or lease (with qualified financing) appreciable business equipment, you can deduct the full purchase price (or lease amount) from your gross income. Equipment can include office machinery, furniture, vehicles, computers, and more. The item must be new to your business, used for business purposes, and put in service the year that you take the deduction. The most you can deduct under Section 179 for 2023 is $1,160,000. There’s also an 80% first-year bonus depreciation for 2023, so you can reduce your tax liability even more.

Are you looking to operate more effectively and efficiently? Do you have or do you need any project management software, cloud storage, accounting software, or other software subscriptions?

Depending on a number of variables, you may be able to amortize the cost over three years or expense the cost under Section 179 and 168k provisions. (On a side note: Whether you’re implementing for the first time or changing software providers, it can take several weeks to get things up and running. Now is the perfect time to get started if you are looking for a January 1 go-live date. Plus, transitioning January 1 makes your accounting a lot easier.)

Are you struggling to attract or keep talent?

Bonuses and pay are 100% deductible. As for healthcare, if you pay at least 50% of the cost of coverage (a.k.a. premiums) for employees, you can deduct the cost. If you are self-employed and buy health insurance for yourself and your family, 100% of the cost is deductible. Also, If eligible, you can claim a tax credit of up to $5,000 for three years for the costs to start and administer a SEP, Simple IRA, or other qualified plan. Finally, if you plan an employee celebration, it’s 100% deductible. Plus you can claim up to $25 per employee for a gift.

Are you looking to reduce your carbon footprint and increase sustainability?

Receive a tax credit for 30% of the cost of switching to solar power. For energy efficiency improvements (i.e., install interior lighting, a new building envelope, or an HVAC or hot water system that reduce energy and power costs by at least 50%), receive a tax credit up to $5/square foot. When it comes to commercial clean vehicles, the credit can be up to $40,000 under IRC 45W.

That’s just a sampling of the questions you should be asking now. There are a lot more: Should you take a class to learn something new to help your business? Should you start that research and development project? Is it time to evaluate insurance and bank costs? Should you consider a new business structure? How can you reduce your tax liability? Is it time to update your home office? The list goes on…

If you’re interested in discussing year-end tax planning with an RBT CPAs professional, send an email to Marketing@rbtcpas.com or give us a call.

RBT CPAs is proud to say all our work is prepared in the U.S.A. – we never offshore. As a result, you get peace of mind that your operation’s financial and confidential information is handled by full-time, local staff who have met our high standards for quality, ethics, and professionalism.

NOTE! Tax laws and codes are very complex. While we’ve tried to ensure the accuracy of all the information presented herein, the actual tax laws and codes as presented on IRS.gov govern. What’s more, this article provides highlights about tax deductions and credits and should not be considered advice. Your best bet to ensure accuracy and completeness is to talk directly to a CPA.