Labor shortages impact numerous industries in today’s economic landscape, in which attracting and retaining valuable employees is top of mind for so many employers. There are new tactics that companies are exploring in order to hire and keep key personnel. These solutions include year-end bonuses, profit sharing, 401(k) match, performance bonus, sales commission and more.In this latest edition of Cherry Bekaert’s Private Client Services podcast, Mike Kirkman, Partner in Cherry Bekaert’s Estate, Trust & Gift group, and Deb Walker, Compensation & Benefits Director, discuss how incentive plans can be utilized to retain employees. The pair covers:Arrangements to keep key personnel Examples of incentive plansEmployee ownership and like-ownership interest in the businessIncentive stock options vs. nonqualified stock optionsRelated GuidanceSECURE 2.0: Retirement Plan Changes Explained

Starting a new business can be daunting. On this episode of the Private Client Services podcast, Greg Kellar, Tax Senior Manager, and TJ Wilson, Partner and Leader of the Firm’s Gastonia tax practice, walk through the necessary steps when starting a new business. They pay special attention to the importance of tax and business planning components, such as entity selection, capitalization (funding of business), loan structures, bylaws, insurance and relationships with professional service firms. Establishing these business foundations helps to ensure short- and long-term success. Cherry Bekaert’s Private Client Services practice assists closely held businesses, C-suite executives, high-net-worth individuals and their families with tax, accounting and business matters impacting business and personal growth goals and objectives. If you have any questions specific to your business or individual financial or tax needs, Cherry Bekaert’s advisors are available to discuss your unique situation with you.Additional Resources:Article: Tax Planning Opportunities For Executives with Incentive Stock Options StrategiesPodcast: 2022 Year-End Tax Planning for Professional Services BusinessesPodcast: Q&A on Proposed Tax Rate Changes for Individuals per the Treasury’s Green Book 

You work hard for your retirement, saving and planning for years to prepare for that next stage in your life. When you reach age 72, or later depending on when you retire, you have required minimum distributions (RMDs) you must withdraw from your retirement plan or individual retirement arrangement (IRA). RMD rules have shifted over the last two years and are set to potentially be updated again towards the end of 2022 or early 2023. In our latest Private Client Services podcast series, our team shares insights regarding how to navigate the current RMD landscape. Join Mike Kirkman, leader of Cherry Bekaert’s Estate, Trust & Gift Tax services and member of the Firm’s Private Client Services practice, and Deborah Walker, Tax Services Director and Compensation & Benefits leader, as they discuss how to prepare RMDs for year-end and how to be proactive for 2023 and beyond.This podcast will cover:RMD relief for 2021 and 2022Potential year-end tax legislation predictionsFuture impacts to RMDs in 2023 and beyondRelated Guidance: Differences Between and Benefits of Charitable Remainder Trusts and Charitable Lead Trusts2022 Inherited IRA and Retirement Plan Required Minimum DistributionsNot All 2020 Retirement Plan Distributions are Taxable Due to COVID-19

You want your money to leave an impactful legacy by providing for people you love and benefiting organizations you support. Cherry Bekaert’s Private Client Services team regularly assists our clients by establishing charitable trusts, which are often the best way to reach these goals.In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s PCS podcast, Tax Partners, Greg Marx and John Ure, along with Senior Tax Accountant, Molly Gilroy, discuss the advantages of and distinctions between charitable remainder trusts (CRTs) and charitable lead trusts (CLTs) through:Income tax benefits and implicationsEstate tax implications Growth market and recession interest rates Listen in to learn more about how you can make your money work best for you.Related Guidance:2022 Year-End Tax Planning Strategies for Individuals2022 Inherited IRA and Retirement Plan Required Minimum DistributionsNew Tax Rules for U.S. Trusts with BeneficiariesNew Final Regulations for Estates and Trusts 

Interested in a retirement plan with higher limits than a 401(k) and profit-sharing plan? If so, a DR-VIP plan may be for you. A DR-VIP plan is a qualified retirement plan designed for business owners and professionals who seek high deductible contributions in excess of the defined contribution plan limits. The plan combines the best features of defined contribution plans and defined benefit plans.  Listen to Chris Lewis, a Tax Partner in the Firm’s Private Client Services group and Mark Maund, a Senior Financial Advisor in Cherry Bekaert Wealth Management LLC, as they discuss the attributes of Direct Recognition Variable Investment Plans.

Proposed federal tax law changes impacting wealthy families and individuals may become a reality. While it is unclear the specifics and the exact timing of these changes, the major proposals considered would significantly change the tax planning landscape.  Listen as Mike Vidal, Tax Partner in Cherry Bekaert’s Private Client Services practice and Mike Kirkman, leader of the firm’s Estate Gift and Trust practice discuss the potential impact of proposed tax rate changes to individual taxpayers. These proposed changes were introduced in the American Jobs Plan and further explained in Treasury’s Green Book.The conversation focuses attention on proposed tax rate increases for high-earning individuals, capital gains, and qualified dividends. In addition, they discuss proposed tax changes on active income from pass-through entities. Vidal and Kirkman wrap up with a few ideas and actions individual taxpayers should consider now.