1) TAX SOLUTIONS
YOUR TAX NEEDS
DON’T STOP AT YEAR-END
NEITHER DOES
OUR EXPERTISE
2)
3) TABLE OF CONTENTS
Expect More from Your CPA Firm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Cost Segregation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
State and Local Tax (SALT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
International Tax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Wealth Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Tax-Exempt Compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Tax Controversy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Accounting Methods & Periods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
S Corporations & Partnerships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
. .
Research & Development Tax Incentives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
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5) EXPECT MORE FROM YOUR CPA FIRM
Taxes—a universal concern for every business. No matter what industry you operate
in or service you offer, there are tax laws and regulations, with rules to follow.
Many of these tax laws are complex and ever-changing, particularly for certain highly
specialized areas of taxation.
That’s where Eide Bailly’s National Tax Office comes in.
Our National Tax Office is a resource for clients to help them analyze complex tax
issues related to their business and stay connected to what’s happening in the tax
world. Our committed team of professionals helps clients stay informed on tax news,
developments and trends in various specialty areas.
Our experienced National Tax Office professionals are thought leaders who deliver
big-firm resources with a focus on client service. Explore this guide to learn
how we can connect you with the tax solutions that will help you make business
decisions with confidence.
Tax Solutions | 5
6) FIND THE MONEY
THAT COULD BE
HIDING INSIDE
YOUR WALLS
In one of our recent projects,
a grocer had spent three years
and approximately $4.1 million
renovating one of their stores,
and they were depreciating
those costs over a 39-year
period. Our cost segregation
study revealed that 35 percent
of the building costs could
be reclassified into shorter
recovery periods.
The reclassification turned
into a current tax savings of
$371,000. Using a net margin
of 5 percent, the grocer would
need to generate approximately
$7.4 million in additional sales
to create the same amount of
cash flow.
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7) COST SEGREGATION
Did you recently construct, purchase, repair or renovate a building?
Are you interested in accelerating its depreciation and your cash flow?
Reduce Your Tax Liability and Increase Your Cash Flow
A cost segregation study is an IRS-accepted method of accelerating depreciation
deductions allowable on your building. The additional deductions lower your income
taxes, which in turn increases your cash flow. It’s accomplished through a detailed
study that identifies all the costs associated with a building that can be moved from the
traditional 39-year depreciation to recovery periods of 15, seven or even five years.
Any profitable business owning or leasing a building may benefit from a cost
segregation study. The best results come from qualifying projects with costs of
$500,000 or more, but there are some instances where significant benefits can
be found with smaller projects. Typically, the benefit of a cost segregation study
will be from five to 20 times the cost of the study, and it’s not unusual to generate
$50,000-$200,000 in additional cash flow to re-invest in the business. Results vary
based on the cost of the building and its special features and components.
In addition, a cost segregation study can be done on qualifying projects from prior
years. The IRS allows you to take the deductions in the current year with a form to
change the “method of accounting,” without having to file an amended tax return.
Why Choose Eide Bailly?
The Eide Bailly cost segregation process includes a team of qualified and certified
professionals using state-of-the-art software and their combined accounting and tax
knowledge to analyze your situation. We do an up-front comprehensive analysis with
no cost or commitment to you, so you can see the potential benefit and make an
informed decision.
National Tax Office Contact
Julie Helms
866.999.3261 | jhelms@eidebailly.com
Tax Solutions | 7
8) LEARN HOW STATE
AND LOCAL TAX
COMPLIANCE
CAN HELP TURN
LIABILITY INTO
OPPORTUNITY
“ ide Bailly’s professionals offer
E
a wide scope of expertise in
the area of state and local tax.
Their knowledge and advice
on state sales tax laws, across
all 50 states, sets Eide Bailly
apart from other firms I’ve
worked with. The final report
I received was detailed and
very comprehensive. I would
definitely recommend Eide
Bailly to anyone who needs
help complying with these
complicated laws.”
~ Noel Lais
Spader Business Management
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9) STATE AND LOCAL TAX (SALT)
Does your business operate in more than one state or plan to expand
across state lines? Are you an online retailer that sells to customers in
multiple states?
Take a Proactive Approach to State and Local Tax Liabilities
Many states have been taking an aggressive approach to tax regulation compliance and
collection activities in recent years. It’s critical for businesses of all sizes to understand the
tax environment they work in if they have sales, property or payroll in more than just their
home state. Even activities as seemingly insignificant as selling a product over the internet,
or advertising through an internet marketing company, may inadvertently establish nexus
(the minimum contact necessary between a business entity and a state to require tax
compliance). Having nexus makes a business subject to a state’s tax laws and raises the
possibility of income and sales tax liabilities—plus any penalties or interest that the state
may charge for failure to file and pay current and prior year state tax.
A nexus study is one of the many ways a business can be proactive and stay in
compliance in state and local tax jurisdictions. The study can identify the various types
of business activities in each state, find out how and where tax liability may be created,
and provide a detailed report of the findings.
And there’s good to be found, too. Many states offer tax savings opportunities for
businesses that invest in equipment and create jobs. Identifying and maximizing these
incentives is a key aspect of our SALT services.
Why Choose Eide Bailly?
Our experienced SALT professionals can help your business minimize its tax liability at the
local level in a variety of ways, including:
• Nexus studies
• Apportionment reviews
• Sales taxability analysis
• Process reviews
• Voluntary disclosures
• Payroll
• Amnesty programs
• Unclaimed property reporting analysis
• Tax controversy services
• Property tax reporting analysis
We can help you achieve not only compliance, but a greater understanding of your tax
filing requirements, and can help you plan for the future. We provide insight into where
taxes are greater or less to help you plan strategic growth, and we’ll give you the tools
for confident decision making, potential cost savings and peace of mind.
National Tax Office Contact
Laura Srsich
844.459.6740 | lsrsich@eidebailly.com
Tax Solutions | 9
10) BE CONFIDENT
TAKING YOUR
BUSINESS
WHEREVER
SUCCESS MAY
LEAD YOU
A manufacturing company that
exported overseas was looking
for a way to reduce its tax
burden. We determined they
qualified for an IC-DISC,
a commission payment
mechanism in which a business
creates a new corporation
that elects to be treated as an
IC-DISC, and makes commission
payments to it as a regular
expense not subject to federal
tax. Then the IC-DISC pays the
commission to its shareholders
as a qualified dividend.
Because of the income tax rate
differential between ordinary
and dividend tax rates, we
were able to help reduce the
business’s tax liability and
improve their cash flow.
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11) INTERNATIONAL TAX
Does your organization do business internationally? Are you planning
to expand your business outside or into the U.S.?
Stay in Compliance No Matter Where You Do Business
Many opportunities open up when a business starts to think globally, but it can also
be intimidating to decipher international laws and regulations. Selecting the right entity
structure, analyzing tax treaties and finding tax incentives are all critical elements to
ensuring success when doing business abroad, whether that means into, or outside,
the U.S.
We can help you understand the tax laws and regulations in the countries where you
do business, so you can be confident you’re staying in compliance. And, as a member
of HLB International, we have access to hundreds of firms worldwide that can provide
local expertise and resources when and where they are needed.
We can help you with the following services:
  • Inbound and outbound tax planning
  • International tax concerns for employers and individuals
  • Transfer pricing policies and considerations
  • U.S. Export Tax Incentive (IC-DISC)
Why Choose Eide Bailly?
Eide Bailly has an experienced team of international tax professionals that can help
you do business globally in the most tax-efficient manner, whether you’ve been
operating internationally for years or taking that initial step. We work closely with HLB
International professionals to ensure you are getting comprehensive and coordinated tax
services wherever your business leads you, so you understand your tax obligations and
feel confident embracing opportunities.
National Tax Office Contact
Shannon Lemmon
844.459.6750 | slemmon@eidebailly.com
Tax Solutions | 11
12) PLAN FOR
A FUTURE
THAT ACHIEVES
PEACE OF MIND
A couple, who owned a
business, wanted to ensure
their estate plan was set up
properly, so their assets would
be distributed with the minimal
amount of estate taxes owed.
Because improper titling of
assets can be an obstacle to the
proper functioning of an estate
plan, we reviewed their situation
and recommended changes to
align their ownership with their
goals. The result was $700,000
in tax savings.
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13) WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Are you confident your wealth is positioned to effectively accomplish
your personal, business and charitable goals? Have you established
a plan to care for your family in a way that enhances their lives?
A Big-Picture View
A holistic approach is the best way to manage your wealth so you can achieve your
goals and dreams. Your plan for the future likely will need to encompass a variety of
objectives happening at different times, such as transitioning a business to the next
generation, retirement plans, charitable giving goals and ensuring your family is taken
care of for years to come. These goals come with their own concerns and needs, and
it takes a comprehensive approach to ensure they are met. Sometimes simply identifying
your key objectives can seem like a daunting task.
We can help you plan for the future in a holistic manner that focuses on identifying
and accomplishing your unique objectives. Your Eide Bailly team will include financial
advisors, tax accountants, business advisors, estate planners and business valuation
analysts who will use their expertise to help you take a big-picture approach to creating
and completing your plans.
Our advisors can assist you in:
  • dentifying and prioritizing your objectives for you, your family, your business, and
I
your charitable giving.
  • etermining a balance for how much wealth is required for your own comfort and
D
how much is available for other planning.
  • lanning for the succession of your wealth to future generations.
P
  • aluing and positioning your assets to maximize their contribution to your goals.
V
Why Choose Eide Bailly?
Our team approach will give you comprehensive knowledge and objective insights to
your situation, and we’ll deliver customized solutions according to your definition of
success, not ours. We’ll not only help you develop a plan, we’ll also meet with you on
an ongoing basis to share ideas and opportunities so you can have peace of mind that
your estate is cared for; and that when life’s events happen, your life plan is updated.
National Tax Office Contact
David Zaudtke
877
.355.8525 | dzaudtke@eidebailly.com
Tax Solutions | 13
14) GROW YOUR
MISSION
NOT YOUR
TAX BURDEN
A nonprofit organization
contacted us after growing to
the point where it needed to file
a Form 990, but existing recordkeeping methodologies did
not provide the documentation
needed for accurate reporting.
We educated staff on the
required documentation they
needed to complete and
helped them update their
accounting and bookkeeping
procedures, including a means
to properly receipt donations.
The end result was they not
only maintained their status as
a public charity, but their staff
could now focus more clearly
on their mission, rather than
accounting issues.
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15) TAX-EXEMPT COMPLIANCE
Are you a tax-exempt organization? Are you ensuring you are not
operating in a way that could jeopardize your tax-exempt status?
Feel Confident Executing Your Mission
One of the most important assets a tax-exempt organization has is its tax-exempt
status. It’s vitally important to your mission to ensure your organization is meeting
IRS requirements and not conducting activities that may jeopardize that status.
Eide Bailly works with 1,600 nonprofit clients that cover the entire spectrum of
charitable entities, so our professionals understand the challenges your organization
faces. We can assist your organization with tax planning, reporting, compliance and
advisory services. From helping structure new organizations and activities to ensuring
your current activities meet the requirements for tax-exempt status, we can provide help
in navigating the tax ramifications of your decisions.
In addition, we ensure your organization is also completing its Form 990 to take
advantage of the fact the form is a public document. We use a comprehensive
approach to preparing and filing a Form 990 because we understand these records
are available to the public—including the media—and that some donors may base
their giving decisions on what is reported in your Form 990.
Our ultimate goal is to bring you solutions and knowledge that go beyond tax
compliance to ensure your nonprofit doesn’t lose its most important asset.
Why Choose Eide Bailly?
At Eide Bailly, you’ll work with local professionals who understand your community, and
you’ll be connected to the resources of a top 25 CPA firm in the nation. We can offer
guidance and tools for best practices, strong internal controls, proper accounting for
mergers and acquisitions and maintaining your tax-exempt status. Our collaborative,
two-way communication will help you address current challenges in a way that supports
the future growth of your organization.
National Tax Office Contact
Kim Hunwardsen
855.889.5508 | khunwardsen@eidebailly.com
Tax Solutions | 15
16) BUILD A STRONG,
SOLID DEFENSE
ON A
FOUNDATION
OF EXPERIENCE
IRS data shows that the more
income you report on your
taxes, the higher the likelihood
you will face an examination.
In a one-year period beginning
in October 2013, the IRS
examined more than 12 percent
of the returns from businesses
with assets of $10 million or
more, and examined less than
1 percent of returns with assets
less than $10 million. Individual
returns had a similar disparity.
It’s clear that the more your
business grows, the stronger the
likelihood of encountering a tax
controversy issue.
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17) TAX CONTROVERSY
Has the IRS sent you a collection notice? Are you currently navigating
a penalty abatement? Are you being audited by the IRS?
Experience When It Matters Most
When the IRS issues a notice regarding a tax filing, there are many tax issues and
procedures that must be evaluated to build the best case that supports your position.
The process can be complex, particularly when the IRS is demanding payment.
While most accountants occasionally handle controversy cases, a tax controversy
specialist can offer a deeper perspective because they have specific experience with
these types of cases. Understanding the applicable laws, IRS interpretations, and how
your decisions may impact your case in the future are critical skills for these situations.
Our tax controversy professionals have experience on both sides of these cases.
They have previously worked as attorneys in the IRS Office of Chief Counsel. They
now use their skills to help our clients navigate tax law. We understand how the IRS
is most likely to interpret your case and what the best avenue may be to address it.
We can help you through the examination, appeals and tax court settlement process
to effectively resolve a case, as well as assist you with collections, liens and the
procedures involved. We also provide risk advisory services to analyze and support
positions you may be considering prior to filing your return.
Why Choose Eide Bailly?
Our tax controversy professionals can help you work through your case or provide
litigation support services before or in the midst of controversies. Our experience
and background make us uniquely qualified to help protect your rights as a taxpayer,
and we can provide you with access to many specialized professionals across our
firm who have expertise in specific industries and services.
National Tax Office Contact
Benjamin Peeler
801.456.5476 | bpeeler@eidebailly.com
Tax Solutions | 17
18) SEE HOW A
DIFFERENT VIEW
OF YOUR BOOKS
CAN ADD UP
TO SAVINGS
We recently worked with a
health care service company
with more than $15 million in
annual revenue operating on an
accrual method of accounting.
After reviewing their business
activities, we determined that
they were eligible to use the
cash method of accounting,
which simplified their tax
accounting and saved the
client almost $1.5 million.
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19) ACCOUNTING METHODS & PERIODS
Are you on a cash or accrual method for tax accounting? How is your
method of accounting for tax purposes different from your method of
accounting for book purposes? Are you properly recognizing income
and expenses under the tax rules? Are you confident with your
decision to capitalize or deduct an expense?
The Right Method
Most taxpayers, and even some tax preparation professionals, don’t understand the
importance of accounting methods and periods, which determine how and when
income and expenses are reported for tax purposes. There are four key areas of focus
in accounting methods: income recognition, expense recognition, capitalization and cost
recovery, and inventory. Every client with income and expenses can potentially benefit
from a review of their accounting methods and periods. The right method can produce
tax savings and help avoid IRS exams and audit exposure. Understanding the periods
allowable, or required, for reporting income offers additional tax planning opportunities.
Eide Bailly’s accounting methods and periods consulting can provide guidance on ruling
requests and change of accounting method applications, as well as advice on issues
involving timing, character and recognition for taxable events. We provide insight related
to depreciation, deductions and payments as well as specialized methods of accounting
required or available for taxpayers in certain industries and business activities.
Why Choose Eide Bailly?
Our team of experienced professionals can offer tailored solutions with an individualized
approach. We’ll leverage the knowledge of our National Tax Office professionals and
our many resources across the firm with specific industry expertise to deliver services that
fit your business needs.
National Tax Office Contact
Andrea Mouw
844.453.6730 | amouw@eidebailly.com
Tax Solutions | 19
20) LET YOUR FOCUS
BE ON WHAT’S AT
YOUR FRONT DOOR
NOT WHAT’S
NEEDED IN THE
BACK OFFICE
We had a client with multiple
types of entities approach us on
the possibility of restructuring for
retaining cash and optimizing
financial results for a future
acquisition and expansion of
the business. We examined the
current use of S corporation
and Limited Liability Companyrelated entities, as well as the tax
costs and benefits of changing
the structures. We offered
suggestions for restructuring that
helped the client save money
and work toward their goals.
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21) S CORPORATIONS & PARTNERSHIPS
Are you an S corporation with a disqualified shareholder? Do you
have a complicated operating agreement? Do you want to merge or
eliminate a partner?
Flexible but Complex
Pass-through entities are businesses that are structured to avoid double taxation by
distributing entity level/taxable income and expense among owners in either an
S corporation or a partnership.
Partnerships
Partnerships are the most flexible organizations, but partnership tax law is also one of
the most complex in the tax code. It is subject to frequent litigation in both civil and
tax court. We assist partnerships with targeted capital account allocations, complex
operating agreement interpretations, proper debt allocations, income allocations,
mergers and termination, plus consulting regarding carried and profit interests.
S Corporations
We most commonly help our S corporation clients in determining qualified shareholders,
allocating income properly, determining tax basis and at-risk basis, and restructuring.
Often we will encounter a client within an S corporation with a disqualified shareholder,
wanting to re-structure to get real estate out of an S corporation or clients who utilize
asset spin-offs instead of distributions.
Why Choose Eide Bailly?
Our experienced team has specific knowledge related to the taxation dynamics of
partnerships and S corporations, including limited liability companies, and the specific
requirements that come with them. Our professionals serve as dedicated resources who
provide advice for alternative arrangements on transactions and help navigate complex
technical issues.
National Tax Office Contact
Frank Gariepy
303.459.6706 | fgariepy@eidebailly.com
Tax Solutions | 21
22) LEARN HOW
STAYING
COMPETITIVE
CAN EARN YOU
TAX INCENTIVES
A manufacturing company, with
less than $50 million in annual
revenue, was working to develop
a new product and make
changes to its manufacturing
process in order to produce the
new product. We worked with
the company’s key contacts to
identify the specific costs that
qualified for R&D tax credits and
documented how the product
and process development efforts
met the required criteria. Through
this process, we identified
a combined $235,000 of
available federal and state R&D
credits over a three-year period.
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23) RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
TAX INCENTIVES
Have you recently developed a new product or made improvements
to an existing product or process? Have you developed software for
external or internal use?
You May Qualify for R&D Tax Incentives
It’s vitally important for companies to invest in innovation if they want to stay competitive.
Research and development are an integral part of many businesses’ strategic plans,
and the federal government has recognized this by continually expanding the types of
activities that qualify for the R&D tax credit. As a result, many businesses are receiving
tax credits and related deductions simply through their efforts to stay competitive.
Federal R&D credits total more than $10 billion annually, and most states offer some
kind of R&D tax incentive. However, knowing which of your activities qualifies can be
a daunting task considering the ever-changing tax environment.
We can perform an independent evaluation to help you identify qualified activities
and quantify expenditures to determine actual R&D tax deductions and credits. Many
day-to-day company operations potentially qualify for the R&D tax credit, including:
 •
 •
 •
 •
 •
 •
 •
Development of new, improved or more reliable products/processes/techniques
Development of prototypes or models (including computer-generated models)
Design of tools, jigs, molds and dies
Development or testing of new concepts and technology
Development or improvement in production/manufacturing processes
Development, customization or upgrading of software
Automation and/or streamlining of internal processes
Why Choose Eide Bailly?
Our expertise in federal and state R&D tax rules, criteria, code and regulations enables
us to maximize the full potential of the incentives and appropriately document any
benefits claimed. Our personal, attentive approach to service helps our clients manage
their taxes through planning, business advice, tax research and IRS audit support.
Our focused knowledge and our understanding of the current tax laws and regulations
allow us to help clients meet their overall goals, while minimizing their tax liabilities and
increasing cash flow.
National Tax Office Contact
Joe Stoddard
801.456.5915 | jjstoddard@eidebailly.com
Tax Solutions | 23
24) CULTURE
The Foundation of Success
Caring for our external and internal clients
with a passion to go the extra mile.
Respecting our peers and their
individual contributions.
Conducting ourselves with the highest level
of integrity at all times.
Trusting and supporting one another.
Being accountable for the overall success
of the firm, not just individual or office success.
Stretching ourselves to be innovative and
creative, while managing the related risks.
Recognizing the importance of maintaining
a balance between work and home life.
Promoting positive working relationships.
And, most of all, enjoying our jobs …
and having fun!
www.eideba illy.com
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