Tariffs and Taxes Tariffs are all over the news these days. At a 30,000-foot level, tariffs operate much like a sales tax on imports. However, there is a key difference between tariffs and taxes. Namely, a third party can bring suit in federal court to enforce a tariff. As a general disclaimer, this blog will
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Key Tax Provisions in the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Just Passed by Congress
Key Tax Provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Just Passed by Congress On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill fulfilling his promise to enact a major tax reform by Independence Day. Here are some of the highlights: 1. Pass-Through Deduction (Section 199A) Made Permanent The 20% deduction
Auto Loan Interest in Big Beautiful Bill – The Low-Down on Tax Breaks for Car Buyers
Auto Loan Interest in Big Beautiful Bill The Big Beautiful Bill (BBB) has generated a considerable amount of attention and controversy. A considerable amount of attention has been dedicated to its tax deductions for tips and overtime pay. However, not much attention has been given to the provision that allows taxpayers to take a deduction
Tax and Vice – Treatment of Gambling or Wagering Losses in the Big Beautiful Bill
Gambling Losses Big Beautiful Bill Buried withing the 8oo+ pages of the Big Beautiful Bill are provisions that affect how taxpayers can report gambling or wagering losses. In our previous blog, we discussed how the Internal Revenue Code is not kind to gamblers, especially gamblers who do not itemize. Under the “Big Beautiful Bill,” the
Common EDD Audit Triggers and How to Prepare Your Business
EDD Audit Triggers For any business operating in California, an audit by the Employment Development Department (EDD) can be a significant concern. The EDD is responsible for administering the state’s payroll tax laws, collecting contributions for unemployment insurance (UI), state disability insurance (SDI), employment training tax (ETT), and personal income tax (PIT) withholding. When the
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Strategies for Managing Your California UI Rate and Minimizing Costs
California UI Rate For California businesses, unemployment insurance (UI) is a mandatory payroll tax designed to provide temporary financial assistance to eligible workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. While compliance with UI tax obligations is non-negotiable, many businesses overlook the proactive strategies that can significantly influence their UI rate and,
The OECD’s Two-Pillar Solution: Progress and Challenges in 2025
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development OECD The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has long championed a two-pillar approach to address the tax implications of digitalization and globalization. In 2025, this initiative remains at the forefront of international tax reform. While Pillar Two—introducing a 15 percent global minimum corporate tax rate—has gained traction
EDD Audit Process
The California Employment Development Department (EDD) conducts payroll tax audits to verify businesses are in compliance with the state’s employment tax laws. These audits are designed to ensure employers are correctly reporting and remitting taxes related to wages, unemployment insurance, disability insurance, and other employment-related obligations. For businesses operating in California, understanding the EDD audit
The Exception to the Exception to the Exception — California Court Rules Certain Medical Devices May be Subject to CDTFA Sales Tax
Certain Medical Devices May be Subject to CDTFA Sales Tax A recent California Appeals Court ruled certain medical devices may be subject to CDTFA Sales Taxes. In Medtronic v. CDTFA, a California Appeals court ruled a medical device maker was responsible for paying sales tax on the heart rate monitors it sold in California. This
Living on the Edge – Life Without Creating a Will
Life Without Creating a Will Everyone dies eventually. You will die eventually. What is important is what you do with your time while you are alive. When I was touring law schools a professor told me he was married, had kids, and loved to drive his motorcycle up the coast of California. This seems like