Tax Planning and Compliance

Tax regulations can be overwhelming to the average individual or business owner. Failing to consider the tax implications of significant business transactions can be disastrous. Let us put our tax expertise to work for you so we can help you avoid the pitfalls of poor tax planning.

 

At Metzler Locricchio Serra & Co. P.C. we work closely with our clients so they understand how their taxes are impacted by their actions. We believe in being advocates for our clients and providing effective, efficient and proactive tax planning to allow them to make timely, informed financial decisions.

 

We have a committed and talented team of tax professionals who stay current on the tax laws and how they affect our clients.  Our tax planning, preparation and consulting services include:

• Choice of entity analyses for initial business set-up
• Federal, multi-state apportionment, local and international tax planning
• Estate and gift planning
• Transaction structuring
• Tax projections
• Tax planning for sales and acquisitions
• Real estate cost segregation studies

• Research and development tax credit studies
• Tax credit analyses
• Section 1031 (like-kind exchange)

• Net operating loss carry back

• Debt forgiveness tax implications
• Maintenance of fixed asset lapse schedules for tax purposes
• Representation before federal, state and local taxing authorities
• Preparation of all required tax and information returns, including:
- Corporation
- S-Corporation
- Partnership / LLC
- Individual
- Employee Benefit Plan
- Fiduciary
- Estate and Gift
- Private Foundations

- Not for profit
- Property Tax
- Payroll


Accounting and Bookkeeping

With the fast-paced business world of today, keeping good accounting books and records is extremely important. The ability to make informed business decisions is driven by the quality and timeliness of available information. Many small business owners struggle with the balance between maintaining accurate accounting records and actually running their business. Let Metzler Locricchio Serra & Co. P.C. be your solution. With our versatile staff, we have the ability to assist you on several levels. Whether you need us to perform your entire accounting function or just review your records on a quarterly basis, we can help. We provide the following services:

• Daily, weekly, monthly or quarterly accounting services
• Financial statement preparation
• Payroll services and reporting
• Interim and long-term controller services
• Accounting software implementation and training (Quickbooks, Peachtree, etc.)
• Form W-2 and 1099 preparation
• Forensic and investigatory accounting


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Internal Controller Functions

It is essential for any successful business to develop an effective system of financial reporting from within, whether the business is a small venture or a large organization. We realize that it is very difficult and costly for many companies to hire a full-time controller. Metzler Locricchio Serra & Co. P.C. offers a full range of internal controller services to ensure that your management has the financial information it needs on a timely basis.

 

Our knowledgeable staff has the ability to help you develop the tools to better manage your business by providing the services of an interim controller at reasonable hourly rates. These services include:

• Preparing financial statements and management reports
• Preparing budgets and expense reports
• Managing the accounts receivable and accounts payable functions
• Reviewing journal entries and monthly financial reports
• Developing financial models and business plans
• Analyzing and acting on business opportunities


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Compilations, Reviews and Audits

Increased standards on regulatory compliance over the last few years have made it essential for many businesses to identify, manage and control risks. Today’s business environment demands much closer scrutiny and greater objectivity in the preparation of financial statements, particularly in the areas of reviews and audits.

 

It is more difficult than ever to obtain loans and financial capital, making it crucial for a business to present an accurate financial picture. Lenders want reliable financial statements from a reputable certified public accounting firm. That is why Metzler Locricchio Serra & Co. P.C. maintains a specialized and qualified staff that is committed to providing the optimum level of service in assuring that information in your financial statements is reported completely and accurately, in conformance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (as required).

 

Whether your organization has financial reporting requirements due to a lending relationship or a regulatory requirement (the Department of Labor or the Michigan Attorney General, for example) our firm has an established history of providing quality assurance services to a wide variety of clients encompassing the for-profit, non-profit and benefit/retirement plan sectors. 

 

For those clients who do not require the level of assurance supplied by a review or audit, we can prepare a compilation. We also have the distinct advantage of offering this basic financial service with a high degree of efficiency at lower hourly rates than comparable firms.

 

We currently provide, but are not limited to, the following services in this area:

• Audits
• Reviews
• Compilations
• Agreed-upon procedures
• Regulatory compliance and reporting
• Internal office systems and controls assurance
• Forensic audits and accounting (for due diligence, litigation support, etc.)


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Forecasts, Projections and Budgets

In times of economic uncertainty, it is just as important to provide a forward-looking perspective and properly plan for your company’s future as it is to accurately report historical data. The most successful businesses, both local and national, always have an efficient budgeting and forecasting system in place.  We at Metzler Locricchio Serra & Co. P.C. can provide you with consistent and effective ways to plan for your company’s future. The following are just some of the services we can provide in this area:

• Accounting research and industry benchmarking
• Analysis of opportunities for growth
• Analysis of potential acquisitions or analysis and dispositions of segments
• Creating a budget of expenses and sales forecasting
• Establishing realistic and attainable financial goals
• Assisting in strategic planning
• Providing tax projections and strategies to minimize income taxes
• Preparing forecasts or projections in support of bank financing or investment capital

• Analysis of breakeven and return on investment


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Management Consulting

While it is important to have effective reporting and internal controls systems in place, the lifeblood of any organization’s sustainability is being able to manage existing business problems and to develop plans to improve operational performance. The assistance of qualified professional advisors can be critical in these areas.

 

Metzler Locricchio Serra & Co. P.C. offers consultation on a wide variety of issues concerning business and tax planning to maximize your company’s profitability. These issues include:

• Minimizing tax liability by allocating income and deductions in the most beneficial way
• Identifying investment opportunities and the tax benefits thereof
• Organizational planning
• Capital acquisition alternatives planning (buy versus lease analysis, for example)
• Analysis of mergers and acquisitions
• Analysis of personnel policies, incentive programs and other company procedures
• Design of inventory and production management controls

 

Our staff at Metzler Locricchio Serra & Co. P.C. has specialized consulting knowledge that will help you address the most complex areas of managing your business. We always strive to develop a close and long-term relationship with our clients so we can continue to be your trusted resource for years to come.


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Business Valuations

The importance of a comprehensive business valuation can not be overstated. There is a common myth that valuations should only be done when a business owner is ready to sell their business or when it is required by a lender. This is not true, as a business valuation can be a valuable management tool and is absolutely essential when conducting business succession planning and/or gifting. If you do not know what your business is worth, your ability to make informed decisions or conduct effective succession planning is severely hampered.

 

Whether you are looking to value an entire business or its individual components, Metzler Locricchio Serra & Co. P.C. offers the expertise to provide business valuation services at an affordable cost. Our staff is trained in providing a multitude of valuation services as well as any litigation support services related thereto. Our valuation services include:

• Corporate valuations for sale or buy-sell agreements
• Business valuations for restructuring
• Asset valuations in connection with filing divorce proceedings
• Closely held stock valuations
• Fairness opinions
• Valuation of intangible assets and goodwill
• Valuation of employee stock options
• Valuation of covenants not to compete
• Valuation for gifting and estate planning purposes
• Valuation of a minority interest


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Litigation Support/Expert Witness

In an increasingly litigious society, you want the security and peace of mind of having your financial professionals represent you in the event of dispute. Metzler Locricchio Serra & Co. P.C. provides counsel and support for our clients and their attorneys in a wide range of litigation support scenarios. We can assist you in all phases of litigation, including discovery, deposition, testimony and trial.    

 

Our professionals frequently participate in legal cases and possess the depth and experience necessary to provide expert witness testimony. Members of our staff have testified in state and federal courts and are recognized as experts by these courts. Too often, accountants lack the ability to translate their findings into language that courts, juries or mediators understand. Metzler Locricchio Serra & Co. P.C. personnel excel at communicating their findings in clear, concise laymen’s terms. In matters involving complex damages, our accounting professionals present well-supported financial records and other analyses on behalf of our clients. We help you clarify and understand important financial matters concerning your case.

 

We offer litigation support services in the following areas:

• Dispute mediation and resolution
• Fraud examinations
• Expert witness testimony
• Forensic and investigatory accounting
• Statements of earnings, net profits, net worth, and net disposable income
• Matrimonial lifestyle computations
• Business valuations
• Damage calculations and reports
• Lost earnings calculations
• Examination of opposing expert witness reports and opinions
• Support during deposition of opposing counsel’s expert witness


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Bankruptcy Estates

In the current economic times, the danger of foreclosure, repossession of property or bankruptcy is much greater than it used to be. Our skilled staff at Metzler Locricchio Serra & Co. P.C. can provide essential guidance and keep you informed on important details regarding bankruptcy proceedings and estate planning. Whether you need assistance with a Chapter 7 liquidation or a Chapter 11 or Chapter 13 restructuring, our staff is ready to assist you with these difficult decisions. 


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Cost Segregation Studies

If you own a building acquired in or after 1987 with a cost basis of $500,000 or more, you may be a good candidate for a cost segregation study. An effective cost segregation study analyzes the architectural and structural components of a building and separates them into components that can be depreciated using accelerated depreciation methods for income tax purposes. Without a cost segregation study, a building will be depreciated for tax purposes over 27.5 years (for residential real property) or 39 years (for non-residential real property). With a cost segregation study, some parts of a building may depreciate as quickly as five or seven years, resulting in more depreciation expense being available earlier for tax purposes on an annual basis. This can reduce taxable income substantially, especially early in the depreciable life of the building. 

 

Whether you are purchasing or have purchased an existing building or are constructing a new building, we can assist you in taking advantage of cost segregation provisions to maximize your tax savings. We have the ability to approximate potential tax savings if you can provide us with some basic information about your building. The following types of buildings are ideal candidates for cost segregation studies:

• Office buildings
• Restaurants
• Retail properties
• Manufacturing facilities
• Warehouses
• Rental apartment buildings
• Healthcare facilities

• Assisted living facilities


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Research and Development Tax Credit Studies

The research and development credit rewards companies for developing a new or improved process or promoting product innovation.

 

The gross research and development tax credit is a twenty percent (20%) credit on qualified research expenditures that exceed a base amount. Generally, the net tax benefit of the federal credit may be approximately six and half percent (6.5%) of qualified research expenses. State credits are usually less than federal credits, but can also be significant. Taxpayers may be able to amend prior year returns to claim missed credits and obtain tax refunds. Any unused credits can be carried forward twenty years.

 

To qualify for the credit, the research must be undertaken for discovering information that is technological in nature and its application must be intended for use in developing a new or improved business component of the taxpayer. In addition, substantially all of the activities of the research must be elements of a process of experimentation relating to a new or improved function, performance, reliability or quality.

 

If you are currently incurring research and development expenditures and would like to learn more about this credit please contact us.


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Michigan Film Incentives Consulting and Cost Certification

Film and digital media production in Michigan has been strongly incentivized with the passing of the Michigan film incentive program in 2008. Michigan now has some of the highest film incentives in the country, making it a very attractive location for film and television production and video game development. With up to a 42% refundable credit on eligible production expenditures, as well as infrastructure and workforce development credits, Michigan has become one of the premier destinations for these industries.

 

Whether your project is in the fundraising/financing phase or has already been “green lit” and is in pre-production, it is necessary to have a certified public accounting firm (that understands the industry and its terminology) associated with your project as you apply for the Michigan incentives. The Michigan Department of Treasury and the Michigan Film Office require the name of a certified public accounting firm be included in Section 21 of the Film Production Incentive Application. Applications without a certified public accounting firm included are generally rejected. The simplified production credit process is as follows:

• A production management or accountant completes the Film Production Incentive Agreement once anticipated costs are known (i.e. budget is locked).
• The Michigan Film Office, in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Treasury, reviews the application for appropriate criteria.
• The application is either rejected or approved (either can reject the project but both must approve it for it to qualify for the credit).
• Once the application is approved, the project must commence within 90 days.
• Upon completion of post production (or once Michigan costs are complete if post-production is done elsewhere), an independent certified public accountant must conduct a cost certification audit to certify the costs incurred are eligible for credit.
• The Film Office issues the post-production certificate, which identifies the amount of the credit.
• The production company files a Michigan Business Tax return and attaches the post-production certificate to the return (all or portion of credit may be assigned to other parties).


Metzler Locricchio Serra & Co. P.C. has the expertise to guide you through the production process in Michigan. Whether you need help on the production side with accounting or financing or on the incentives side with the initial application to the Film Office, a pre-credit estimate letter, or a post-production cost certification audit, we are here to help you. The important thing to remember is that no production expenses that were incurred before the application has been approved are eligible for the production credit. As such, it is important to bring us on board early in the project so we can assist you in maximizing your potential credit.


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Financial Planning

One of the biggest mistakes you can make regarding your financial future is failing to plan adequately for your retirement. Everyone has different long-term goals in life, and with so many investment options available concerning your retirement, it is more important than ever to consult a professional to guide you in the right direction.

 

Our talented and dedicated financial professionals at Metzler Locricchio Serra & Co. P.C. can help you establish a financial plan that helps you reduce taxes, enhance your cash flow, and increase your investment potential. We have a strong track record of helping our clients achieve their maximum potential and reach their financial goals.

 

We can help you make the most effective decisions to manage your wealth by assisting you in the following areas:

• College planning
• Medicare/assisted living planning
• Retirement planning and tax considerations
• Divorce/separation planning
• Estate and gift planning
• Business succession planning
• Investment management and risk analysis


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