Can you undertake your own fire risk evaluation?

January 14, 2022| admin| 0 Comment| 12:00 am

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A typically asked question by property managers, building owners and those accountable for managing fire safety is– can I do my own fire risk evaluation?

In this article, we’re going to discuss why it is feasible– but may not normally be the proper choice to make. Who are we? Find Out More

The short answer is ‘Of course – you can conduct your own fire risk evaluation’, there is nothing stopping you from Googling an online design template for a fire risk evaluation and filling out the areas to define your property, what you do, and any risks you can identify from the limited expertise you have. If in doubt get in touch Find Out More

You could possibly even do your own research, perhaps even go to a fire safety program. This may have been reasonable prior to 2005, as the fire service used to visit your property and carry out an audit to provide you with a fire certificate. But, since then, the requirements and law for fire safety became much more rigorous and things changed substantially.

The law for fire safety – The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which was really introduced in 2006– was created to remodel fire safety in England & Wales, to introduce the requirement for a suitable and adequate fire risk evaluation to be carried out for all non-domestic premises.

The words ‘suitable and sufficient’ when used in law, were undoubtedly brought under scrutiny, but the interpretation has since been made very obvious:
A suitable and sufficient fire risk evaluation can only be carried out by a competent person.

‘Competent’ can be defined as someone with enough training, credentials, experience and attitude. A competent person needs to have obtained specific training in relation to fire risk analyses, they must have some form of qualification to back that up, experience in assessing your type of property, and the right approach to ensure they’re able to communicate the results effectively. All of the above can be achieved for your fire risk evaluation by using outside assessors.

Find out More about our Fire risk assessments Fire Risk Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions About The Employee Retention Tax CreditFrequently Asked Questions About The Employee Retention Tax Credit

December 26, 2022| admin| 0 Comment| 12:00 am

Ashley Hogsette is general counsel at Synergi Partners and has knowledge of law, corporate transactions, tax planning, and tax controversy. She applies her knowledge to assist clients in understanding and interpreting legislation to maximize their tax credit benefits. The classification of an employer’s workforce as small or high has no impact on the type wages included in ERC calculation.

What is the tax return’s reporting of employee retention credit?

Gross receipts experienced a significant drop during the calendar quarter.

Who is Eligible for the Employee Retention Credit (ERC)

They include the pretax portion of the employer and employee and not any aftertax amounts. The employer is responsible for any credit that exceeds the employer’s total liability for the Medicare or Social Security portion, depending on whether the credit was taken before or after June 30, 2021. Investment advisory services offered through Avantax Advisory Services(sm). Investment Managed Solutions Platform programs and services offered through Avantax Advisory Services(sm). Davie Kaplan Wealthcare Advisors, LLC offers all other financial planning services. Davie Kaplan Wealth Care Advisors, LLC., is not affiliated with Avantax Investment Services(sm).

Square Payroll will file your annual Form 944 and Q Form 941 with ERC if you opt in to claim the credit. The purpose of the ERC was to encourage employers to keep employees on the payroll, even if they were not working during the covered, COVID-19, period. As stated above, qualified wages can be wages and compensation if you are a small employer. For large employers, qualified wages are wages and compensation as well as qualified health plan expenses paid for employees but only for periods that the employee did not perform services for the employer.

employee retention credit

Employers still have the opportunity to apply for ERC even though the program ended on October 1, 2019, if their business is eligible. Employers can claim this credit by simply filling out Form 941-X when filing for their federal tax returns. In the form, employers must answer the relevant questions in all three pages and sign the form on Page 5.

Payfactors Make It Simpler To Manage Compensation

Your average annual gross receipts may have dropped significantly. For those companies that were founded before February 15, 2020, the Employee Retention Credit was available for the fourth quarter 2021. Most of the time, if you have started your company before February 15, 2019, you may still qualify for payroll tax credits in 2020 and the first three-quarters of 2021.

Despite the many benefits to your business the National Federation of Independent Business found that only 44% of small business owners are aware of the ERTC Program. The ERC Assistant team can also deliver ready-to file documents to the IRS without your payroll company being involved. For more information on the claiming the refundable Employee Retention Credit, see How to Claim the Employee Retention Credit. The Employee Retention Credit is only available with respect to wages paid after March 12, 2020, and before January 1, 2021. Failure to reimburse the money by the deadline may result in penalties.

Although the Employee Retention tax credit program has officially ended, it does not affect a company’s ability retroactively to claim ERTC.
You might be eligible for the Employee Retention Credit if your company’s gross revenue was affected or decreased between 2019 and 2020.
Employers who are eligible based on governmental orders that partially or fully suspend their business are only eligible employers for the quarters in question.

Employers with more employees than 100 can only apply for the ERC for wages paid to employees who are incapable of providing services to the employer as a result of an economic hardship. Employers who are part a group affiliated with an employer are only eligible if they meet all the criteria AND the group has suffered either a shutdown OR a significant drop in gross receipts. If two companies belong to the same parent company but only one of them meets the eligibility criteria, the entire company is not eligible for the credit.

How Much Is The Employee Retain Credit Per Employee

Schedule Your Free Employee Retention Credit Consultation to see what amount of employee retention tax credit your company qualifies for. Qualified firms must claim the ERTC by July 31, October 31, or December 31, 2021. They must also file their Employee per quarter Form 941 tax filings. Businesses taxpayers will need extra payroll data and other documents to file for ERTC along their quarterly returns. Employer government subsidies can reduce salaries by the amount allowed under IRC Section 280C.

Please note that the IRS FAQ are not official guidance. They should not be considered legal authority. As with all topics related COVID-19 changes are happening quickly. Please note that this information is up-to-date as of the date of publication. Software and services integrated for tax and accounting professionals. We will use our expertise to determine the exact value of the credit that you can receive from IRS.

Effective January 1, 2021, for purposes of claiming the ERC based on qualified wages paid in 2021, a large eligible employer is defined as an employer that averaged more than 500 full-time employees in 2019 (as opposed to 100 full-time employees). Credit remains at 70% of qualified wage earnings up to a $10,000 threshold per quarter. This amounts to $7,000 per employee per trimester or $28,000 for the whole of 2021. However, certain startups that were founded after Feb. 15, 2020 but forced to close home.treasury.gov ERC tax credit PDF due to government order may be eligible for a credit up to $50,000 per month. An employer can receive 70% for 2021 of the first $10,000 in qualifying wages per employee, for all qualifying quarters ($28,000 per year, total). 2020: An employer may receive 50% of the first $10,000 worth of qualified wages per employee, for all qualifying quarters ($5,000 in total for the whole year).

The chances are you qualify for the employee retention tax credits. Healthy businesses are key to a healthy economy.

Sales Rebounded In 2021’s First Quarter, But You Don’t Qualify

However, Section 2301 of the CARES Act provides that rules similar to section 280C apply for purposes of applying the ERC. Section 280C generally disallows deductions for wages paid in excess of certain credits. Accordingly, the ERC would allow for a similar deduction exclusion. Employers would see their aggregate deductions reduced by credit as a result.

The IRS forms can be delayed if you do not complete them correctly. The CARES Act makes it illegal for self-employed people to claim the ERC on their own wages. You cannot also claim wages on behalf of individuals that are not related to you. However you can claim credit for wages received by employees.

Common Misconceptions About Ertc

There is both a refundable paid sick leave credit and a refundable paid family leave credit. Both leave credits can be used to reimburse employers for paid leave. IRS Form7200 – This is the form used to claim an advanced payment of employee retention credit, up until January 31, 20,22. 2020 saw the non-refundable ERTC component be claimed against Social Security taxes. However, the ARP Act changed this. It stated that wages paid after the 30th of June 2021 are eligible for the non-refundable ERTC. These should be claimed against Medicare taxes.

employee retention credit 2023

If an employer is unable or unwilling to identify eligibility, or produce the Form 941 required for a nominal amount, they can contact a business solution provider. Eligible employers with less 500 employees per year are eligible to receive the credit. 2020’s maximum credit is $5,000 per eligible employee per annum.

Discovering the Power of Digital Advertising Methods for Service SuccessDiscovering the Power of Digital Advertising Methods for Service Success

July 27, 2023| admin| 0 Comment| 12:00 am

Title: Exploring the Power of Digital Advertising Approaches for Business Success

Intro:

In today’s digital age, conventional marketing strategy expert are no longer sufficient to maintain businesses affordable. The rise of electronic advertising has changed the way firms connect with their target audience and achieve their marketing objectives. In this short article, we will certainly explore the world of marketing strategy expert as well as explore the effectiveness of numerous agency marketing strategy, including fractional electronic marketing, internet marketing solutions, company marketing strategy, as well as - strategy.

Comprehending Digital Advertising And Marketing:

Digital advertising and marketing includes a large range of internet marketing tasks aimed at advertising products or services. It entails leveraging electronic networks such as websites, internet search engine, social media systems, as well as email to get to and engage with possible customers. By taking advantage of the power of digital marketing, organizations can broaden their reach, boost brand exposure, and drive beneficial conversions. Companies such as Good Agency can create this for clients

Fractional Digital Advertising: A New Method:

Fractional electronic advertising is an arising trend that concentrates on optimizing advertising initiatives by utilizing fractional advertising experts. This strategy permits companies to take advantage of the knowledge of specialized marketing professionals on a part-time or task basis, as opposed to hiring permanent staff members. Fractional digital marketing provides versatility, cost-effectiveness, as well as accessibility to a diverse variety of abilities, making it an eye-catching choice for services looking for efficient marketing remedies.Good Agency

Online Marketing Providers: Maximizing Online Presence:

To prosper in the electronic landscape, organizations need to leverage internet marketing services such as those provided by Good Agency. These services incorporate different strategies such as site advancement and also design, seo (SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION), social media advertising, material advertising and marketing, and also e-mail marketing. Each element plays a crucial function in taking full advantage of online visibility, driving traffic, as well as involving with the target audience.

Firm Advertising Method: Crafting a Winning Plan:

Developing a comprehensive marketing strategy is vital for accomplishing service objectives. Marketing companies concentrate on crafting winning plans tailored to particular organizations and also sectors. These strategies include thorough research, identifying target market, performing affordable analysis, setting goals, and allocating sources successfully. Collaborating with a marketing technique professional such as - ensures companies remain ahead of the curve and also attain optimal results.

Paid Advertising And Marketing Approach: Unlocking Advertising And Marketing Possible:

Paid advertising and marketing strategies, such as pay-per-click (PAY PER CLICK) advertising and marketing, present marketing, as well as social media sites advertising, offer businesses the opportunity to enhance their online presence and target details target market segments. These approaches call for knowledge in keyword study, advertisement style, budget administration, as well as campaign optimization. By purchasing paid advertising and marketing, companies can efficiently reach their target market as well as drive qualified leads.

Conclusion:

In today’s busy electronic landscape, services need to adopt effective advertising techniques to stick out from the competition. Digital advertising and marketing, in addition to fractional digital marketing, online marketing solutions, company advertising and marketing method, and paid advertising method, provides a powerful toolkit to enhance brand presence, drive client involvement, and attain service success. By accepting these strategies and also leveraging the expertise of advertising and marketing professionals, companies can unlock brand-new possibilities and thrive in the digital world.

VoIP Vs. LandLine: The Pros And ConsVoIP Vs. LandLine: The Pros And Cons

May 13, 2023| admin| 0 Comment| 12:00 am

Many small businesses will consider skipping over having a phone system and cite the cost of having one or not being big enough to justify clunky hardware. These are understandable reasons, though they misrepresent where small business phone systems are Technology impacts every aspect of life and has in recent years has transformed communication from the bottom up, especially in the business world. Due to the advent of the internet and how it has radically changed the way companies do business and how employees communicate, a business owner has several options for communication technology, i.e. a business phone system. There are two primary business phone systems to choose from, which we’ll compare and contrast below to better enable you to choose which is best for your company. What is a VoIP? A VoIP phone is short for Voice over Internet Protocol phone, which is a type of communication technology using both hardware and software that enables the user to make phone calls via an internet connection instead of a landline. A good example of this kind of technology is a smartphone app or programs like Skype, though a VoIP phone can also be used in traditional phones too. There are several popular features that a VoIP phone typically has, including: Automatic Call Forwarding: a service feature that automatically takes calls to the VoIP phone line and redirects them to another line you’ve chosen. For example, rerouting a call to your cell phone when they’ve dialed your office. Virtual Receptionist: This feature is also known as a virtual assistant and provides the same traditional service a receptionist would. It can deliver recorded messages, direct calls, and answer the phone. You’ve likely interacted with this technology when calling a customer support line. Voicemail to Email: This is a VoIP service that transcribes voicemails and delivers them to you as an email. Please note that this technology isn’t a voice-to-text feature, but delivers an audio file to your email box rather than text. How Does a VoIP Phone Work? VoIP phones don’t use the traditional cables and wires as a traditional phone system does. Instead, they are connected using a broadband internet connection, the same as your computer. The VoIP phone converts calls into digital signals within the phone instead of relying on physical signal exchanges, like a traditional phone. There are numerous methods a VoIP phone uses to work: Via a computer, such as Google Voice or FaceTime. Also known as a “softphone” An adapter with a traditional phone, plugging an adapter into a phone outlet, or your router converts a traditional phone into a VoIP. A dedicated VoIP phone, this looks like a traditional phone but it can directly connect to a computer network instead of a phone line. To use a VoIP system you’ll need a reliable internet connection, as the quality of the call depends on your internet connection. This makes security all the more important as your calls can be hacked without having a secure connection. What is a Landline Phone? A landline phone is the classic telephone that uses a solid core of twisted-pair copper wire and plugs into a two or four-pin wall jack. This technology hasn’t changed much since the late 1800s and is based on the analog technology of physical switch boxes and sending signals through a series of exchanges. While the technology is quite old, it is still quite reliable. VoIP vs. Landline To choose the best phone system for your business, it’s important to compare and contrast the available technology. VoIP Pros Lower cost: due to calls taking place over the internet, you cut out additional costs related to traditional phone lines. Instead, you’re only charged for the internet access and you avoid multiple phone line costs. Sound quality: A VoIP phone system has a clearer sound than a traditional phone, though it depends on your internet connection. Functionality: Due to a VoIP system having additional features outside of just calls, there is enhanced functionality for the user, such as video calls, analytics, and voicemail-to-text transcription. Location: A VoIP phone system can be used anywhere there is sufficient internet connection while an analog phone requires a direct hardwire connection. VoIP Cons Emergencies: Due to voice over IP being reliant on an internet connection, it may be difficult to contact an emergency call or be tracked to an accurate location since the call can be made anywhere. Some VoIP service companies have begun offering a 911 emergency auto-service and can detect your location or set by the user, which can be shared, but this depends on the system you’re using. Internet dependence: A VoIP phone is completely dependent on the internet, which can make calls unreliable when away from a strong connection and dropped calls more likely. Landline Phone Pros Consistency and Reliability: Due to a landline phone being hardwire connected, the sound quality and call status are far more consistent. Meaning you don’t have to worry about dropped calls or the sound quality bouncing between poor and excellent. Static Infrastructure: The landline phone systems aren’t in danger of transforming or falling by the waist side. While digital communication is becoming the new standard, it’s subject to further transformation and adaptation, which means a business phone system may need to be replaced in the future. Landline Phone Cons Cost: Landline phones are more expensive than a VoIP system as landlines are subject to taxes and additional fees from features added on. Spam: A VoIP phone system usually has a feature that can detect spam phone calls while an analog landline does not. You’re far more susceptible to telemarketers with a landline phone, even if it’s a business phone. Scaling: A landline phone system has many odds and ends to it, from wires to hardware. This makes it difficult to scale a small business phone system in any meaningful way without costing a lot. VoIP systems are much easier to upgrade and maintain when growing a business. What’s Best for a Business Phone System? This question greatly depends on the goals and function of your business. Knowing the key points discussing VoIP vs Landline phones can help you come to a greater understanding of what your business needs from a phone system and help avoid expensive experimentation. We at F2F Telecommunications understand the needs of a small business phone system and can consult on what makes sense for your company. We encourage you to reach out to us and explore a business phone system that makes sense in today’s business world. You can contact us by phone or send us a message using the link below: Contact Us \| Face-2-Face Telecommunications Tech \| Telecommunications Service Provider

Many small businesses will consider skipping over having a phone system and cite the cost of having one or not being big enough to justify clunky hardware. These are understandable reasons, though they misrepresent where small business phone systems are Technology impacts every aspect of life and has in recent years has transformed communication from the bottom up, especially in the business world. Due to the advent of the internet and how it has radically changed the way companies do business and how employees communicate, a business owner has several options for communication technology, i.e. a business phone system.

There are two primary business phone systems to choose from, which we’ll compare and contrast below to better enable you to choose which is best for your company.

What is a VoIP?

A VoIP phone is short for Voice over Internet Protocol phone, which is a type of communication technology using both hardware and software that enables the user to make phone calls via an internet connection instead of a landline. A good example of this kind of technology is a smartphone app or programs like Skype, though a VoIP phone can also be used in traditional phones too.

There are several popular features that a VoIP phone typically has, including:

Automatic Call Forwarding: a service feature that automatically takes calls to the VoIP phone line and redirects them to another line you’ve chosen. For example, rerouting a call to your cell phone when they’ve dialed your office.

Virtual Receptionist: This feature is also known as a virtual assistant and provides the same traditional service a receptionist would. It can deliver recorded messages, direct calls, and answer the phone. You’ve likely interacted with this technology when calling a customer support line.

Voicemail to Email: This is a VoIP service that transcribes voicemails and delivers them to you as an email. Please note that this technology isn’t a voice-to-text feature, but delivers an audio file to your email box rather than text.

How Does a VoIP Phone Work?

VoIP phones don’t use the traditional cables and wires as a traditional phone system does. Instead, they are connected using a broadband internet connection, the same as your computer. The VoIP phone converts calls into digital signals within the phone instead of relying on physical signal exchanges, like a traditional phone.

There are numerous methods a VoIP phone uses to work:

Via a computer, such as Google Voice or FaceTime. Also known as a “softphone”

An adapter with a traditional phone, plugging an adapter into a phone outlet, or your router converts a traditional phone into a VoIP.

A dedicated VoIP phone, this looks like a traditional phone but it can directly connect to a computer network instead of a phone line.

To use a VoIP system you’ll need a reliable internet connection, as the quality of the call depends on your internet connection. This makes security all the more important as your calls can be hacked without having a secure connection.

What is a Landline Phone?

A landline phone is the classic telephone that uses a solid core of twisted-pair copper wire and plugs into a two or four-pin wall jack. This technology hasn’t changed much since the late 1800s and is based on the analog technology of physical switch boxes and sending signals through a series of exchanges.

While the technology is quite old, it is still quite reliable.

VoIP vs. Landline

To choose the best phone system for your business, it’s important to compare and contrast the available technology.

VoIP Pros

Lower cost: due to calls taking place over the internet, you cut out additional costs related to traditional phone lines. Instead, you’re only charged for the internet access and you avoid multiple phone line costs.

Sound quality: A VoIP phone system has a clearer sound than a traditional phone, though it depends on your internet connection.

Functionality: Due to a VoIP system having additional features outside of just calls, there is enhanced functionality for the user, such as video calls, analytics, and voicemail-to-text transcription.

Location: A VoIP phone system can be used anywhere there is sufficient internet connection while an analog phone requires a direct hardwire connection.

VoIP Cons

Emergencies: Due to voice over IP being reliant on an internet connection, it may be difficult to contact an emergency call or be tracked to an accurate location since the call can be made anywhere. Some VoIP service companies have begun offering a 911 emergency auto-service and can detect your location or set by the user, which can be shared, but this depends on the system you’re using.

Internet dependence: A VoIP phone is completely dependent on the internet, which can make calls unreliable when away from a strong connection and dropped calls more likely.

Landline Phone Pros

Consistency and Reliability: Due to a landline phone being hardwire connected, the sound quality and call status are far more consistent. Meaning you don’t have to worry about dropped calls or the sound quality bouncing between poor and excellent.

Static Infrastructure: The landline phone systems aren’t in danger of transforming or falling by the waist side. While digital communication is becoming the new standard, it’s subject to further transformation and adaptation, which means a business phone system may need to be replaced in the future.

Landline Phone Cons

Cost: Landline phones are more expensive than a VoIP system as landlines are subject to taxes and additional fees from features added on.

Spam: A VoIP phone system usually has a feature that can detect spam phone calls while an analog landline does not. You’re far more susceptible to telemarketers with a landline phone, even if it’s a business phone.

Scaling: A landline phone system has many odds and ends to it, from wires to hardware. This makes it difficult to scale a small business phone system in any meaningful way without costing a lot. VoIP systems are much easier to upgrade and maintain when growing a business.

What’s Best for a Business Phone System?

This question greatly depends on the goals and function of your business. Knowing the key points discussing VoIP vs Landline phones can help you come to a greater understanding of what your business needs from a phone system and help avoid expensive experimentation.

We at F2F Telecommunications understand the needs of a small business phone system and can consult on what makes sense for your company. We encourage you to reach out to us and explore a business phone system that makes sense in today’s business world.

You can contact us by phone or send us a message using the link below:

To Learn More, Check Out F2F