Bennett Thrasher Presents: Beyond The Ledger

Bennett Thrasher

Explore “Beyond the Ledger,” Bennett Thrasher’s podcast where advisors and industry leaders look past the numbers to uncover the strategies, risks, and opportunities shaping today’s businesses. Each episode delivers timely insights across tax, advisory, and technology to help provide clarity through confident advisement.

Episodes

  1. JAN 12

    Debt or Dividend: Structure, Rates, and Audit Exposure

    In this episode of Beyond the Ledger, host, Shardae Layfield, alongside the expertise of, Ben Miller and Abbas Raza discuss the complexities of financing transactions within the realm of transfer pricing. The guests discuss the importance of understanding inter-company debt versus payables, the necessity of proper documentation, and the common pitfalls companies face. They also explore how to establish arm's length interest rates, the implications of global tax authority expectations, and the use of safe harbor rates. The discussion emphasizes the need for companies to be proactive in managing their financing transactions to avoid potential audits and recharacterization issues. Takeaways Financing transactions are often overlooked in transfer pricing discussions.Documentation is crucial for defending inter-company loans during audits.Time can exacerbate small issues into significant problems in financing transactions.The IRS uses data analytics to identify potential issues in inter-company financing.Establishing arm's length interest rates requires understanding both borrower and lender perspectives.Common operational missteps can lead to significant tax implications.Safe harbor rates provide a useful tool for pricing inter-company loans.Debt to equity misalignments can trigger audits and recharacterization risks.Narrating a coherent story is essential for defending transfer pricing strategies.Foreign tax authorities may accept U.S. safe harbor rates if they do not disadvantage their tax base.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Financing Transactions 02:56 Understanding Inter-Company Debt vs. Payables 05:55 The Importance of Documentation in Financing Transactions 09:09 Identifying Red Flags in Inter-Company Financing 12:07 Establishing Arm's Length Interest Rates 15:14 Common Operational Missteps in Financing Transactions 18:13 Navigating Global Tax Authority Reactions 20:47 Utilizing Safe Harbor Rates in Financing Transactions 24:05 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

    50 min

  2. 2025-12-31

    The Multistate Tax Wake-Up Call: Are You Filing Where You Should Be?

    In this episode of Beyond the Ledger, host, Shardae Layfield, alongside the expertise of, Matthew Laney discusses the complexities of multi-state income tax, focusing on California's recent regulatory changes, the implications of federal legislation, and the nuances for professional service providers. He emphasizes the importance of understanding nexus, tax obligations, and the potential pitfalls for partnerships and corporations. The conversation also covers common mistakes in multi-state taxation, options for addressing missed filings, and strategies for compliance as the tax season approaches. Takeaways California's tax regulations are complex and evolving.Professional service providers face unique sourcing challenges.Recent federal legislation may impact state income taxes.Understanding nexus is crucial for tax compliance.Partnerships and corporations have different tax considerations.Common mistakes can lead to significant tax exposure.Voluntary disclosure can mitigate penalties for non-filers.Monitoring tax obligations is essential for compliance.Timely communication with tax advisors can prevent issues.Planning ahead is key to navigating tax season effectively.Chapters 00:00 California's Complex Tax Rules and Recent Amendments 12:56 Nuances for Professional Service Providers 16:51 Impact of Recent Federal Legislation on State Taxes 24:58 Understanding Nexus and Tax Obligations for Remote Sellers 26:07 Entity Structures and Tax Implications 35:26 Navigating Multi-State Tax Complexity 40:38 Common Missed Tax Filings 45:00 Remediation Options for Missed Filings 48:41 Final Thoughts for Tax Season Preparation

    51 min

  3. 2025-12-29

    Shake-Ups and Tax Wins: The OBBBA Edition Every Taxpayer Needs To Hear

    In this episode of Beyond the Ledger, Shardae Layfield, alongside the expertise of Ben Bowers, Nina Desai, and Duwayne Sibley discuss the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, focusing on its implications for taxpayers, including changes to tax deductions, R&D expensing, and new incentives for manufacturers. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the various provisions and deadlines associated with the legislation, providing insights into how individuals and businesses can optimize their tax strategies moving forward. Takeaways The One Big Beautiful Bill Act impacts individual taxpayers and businesses alike.Continuity and stability in tax provisions are key themes of the legislation.The state and local tax deduction cap has been expanded for certain taxpayers.Charitable contribution rules have been updated, allowing some deductions for non-itemizers.New deductions for tips and overtime are available for lower to middle-income workers.R&D expenses can now be fully deducted starting in 2025 for domestic expenses.Changes to the R&D tax credit include a requirement for expenses to be Section 174 expenses.100% bonus depreciation is reinstated, with specific rules for acquisition and service dates.Manufacturers can benefit from new incentives to write off buildings, but there are strict definitions and requirements.Attention to deadlines is crucial for maximizing benefits under the new tax laws.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the One Big Beautiful Bill (OB3) 03:08 Continuity and Stability for Taxpayers 08:11 State and Local Tax Deduction Changes 10:47 Charitable Contribution Rules Update 14:07 New Deductions for Tips and Overtime 17:53 R&D Expensing Changes Under OB3 22:09 Impact of Section 174 on R&D Credit 24:40 Understanding Changes to the R&D Tax Credit 28:51 Exploring Bonus Depreciation Rules 33:36 New Incentives for Manufacturers 40:16 Additional Changes in Depreciation and Expensing

    45 min

  4. 2025-12-15

    Going Global with Confidence: How BT Guides Transfer Pricing Success (Part 2)

    In Part 2 of this conversation, Shardae Layfield hosts Abbas Raza and Kyle Ergle to discuss the complexities of transfer pricing, focusing on the strategic and operational challenges businesses face. They explore the determination of service fees, the importance of accurate cost calculations, and the scrutiny from tax authorities. The discussion highlights common pitfalls companies encounter, the consequences of improper transfer pricing, and best practices for compliance to avoid penalties. Takeaways ·       Not all services are created equal in transfer pricing. ·       Service fees should include all direct and indirect costs. ·       Shared services complicate cost allocation across entities. ·       Tax authorities prioritize intercompany service agreements. ·       Common mistakes include not charging service fees and mischaracterizing services. ·       Documentation is crucial for compliance and defense against penalties. ·       Penalties can arise from improper transfer pricing practices. ·       Companies should maintain arm's length standards in transactions. ·       Clear policies and benchmarking are essential for compliance. ·       Support and proper documentation are key to successful transfer pricing.    Chapters 00:00 Understanding Transfer Pricing Fundamentals 04:31 Calculating Service Fees and Markups 10:02 Navigating Tax Authority Evaluations 13:48 Common Pitfalls in Transfer Pricing 19:03 Consequences of Improper Transfer Pricing 23:34 Best Practices for Compliance

    27 min

  5. 2025-12-15

    Going Global with Confidence: How BT Guides Transfer Pricing Success (Part 1)

    In this 2-part episode of Beyond the Ledger, host Shardae Layfield discusses the complexities of transfer pricing with experts Abbas Raza and Kyle Ergle from Bennett Thrasher. The conversation begins with a foundational understanding of transfer pricing, its significance in inter-company transactions, and the compliance challenges businesses face. The discussion then delves into the specifics of inter-company services transactions, including the benefits test that determines whether a service provides value. Finally, the experts outline the methods for pricing these transactions, emphasizing the importance of arm's length pricing and the various strategies businesses can employ to ensure compliance and efficiency in their operations. Takeaways ·       Transfer pricing involves related party transactions where value is transferred. ·       The transfer price is determined by the entity itself, not market forces. ·       Understanding the arm's length standard is crucial for compliance. ·       Inter-company services must provide a benefit to be compensated. ·       The benefits test helps identify valid inter-company service transactions. ·       Transactional methods offer higher comparability than profit-based methods. ·       Cost plus a markup is a common pricing strategy for services. ·       Businesses must ensure they are not duplicating services across entities. ·       Finding suitable comparables is essential for determining arm's length pricing. ·       Compliance with transfer pricing regulations is vital for avoiding costly pitfalls. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Transfer Pricing: The Basics 04:40 Inter-Company Services: What Counts? 11:10 Pricing Inter-Company Transactions: Methods and Strategies

    16 min

  6. 2025-12-08

    The Perfect Partnership: The Power Duo Solving Complex Business Challenges

    In this episode of Beyond the Ledger, Shardae Layfield, Sarah DeKreek, and Davis Reynolds discuss the importance of collaboration between advisory disciplines, particularly in the context of forensic accounting and valuation. They share insights from a recent engagement where their teams worked together to address a client's complex business challenges, emphasizing the benefits of reliable data, cost savings, and a multidisciplinary approach to client service. Whether you’re an attorney, business owner, or advisor navigating similar challenges, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Bennett Thrasher’s multidisciplinary approach helps uncover the full story and deliver meaningful outcomes that go beyond the numbers. Takeaways -Collaboration enhances understanding and efficiency in advisory services. -Forensic accounting plays a crucial role in validating financial data. -Reliable data is essential for accurate business valuation. -Working in-house allows for seamless communication and coordination. -A multidisciplinary approach provides comprehensive solutions for clients. -Cost savings are achieved through reduced duplication of efforts. -Building relationships within teams fosters a positive work environment. -Clients benefit from having a single point of contact for multiple services. -Effective teamwork leads to higher quality outcomes for clients. -Knowledge sharing between teams strengthens overall service delivery. Chapters 00:00 The Power of Collaboration in Advisory Services 05:04 Understanding the Client's Needs 10:05 The Role of Forensic Accounting 14:27 Integrating Valuation and Forensic Processes 18:18 The Impact of Reliable Data on Valuation 20:53 Benefits of a Multidisciplinary Approach 26:03 Cost Savings Through Collaboration 30:31 Memorable Moments in Teamwork 37:19 Reflections on Team Collaboration

    41 min

  7. 2025-11-19

    Rewriting the Script: Talent, Incentives & the Georgia Advantage

    In this episode of Beyond the Ledger, host Shardae Layfield and Peter Stathopoulos, Partner at Bennett Thrasher, explore why Georgia’s environment has become a magnet for emerging filmmakers, how the state’s tax incentives fuel its competitive edge, and why maintaining a strong, collaborative creative ecosystem is essential.  Georgia’s film industry stands at a pivotal moment... one shaped by diverse talent, unique storytelling, and a creative community unlike any other in the country. With discussions around potential changes to the film tax credit and the industry’s evolving landscape, we look ahead to what the future may hold for Georgia’s position as a national production powerhouse. Takeaways Georgia offers a unique opportunity for emerging film talent.The diversity in Georgia's population leads to unique storytelling.Maintaining a critical mass of creatives is essential.Tax incentives play a crucial role in the film industry.The environment for creatives must be supportive and collaborative.Georgia's film industry is distinct from other states.Creatives thrive in communities with other creatives.The film tax credit is vital for competitiveness.Changes to the tax credit may be necessary.The future of Georgia's film industry is currently under consideration.🔗 Learn more: btcpa.net | Follow Bennett Thrasher for more conversations that move business forward.

    24 min

  8. 2025-11-10

    Unlocking Hidden Value: Tax Incentives Every Real Estate Owner Should Know

    In this episode of Beyond the Ledger, host Shardae Layfield discusses tax incentives for real estate owners with experts Nina Desai and Duwayne Sibley from Bennett Thrasher. The conversation covers various tax credits available for R&D, the impact of recent legislation on these credits, and the importance of understanding cost segregation and energy efficiency incentives. The experts provide insights into how property owners can leverage these incentives to maximize savings and reinvestment opportunities. Takeaways ·       Tax incentives are crucial for property owners to understand. ·       R&D tax credits can offset research expenses for various industries. ·       Section 174 requires capitalization of R&D expenses, impacting tax strategies. ·       New forms for R&D credits require more detailed information from taxpayers. ·       Cost segregation studies can accelerate depreciation for real estate owners. ·       179D and 45L provide energy efficiency incentives for commercial and residential properties. ·       The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has made significant changes to tax incentives. ·       Qualified production property allows for 100% bonus depreciation in manufacturing. ·       Strategic planning is essential for utilizing tax credits effectively. ·       Understanding state-specific tax regulations is important for maximizing benefits. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Tax Incentives for Real Estate Owners 02:45 Exploring R&D Tax Credits and Misconceptions 05:46 Impact of Section 174 on R&D Tax Credit 10:02 Changes in R&D Credit Forms and Requirements 12:47 Leveraging Real Estate Tax Incentives 16:54 Evolving Real Estate Incentives with New Legislation 22:49 Clarifying Manufacturing Building Write-Offs 25:43 Energy Efficiency Incentives: 179D and 45L 28:32 Strategies for Capitalizing vs. Expensing

    35 min

  9. 2025-11-03

    Taxed by Surprise: What Every SaaS Company Should Know

    In this episode of Beyond the Ledger, host Shardae Layfield sits down with Stephen Bradshaw, Partner in Bennett Thrasher’s State & Local Tax practice, and Stephan Jiminez, Domestic Indirect Tax Lead at Anrok, to explore one of the most underestimated risks in the software industry- sales tax and compliance for SaaS businesses. Together, they reveal how unnoticed sales tax exposure can quietly reduce valuation, stall deals during due diligence, and lead to costly surprises for founders and CFOs. From automation and audit readiness to voluntary disclosure agreements and partnership best practices, the conversation offers a clear roadmap for scaling software companies to stay compliant and protect enterprise value. Listeners will learn: Why buyers prioritize sales tax in due diligenceHow exposure impacts cash flow and deal proceedsWhen to consider voluntary disclosure agreements (VDAs)Common pitfalls in tax automation and implementationHow collaboration between firms like Bennett Thrasher and Anrok drives better compliance outcomesWhether your SaaS company is preparing for growth, raising capital, or planning an exit, this episode offers practical insights to help leaders get compliance right before it’s too late. Learn more: btcpa.net | Follow Bennett Thrasher for more conversations that move business forward. Takeaways Sales tax exposure can directly reduce sale proceeds and company valuation.Buyers’ due diligence teams will always uncover compliance gaps.Many SaaS companies delay sales tax readiness until it’s too late.Automation is critical for scalable, multi-state compliance management.Incorrect product or service tax mapping can create six- or seven-figure liabilities.Voluntary Disclosure Agreements (VDAs) can reduce penalties and shorten lookback periods.Unfiled or late sales tax returns keep liabilities open indefinitely.Strategic partnerships between tax advisors and technology providers strengthen compliance posture.Under-collecting and over-collecting both create financial and reputational risk — accuracy is key.Proactive compliance improves valuation, investor confidence, and deal execution readiness.Chapters: 00:00 Understanding Sales Tax for Software Businesses 07:39 The Importance of Automation in Sales Tax Compliance 11:27 Collaboration Between Tax Advisors and Software Solutions 14:23 Navigating Tax Liabilities and Cash Flow Management 21:34 Responsibility for Sales Tax Liabilities 23:32 Common Pitfalls in Sales Tax Software Implementation 30:43 Overlooked Issues in Sales Tax Compliance

    38 min
  10. When Taxes Turn Turbulent: Navigating IRS & State Controversies

    2025-10-22

    When Taxes Turn Turbulent: Navigating IRS & State Controversies

    In this episode of Beyond the Ledger, host Shardae Layfield discusses tax controversies with experts, ⁠James Pickett⁠ and⁠ Chris Stephens⁠ from ⁠Bennett Thrasher⁠. They explore the definition of tax controversies, common misconceptions, the complexities of audits, and the differences between dealing with the IRS and state tax departments. The conversation also delves into the emotional aspects of tax disputes, the importance of power of attorney, and real-world case studies that highlight the challenges and resolutions in tax controversies. The experts emphasize the significance of experience and understanding procedures in navigating these often, intimidating situations.   Takeaways: Tax controversies involve disputes with the IRS or state tax agencies.Common misconceptions include the speed of resolution and the adversarial nature of audits.There are four main categories of tax controversies: audits, collections, penalties, and accounts management.Exams (audits) are generally the most complex due to detailed record requirements.State tax departments can sometimes be more challenging to deal with than the IRS.Emotional responses can complicate tax disputes, leading to poor decision-making.Power of attorney is crucial for effective representation in tax matters.Good record-keeping is essential for resolving tax disputes successfully.Understanding procedures can provide alternative routes for resolution.Experience in tax controversy can lead to more efficient and effective case handling. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Tax Controversies 02:57 Understanding Tax Controversies 05:54 Common Misconceptions and Categories 09:00 Complexities in Tax Audits 11:59 IRS vs. State Tax Departments 14:44 Emotional Aspects of Tax Controversies 17:45 Power of Attorney and Client Relationships 20:46 Real-World Case Studies 23:23 Navigating Procedures and Appeals 26:19 The Importance of Experience in Tax Controversies

    43 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

Explore “Beyond the Ledger,” Bennett Thrasher’s podcast where advisors and industry leaders look past the numbers to uncover the strategies, risks, and opportunities shaping today’s businesses. Each episode delivers timely insights across tax, advisory, and technology to help provide clarity through confident advisement.

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