Cherry Bekaert: The Tax Beat

Cherry Bekaert

Cherry Bekaert’s podcast for tax services where we discuss developing trends and market dynamics as well as tax and accounting tips that could impact your business.

  1. JAN 20

    International Tax Basics for Middle-Market CFOs

    As cross-border activity becomes increasingly common for middle-market companies, international tax considerations are no longer limited to large multinationals. From transfer pricing and tariffs to global tax compliance and planning, businesses expanding overseas face greater complexity and heightened scrutiny from tax authorities worldwide. Understanding where value is created, how intercompany transactions should be priced, and how global tax rules interact is critical for managing risk and supporting sustainable international growth. In this episode, Brooks Nelson, Tax Partner, and Sarah McGregor, Tax Director, are joined by Nelson Yates, Partner and International Tax Leader, to discuss key cross-border tax issues middle-market CFOs and business leaders should have on their radar. They break down transfer pricing fundamentals, explore how tariffs intersect with intercompany pricing, and share practical considerations for companies entering or expanding in foreign markets. Listen to learn more about: 02:30 – Transfer pricing basics and why it matters04:10 – How governments view cross-border profit allocation06:27 – Intercompany services, IP, and value drivers10:38 – Marketing intangibles and local market investment11:55 – Practical steps CFOs can take today14:45 – Transfer pricing documentation and penalty protection16:35 – Tariffs and their interaction with transfer pricing20:20 – Global tax planning and compliance implications22:42 – International expansion costs and best practicesRelated Guidance  Article: Navigating the International Tax Landscape After 2025 Tax Reform

    28 min
  2. 04/09/2025

    IRS Changes and Challenges in 2025 Explained

    As we navigate through changes brought by the new administration in 2025, there are significant developments within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that will impact taxpayers and tax professionals. The IRS is aiming to streamline its operations while facing the challenge of reduced staffing levels. With proposed federal workforce reductions and shifts in technology modernization efforts, understanding how these developments will affect IRS operations is crucial for maintaining compliance and efficiency in tax practices.  In this episode, Brooks Nelson, Partner and Strategic Tax Leader, and Sarah McGregor, Tax Director, are joined by Ron Wainwright, Tax Partner, and Kasey Pittman, Tax Managing Director. Together, they delve into the announced changes to the IRS workforce, discuss potential impacts on taxpayers and explore the ongoing technological transformations within the agency.  Listen to learn more about: 02:02 – IRS workforce reductions05:02 – Changes in IRS leadership08:39 – IRS Priority Guidance Plan12:33 – Technology modernization17:19 – Impact on taxpayers19:12 – Taxpayer assistance proposal22:14 – Best practices with the IRS  Related Guidance  Article: Tracking Tax Reform: The Reconciliation ProcessArticle: Recent IRS Guidance for the Definition of EmployeeArticle: IRS Issues Final Regulations Impacting Micro-Captive Insurance ArrangementsArticle: IRS Guidance for Theft Losses From Online ScamsWebinar Recording: Clean Energy Incentives, Prevailing Wage & Apprenticeship: IRS Insights

    28 min
  3. 03/24/2025

    Micro-Captives and IRS Final Rules Explained

    Earlier this year, final regulations were issued under Prop. Reg. Section 1.6011-10, setting forth the criteria that classify certain micro-captive insurance arrangements as listed transactions or transactions of interest. These designations require extensive tax return disclosures and impact all parties, including related entities.  As micro-captives continue to be a focal point for Internal Revenue Service (IRS) enforcement, understanding these regulations is crucial for businesses aiming to maintain compliance and avoid potential penalties. Micro-captive insurance arrangements have long been a topic of concern for the IRS due to their potential for abuse in tax planning. The recent regulations aim to address these concerns by providing clear guidance on what constitutes a reportable transaction.  In this episode, Brooks Nelson, Partner and Strategic Tax Leader, and Sarah McGregor, Tax Director, are joined by Rick Woods, Tax Partner. Together, they dive into the implications of these regulations, discuss IRS enforcement efforts and explore what constitutes a listed transaction versus a transaction of interest. Listen to learn more about: 04:11 – IRS interest in micro-captives06:01 – Section 831(b) in micro-captives08:29 – IRS history with micro-captives11:48 – Criteria for micro-captive transactions17:13 – Reporting micro-captive transactions19:49 – Exceptions in micro-captive coverage21:24 – Exiting micro-captive arrangements22:37 – Economic reasons for micro-captives24:30 – Risk management in micro-captives Related Guidance  Article: IRS Issues Final Regulations Impacting Micro-Captive Insurance Arrangements

    29 min
  4. 02/11/2025

    Financial Statement Reporting & Disclosure Changes in 2025

    Navigating the complex terrain of financial statement reporting and income tax disclosures is a major challenge for companies as they face heightened regulatory scrutiny and evolving standards. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) continues to introduce significant updates, including ASU 2023-09, which requires greater transparency and more detailed reporting of tax provisions. These changes reshape how companies present their tax positions within financial statements, emphasizing the need for robust systems and strategies to manage increased disclosure requirements. As organizations continue adapting to these standards in 2025, understanding tax provisions and their implications remains essential for maintaining compliance and demonstrating financial integrity. In this episode, Brooks Nelson, Partner and Strategic Tax Leader and Sarah McGregor, Tax Director, are joined by William Billips, Tax Partner, and Lisa Macri, Tax Director. Together, they explore key tax legislation updates from 2024 and strategies for navigating the road ahead.  This discussion is crucial for finance professionals seeking to build on last year’s adjustments and ensure their organizations remain prepared for the evolving landscape of tax reporting. Listen to learn more about:  03:30 – Understanding ASC 74004:25 – Common challenges with ASC 74005:44 – Upcoming changes with ASU 2023-0907:21 – Rate reconciliation and disaggregation requirements08:33 – Preparing for ASU 2023-09 implementation09:32 – Transferability of energy credits10:45 – Acquisitions and dispositions key considerations11:50 – Pass-through entities and tax reporting14:20 – Anticipating future tax law changes16:37 – Planning for legislative changes  Related Guidance  Newsletter: The Rundown: Fourth Quarter 2024 GuideArticle: Unlocking Opportunities: The Evolving Market for Clean Energy Tax Credits

    21 min
  5. 11/11/2024

    Disaster Losses & Casualty Gains for 2024 Taxes: IRS Guidelines

    In 2024, a year marked by numerous natural disasters, the IRS has stepped up to provide taxpayers with crucial relief measures. More than 60 disaster relief notices have been issued, offering postponement of tax return filing and tax payment due dates for individuals and businesses across various U.S. counties. This relief is vital as individuals and businesses begin the challenging recovery process, which often involves navigating insurance claims and understanding loss deductions for the first time.  The federal tax law provides rules for those claiming losses as a result of damages to business, investment and personal use property. Federal tax rules also benefit those who might realize a casualty gain when insurance proceeds exceed the cost or basis of damaged property. In this episode, Tax Services Partner Brooks Nelson, Tax Director Sarah McGregor, and Tax Services Partner Mark Giallonardo join together to discuss IRS disaster filing relief, tax gains and losses resulting from property damage in federally declared disasters, and the impact of the TCJA on these claims.  Listen to learn more about:  03:47 – How the TCJA Affects Casualty Loss Deductions05:32 – Methods for Assessing Fair Market Value07:20 – Individual Loss Claims: TCJA Limitations Explained08:40 – Business Loss Claims: Navigating TCJA Restrictions09:55 – Understanding Timing Rules for Casualty Losses12:45 – Strategies to Prevent Tax Gains When Claiming Losses14:12 – Navigating the IRS Disaster Relief Funding Process Related Insights Article: Navigating Hurricanes and Tax Relief: Guidance from the IRS and State Tax AuthoritiesArticle: The Trump-Era Tax Cuts Expiring in 2025

    21 min
  6. 11/06/2024

    Employee Retention Credit (ERC): New IRS Updates & Guidance

    The employee retention credit (ERC) remains a hot topic as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has opened a new window for its voluntary disclosure program, allowing employers to withdraw their claims. While the IRS is processing and paying out refunds for the ERC, it has also introduced new conditions that seem to disqualify certain wages from eligibility. In response, some eligible employers are beginning to take legal action to compel the IRS to address their pending refund claims. In this episode, Tax Services Partner Brooks Nelson and Tax Director Sarah McGregor are joined by Partner and Tax Credits & Incentives Advisory Practice Leader Martin Karamon. Together, they discuss the complexities of the ERC and the IRS's actions to address both legitimate and dubious claims. Listen to learn more about:  02:23 – ERC overview04:34 – IRS moratorium updates06:32 – IRS timeline for resuming new claims09:06 – 8/15 ERC voluntary disclosure program 10:58 – Sources for employer VDP info12:48 – IRS 12 signs of incorrect ERC claims 14:56 – ERC claim payment status amid IRS audits15:58 – Trends in employer lawsuits for refunds Related Insights Article: Avoiding the Risk of Incorrect Employee Retention Credit ClaimsWebinar: The Employee Retention Credit: 2024 UpdatesArticle: 2024 Most Frequently Asked Questions about the Employee Retention Credit (ERC)Article: Understanding IRS’ Voluntary Disclosures Program for Employee Retention Credit (ERC) Claims

    22 min
  7. 09/06/2024

    Maximize Tax Savings with Section 179D and Cost Segregation

    The Section 179D Energy Efficient Commercial Building Deduction (Section 179D) and cost segregation studies can help commercial building owners save significantly on taxes. Section 179D provides a tax deduction for new construction and renovations to the HVAC, interior lighting and building envelope, while cost segregation studies help identify assets with shorter depreciable lives. When paired together, they create the best opportunity for building owners to maximize tax savings and increase cash flow by identifying and accelerating depreciation on energy-efficient assets.  The expansion of the Section 179D deduction through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) offers even more incentives for building owners, architects, engineers and design-build contractors who create technical specifications before and during the construction process. Utilizing these options can significantly reduce a building owner's tax liability and improve cash flow. Cost segregation studies analyze the parts of a commercial building to identify assets with shorter depreciable lives allowing owners to accelerate their depreciation deductions and reduce taxable income.  In this episode, Brooks Nelson, Tax Partner and Sarah McGregor, Tax Director, are joined by Glenn LeMieux, Tax Credits & Incentives Advisory Director, and Andre Kohn, Tax Credits & Incentives Advisory Senior Associate. Together, they discuss federal tax credits and incentives related to clean energy, energy-efficient buildings and cost segregation opportunities. Listen to learn more about:  03:28 – Cost segregation study background07:02 – Applications of cost segregation 08:52 – Cost segregation study process 10:42 – Section 179D background 14:57 – Qualifying for Section 179D17:01 – Energy-efficient improvements  18:58 – Prevailing wage updates23:51 – Strong candidates for these incentives27:20 – Combining Section 179D and cost segregation  Related Guidance  Article | Designing for Efficiency: How the 179D Tax Deduction Benefits A&E Firms and the EnvironmentPodcast | 179D Energy-Efficient Commercial Buildings Deduction for Not-for-ProfitsWebinar | Maximize Tax Savings Through Cost Segregation, Section 179D, and Section 45L Approach and Client Success StoriesArticle | Factors to Consider When Seeking Cost Segregation and Section 179D Study Service Providers

    34 min

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About

Cherry Bekaert’s podcast for tax services where we discuss developing trends and market dynamics as well as tax and accounting tips that could impact your business.