From Giving Tuesday (the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving) through New Year’s Eve, many U.S. taxpayers choose to make charitable donations at the end of the year. Whether they give in the holiday spirit or after evaluating their impending tax liability, taxpayers who choose to make charitable donations can achieve significant tax savings—provided that they select their charities and plan their gifts carefully.

In 2020, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) provided guidance regarding the FBAR implications of holding cryptocurrency overseas. At the time, FinCEN made clear that “a foreign account holding virtual currency is not reportable on the FBAR (unless it is a reportable account . . . because it holds reportable assets besides virtual currency).” However, FinCEN also stated that it intended to propose amended regulations that would require FBARs for offshore cryptocurrency accounts.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently announced that it has extended the federal work opportunity tax credit through 2025. Like the employee retention credit offered for 2020 and 2021, Virginia businesses claiming the work opportunity tax credit must be careful, as improperly claiming eligibility can lead to liability for back taxes, interest and penalties.

Crowdfunding platforms have become popular tools for businesses to launch new products and services. Using these platforms allows businesses to secure funding without going into debt or giving up shares to venture capitalists, and it allows them to promote their new offerings in ways not available through other means.

With the gig economy bolstered by the COVID-19 pandemic and wages skyrocketing as businesses compete for qualified employees, many businesses are finding themselves increasingly reliant on independent contractors. While hiring employee contractors offers a variety of benefits—including tax benefits—businesses need to ensure that their “nonemployee” compensation practices are not putting them at risk for IRS penalties.