Key Components of your Plan

Review Your Financial Position: Cash Flow, Payroll, and Business Savings

The foundation of operational efficiency is a clear understanding of your current financial position. Begin by reviewing your cash flow statements, ensuring every transaction is accounted for and reconciled. Positive cash flow is not just a sign of healthy business operations, it’s the fuel for growth, and new opportunities.

Don’t overlook the importance of a dedicated business savings account. This financial buffer can help you manage payroll, cover unexpected expenses, and invest in employee benefits that drive retention. AmeriCore’s advisors can help you structure your accounts for maximum flexibility and security. The right plan from AmeriCore ensures your business is always prepared for both challenges and opportunities.

Optimize Your Business Tax Strategy Plan: Credits, Deductions, and Capital Gains

Taxes are a major concern for every small business. Yet with the right strategy, they can also be a source of significant savings. AmeriCore’s tax professionals are experts at uncovering tax incentives, credits, and deductions that many businesses overlook. From R&D credits to employee benefit deductions, every dollar saved increases reinvestment opportunities for your business. If you’re planning to sell assets or considering an exit strategy, understanding capital gains implications is crucial. AmeriCore’s advisors work closely with your CPA or tax attorney to ensure you minimize capital gains taxes and maximize after-tax proceeds. Their integrated approach means you never leave money on the table—whether you’re reinvesting in growth or planning for succession.

Secure Capital Funding: Fuel Expansion and Innovation

Access to capital is the lifeblood of small business growth. The right capital funding strategy is essential. The right plan facilitates expanding your workforce, investing in new technology, or acquiring another business. AmeriCore’s Capital Access investors “act like a bank but think like a venture capitalist.” We provide flexible funding solutions that traditional banks often can’t match. Our innovative approach to capital funding includes off-balance sheet financing. This approach can improve your company’s financial profile and make you more attractive to investors or buyers. By aligning your funding strategy with your business goals, AmeriCore ensures you have the resources you need to seize new opportunities and drive operational efficiency.

Enhance HR, Employee Benefits, and Workforce Retention

Your people are your greatest asset. As you plan for the new year, take a close look at your HR policies, employee benefits, and retention strategies. Competitive benefits packages not only attract top talent but also improve morale and reduce turnover—key drivers of long-term success. AmeriCore’s Blue Apple Solutions include specialized programs for employee benefits and payroll optimization. Their Tax Credit Health Benefits program, for example, helps you unlock hidden tax credits while providing valuable benefits to your workforce. This dual approach strengthens your team and your bottom line, making your business more resilient and attractive to both employees and investors.

Streamline Business Operations for Maximum Efficiency

Operational efficiency is the secret weapon of high-performing small businesses. By streamlining processes, automating routine tasks, and leveraging technology, you can reduce costs and free up resources for strategic initiatives. AmeriCore’s advisors work with you to identify inefficiencies in your business operations and implement solutions that drive productivity. From payroll automation to integrated financial reporting, their expertise helps you build a lean, agile organization that’s ready to adapt and grow.

Plan Your Exit Strategy: Prepare for the Future

Every small business owner should have a clear exit strategy, whether you’re planning to sell, pass the business to the next generation, or simply step back from day-to-day operations. A well-crafted exit strategy protects your legacy, maximizes your return, and ensures a smooth transition for your workforce. AmeriCore specializes in helping business owners develop and execute exit strategies that align with their personal and financial goals. Their holistic approach considers everything from capital gains taxes to succession planning, ensuring you’re prepared for whatever the future holds.

Leverage Business Savings Accounts for Flexibility and Growth

A business savings account is more than just a rainy-day fund—it’s a strategic tool for managing cash flow, funding expansion, and supporting employee benefits. By maintaining a healthy balance, you can take advantage of new opportunities as they arise and weather unexpected challenges with confidence. AmeriCore’s advisors can help you optimize your business savings strategy, ensuring your funds are working as hard as you are. Whether you’re saving for a major investment, building a reserve for payroll, or planning for future growth, a well-managed savings account is a cornerstone of financial stability.

Why Choose AmeriCore?

AmeriCore stands out as a trusted partner for small businesses seeking to maximize efficiency, minimize taxes, and achieve sustainable growth. Their dedication to innovation, problem-solving, and client collaboration sets them apart in the world of financial advisory. 

With Blue Apple Solutions, you gain access to a team of experts who understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing small businesses. From tax planning and capital funding to HR and operational efficiency, AmeriCore delivers the integrated support you need to finish the year strong and plan even stronger for the future.

Ready to Transform Your Small Business?

Don’t leave your success to chance. As you close out the year, partner with AmeriCore to optimize your taxes, secure capital funding, enhance your workforce, and build a foundation for lasting growth. Visit AmeriCore’s website to connect with an advisor and discover how Blue Apple Solutions can help your small business thrive—today and tomorrow.

What Are RSUs?

RSU stands for Restricted Stock Unit. An RSU is a promise from your employer to grant you shares of company stock after you meet certain conditions—typically, staying with the company for a set period (the vesting schedule). Unlike stock options, RSUs do not require you to purchase shares; once vested, you receive them outright.

Key Features of RSUs

No Purchase Required: With RSUs, you don’t need to buy the stock. When the units vest, you automatically receive the shares, usually minus the shares withheld for taxes.

RSU Value at Vesting:

The value of your RSUs is based on the stock price at the time they vest. This means RSUs always have some value as long as the company’s stock is worth something.

Taxation:

In the year your RSUs vest, the value of the shares is taxed as ordinary income. You may also owe capital gains tax if you sell the shares later at a profit.

What Are Stock Options?

Stock options give you the right to purchase company stock at a fixed price (the exercise or strike price) within a specified period. Options typically fall into two categories: incentive stock options (ISOs) and non-qualified stock options (NSOs).

Key Features of Stock Options

Purchase Required: You must pay the exercise price to buy the shares. If the market price is higher than your strike price, you can profit by selling the shares.

Potential for Greater Upside:

If the company’s stock soars, stock options can lead to significant gains, although there’s no guarantee the stock will ever rise above the exercise price.

Taxation:

Taxes on stock options can be complex. For NSOs, the difference between the exercise price and the market value is taxed as ordinary income. For ISOs, you may qualify for favorable tax treatment if you meet holding requirements.

RSU vs. Stock Options: Which Is Better?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. RSUs are generally less risky because they always have value upon vesting, whereas stock options only have value if the stock price rises above the exercise price. RSUs provide more predictable income, making them attractive for employees who want certainty. Stock options, on the other hand, offer higher upside potential but come with more risk.

How Americore Can Help

At Americore, we help you understand the implications of RSU and stock option grants, including tax consequences and optimal strategies for selling or holding shares. Our financial planners tailor advice to your career stage, financial goals, and risk tolerance.

If you’re navigating equity compensation, Americore is your trusted partner for maximizing value and minimizing surprises. Contact us today to learn more about how RSUs and stock options can fit into your financial plan.

Give Them a Cash Bonus

It may cost the most, but it is still the most effective straightforward employee incentive for motivation and morale.  44 percent of workers say they would quit their jobs to earn more money at another.  Cash incentives can persuade them instead, to stay through the holiday rush.

Extra Time Off – One Of Several Employee Incentives That Motivate

When workers pull overtime hours or an incredibly long shift, even more attractive than cash in hand might be time off their feet.  The employee incentive of additional time off after the holidays can make up for the crazy hours during the holidays. It at least lets them know you recognize the hardships they endured and appreciate them.  Some employers give an extra paid vacation day or two.  Others increase sick days or give more flex time. Of these, the most popular with workers is the flex time.  CNBC reports 72 percent of workers prefer a flexible work schedule over full time in-office work.

Throw a 100% Tax Deductible Party

Did you take your holiday party virtual in 2020 and then sort of left it out in 2021?  Here’s a thought:  Offsite Holiday parties are a great opportunity to help your team relax together and build a cohesive bond, and they are usually completely tax deductible for the employer prior to January 2023.  The food does need to be purchases from a qualifying restaurant, meaning a business that prepares and serves food and drinks for immediate consumption whether on or off-premises.  This is strictly limited to meals, not to entertainment venues.

If you are confused about when the 100 percent applies, you can find the details here or call Americore to learn more about where the savings are this holiday season.

New Equipment

There are programs that can help finance new equipment, and the productivity boost is not the only benefit you’ll enjoy.  Employees working through the holidays will be more enthusiastic about straining to reach goals with new efficient equipment.  Talk to your workers to find out what their concerns are before making the final decision.  They are on the machines, and could have valuable feedback to share.

Professional Development Opportunities

Offering workers employee incentives like the opportunity for professional development can help raise morale and motivation at work.  As a reward for working through the holidays, supply chain organizations, for instance, could offer choices of development paths.  Complimentary classes, training seminar attendance or the chance to temp in another department are various motivational options.

Recognition

There’s an old phrase, praise publicly and correct privately.  By recognizing a job well done, you raise at least one employee’s morale, and create a friendly competition that leads to better performance by others as well.  The praise can be on a Bulletin board, or “Wall of Fame” or announcement, a bonus, vacation day or material prize.

Benefits That Prove An Employer Cares

If your employees have a great attitude and are performing well this holiday season, let them know you appreciate it.  It doesn’t have to be as expensive as you think.  Ask Dennis Bays about how offering healthcare benefits can not only improve employee retention, but give you cash back too.

There are many ways to let your employees know you appreciate them.  They may add to productivity and morale, but some can also put cash in your pocket.  Contact us or call our Americore office at 747-224-8110 and learn which programs can save you money too.

If you’re a US Business Owner, you need to attend this Tax Savings Summit. It will reveal industry experts’ secrets for reducing tax bills and it’s just around the corner. The virtual tax savings summit doors open on August 29. Over a three day period, attendees will have access to the networking roundtable, Speaker Q&A breakout rooms and a Tax Savings Workshop.

The Tax Savings Summit is the Best Time Investment this Year.

We know you’re busy, so the Tax Savings Summit is organized to make the most of your time. It is chock full of successful advisors speaking on ways to lower your tax bill without raising any flags. These guest speakers have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, HuffPost, Forbes, ABC News, Entrepreneur and The Washington Post. They are consummate professionals, with critical information to share on tax savings and various methods of legitimately growing your wealth.

Americore’s own Dennis Bays is speaking on August 29^th  on Employee Preventative Health Program.  We hope small business owners will attend to learn how to improve employee retention, while saving money on mandated health benefits. We think you’ll love this, and other tax saving and wealth preservation topics covered by summit speakers.

It’s the Best Financial Investment this year

The cost of the summit is incredibly low. You don’t have to travel to it because it’s virtual. There are no registration fees but for a small add-on, you can get the All-Access Pass which includes 18 additional BONUS speaker interviews.

Add the VIP experience too, for a more personalized event. As a VIP, you’ll  receive a swag box delivery and 3 exclusive LIVE sessions with the summit host and other speakers. Here’s the thing, regardless of the level of access you pick, this is a great opportunity to learn more legitimate ways to save taxes and grow wealth.

There is Still Time to Register

Because the Tax Savings Summit is a virtual event this year, we’ve been able to accept more registrants. That means there is still time to register and enjoy the full benefits of the event. But the event is in eleven days, so register now to secure your opportunity to get critical wealth preservation information. It will be your most valuable 3 days of the summer, and it won’t encroach on Labor Day weekend celebrations.

Why So Many Tax Savings Summit Speakers?

Not all growth methods fit your situation, but in a room full of experts, your chances of finding a good fit go up exponentially. The Tax Savings Summit guest speakers bring a wide range of experience and knowledge. You listen and then choose the right solutions for your tax savings and wealth preservation.

If you’re a client of Dennis Bays at AmericoreUSA.com, for instance, you’re familiar with his wide range of financial expertise. His knowledge in government and investor programs designed for small businesses, has saved millions of dollars for US entrepreneurs. What you may not realize, is the importance of being of service to  US-based business owners. Dennis’ participation in the Tax Savings Summit is one more way he shares his time and knowledge for the benefit of others. If you’re ready to start a conversation, call our office at 747-224-8110 or contact us here. Tell your Americore Group financial advisor about your goals, and we’ll tell you how we  can help you make that happen.

Act Now to Get The ERTC Assistance You Need

The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) is a program offering assistance to businesses still hurt by COVID.  We can help you get what’s owed you, because we’re working with one of the country’s best recovery organizations.  Since the program is wrapping up, now is the time to act.  What follows are bullet points that outline the program.

• ERTC Program is part of the CARES Act of 2020
• Currently a business can get up to $28,000 per employee
• Business has to pay earnings by W2
• Businesses that took PPP loans ARE eligible now
• Gross Revenue for 2020 should be 50% less than 2019
• Gross Revenue for 2021 should be 20% less than 2019

Note: The August 2021 change allows for “No” decline in Revenue if a COVID mandate was in place. If you think this may apply, we need to have a detailed conversation to understand the business activity affected.

Who Can Qualify for Assistance 

While the current Employee Retention Tax Credit, or ERTC program ended on December 31st, 2021, it can be claimed up to three years from last tax filing or when program funds run out.  That means you are not too late to get the help you need.  Moreover, Traditionally excluded organization, like non-profit organizations may qualify to claim.  Businesses in the cannabis industry can qualify to claim.  Even if a company DID NOT SHUTDOWN, they can still qualify to claim.

Necessary Documents to Qualify for Assistance

There are required documents for full company qualification.  Since the documents are similar to what you need for any financing, you won’t be surprised.  We will need:

• Any PPP loan information such as the loan amount and dates covered
• 2019, 2020, 2021 Payroll reports broken into quarters and listed employees
• All 941’s – Payroll Filings
• Healthcare insurance costs by employee by month
• Stated Gross Revenue for each year

Startup Companies Specifics

Startup companies in 2020 and 2021 do not have 2019 information to compare to. Therefore they have a $1,000,000 gross revenue cap. If this applies to you, we should have a specific discussion based on industry. For Example: A tractor sales location representing multiple brands may sell five units and reach the one-million-dollar revenue. We would only count the “Gross Profit” of the item, not the Total Revenue.

How the Process Works

Once the documentation is completely submitted, the analysis is typically completed in three to five business days. Clients will be required to sign an agreement prior to completion and pay for the submission to be filed with the IRS. The submission fee is only $300.  Our service will verify with IRS that the file was accepted and closed out before invoicing for the service.  You will have verification that the checks have been sent to you before you are invoiced for the service.

None of the process is conducted blind.  Contact your Americore representative for details or to schedule a discovery call with a program advocate.

Tax credits, as opposed to tax deductions are incentives issued to businesses for certain activities.  They may be issued for purchasing energy efficient vehicles, converting to renewable energy and building with green materials.  Tax credits may actually save more tax money than deductions.  Go over your unique financial situation with your accountant to check which credits benefit you.

Purchases

Purchases for businesses may qualify for a tax credit, if use of the equipment, vehicle, or facility begins in the year when you claim the tax credit.

Coronavirus Tax Credits

Employee retention credit was developed to motivate businesses to keep employees working in spite of Coronavirus related loss of revenue.  There are also tax credits to help employers pay for sick leave and family leave for employees affected by COVID-19.  The latter can pay up to 80 hours, or 2 weeks of 100% paid sick leave per employee.  There are caps, and restrictions, such as when employee can’t work due to:

• government ordered quarantine,
• health care provider recommended quarantine, 
• presence of COVID-19 symptoms and seeking a medical diagnosis.   

If the employee is a care giver, they may receive 66.7% of their pay up to 80 hours if eligible due to:

• care of someone in a COVID-19 related quarantine
• care of a child whose school or place of care (daycare etc.) is closed due to COVID-19
• having substantially similar conditions to the two prior situations.

Other Small Business Key Relief Programs

Paycheck Protection Program protected many employees and employers in 2020.  New funds were added to the PPP program in 2021. 

Main Street Lending Program was created for small and medium-sized businesses.  This is used instead of, or in addition to Paycheck Protection Program Loans.

The Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program gives quick cash to businesses as they apply for economic injury disaster assistance.

Employee Retention Credit reduces payroll taxes for employers who agree to keep employees on the payroll.

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance extends unemployment benefits to those not covered by regular unemployment compensation, including self-employed individuals.

Paid Family Leave for Employees

Recently I came across an article on things your financial advisor may not tell you.  It was a poignant reminder that it is vitally important for your financial advisor to have business financial advisory experience. Americore professionals have that experience and are willing to provide references.

Experience Blue Apple Programs

Americore professionals have decades of financial experience.  They spent those decades becoming excruciatingly familiar with “Blue Apple” programs so their clients can benefit from these programs.  Ask your Americore professional about incentives, and he might tell you about one recently revealed incentivized health care plan.  Especially in this time, employees are concerned about healthcare coverage.  Employers funnel an inordinate amount of money into covering their employees with a good, but “affordable” healthcare plan.  But Americore found a healthcare plan for employees that pays employers to implement.  Imagine actually getting paid while your employees get the care they needed. 

Employee Retention

Perhaps you are looking at employee retention.  Motley Fools at fool.com reminds us that hiring replacement employees is expensive. Can cost you up to $15,000.  Americore offers consulting services that can help guide you in ways to first, make sure you find the right candidates.  We can guide you to onboarding best practices.  And once you have the right people, let Americore connect you to incentive programs to offset your employee recognition and appreciation costs.  The perks are another way you communicate to your employees that you appreciate them. 

Growth Funding

It may surprise some to learn that many businesses flourished in 2020.  The business models changed, and may continue to change for the future.  While some retail waded through 2020, others fortified their online presence, offering more robust online consumer experiences.  That is a change financial pundits do not see reversing itself in the near future.  It merely speeded up online consumer buying trends that were already shifting.  Americore connects clients to growth funding programs that facilitate changing now to take advantage of opportunities in 2021 and beyond.

Telemedicine

This is another fairly recent evolution in employee care.  What is great about it, other than reduction in spread of COVID19, is the reduction in down time.  Instead of taking a whole day off to visit a doctor, an employee can login to a session to real time medical care by licensed, qualified medical professionals. 

Rebates

In 2017 Florida’s economic development officials decided the way to attract businesses to the sunshine state was to offer more incentives.  Florida officials were especially frustrated after the space Command headquarters went to Alabama after incentives were cut.  What followed was the Qualified Tax Incentive program offering tax rebates to targeted industries.  The QTI program offered tax refunds ranging from $3,000 to twice that in rural counties.  Another job creation program, known as the job growth grant fund, is available on a national level.  The job growth grant fund offers rebates for employers willing to hire skilled labor at hourly wages that exceed minimum wage.  These are only a few of the hundreds of programs that Americore tracks across the United States. 

We don’t replace your team of advisors; we empower them to facilitate the growth and wellness of your business.  Enjoy the difference that an experienced Americore business advisor offers. We should have a conversation.  You’ll be glad we did.