Knowledge and Insights
Offering resources and insights that help clients and communities
One of the ways Mercadien accelerates client and community success is by continually enhancing and sharing knowledge. By offering our expertise and thought leadership on key business and industry trends and issues, we’re a better resource to you. It benefits everyone to keep minds sharp and fingers on the pulse of what’s critical in today’s dynamic environment.
We’re pleased to provide articles, news, and information to help you stay up-to-date on topics affecting your organization; learn about best practices and processes in relevant fields; and simplify the business and financial complexities you may face.
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Mercadien Webinar Replay: Common Audit Findings in PPP & Other Pandemic Relief Programs
November 20, 2020Melissa Correa, CRCM, Manager & David Healey, Supervising Senior Associate of Mercadien’s Financial Institutions Services Group presented a webinar Common Audit Findings in PPP & Other Pandemic Relief Programs on Tuesday, November 17th. During the webinar, they went over: Audit pitfalls as it relates to pandemic relief activities & the impact on risk management How to…Read More
Navigating the Changing & Growing Landscape of Banking Cannabis
November 19, 2020Cannabis is inclusive of marijuana, hemp and CBD. Recently, more states, including New Jersey, have legalized marijuana for recreational use and the number of states that have legalized marijuana use, whether recreational or medicinal, has grown exponentially. The regulatory risk exposure and financial benefit to financial institutions is significant. Has your institution considered its position…Read More
NJ Pass-Through Owners Can Now Either Fish the Tax Waters or Cut New Jersey BAIT
November 18, 2020 | By: Jane SyseskeyNew Jersey Pass-Through Business Alternative Income Tax (NJ BAIT) Act was passed in January 2020 and is effective for 2020. This act was designed to help business owners mitigate the negative impact of the federal state and local tax (SALT) deduction limitation of $10,000 on individual tax returns. Although there was initially some concern that…Read More
State & Local Government Entities – Are You Spending Your Relief Funds Properly?
November 12, 2020 | By: Matthew SmierciakThe Coronavirus Relief Fund, a product of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, distributed $150 billion of payments for specified uses to state and certain local governments. The governments that receive funding have flexibility when determining who to disperse the funds to, however the funds must be used on eligible expenses. Additionally,…Read More
Important Filing Information For 2020 Forms 1099 MISC & NEC
November 6, 2020For the 2020 tax year, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and State Taxing Authorities are requiring businesses to file Forms 1099 MISC and NEC (new for 2020) for any payments of $600.00 or more made to independent contractors that are not an S or C corporation in the course of your trade or business. These…Read More
Virtual Interviewing Techniques in a Remote Environment
November 5, 2020 | By: Jenniffer FoxInterviewing in a virtual environment can be a challenge to say the least. Regardless of whether the interview is human resources-focused or for investigative purposes, the challenges are similar and often include unpredictable technical failures, security and privacy concerns, issues with sharing documents and exhibits, limitations in assessing demeanor, body language and credibility, and more.…Read More
Fraudulent Unemployment Claims- Employers & Employees Be Aware & Vigilant
November 3, 2020 | By: Joyce KalsteinWhat is happening? The rise in unemployment filings and the expansion of jobless benefits in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have enabled an increase of fraud across the country. Your Human Resources department has a responsibility to respond quickly to fraudulent unemployment claims and assist employees whose personal information may have been compromised. Across several states, employers…Read More
Is Your Organization Utilizing All Available Relief Funds for Healthcare Providers?
November 3, 2020 | By: Matthew SmierciakThe Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act established and appropriated $175 billion the Provider Relief Fund. The Provider Relief Fund supports American families, workers, and the heroic healthcare providers on the front lines in the battle against the COVID-19 outbreak. Its mission is to issue relief funding to alleviate financial hardship caused by…Read More
How This Year’s Election Could Affect Your Year-End Tax Planning
October 29, 2020As year-end approaches, it is a good time to think about planning moves that may help lower your tax bill for this year and possibly next. Year-end planning for 2020 takes place during the COVID-19 pandemic, which in addition to its devastating health and mortality impact, has widely affected personal and business finances. New tax…Read More