As we have discussed, taxes are certain, but as we have seen in 2017, tax laws can quickly change. In fact, they change every year, with 2017-2018 being one of the most significant in recent years. In this discussion, please research what some of these changes are for businesses and answer the following questions:
· What were the most significant changes in this new tax law?
· What would be the effect on a business for which you might work as an engineer
· Would there be any changes in the way businesses deal with depreciation?
· A big change in taxes and depreciation also occurred in the 1980s. Research and summarize the effects of the Accelerated Cost Recovery System (ACRS) on taxes and depreciation. What is your opinion of ACRS?
Sample Solution
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 made several significant changes to the U.S. tax code including reducing corporate taxes from 35% to 21%, significantly expanding deductions for businesses, increasing the deduction for pass-through business income, and introducing a one-time repatriation tax break. For an engineer working in a business, these changes would likely have positive impacts both directly and indirectly. Directly speaking, the lower rate of corporate taxes would mean that after-tax profits are greater which could translate into higher wages or bonuses as well as other incentives for employees within the business. Indirectly speaking, there is potential for increased economic activity due to businesses feeling less burdened by taxes—such as increased hiring/investment spending etc.—which could lead to more job opportunities in general.
Sample Solution
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 made several significant changes to the U.S. tax code including reducing corporate taxes from 35% to 21%, significantly expanding deductions for businesses, increasing the deduction for pass-through business income, and introducing a one-time repatriation tax break. For an engineer working in a business, these changes would likely have positive impacts both directly and indirectly. Directly speaking, the lower rate of corporate taxes would mean that after-tax profits are greater which could translate into higher wages or bonuses as well as other incentives for employees within the business. Indirectly speaking, there is potential for increased economic activity due to businesses feeling less burdened by taxes—such as increased hiring/investment spending etc.—which could lead to more job opportunities in general.