Running a Small Business and the Hobby Loss Rule

Through her Houston-based accounting and financial planning practice, Sue Ann Ma, CPA, offers small business owners knowledge tax advice. One aspect that Sue Ann Ma’s entrepreneurial clients should be aware of when positioning their businesses toward profitability is the “hobby loss rule.”

The rule comes into effect when a business does not make a profit for an extended period of time and becomes classified as a hobby. In general, a business must turn a profit at least 2 years out of any 5-year period (industry-specific exceptions exist in areas such as horse racing). When the IRS delivers a hobby classification, tax deductions are no longer claimable against other revenue. In effect, losses incurred are no longer considered to be business deductions.

Reversing this IRS decision requires demonstrating a consistent intent of making a profit over the years. This requires documentation of how funds were spent on the business and how they relate to actually running operations. In cases where you claim business deductions after the IRS has classified it as a hobby, an audit may be initiated. In this situation, be prepared to make a compelling case through a combination of receipts, business plans, and records.

Some Benefits of Volunteer Teaching English as a Second Language

Sue Ann Ma earned her bachelor’s degree from Taiwan Normal University and her MBA from Lamar University in the Houston, Texas suburb of Beaumont. In addition to her academic credentials, she is a certified public accountant (CPA) and a designated Master Certified Estate Planner. She also holds a life and health insurance license. Among Sue Ann Ma’s many goals is to share her knowledge by volunteering to teach English as a second language (ESL).

Many who move to the United States have little or no ability to speak English, a crucial skill without which many of life’s choices are limited. Many such immigrants cannot afford the costs of professional training. Fortunately there are countless programs, often sponsored by schools and libraries, civic groups, and faith-based organizations, that offer these classes to immigrants for free.

Volunteering to teach English as a second language can be at least as rewarding for the teacher as it is for the students. The teachers know that they’re truly helping someone, and in the process, they’ll generally learn more about English themselves. Another benefit is that ESL teachers gain a greater appreciation for how hard it is for an adult to learn English, as they watch the students forge ahead despite the challenges.

ESL teachers may make scores of new friends, both from among their students and from the other instructors in the organization. Related to this are the twin benefits of expanding one’s professional network and resume-building. Time spent teaching ESL not only enhances a resume with quality content, it can also help fill gaps between jobs.

Strategies for Meaningful, Productive ESL Lessons

 

ESL Lessons
Image: edutopia.org

An established Houston accountant, Sue Ann Ma leads Seminal Financial Group, Inc., as president and provides coordinated services that include bookkeeping and tax planning. Sue Ann Ma supports nonprofits such as the American Red Cross and would like the opportunity teaching children English as a second language (ESL) in the future.

One ESL strategy is introducing vocabulary and language that is carefully targeted to the lesson at hand. The use of universal themes and meaning-based context helps ensure that the material is applicable to real-life situations in which students have interest. Common examples include going out to eat in a restaurant or taking a trip to the beach with friends.

As lessons progress, authentic assessments are used as a method of evaluating students’ understanding of material. A key aspect of this is realizing that the students will often be unable to demonstrate their understanding of the concepts learned using advanced language skills. For this reason, the ESL teacher must take time to understand each student’s abilities and particular way of conveying knowledge.

American Red Cross of Greater Houston Hosts Third Annual Golf Outing

 

American Red Cross of Greater Houston
Image: redcross.org

A graduate of Lamar University’s MBA program, Sue Ann Ma serves as president of Seminal Financial Group, Inc. in Houston, Texas. A philanthropic individual, Sue Ann Ma supports the American Red Cross.

Founded by Clara Barton in 1881, the American Red Cross helps people dealing with emergencies. The non-profit organization coordinates volunteers and uses the support of donors to help those in the time of need. In addition, it provides care, shelter, and blood during these emergencies.

To reach as many people as it can, the American Red Cross has chapters throughout the world, one of which is in the greater Houston area. This chapter began in 1916 and has helped people deal with floods, hurricanes, fires, and explosions.

To help this chapter raise funds to support its endeavors, it sponsors several fundraising events, including golf tournaments. The third annual Red Jacket Fall Golf Classic, scheduled for November 8, 2017, takes place at the Fazio Clubhouse at Carlton Woods. Teams of four receive lunch, dinner, and a round of golf. They also have access to one caddie per team. Afterward they can participate in a silent auction.

Estate Planning Reduces Federal Estate Tax Burden

 

Estate Planning
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The former vice president of Hibernia Bank, Sue Ann Ma now serves as the president of Seminal Financial Group, Inc. A certified public accountant, Sue Ann Ma offers her clients various financial services including estate planning.

Estate taxes can be costly. There are essentially two types: federal estate taxes and state estate taxes.

If you live in Texas, you need not worry about state estate taxes because the state does not levy the tax on inheritances. However, you may have to pay the tax if you inherit property from a relative who lived in a state that levies estate tax.

Texas residents are eligible to pay federal estate taxes if they leave behind property worth more than the federal estate tax threshold, which currently stands at $5.4 million. The threshold adjusts with inflation, so it may change from time to time. A person who passes away and leaves behind an estate worth more than the threshold will pay federal estate taxes from the estate. Levied at 35% of everything above the threshold and payable in cash, the tax is very costly. Thankfully, estate planning helps people reduce their estate tax burden, ensuring their spouses, children, and other relatives inherit as much as they deserve.

A Brief Overview of Chinese Dining Etiquette

Chinese Dining Etiquette
Image: chinahighlights.com

For more than 16 years, Sue Ann Ma has provided clients of the Seminal Financial Group, Inc., a variety of bookkeeping and tax-planning services as a certified public accountant (CPA) and the company president. Beyond her professional activities, Sue Ann Ma enjoys travelling internationally. She likes to try local food on her trips and has become particularly fond of Chinese cuisine.

Sampling local dishes is one of the most exciting benefits of traveling abroad and represents a unique window on the culture of another country. At the same time, travelers are advised to learn and adhere to local dining customs and traditions.

When dining as a guest in China, for example, individuals must view every meal as a special occasion. Guests should dress nicely, find out if they are expected to bring the host a gift or dessert, and, most importantly, arrive on time. In China, elders are highly respected, and travelers must remember never to begin eating before seniors at the table have started. In fact, a meal may not officially begin until an elder declares, “Let’s eat.”

When it comes to etiquette, Chinese table manners often resemble Western manners. That said, travelers should realize that there are subtle differences and that any breach of etiquette can be viewed as much more offensive than at home. A diner should never reach across the table for a serving dish but, instead, eat from the dishes nearest to his or her place at the table. Should an individual need to sneeze or dispose of unwanted food, it is best to do so away from the table, out of sight of the other diners.

Other aspects of dining etiquette are unique to China. For instance, individuals who have not mastered eating with chopsticks should refrain from using them at all, rather than skewering pieces of food and eating off the stick. Chinese meals often feature a number of small dishes, so diners must remember to sample a little of each plate, rather than finishing a tasty dish before others at the table have had a chance to try it.

Requirements of the Master Certified Estate Planner Credential

 

Master Certified Estate Planner
Image: nicep.org

Sue Ann Ma is an experienced finance and accounting professional who serves as president of Seminal Financial Group in Texas. A graduate of Lamar University, Sue Ann Ma holds several certifications including Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Master Certified Estate Planner (MCEP) credentials.

A professional membership organization that represents the estate planning profession, the National Institute of Certified Estate Planners (NICEP) administers the MCEP and CEP certifications. To earn the credential, candidates must qualify by first holding a professional license in a financial, legal, or tax field prior to enrolling in the course. The educational component of the certification consists of a series of eight online self-study modules. In addition, candidates must participate in 16 hours of interactive discussion that covers the educational material.

The NICEP recommends candidates spend five to six months of preparation time prior to taking the final certification exam. Following the exam, which is a proctored test, candidates must complete eight hours of continuing education requirements every two years to maintain the MCEP certification. For additional information on the certification, visit www.nicep.org.

Stay Prepared and Connected with the Red Cross Mobile App Series

American Red Cross
Image: redcross.org

A Certified Public Accountant and Master Certified Estate Planner, Sue Ann Ma provides a variety of financial services as a president of Seminal Financial Group, Inc., in Houston, Texas. Alongside her activities as an accountant, Sue Ann Ma supports the American Red Cross.

In a recently released statement, the American Red Cross announced that over 1 million people have now downloaded its free Blood Donor App. Launched in 2014 as part of the Red Cross mobile app series, the smartphone application gives Red Cross donors the ability to find donation sites, schedule appointments, and track their donations while on the go.

Since its release, the Blood Donor App, which received a 2016 Webby Award, has led to approximately 988,000 donation appointments. The Blood Donor App and the Red Cross’ popular Emergency App and First Aid App are all available for both Android and iPhone devices.

In addition to these tools, the organization’s mobile app series features applications focused on disaster and emergency preparedness as well as veterans’ services.

Tips Before Donating Blood to the Red Cross

 

Donating Blood
Image: redcrossblood.org

A certified public accountant, Sue Ann Ma owns and heads her own accounting firm based in Houston, Texas. Sue Ann Ma is a supporter of the Red Cross.

The Red Cross plays a crucial function in the United States health care system as it is the nation’s largest individual blood and blood products supplier. It collects and processes around 40 percent of the country’s blood supply. For those who want to donate blood, the Red Cross offers some tips before making a donation.

First, you should keep an acceptable level of iron in your diet by eating food rich in iron, including fish, poultry, red meat, beans, and raisins. It is important to get ample sleep the night before donation. Prior to donating, drink an additional 16 oz. of nonalcoholic fluids or water.

You must also eat a healthy meal prior to donating, avoiding hamburgers, ice cream, and other fatty foods as these types of food affect the tests done on your blood. Your system must be aspirin free for at least two days before donation. Lastly, do not forget to bring your donor card along with your driver’s license (or two other kinds of IDs).

Red Cross Volunteers Help Veterans and Military Members

Red Cross
Image: redcross.org

Accountant and certified estate planner Sue Ann Ma has a range of experience in accounting and finances, including with Chase Bank, Hibernia Bank, and Seminal Financial Group. While at Chase Bank, Sue Ann Ma won received a Circle of Excellence Award. She also supports several charitable organizations, including the Red Cross.

The Red Cross does a range of charitable work including blood donations and disaster relief. The organization also places a special focus on supporting veterans, military members, and their families. Since 9/11, the Red Cross has provided support in different ways to over a million military families.

Volunteers from the Red Cross help at active military bases in whatever way they can, including providing home comforts or, in at least one case, bringing a dog to a command tent in Kuwait to build morale. The Red Cross also supports veterans, whether through providing food and shelter in emergencies or providing referrals for mental health or career counseling. The Red Cross aims to be present at any time, including before any emergencies happen, so veterans and military members know they have support when they need it.