Business

Curious How Innovative Start-Ups Are Saving Thousands on Taxes Each Year?

Published

4 years ago

February 11, 2021

Start-ups are notorious for their scrappy tactics and innovative growth techniques. However, many start-ups may not be aware of the tax credits and incentives available to them. Certain tax credits can be the difference of thousands of dollars saved each year in taxes. According to Josh Alballero, tax expert and founder of IOOGO, “The R&D tax credit is one of the greatest tax credits available to start-ups and small businesses.”

The R&D credit, is officially known as the “Credit for Increasing Research Activities” this credit is available to start-ups in any industry, and in many cases, you do not even need to have a research and development department to qualify for the credit! Many start-ups miss out on this incredible incentive because they assume they won’t qualify, however, if you’re in the process of creating a new product or service, there is a good chance your business is an ideal candidate.

According to Alballero, there are two major benefits of the R&D credit.

This credit can give you resources you otherwise wouldn’t have access to. One of the most important stages when bringing a new product or process to the market is the research and development stage. Some start-ups won’t spend enough time on this stage due to a lack of resources, staff, or funding. This credit can put much-needed money back in your pocket to allow you to focus on this crucial phase of building your business.
The R&D credit covers a variety of expenses. This credit may be applied to costs you’d never considered, wages, supplies, consultant fees, contractor fee, prototyping, tooling/ supply expenses, packaging, surveys, studies, software costs, equipment, and more! The stipulations of this credit allow businesses to apply up to $250,000 of their research expenses against their payroll tax or income tax for up to five years. This means that businesses could expect to get back around 10 – 15% of what they spent on R&D.

Calculating R&D credit can be quite complicated and in most cases, business owners should consult the expertise of a tax professional or accounting firm. The IRS will look closely at any business’s R&D credit, so it is important that you follow the proper protocol. The tax experts at IOOGO specialize in R&D credit matters and can ensure you’re following federal regulations and taking full advantage of the credits available to you. In order to file for the R&D credit, a business will be required to file Form 6765 with their tax return. This filing process should not be costly and business owners should be wary of any accounting or tax firm that attempts to charge them thousands of dollars for this filing process or even a percentage of the savings in payroll taxes, which is an illegal process.

To learn more about the R&D credit or to schedule a consultation with an IOOGO tax expert, visit www.ioogo.com.

Business

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke: A New Approach to Fine Real Estate

Published

2 weeks ago

December 16, 2024

Matthew Wiles

Photo credit: Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke.

Byline: Andi Stark

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke, a real estate platform operating across Hawaii, is rewriting how properties are bought and sold in the region. Unlike larger firms reliant on public listings and mass marketing, Private Listings’ strategy prioritizes personalization, privacy, and meticulous curation of ultra-high-end, off-market properties, including oceanfront estates, gated community residences, and architectural masterpieces.

Harold Clarke, founder of Private Listings, describes their method as one that rejects “cookie-cutter solutions in favor of understanding the nuances of both buyers and sellers.” This approach has resonated with ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) seeking refined and discreet real estate transactions.

The Hawaiian real estate market remains a hub for global investors, with the median price for a single-family home in the state reaching $900,000 in 2024, according to the Hawaii Association of Realtors. Within this competitive landscape, Private Listings is building up to be a trusted name for properties that extend beyond luxury into generational investments.

Challenging the Industry Norms

Private Listings deliberately avoids the conventions of large-scale real estate firms. By focusing on fewer, higher-value properties, the company ensures that each transaction is treated with the same level of care and confidentiality.

Public listing platforms, while effective for broader markets, often expose sellers to unnecessary attention or unqualified inquiries. For Clarke, this model is misaligned with the needs of UHNWIs. “Privacy isn’t a luxury for our clients—it’s a necessity,” Clarke explains.

This philosophy has led Private Listings to handle some of Hawaii’s most significant real estate transactions, including off-market properties valued at over $40 million. Its success is not measured by the volume of listings but by the depth of trust built with clients, many of whom return for subsequent transactions.

Adapting to Changing Client Demands

While Private Listings maintains a foundation of traditional practices, the firm also recognizes the evolving needs of its clientele. The global real estate market is increasingly influenced by concerns over digital security, with a 15% rise in data breaches targeting high-net-worth individuals in the past three years, according to cybersecurity firm NortonLifeLock.

To address these risks, Private Listings employs rigorous screening for potential buyers and uses secure platforms for communication and transactions. The firm’s “by invitation only” model ensures that clients remain protected from the pitfalls of public exposure. Clarke notes, “Our goal is not just to sell homes but to create an environment where clients feel safe and confident during every step of the process.”

The Human Element in Real Estate Transactions

Despite advancements in technology, Private Listings firmly believes that real estate transactions cannot be reduced to algorithms or automation. Unlike firms that depend heavily on online data aggregation, Private Listings emphasizes human connection and insight.

The company’s sales strategy integrates personalized client interactions, in-depth market analysis, and years of experience navigating Hawaii’s unique real estate ecosystem. Clarke’s background in managing family assets and his global perspective is significant in shaping this essence.

Future Directions for Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke

As Hawaii continues to attract global attention, Private Listings aims to expand its influence within the state while maintaining its core principles. The company is currently developing a new platform to streamline services for UHNWIs, blending their demand for discretion with seamless access to Hawaii’s finest off-market properties.

Additionally, Private Listings is strengthening its ties with local communities, recognizing that sustainable growth benefits both the company and the islands’ ecosystems.

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke has set itself apart in Hawaii’s real estate scene by moving away from the typical mass-market approach. Through a mix of traditional values and modern sensibilities, the firm continues to define what it means to transact ultra-high-value properties with integrity and care.