30. Pass-through entities will also get a break.
The tax burden by owners, partners and shareholders of S-corporations, LLCs and partnerships — who pay their share of the business’ taxes through their individual tax returns — has been lowered via a 20% deduction. The legislation includes a rule to ensure owners don’t game the system, but tax experts remain concerned about abuse of this provision.
31. Not all CEOs think they’ll use their savings to create jobs, though.
Just 14% of CEOs surveyed by Yale University said their companies plan to make large, immediate capital investments in the United States following tax reform. Capital investments, like building plants and upgrading equipment, can spur hiring.
32. Plus, the way multinational corporations are taxed is about to change.
The U.S. is switching to a territorial system of taxation, which means companies won’t owe federal taxes on income they make offshore. To help the transition, companies will be required to pay a one-time, low tax rate on their existing overseas profits — 15.5% on cash assets and 8% on non-cash assets, like equipment in which profits were invested.
33. By the way, there’s a provision to rein in executive pay at nonprofits.
The legislation includes a new 21% excise tax on nonprofit employers for salaries they pay out above $1 million. That may mean some well-paid executives at nonprofits take a pay cut.
34. Businesses won’t be able to write off sexual harassment settlements.
New Jersey Democratic Senator Bob Menendez’s amendment born of the #MeToo moment made it all the way through. Companies can no longer deduct any settlements, payouts or attorney’s fees related to sexual harassment if the payments are subject to non-disclosure agreements.