Suggestions
Joseph M. Percopo
Shareholder at Dean Mead
Joseph M. Percopo is a Shareholder at Dean Mead Law Firm, based in Orlando, Florida. He specializes in estate planning and works with a diverse clientele, including young couples and families experienced in wealth management. His practice encompasses estate and succession planning, probate and trust administration, tax law, and corporate law. Percopo is dedicated to helping clients preserve their wealth and has been recognized for his expertise in the field, contributing articles to various legal publications, including the Florida Bar's journals.124
He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Stetson University, a Juris Doctor from Florida State University College of Law, where he graduated summa cum laude, and a Master of Laws in Taxation from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. Percopo has also served in leadership roles within legal organizations, including the Central Florida Estate Planning Council, where he is currently the President.346
In February 2024, he was elected as a Shareholder at Dean Mead, reflecting his significant contributions to the firm and his commitment to providing high-quality legal services.35
Highlights
I wanted to share an article I co-authored that I thought may be of interest and benefit to businesses owners and business advisors. The article discusses two opportunities for employers to consider before the end of 2020: (1) Employer Disaster Relief Programs and (2) Educational Assistance Payment Programs. The Employer Disaster Relief Program is permitted via an Internal Revenue Code section which allows employers to grant money to employees (and others) to assist during these trying times. The Educational Assistance Payment Programs have existed for some time but the CARES Act added a new provision that also permits assistance with qualified student loan payments up to $5,250. The benefit both programs offer is that the grant or education payment is not included as income for the employer or employee, and the employer may still deduct the amount given to the employee. Such treatment means that no employment taxes are applied to the payment and the employee does not have to include the money for purposes of calculating their income tax liability. As you will see in the examples, these opportunities allow employers to give more to employees while spending less than what a traditional “bonus” would cost an employer who was looking to help employees during these tough times.
PPP Loan Forgiveness Tax Alert - IRS Notice 2020-32
After speaking with clients and business owners, I've noticed that many are unaware of the position the IRS has taken with regards to the deductible of expenses paid for with PPP loan proceeds. It is important to understand the tax impact this could have so proper planning can be done.
