Jennifer French, CPA

External fraud costs the construction industry up to $1 billion annually, with scams targeting high-value materials, supply chains, and tight project timelines. To mitigate risks, construction companies can implement preventive measures like enhanced site security, supplier screening, and strong internal controls.

With changing work habits, increasing demands for flexible spaces, and modifications to urban planning, the conversion of commercial office buildings into new uses has gained popularity. Learn about the future of commercial office conversions and transforming workspaces.

As we approach the year-end, many investors take a step back to evaluate their investments to analyze the performance during a given year. Commercial real estate is an attractive investment sector because it can offer significant returns for discerning investors. Learn about the main tool used to determine the profitability and potential success of a commercial real estate investment.

Discover the benefits of being located within a Virginia Enterprise Zone. In this webinar recording, you will learn who is eligible, what grants are available, and how to apply.

This year alone, payment delays in the construction industry have added an estimated $280 billion to costs, forcing many companies to rely on personal savings, credit cards, or retirement funds to keep operations running. Implementing an effective accounts receivable (AR) strategy can help construction businesses improve collections, stabilize cash flow, and reduce the financial strain caused by delayed payments.

​Learn effective strategies needed to mitigate your financial and IT risks to address the sophisticated ransomware and social engineering attacks facing businesses today.

FinCEN has issued a final rule, effective December 1, 2025, requiring certain real estate professionals to report non-financed residential property transactions involving legal entities or trusts to combat money laundering. The rule targets high-risk transactions used by illicit actors to obscure identities and launder money through the U.S. housing market.

AI is reshaping the real estate industry, offering unprecedented efficiency and precision. However, while AI brings significant opportunities, it also introduces challenges that must be carefully managed.

AI offers incredible opportunities for the construction industry, but it also brings challenges that require careful management. By thoroughly evaluating the risks and rewards, construction companies can unlock AI’s full potential, driving unprecedented innovation and growth in their projects.

AI is revolutionizing real estate by enhancing property management, market analysis, and transactions. Predictive maintenance and smart building technologies optimize operations, while automated contract management and fraud detection streamline transactions. Despite challenges, AI’s potential to add up to $180 billion in value makes it essential for future growth and innovation.

Enterprise Zones (EZs) are a key economic development tool, offering tax and monetary incentives to businesses investing in distressed areas. These benefits typically include tax credits, property tax abatements, and sales tax exemptions, which lower the cost of doing business within the zone. Learn more about the state participation, potential benefits, and eligibility requirements.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing construction by using real-time data and predictive analytics to optimize resources, forecast trends, and prevent setbacks. This technology modernizes project management, quality control, and design processes, giving firms a competitive edge while driving innovation and efficiency.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has settled a major antitrust lawsuit, initiating reforms in real estate transaction practices. This change aims to increase transparency and competitiveness in the market, potentially lowering transaction costs and impacting how properties are bought and sold across the U.S.

With a market value of $1.8 trillion, the U.S. construction industry leverages strong investments in infrastructure and manufacturing to overcome inflation and labor shortages. The sector’s growth is fueled by embracing innovative technologies and sustainable practices.

Discover why the construction sector is particularly vulnerable to cybersecurity threats, the financial and operational impacts these threats can have, and pragmatic steps that business owners and key stakeholders can take to mitigate these risks.

Certain practices to reduce your tax burden may not be as straightforward for real estate professionals. Listen as Jennifer French discusses in this podcast.

One year after the Inflation Reduction Act passed, there is evidence of an increase in construction investments, job creation in certain sectors, and investments in future clean energy projects.

The DOL’s overhaul of the Davis-Bacon Act in October 2023 brings substantial changes to federal construction contractors. These revisions include prevailing wage adjustments, increased contractor liabilities, and apprenticeship mandates.

Federal interest rates have increased 11 times since March 2022, continuing to add difficulty and complexity for construction and real estate. Proactive cash flow planning can help businesses manage risk in an uncertain market.

During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, construction contractors are reminded of the proactive steps they can take to mitigate digital risk from ransomware and other cyberattacks.

The IRS recently released updated guidance for the 45L Energy Efficient Home Credit. Clarification for key definitions, certification requirements, and recordkeeping has been included in Notice 2023-65.

Learn about recent changes to green building tax incentives you can use to recapture more of your investment into sustainable construction and real estate.

This whitepaper explores trends affecting the construction and real estate industry outlook, recent accounting and tax updates, and business advisory strategies to consider in the months ahead.

Learn how future-forward construction and real estate companies are addressing persistent issues like carbon emissions, high interest rates, labor shortages, and more in our guide, Construction and Real Estate Trends.

Leveraging regional trends like these can help you make better decisions for your company. Take a look at the current industry landscape in our Construction and Real Estate Regional Snapshot.

Whether through RetirePath, a new state-sponsored and mandated retirement plan, or offering another employer-sponsored plan, the question now for Virginia contractors isn’t whether to offer a retirement plan, but which one.

The rules for deducting meal and entertainment expenses are different in 2023. Browse an overview of common deductible expenses in this article.

Real estate owners and operators are facing many recurring challenges in 2023, like labor shortages and supply chain disruptions, while they also grapple with new issues like ESG reporting requirements, energy resiliency, and more.

Some of the top issues facing construction contractors in 2023 are the economy, supply chain, higher costs, and labor. Opportunities include hiring women and minorities, sustainable building, construction technology, and more.

Construction bankruptcy filings are trending up due to volatility in the supply chain, labor market, and economy. Guaranteed payment, one of the factors affecting contractor cash flow, is now protected in Virginia as it is in North Carolina.

1031 exchanges are a popular tax deferment strategy for real estate investors. Certain scenarios can trigger capital gains tax. Learn what they are and how to avoid these common pitfalls.

Three large pieces of legislation have been passed in the last 15 months with a collective goal of revitalizing and revamping domestic infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy. There are many various impacts to the construction and real estate industry.

Construction firm owners and project managers need better solutions to keep pace with a shifting, uncertain market. Automated, AI-powered software tools are powering future-forward construction accounting practices.

2022 proposed changes to the Davis-Bacon Act could have complex implications for federal construction contractors, who are already dealing with prevailing wage requirements from recent legislation.

Construction contractors and other taxpayers can maximize year-end tax planning with the 100% meals deduction, which will be reduced to 50% on January 1, 2023.

Rising interest rates and inflation are impacting the residential housing market, but to what degree? The market is volatile and uncertain in every sector from existing and new homes and home improvement to multi-family construction.

The U.S. faces an affordable housing crisis in both residential and multi-family real estate. What led to this point and how are different solutions tackling the issue?

The CHIPS Act was signed into law on August 9, marking a multi-year, $280 billion investment in advanced manufacturing and technology. The construction industry – and Virginia – stand to benefit in more ways than one.

Amid the labor shortage, construction contractors can recruit from certain targeted groups that traditionally face barriers to employment. In return, they can claim the Work Opportunity Tax Credit.

The new normal for the global supply chain is anything but normal. We track the path through COVID, inflation, and in between and lay out possible solutions for companies to use moving forward.

Private company adoption of the new lease accounting update, ASC 842, is well underway. The impact will be felt in areas other than the balance sheet, especially for businesses in commercial real estate and construction.

An executive order could require federal construction contractors to implement a vaccine mandate on all federal jobs; however, recent court challenges make following the standard tricky, especially from one contract to another.

Construction contractors can use the temporary 100 percent business meals deduction for per diem expenses. Rate changes are in effect as of October 1, 2021. Contractors may want to review their expense reimbursement policies.

The Build Back Better Act contains a lesser-known tax proposal to permanently eliminate certain excess business losses. Especially for rental real estate owners, the effect is potentially substantial.

Several potential changes to partnership taxation may be coming for real estate partnerships in the federal budget reconciliation. If passed, partnerships may need to invest in real estate tax technology to stay in compliance.

In 2022, QuickBooks Desktop is migrating two of its products, Pro and Premier, to a subscription-only software. Small businesses and other organizations have a few options, but limited time to decide their next steps.

Construction contractors are in the business of documentation: contracts, reports, schedules, the list goes on. And that’s not including tax and financial records. Though most if not all this documentation is done digitally now, there are still questions about how long to keep certain records.

Half of all real estate companies report being unprepared for a cyber attack. Understanding where risk comes from and how to prevent and mitigate data breaches can help companies avoid the costly effects of cybercrimes.

One in six construction companies fall victim to ransomware every year. They are at high risk for cyberattacks, yet most do not have a cybersecurity strategy. Understanding where risk comes from is a good start; proactively mitigating it takes teamwork.

The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act passed the House in March 2021. What’s next, and how is it poised to affect the construction industry?

Throughout 2021, Virginia has enacted several new labor and wage laws that increase employer liability. Construction firms and other employers should look closely at their contracts and other agreements to stay ahead of compliance.

A bipartisan infrastructure plan passed in the Senate has substantial implications for the construction industry. Project Labor Agreements remain a hot topic in negotiations, especially among construction stakeholders.

Certain types of residential rental property placed in service prior to 2018 can claim a shorter depreciation recovery period, potentially generating significant tax benefits. Affected taxpayers have until April 15, 2022 to file an amended return.

Given the ongoing pandemic, a new presidential administration, and uncertainties over economic recovery, real estate investors and other stakeholders have been watching the housing market for signs of a possible bubble or downturn

Last week, President Biden formally announced the details of his next wave of legislation called the American Families Plan.

Even with a national infrastructure bill on the horizon, the construction and real estate industries may be slow to respond to an expected turnaround later this year.

COVID-19, materials prices, and supply chain disruptions are impacting economic recovery in construction and real estate. Understand how to protect your business in a turbulent market and what to expect in the months ahead.

President Biden recently unveiled his new $2.3 trillion infrastructure package, the American Jobs Plan. The construction industry will benefit in several ways, but there are mixed reactions on different aspects of the legislation.

Even in a post-coronavirus economy, the potential for another public health crisis or national emergency remains elevated. What can construction companies do to protect their assets and plan for another site shutdown?

Since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the treatment of 1031 exchanges has been more complex, nuanced, and limited according to varying definitions of real property. Now with final regulations, real estate investors can make more informed decisions about which properties qualify.

The construction industry has been up and down the past few months. What seemed like a rebound in August going into September turned around by December. Early in 2021, backlogs are down, prices are up, and contractor optimism remains.

A new but perhaps little-known law in the State of Virginia requires that all employers, labor organizations, and hiring halls report information about newly hired independent contractors to the state’s New Hire Center.

Few contractors give much thought to state sales tax when they’re installing property improvements for a customer.

What does it mean to be a real estate professional? For many, the answer is straightforward: they’re landlords, property developers, contractors, and investors.

Commercial real estate leases are changing. And according to the New York Times, banks currently hold about $2.38 trillion of commercial real estate loans. As tenants renegotiate their leases, building owners and landlords will likely be asking banks to restructure their loans, too.

Before the coronavirus hit, the outlook for commercial real estate was strong. Many experts were predicting another year of record growth. Others, at the end of 2019, couldn’t even pinpoint a near-term recession.

The familiar saying “failing to plan is a plan for failure” is spot on, especially for construction companies facing a transition in leadership. Without enough time to plan for the owner’s exit, any of the following scenarios can easily lead to a construction company in chaos.

As the leader of your construction company, how much time have you spent envisioning your retirement, or the process leading up to it?

Within the multi-billion-dollar CARES Act legislation, there are numerous other provisions aimed at supporting different aspects of the economy, in addition to the well-known Paycheck Protection Program.

Energy-efficient building design has been gaining more traction in recent years. When sourcing renewable materials or designing for sustainability, there are more ways than ever for building owners and designers to save money on taxes and offset construction costs.

Springtime normally signals the start of the busy season for country clubs. Golfers eager to take advantage of nicer weather and club members who enjoy other facility amenities will have to wait longer.

The effects of the coronavirus can already be felt in nearly every sector of the real estate industry.

There are around 40,000 mid-size businesses employing 35 million Americans, but as of yet, financial relief measures have been targeted to small businesses and self-employed individuals.

Sudden business disruptions, closures, and stay-at-home orders are becoming common across the United States. Real estate is getting hit hard, and from different angles.

The language in real estate contracts has always been important. In normal circumstances, poorly worded contracts or contracts that don’t address the specifics of the project or lessor/tenant relationship can end up costing parties time, money, and frustration.

Construction worksites are responsible for about one out of every five workplace-related fatalities in the U.S. each year. Safety practices have drastically improved over the past two decades, but even one fatality is a failure.

After more than four years in the draft proposal stage and federal lawsuits, Congress recently enacted new overtime rules for white-collar workers.

One recently overlooked item of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act for companies involved with a syndicate or tax shelter is business interest expense limitation. Don’t be caught off guard. Proper planning and reporting can help preserve your current year deduction.

Not-for-profits have to report all donations they receive throughout the year. But not all donations are created equal. It can be difficult to determine if the funds are a charitable donation or an exchange transaction. Read on and learn what factors can help determine how the funds should be reported.

Are membership dues paid to nonprofits considered a donation or program revenue? It comes down to whether the member receives a significant benefit or an insignificant one. Understanding the difference ensures nonprofits report these contributions correctly on Form 990.

Guidance issued from the IRS on December 10, 2018 provides examples of ways to identify and calculate non-deductible parking expenses including a four-step process when taxpayers and tax-exempt organizations own or lease parking facilities. This guidance allows for any reasonable method in calculating the non-deductible expenses.

Construction contractors can spend their entire career bidding work, managing projects and handling cash flow issues, while on the way to a banner year. Then […]

Nonprofit organizations, state and local governmental entities, and churches may be able to save money on future catered events. Effective April, 22, 2016, organizations can […]

If you have employees who earn less than $23,660 a year, then you are currently paying time-and-a-half when those employees work more than 40 hours […]