Excessive compensation is the portion of cash and benefits that, in total, exceeds the value of services provided in exchange for that compensation. To make this determination, the value of all services provided are considered. For executives, such services commonly involve roles in management, marketing, operations, finance, and human resources. They may also include special…
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How does the IRS define Reasonable Compensation?
Internal Revenue Code section 162(a)(1) allows income tax deductions for various business expenses, including “a reasonable allowance for salaries or other compensation for personal services actually rendered.” Reg. section 1.162-7 (b)(3) says, “It is, in general, just to assume that reasonable and true compensation is only such amount as would ordinarily be paid for like…
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How is Reasonable Compensation Determined?
There are multiple methods of determining reasonable compensation amounts. The oldest approach is known as the multi-factor method, and it considers all the facts and circumstances. One of the key facts is referred to as compensation comparability data. This data should be actual amounts that similar employers paid for similar services. The independent investor test…
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Ways to Improve Your Partner Compensation Plan
By Stephen D. Kirkland, CPA, CMC, CFF Originally published in The Value Examiner (January/February 2017) which is a publication of the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts. One key difference between successful and unsuccessful financial service firms is the way that partner compensation amounts are determined. Successful firms have strong compensation plans that help…
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