Article: 7 Reasons Accounting Firms Should Embrace Cannabis Clients in a Post-COVID World

It’s time for accounting professionals to embrace the cannabis industry. As accountants, we have the opportunity to be at the forefront of this exciting industry growth and have the ability to lend a sense of legitimacy to our clients’ businesses.

In 2020, retail marijuana sales increased by 40%, five new states legalized marijuana use, and the U.S. House passed a historic measure to decriminalize marijuana. Suffice it to say, the cannabis industry is booming and expected to reach $37 billion by 2024. Cannabis businesses bring in large amounts of revenue, and they need help managing their money, especially when it comes to deciphering the complicated tax laws surrounding Schedule I substances.

However, so many accountants shy away from cannabis because of legality concerns, leaving untold amounts of money on the table by not embracing the cannabis industry. As a result of my experience working with cannabis businesses, I can tell you that they make awesome clients and need our accounting expertise more now than ever now that their industry is on the verge of full legitimacy. It’s an exciting time to be at the forefront of this buzzworthy industry! If you’ve found yourself holding back from serving the cannabis industry, here are a few things worth considering.

The Rise of Cannabis Sales

Cannabis use is up, especially with more people at home due to COVID, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Retail marijuana sales are on track for a 40% increase in 2020 over 2019 and are projected to reach $37 billion by 2024. Deemed an “essential” business by the U.S. government this year, the cannabis industry has proven pandemic-proof. Now that it has been legalized in many states and is widely accepted, it’s no longer taboo or frowned upon as it once was. In fact, because cannabis use is increasingly commonplace and accepted, many different businesses sell trendy CBD and hemp products.

The Complexity of Cannabusinesses

Cannabis businesses need your help now more than ever. Their finances are more complicated than most companies you probably work with due to more compliance requirements than their non-canna related counterparts and complex tax laws. IRS Tax IRC 280E classifies cannabis as a Schedule I illegal substance, preventing cannapreneurs from deducting operating expenses. Accounting professionals can help cannapreneurs remain in compliance with 280E while maximizing the cost of goods sold, therefore maximizing tax deductions.

In order to increase their deductions while maintaining 280E compliance, many cannabis business owners have organized their structure into two or more businesses. They’ll need help figuring out how to organize their business and manage the extra layer of complexity that multiple businesses can bring.

The Cash Conundrum

Many banks hesitate to work with cannabusinesses because the federal government does not recognize cannabis as a legal substance. And because many cannabis business owners are unable to find banks willing to work with them, these businesses are frequently forced to keep large amounts of cash on hand.

As you know, cash can be difficult to track and is more prone to fraud, theft, and safety risks. Cannabis business owners need our help to put proper cash management procedures in place and define the internal controls to make sure proper procedure is followed. We can help them manage their cash, keep accurate records, and find compatible banks where available.

Read more at    https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/small-business/news/21206235/7-reasons-accounting-firms-should-embrace-cannabis-clients-in-a-postcovid-world

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