Many American families are struggling to make ends meet and save for their future needs, according to a report from the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) and Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board), but those with a financial plan do better...
MKR Blog
New Accounting Standards for Pension Costs
The true cost of public employee pensions will become clearer under changes approved June 25 by the accounting standards-setter for state and local governments ? the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). The GASB has approved two new standards that mark a...
IRS Posts Draft Revised Withholding Forms Conforming to FATCA
In response to the new requirements imposed by the Foreign Account Taxpayer Compliance Act (FATCA) and the proposed regulations promulgated thereunder, the IRS has prepared two new withholding certificates: Form W-8BEN, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial...
Money Management Is Possible – Even in Today’s Economy
Most businesses these days are looking to cut spending. Accounting firms are in a unique position to not only help their small business clients trim the fat and manage their money, but to do the same for themselves. Before any company can delve into strategic ways to...
Making Taxes Less Taxing
Gina Noy offers her clients stress-free tax preparation. It's not often you find "stress-free" and "tax" in the same sentence, especially during busy season, but for Noy, it's a philosophy that carries through her Manhattan-based CPA firm. Noy, who offers tax...
IRS Discourages Tax Return Drop-offs at Taxpayer Assistance Centers
Beginning this year, IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TAC) generally will not accept bulk returns for processing and mailing, particularly when it affects taxpayer services. The IRS hopes to eliminate the practice of taxpayer representatives dropping off completed...
IRS Discloses Favorite Tax Scams of 2012
The IRS has issued its annual Dirty Dozen ranking of tax scams, reminding taxpayers to use caution during tax season to protect themselves against a wide range of schemes ranging from identity theft to return preparer fraud. The Dirty Dozen listing, compiled by the...
Is the IRS Being Mean to Lindsay Lohan?
Lindsay Lohan has found herself in compromising positions before, and now she’s landed in another one. A report has surfaced that the twenty-five-year-old actress, who rocketed to fame in the 2004 film Mean Girls, is on the hook for almost $100,000 in back taxes owed...
Wrangling Continues over the Payroll Tax Cut
By AccountingWEB Staff Time is running out before the payroll tax rate automatically increases in two weeks, and the dispute over how to fund it continues. The tax measure at issue would maintain the payroll tax rate at 4.2 percent for the year 2012 instead of...
Intuit’s New QuickBooks Online Accountant Brings the Cloud – and Its Benefits – to Accountants
By David H. Ringstrom, CPA QuickBooks Online, a cloud-based accounting solution for small businesses, has experienced 40 percent growth over the past year; it now has 280,000 users. More and more small business owners are reaping the benefits of anytime, anywhere...
Americans Spend Hours Thinking About Money: Financial Stress, Its Impact, and Practical Solutions to Ease Worries
Recent surveys reveal that Americans spend hours each week thinking about their finances. Rising prices, mounting debt, and uncertainty about the future all contribute to financial stress. Add in steep housing costs, concerns over tariffs raising the price of goods,...
How Small Retailers Can Use Local Partnerships to Drive Foot Traffic and Boost Sales
Small retailers have a rough go competing against big chains and e-commerce giants, but there’s one thing these smaller stores have that Amazon doesn’t: community. Local stores have the opportunity to build connections with their customers. Building partnerships...
Why 2025 Is the Perfect Time to Start or Buy an Independent Veterinary Practice
A noticeable trend in 2025 points to a resurgence in independent veterinary ownership. In an era dominated by corporate consolidation, 2025 is shaping up to be a turning point — especially for veterinarians ready to reclaim ownership, redefine care models, and build...
Why the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Could Be a Lifeline for Small Businesses Facing Tariffs and Inflation
As small business owners face continued inflation and rising tariffs, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) could provide critical financial relief for Main Street businesses. By extending key provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA), the legislation...
Understanding How Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Affects Social Security Benefits
President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” has been making headlines, particularly for what it could mean for older Americans collecting Social Security. While many headlines have suggested that the bill would eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits, that’s not...
How to Transfer an SBA Loan: Rules, Restrictions, and What’s Allowed
Transferring an SBA loan isn’t a straightforward process. Whether you’re selling your company or planning for a family succession, understanding how to transfer an SBA loan and what’s legally allowed is critical for staying compliant and protecting your finances. In...
Surprising 401(k) Features That Can Boost Your Retirement Savings
A 401(k) is often thought of as a set-it-and-forget-it kind of account—set a contribution amount, bank on a company match, and let the market do its thing. But if you haven’t checked in on your plan lately, you might be missing out on some significant new features....
Proven Strategies to Help Construction Firms Streamline Bidding and Win More Contracts
Winning new business isn’t just about offering a competitive price. It’s about creating a well-structured and convincing proposal that shows why you’re the best choice for the job. Whether your company is established or still growing, improving your bidding process is...
2025 Construction Trends That Will Impact Your Business’s Bottom Line
As we move through 2025, construction businesses are navigating a mix of challenges and fresh opportunities. A steady economic rebound, higher levels of government investment, and rising demand for infrastructure, housing, and commercial development are driving growth...
Smart Money Moves to Make While Interest Rates Remain High
As the Federal Reserve continues to hold interest rates at elevated levels to combat inflation, consumers face both challenges and opportunities. While borrowing has become more expensive, savers can take advantage of higher yields and rethink their spending habits....