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...
How Trump’s Second Term Could Impact Your Taxes
After Donald Trump’s win in November, taxpayers are wondering how a second Trump term could reshape U.S. tax policy. Trump’s first term saw sweeping changes under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017. With key provisions of that legislation set to expire in 2025,...
Proven Strategies to Help Small Businesses Looking to Grow
For small businesses, growth is both a challenge and an opportunity. To navigate this journey successfully, entrepreneurs should rely on practical strategies that ensure sustainable growth. Here are some proven approaches to help your small business thrive. Control...
Be Aware of These Changes Coming to IRAs and 401(k)s in 2025
Essential changes to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and 401(k) plans are set to take effect in 2025, primarily due to the SECURE 2.0 Act. These modifications, set to phase in over the next several years, will impact your retirement savings strategy. Here’s what...
How Independent Healthcare Practices Can Overcome Payment Challenges and Maximize Revenue
Independent healthcare practices face a range of challenges in managing payments and maximizing revenue, but recent developments in patient expectations and legislation provide fresh challenges and opportunities. Here’s how independent practices can leverage these...
How Trump’s Return to the White House Could Impact Small Businesses
As the United States prepares for a second Trump presidency, small business owners are paying close attention to the policies that could shape their future. Trump’s economic priorities, including tax reform and deregulation, will echo those from his first term. Here’s...
Top Key Areas Professional Services Firms Must Focus on To Scale Successfully
Professional services firms face unique challenges when trying to scale. Effective growth requires a strategic focus on critical areas that impact efficiency, profitability, and client satisfaction. The following article explores the top key areas professional...
New SBA Rule: How Small Businesses Can Refinance Debt and Improve Cash Flow
The Small Business Administration (SBA) recently announced significant changes to its 504 Loan Program. This program has traditionally been a vital resource for small businesses seeking long-term, fixed-rate financing, and earlier this month, the SBA introduced a rule...
How the New Increase in Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) Will Affect Retirees
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are mandatory withdrawals from certain retirement accounts. They can significantly impact your tax burden and overall financial well-being. In 2024, changes introduced by the Secure 2.0 Act have increased the minimum age for RMDs,...
IRS Imposters Steal Millions a Year, and They’re Getting More Sophisticated. Here’s How to Spot the Scams.
In recent years, IRS imposters have become increasingly adept at deceiving taxpayers, resulting in nearly $5 million in losses, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). These scammers are honing their tactics and targeting vulnerable people, making it crucial for everyone to stay vigilant. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself from becoming a victim.
This Valuable Tax Break for Businesses is Set to Expire Soon. Here’s What to Know.
A crucial tax benefit for businesses is on the verge of expiring. The Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction, a significant component of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), is set to end on December 31, 2025. Read on as we go over how this deduction works and how its impending expiration could affect small businesses.