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...
Missed Quarterly Tax Payments? How to Avoid Penalties and Fix Your Situation Now
If you're self-employed or earn income without tax withholding, you’re likely required to pay quarterly estimated taxes. Missing these payments can result in penalties and interest charges from the IRS, but don’t panic—you have options to correct the situation and...
Smart Ways to Use Your Tax Refund: Boost Savings, Pay off Debt, and Strengthen Your Finances
What you choose to do with your tax refund can significantly impact your long-term financial health. Instead of splurging, consider using this extra cash to strengthen your finances. Smart strategies, such as building an emergency fund, paying off high-interest debt,...
Retirees Need to Know About These Major Updates to Medicare in 2025
Medicare is undergoing significant changes in 2025, impacting costs, prescription drug coverage, telehealth access, and caregiver support. Retirees should prepare for these updates to manage their healthcare expenses effectively. Below, we break down the key Medicare...
Retailers Shift from Layoffs to Optimization: How Efficiency Investments are Reshaping Retail in 2025
After a period of workforce reductions and aggressive cost-cutting measures, major retail companies are shifting toward optimization strategies—investing in technology, process improvements, and operational efficiencies that enhance productivity without sacrificing...
How Trump’s Tariffs Could Impact U.S. Consumers
The Trump administration’s tariffs on key trading partners, including Canada, Mexico, and China, could have far-reaching consequences for U.S. consumers. With a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican goods, a 10% tariff on Chinese imports, and a lower 10% tariff on...
Top Veterinary Medicine Trends to Watch in 2025 and Their Impact on the Industry
As veterinary medicine continues to evolve, 2025 promises to be a transformative year. Industry professionals face emerging legislation, possible new roles, energized investor interest, and shifting dynamics in the pet insurance market. Here are the top trends shaping...
Tax Season 2025: Filing Deadline and Other Due Dates to Know
Tax season 2025 is here, and staying on top of important deadlines is essential for avoiding late fees and penalties. Knowing key dates like the federal income tax filing deadline, quarterly estimated tax payment due dates, and extensions can help you stay organized...
Proven Strategies to Set Your Small Business Up for Success in 2025
Running a small business in 2025 presents both challenges and opportunities. To stay ahead of the competition, you must adopt a proactive approach to planning and execution. By focusing on the following strategies, you can set your business up for success this year...
How Construction Firms Can Break Through Progress Barriers for Growth and Greater Profits
For construction companies, growth and profitability often hinge on that company’s ability to overcome progress barriers. Whether it’s delays in project timelines, inefficiencies in communication, or outdated practices, construction firms need innovative solutions to...
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,...