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Author Archives for Service2Client

  • Understanding How Variances Vary

    Posted Date February 1, 2024 Posted Time 12:00 am Published in

    Variance analysis is found by determining the difference between what was budgeted and what actually occurred. Additionally, when variances are added together, we get a better picture of how well a company is measuring its performance against expected metrics. It’s also important to be mindful that each metric is measured to determine what the actual cost is versus the industry’s standard cost. Whether it’s materials, labor, electricity, or another metric, if the actual cost is lower than the standard cost for the same quantity of materials, it would be a favorable price variance. However, if the number of materials was... View Article

  • Municipal Bond Outlook for 2024

    Posted Date February 1, 2024 Posted Time 12:00 am Published in

    One of the positive aspects of sustained high-interest rates is higher yields on bonds, particularly high-quality municipal bonds. It is possible that 2024 will present a different scenario as the Federal Reserve begins a schedule of monetary easing by reducing interest rates over time. The potential for this strategy, combined with a slowdown in inflation and economic growth – and exacerbated by the potential volatility of a U.S. presidential election – offers a hazy but ultimately positive outlook for municipal bonds. For now, investors with a long-term outlook (up to 10 years) can take advantage of current high-interest rates before... View Article

  • Considerations For Paying Off a Mortgage Early

    Posted Date January 1, 2024 Posted Time 12:00 am Published in

    For many, buying a home is the biggest asset they will ever own. However, you aren’t able to fully benefit from that asset until you pay off the mortgage; until then, it is technically a liability. The most common length of a mortgage loan is 30 years, but most people either sell their home, refinance their mortgage – or even pay it off before the end of that term. What are the pros and cons of paying off a mortgage early? Obviously, you no longer have to make monthly payments, so money can be directed elsewhere. It is advisable to... View Article

  • IRS Plans to Shake Up Leadership

    Posted Date January 1, 2024 Posted Time 12:00 am Published in

    The top leadership in the IRS is set to change. IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel believes the changes are needed for the agency to meet its new goals. He aims to create greater flexibility and efficiency over the agency by streamlining internal processes. The changes also are needed, in his view, to adapt to the evolving landscape around tax administration – which has undergone changes due to new tax laws and technology. What Are the Changes? Changes to the organizational structure include reducing the Deputy Commissioner post to a single position (there are currently two); as well as creating four new... View Article

  • Documenting Fiduciary Accounting Practices

    Posted Date January 1, 2024 Posted Time 12:00 am Published in

    Fiduciary accounting, which is also referred to as court accounting, is a way to document and report financial activity during a discrete period of time for legal entities, such as a conservatorship, estate, trust or guardianship. It’s meant to give adequate notice to all relevant parties when it comes to every consequential financial activity impacting the administration that occurred over the accounting time frame. It shows every disbursement and receipt that is managed by the legal entity’s fiduciary. It accounts for transactions beginning with the initial funding or principal and the resulting future transactions, including income. When it comes to... View Article

  • Technology Trends for Businesses to Watch in 2024

    Posted Date January 1, 2024 Posted Time 12:00 am Published in

    The unrelenting advancement of technology is still going strong even as we enter 2024. The business landscape is poised for transformative changes, driven by ongoing developments that demand organizations to be innovative and adaptive. Below, we explore some key technology trends that businesses should keenly observe to remain competitive. 1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Advancements: Unlocking New Possibilities The year 2023 witnessed widespread adoption of generative AI in various applications, from design tools to search engines and office software. This transformative shift changed the way businesses interact with technology. Continued integration of AI is expected to redefine automation, decision-making processes, and... View Article

  • Wage Garnishment Considerations for Business Owners

    Posted Date December 1, 2023 Posted Time 12:00 am Published in

    According to the United States Department of Labor’s Consumer Credit Protection Act (CCPA), wage garnishments are a complex legal process for employers to account for when it comes to employment matters. This article specifically refers to Title III of the Consumer Credit Protection Act.  Usually authorized through a court order, a wage garnishment directs an employer to withhold or garnish an employee’s wages for a certain amount or percentage to satisfy an outstanding debt. Wage garnishments also can be implemented for delinquent tax obligations and other debts owed to federal agencies of the U.S. federal government, as well as for... View Article

  • How to Manage Taxes in Retirement

    Posted Date December 1, 2023 Posted Time 12:00 am Published in

    The biggest difference between managing taxes throughout your career versus during retirement is that when you are retired, you are responsible for calculating how much you owe and paying it on a timely basis. Retirees normally have several different income sources, and not all automatically withhold taxes from distributions. Retirement Income Sources Having multiple sources of income during retirement is a good strategy, as it helps protect you from market declines, tax legislation changes, and potential defaults or cutbacks in pensions or entitlement programs. However, be aware that the more income sources you have, the more effort it takes to... View Article

  • The 2023 Tax Planning Guide

    Posted Date December 1, 2023 Posted Time 12:00 am Published in

    It’s that time of year again: time for year-end tax planning. With the end of 2023 coming fast, the time to act is now. In this article, we’ll look at the moves you can make to optimize your tax situation in 2023 as an individual taxpayer. Itemized Deductions Flexing your timing on itemized deductions is a solid strategic move. It can help you shift to a bigger itemized deduction in 2023 versus 2024 (but not both). This can be advantageous if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in one year compared to the other. Key itemized deductions... View Article

  • Impact of Digital Currency on Businesses’ Accounting

    Posted Date December 1, 2023 Posted Time 12:00 am Published in

    The emergence of digital currency is reshaping how businesses operate and account for financial transactions. As accounting professionals navigate this transformative wave, understanding the profound impact of digital currency on business accounting becomes not just relevant but imperative. What is digital currency? Digital currency is a form of currency that exists only in electronic or digital form, without a physical counterpart like coins or banknotes. There are two main types of digital currencies.  First, there are decentralized cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or stablecoins such as USDC (that track to the US dollar at 1-1). Cryptocurrencies are always based on blockchain... View Article

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