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  • What is Innocent Spouse Relief?

    Posted Date January 1, 2025 Posted Time 12:00 pm Published in

    The word “innocent” in innocent spouse relief can be misleading. It doesn’t imply you’re perfect or blameless – it’s more about whether you knew or should have known about the tax issue. The IRS defines “innocence” in a specific way, and it hinges on the concept of reasonable ignorance. In short, the issue isn’t one of morality; it’s about whether you could have reasonably been unaware of a tax problem. Innocent spouse relief allows you to avoid being held responsible for tax debts, penalties, and interest stemming from a joint tax filing. In the case that a spouse (or ex-spouse)... View Article

  • Calculating the CAC Payback Period

    Posted Date January 1, 2025 Posted Time 12:00 pm Published in

    The CAC Payback Period looks at how a business needs to recover its investment in attracting new customers. It is especially crucial for companies that are in industries with large marketing and sales costs. It’s an important metric because it helps businesses measure their performance in a number of ways. First, it shows how well a business is managing its budget. Based on the resulting figure of the CAC Payback Period, the shorter the time required to break even on its customer acquisition costs, the more efficient a company is with its sales and marketing expenses. If, however, the result... View Article

  • Tips for Tax Season

    Posted Date January 1, 2025 Posted Time 12:00 pm Published in

    Whether you file your income tax return early or at the last minute, there are ways to simplify the process and reduce what you owe – or even increase your refund – before the deadline. Filing Simplification Tip Once you receive your W-2 and/or 1099 tax forms, see what income tax bracket you fall under to determine whether you should itemize expenses or take the standard deduction. Thinking about this step first can save you a lot of time. If you don’t come near the standard deduction amount, you will not be itemizing expenses. And if you are not itemizing... View Article

  • 7 Ways to Start 2025 with Fresh Finances

    Posted Date January 1, 2025 Posted Time 12:00 pm Published in

    Here we are in yet another new year. The obligations and celebrations are over. Chances are, you’ve spent a fair amount over the holidays and might need a plan to help kickstart 2025 with some actionable financial goals. Here are a few ideas. Create a Budget This one never gets old. Why? It’s one of the keys to successful budgeting. You can set up a budget for the year that includes essentials, entertainment, and nice-to-haves, aka your Wish Farm. Then place it in your planner or app – there are many good ones out there. In fact, there’s a TikTok... View Article

  • Securing Client Data: The Importance of Encrypted Apps

    Posted Date January 1, 2025 Posted Time 12:00 pm Published in

    The Salt Typhoon cyberattack is among recent cyberattacks that reaffirm the urgent need for robust data security measures. This attack targeted major telecommunications providers, compromising critical infrastructure and potentially exposing vast amounts of sensitive data. With cyberthreats becoming more sophisticated, businesses and individuals must prioritize data security to maintain trust and compliance. The Role of Apps in Managing and Protecting Client Data Businesses need apps because they make the work easier and more organized. Apps help teams communicate better, manage tasks, and share information quickly, no matter where people are. The apps also simplify handling customer needs, improving service, and... View Article

  • National Security

    Posted Date January 1, 2025 Posted Time 12:00 pm Published in

    Improving Federal Building Security Act of 2024 (S 3613) – The Federal Protective Service (FPS) contracts security guards to control access to government facilities and screen visitors to detect prohibited items, such as pepper spray and batons. Earlier this year, FPS investigators conducted a covert test at certain federal buildings in which the guards failed to detect prohibited items about 50 percent of the time. In response, Congress passed this bill requiring Facility Security Committees to respond to security recommendations issued by the FPS. It also mandates that the Homeland Security Department submit an unredacted report to Congress regarding FPS surveillance... View Article

  • Tax Planning 2024

    Posted Date December 1, 2024 Posted Time 12:00 pm Published in

    Personal Income Tax Planning Strategies for Year-End 2024 As 2024 draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to review your personal income tax situation and implement strategies to minimize your tax liability for the year. Proactive year-end tax planning can lead to significant savings, as well as ensure that you take full advantage of tax credits, deductions and other opportunities available to you. 1. Maximize Contributions to Retirement Accounts One of the most effective ways to reduce your taxable income is by contributing to tax-advantaged retirement accounts. In 2024, you may contribute up to $23,000 to a 401(k) or... View Article

  • Common Business Accounting Calculations

    Posted Date December 1, 2024 Posted Time 12:00 pm Published in

    No matter the type of business or industry, being able to analyze and deduce patterns is essential to discovering a business’ financial health. Here are four commonly used calculations to help internal and external stakeholders determine an organization’s ability to manage its finances. Break-Even Analysis This formula analyzes fixed costs versus the profitability a business earns for every extra item it creates and sells. Businesses that have smaller thresholds to meet their fixed costs to realize profitability have an easier break-even point to meet and exceed. Once the fixed costs threshold is satisfied and sales revenue outpaces variable costs, a... View Article

  • Pre-Retirement Planning Guide – Finding Purpose In Life

    Posted Date December 1, 2024 Posted Time 12:00 pm Published in

    Step 7: Find Your Raison d’Etre What do you consider to be your purpose in this world? Few people think about their life that way. In Japan, they call it your ikigai. In France, they refer to your raison d’etre. For Americans, that roughly translates to your purpose in life or your reason for being. It’s easy to consider your family or even your career as your reason to live. But true embracement of the ikigai concept is more of a lifestyle, not a specific person, place or thing. Your purpose may not even be something you’ve pursued in your... View Article

  • 5 New Year’s Financial Resolutions You Can Actually Keep

    Posted Date December 1, 2024 Posted Time 12:00 pm Published in

    Yep, it’s the end of another year! Chances are, you didn’t keep every resolution you made last year, for example, those goals about working out. (No shame here; we all do this!) However, the good news is that your fiscal goals can be a bit easier to achieve. Here are a few financial resolutions that are no-brainers, simple, and, best of all, no sweat. Get a snapshot of your net worth. This is critical. Sit down and calculate this. When you know how much you have in terms of assets and liabilities, you can more easily determine where you need... View Article

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