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  • U.S. Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Begins

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

    🖨 Print⏱ 4 min read The U.S. Treasury recently enacted a new reporting requirement aimed at quashing illicit financial transactions. The agency believes that corporate anonymity is enabling money laundering, terrorism, and drug trafficking. As part of the 2021 Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), certain companies are now required to report information about their beneficial owners. The goal of the new registration requirements is to create a centralized database of beneficial ownership information. There has been push-back from some lawmakers and small business organizations, citing this as an erroneous regulatory process that just makes life harder for small businesses. Efforts to... View Article

  • What to Know About the Art Donation Deduction

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

    🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readIf you would like to donate artwork to an eligible charitable organization, you might be able to take a deduction on your tax return. However, the rules are complex. There are different requirements for different values, and there are scams you want to avoid that could lead to severe consequences for taxpayers who abuse this deduction. Generally, the deduction for donated art is based on the fair market value of the property. This refers to the price the artwork could reasonably be expected to sell for on the open market. To qualify for the deduction, note... View Article

  • Actions Lottery Winners Should Consider

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

    🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readWe all have those days when we dream of striking it rich with a winning lottery ticket. Never having to work again while living a life of luxury. While your chance of finding a four-leaf clover is higher than winning the lottery, we can still dream, right? And while we are dreaming, let’s talk about the best ways to deal with landing such a large sum of cash. And since lottery winners have a limited time to claim their prize, it’s important to take prudent steps when managing the money. How Much Do Winners Actually Take... View Article

  • Deepfakes and Social Engineering: The New Face of CEO and CFO Fraud

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

    🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readTechnological advancements have ushered in a new era of cybercrime, with deepfakes and social engineering tactics at the forefront of fraudulent activities. CEO and CFO fraud has become increasingly widespread, posing significant threats to organizations worldwide. Understanding CEO and CFO Fraud CEO and CFO fraud involves cybercriminals impersonating executives to manipulate employees to transfer funds or sensitive information. These scams often rely on social engineering techniques to deceive unsuspecting victims. While traditional phishing emails used in business email compromise (BEC)might use generic language, sophisticated cybercriminals now leverage deepfakes to make their schemes more convincing. They exploit... View Article

  • Municipal Bond Outlook for 2024

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

    🖨 Print⏱ 3 min readOne 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... View Article

  • New Email Deliverability Rules: Reaching Gmail and Yahoo Subscribers in 2024

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

    🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readEmail marketing remains the most powerful and effective tool, especially for its high ROI, reach, and engagement. It plays a significant role in business growth. However, more stringent measures are necessary due to evolving threats, hence the recent email deliverability requirements. Starting this February, major email providers Gmail and Yahoo are implementing stricter email deliverability rules to combat spam and protect user inboxes. This announcement was made by both Google and Yahoo on Oct. 3, 2023, indicating a united effort to enhance email security. Initially intended for bulk senders (marketers, businesses, and individuals) sending more than... View Article

  • Understanding How Variances Vary

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

    🖨 Print⏱ 3 min readVariance 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... View Article

  • How to be Your Tax Pro’s Favorite Client this Tax Season

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

    🖨 Print⏱ 4 min read Why on earth, you may ask yourself, would I care about being a good client to my tax prep professional? I mean, you are a paying client, and aside from treating them with the same decency and respect that you would show any other random person, who cares – right? Wrong! What’s in it for me? Honestly, it’s simply in your own best interest to be a good client. Maintaining a positive relationship with your tax professional can benefit you in numerous ways. Your tax preparer bills you in one of three ways: a flat... View Article

  • Technology Trends for Businesses to Watch in 2024

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

    🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readThe 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... View Article

  • Considerations For Paying Off a Mortgage Early

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

    🖨 Print⏱ 5 min readFor 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.... View Article

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