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So far Gabrielle Luoma has created 35 blog entries.
17 11, 2009

6 Overlooked Tax Breaks

By | 2009-11-17T22:51:28+00:00 November 17th, 2009|Blog, Our Services, Tax|Comments Off on 6 Overlooked Tax Breaks

Whether you run a big corporation, a small start-up, or a busy household, your main tax concern is likely minimizing the amount you have to pay and maximizing the return you receive at the end of the year. One of the best ways to accomplish this is enlisting the services of a Certified Tax Professional, who can clue you into potential tax benefits. Below are just some of the breaks that are often overlooked by those who file their own returns: Medical expenses: If your annual medical bills add up to over 7.5% of your income, they can be written off as a tax deduction. While you can’t count portions that were paid by an insurance policy, any non-covered costs are eligible, including associated expenses like insurance premiums and mileage to and from a treatment facility. Property taxes: As of 2008, married couples filing jointly can enter a standard deduction of up to $1,000 for real estate taxes, and single homeowners can deduct up to $500—even if they don’t have enough deductions to file an itemized return on a Schedule A.

10 11, 2009

4 Tips for Getting Through an Audit…and How a CPA Can Help

By | 2009-11-10T16:03:27+00:00 November 10th, 2009|Blog, Our Services|Comments Off on 4 Tips for Getting Through an Audit…and How a CPA Can Help

Most business owners would rather suffer through a root canal than be subject to a tax audit. Even for those who keep meticulous records and adhere to all state and federal regulations, the auditing process can involve weeks of anxiety and tedious red tape. Without professional guidance, most taxpayers don’t have the information or the confidence to defend them against an audit. Although there’s no surefire way to bullet-proof yourself against a tax audit, a good CPA can help make the process less painful by offering helpful tips like these: 1. Keep records for at least the past three years. The IRS typically initiates audits within 18 months of a filing, but by law they have up to three years before the statute of limitations ends. By having all of your forms and receipts organized and easily accessible, you’ll greatly reduce stress in the event of an audit. When you work with a CPA, you’ll receive all of the year’s tax documents neatly packaged for your files.

30 10, 2009

Full Disclosure: What to Tell Your CPA

By | 2009-10-30T13:30:57+00:00 October 30th, 2009|Blog, Our Services, Uncategorized|Comments Off on Full Disclosure: What to Tell Your CPA

No business owner looks forward to the chaos of tax season. When you’re already juggling customer service, marketing, and business development, it can seem virtually impossible to make time for preparing your financials. That’s where your CPA comes in. If you think an accountant’s role is limited to preparing and filing annual tax returns, it’s time to adjust your expectations. Many of our new clients are pleasantly surprised to find out how much work we’re prepared to take off their plate. One of the biggest mistakes business owners can make is withholding information from their CPAs. While basic financial data— W2 and 1099 forms, real estate interest statements, receipts for business expenses—is important, we dig deeper to ensure a clear understanding of our clients’ businesses and long-term goals. Below are some of the most important things to convey to your tax professional before tax season:

26 10, 2009

Think You Don’t Need a CPA?

By | 2009-10-26T20:23:55+00:00 October 26th, 2009|Blog, Our Services|Comments Off on Think You Don’t Need a CPA?

Think Again. You wouldn’t set off on a cross-country journey without your GPS system—so why risk navigating the sometimes turbulent waters of business ownership without a qualified tax professional to guide you? Considering the proven benefits of hiring a Certified Public Accountant, it’s surprising that a significant number of business owners don’t use one. What’s stopping them? Below are a few of the most common reasons we’ve heard, along with some facts to set the record straight.

22 10, 2009

6 Questions to Ask a CPA

By | 2009-10-22T20:23:41+00:00 October 22nd, 2009|Blog, Our Services|Comments Off on 6 Questions to Ask a CPA

If you’re already considering hiring a Certified Public Accountant, you probably already know about the huge benefits it can bring to your business. Not only will you enjoy significant tax savings and the peace of mind that comes with accurate, compliant financials, you’ll have countless hours freed up to focus on running your company instead of crunching numbers. While the advantages of using a CPA are obvious, choosing the right tax professional isn’t quite so clear-cut. Like any other profession, each accountant has different capabilities and limitations. You’re not just hiring someone to file your tax return each April—you need a long-term partner who’s invested in the growth and success of your business all year round. To ensure a good match, here are a few key questions to ask a tax professional before trusting them with your financials: “How long have you been working in the financial industry?”