Tools

The conversation usually goes something like this: You: “What charitable contributions did you make this past year?” Your Client: “Hmmm. I donated the old couch to Goodwill sometime last fall. And in May I stopped by the Salvation Army to drop off four bags of clothes the kids outgrew.” You: “What was the value of that?” Your Client: “Oh I don’t know. They gave me a receipt but it was blank. They told me I should fill it in. What do you think it’s worth?” If you’re like many CPA’s … [Read more...]

Top Tax Software Reviews If you have a tax advisor or accounting practice, you know that the tools you use are critical to your success. The right accounting resources and tools will let you provide your clients with the best possible service, help identify potential tax savings, and help you identify mistakes or missed opportunities. Yet, not all tax software is created equal. Some suites have greater functionality and features than others, and some are simply more-used in the … [Read more...]

Pro's and Con's of Continuing Education In Accounting Options Accounting, finance and law are among the most challenging disciplines.  From Enron to Madoff, the climate is getting increasingly more scandalous requiring professionals in these fields to face increasing ongoing education.  Even the new tax preparer’s license will be required to meet continuing education in accounting requirements. Whether or not you believe the new continuing education requirements for accountants will protect … [Read more...]

Creating a More Efficient and Secure Practice Through Client Portals Since sending clients their tax returns via email is no longer an option, accountants are searching for alternatives to email communicating and collaborating with clients. Client portals offer a secure alternative with added benefits. Many firms are experiencing significant time savings and increased office efficiency through the use of client portals.  Not only does this help practitioners comply with federal and state … [Read more...]

Creating a Truly Paperless Office If you're like me, you may have thought in the past that creating a paperless office means: 1. Using a traditional paper tax file to complete the tax prep process 2. At the end of the process, scan the tax file to make it "paperless" WRONG. While you may cut down on the document storage by "end scanning" your tax files, you are completely missing the benefits of becoming a truly paperless office.   First, you aren't benefiting from the efficiency … [Read more...]