Author: Tony Novak
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‘Assurance’ though a web app is not insurance
‘Assurance’ based on technology is nice but it does not include the financial risk shifting of insurance or the legal force of a contract. I recall writing a blog post years ago about how health insurance was morphing into a web app. Consumers seemed unaware or unconcerned of the distinction between a legal contract that…
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Opportunity Zones vs Qualified Small Business Stock: Which is right approach to revitalize Cumberland County NJ?
This blog post is meant as an introductory primer for community planners and local small business owners. Investors are encouraged to seek their own professional counsel. The Cumberland County Improvement Authority has a program planned for bankers and Realtors on May 3 that will discuss the local Opportunity Zones. Following the passage of the federal…
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Changing address with IRS
I would guess that half of the IRS client tax dispute matters I handle involve some form of failed notification in the storyline. The most common cause is a failure to record an appropriate change of address. Changing address with IRS is simple: Complete a form 8822 (8822-B for businesses) and mail it in. Here…
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Initial thoughts on tax season wrap up and where to go from here
Initial thoughts on the wrap up of tax season: 1. OVERALL: It was the roughest tax season in my 30+ years, yet it was not as bad for me as many others tax professionals reported. Tax accountants’ online discussion groups are filled with stories of excess stress, it’s health impact, and threats of retirement from…
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Legal requirements to release the tax returns of candidates for public office
In the aftermath of revelations about the president’s financial scandals, a number of states are moving forward with bills that would require all candidates for public office to release tax returns in order to be listed on the ballot. This blog post does not attempt to list the states, the bills or their status. We…
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Update on accounting business practices
In the normal course of business it is necessary to periodically update for changing trends, technology and legal and industry standards. This month I made the following six changes that will be reflected in future engagements: 1. Elimination of fax communications. Fax is just outdated, often insecure and inefficient. Instead, I encourage the use of…
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How to set up clergy payroll
The treatment may vary slightly under different states but this is how we set up clergy payroll in New Jersey: 1) Ordained clergy typically get a W-2 with Box 1 and 16 (federal and state) wages only. 2) Federal, State income taxes may be withheld. 3) FICA should be handled as if they are self…
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Business services checklist
While every small business has its own requirements for accounting services, this list compiles 20 of the most commonly requested help topics grouped in strategic groupings. Each contributes to overall success, but the needs typically vary over the life of a small business owner. The decision to perform each function internally, outsource or handle collaboratively…
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Butting heads on small business bookkeeping
I had unfortunate occasion to butt heads with an old-school bookkeeper. She is top quality with decades of experience. She knows her debits and credits and trial balances inside and out. She was quick to tell me that the accounting systems I use are worthless. The thing is: the world has changed. Not always for…
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Happy SBDC Day! March 20, 2019
Today is Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Day with over 1,000 events being held across the nation. I’m planning to attend an event at the Richard Stockton College office in Atlantic City later this morning. That NJSBDC office, led by dynamic director Carol Waties, has been helpful over the years in the development of Baysave’s…