Are 2018 Income Taxes Easier to Prepare Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act?
Like any good consultant, my answer is: It depends. read more…
Do I Have to Issue a 1099-Misc for a Trustee or Executor Fee Paid by a Trust or Estate?
Reporting trustee fees by a trust on a Form 1099-Misc is not required. The 1099-Misc is for payment of services performed in a trade or business by people not treated as employees.
read more…
The Lost or Misplaced Trust Agreement
One of the first things we ask for when we obtain a new trust client is “Can you provide us with a copy of the trust agreement?”
You’d be surprised that, sometimes, the answer is, “I’m not sure where it is and I’ll have to find it and send it over later,” or, “It was created by Mom or Dad’s estate and I don’t have a copy,” and worst yet, “I’ve lost it and don’t have another copy”.
read more…
Ask the Expert: How to tell if it is really the IRS calling
Q: I’m concerned. I was sure I paid my income tax this year when I filed, but I have just received a call from someone saying they are an authorized IRS collection agent and I need to pay a small balance now due ($350). The agent said I should pay by prepaid debit card. What do you recommend?
– Bailey J., Private Business Owner
Akron, OH
Ask the Expert: Am I Being an Effective Board Member?
Chris Valponi, CPA
Audit and Assurance Manager
Q: I volunteer as a Board member for a mid-sized not-for-profit. At times, I feel that I am just going through the motions of reviewing and approving the balance sheet or the Treasurer’s report during our monthly board meeting. Are there duties that I could take on to be a more effective board member?
Pat M. – Volunteer board member, Cleveland
Since 1938, Zinner has counseled individuals and businesses from start-up to succession. At Zinner, we strive to ensure we understand your business and recognize threats that could impact your financial situation.
DOL Proposes New Independent Contractor Rule
What Employers and Workers Should Know The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division announced a proposed rule intended to clarify when a worker is an employee and when the worker may be classified as an independent contractor under the Fair Labor Standards...
USPS Postmark Changes
A Tax Filing Risk Alert for Taxpayers For decades, many taxpayers have relied on a simple rule of thumb: if it is in the mail by the deadline, you are fine. However, recent U.S. Postal Service (USPS) clarification makes that assumption riskier. On Dec. 24, 2025, the...
Top Security Issues Tax Clients Must Watch Out for in 2026
Tax season has always been a prime opportunity for scammers, and 2026 is emerging as one of the most dangerous years yet. With increased filing confusion, AI‑powered fraud tactics, and a surge in data breaches fueling identity theft, tax clients need to be more...
Zinner & Co. Volunteers at Cleveland Food Bank Healthy Choice Market
On Jan. 22, Zinner & Co. employees spent the afternoon volunteering at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank’s Community Resource Center Healthy Choice Market. Our team was proud to support neighbors directly by helping make the shopping experience easier, more...
No Tax on Overtime Pay
The recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduces a major change to the federal tax code, delivering welcome news for both employees and employers for tax years 2025 through 2028, as qualified overtime pay will not be subject to Federal income tax. This...
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