With the recent news regarding the data breach at Cleveland's RITA, many have inquired as to what proactive steps can be taken to reduce the risk of identity theft or, as in the case of a company breach, what steps should be taken to remedy any damages that could occur or may have already occured. 

Our CPAs and management consultants are ready to help.

First, download our FREE Identity Theft Guide, What To Do If Your Identity is Stolen, next, read 7 Ways to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft  and finally, contact us to learn how we can help you build a solid--and safe--financial foundation. 

During a recent year-end Firm address, Managing Partner Robin Baum announced the appointment of Brett W. Neate, CPA, M.Tax, to Partner and the promotions of several of the Firms professional staff:

The law requires you and your dependents to have health care coverage, an exemption, or make a payment with your return.  If you purchased coverage from the Health Insurance Marketplace, you may be eligible for the premium tax credit.

(For healthcare coverage options, visit the marketplace at https://www.healthcare.gov/). 

For many, the sting of holiday spending will present itself in the coming weeks by way of credit card bills and department store charges. Spending aside, the few remaining days of the year also present an opportunity to reduce your taxes, whether you are an individual taxpayer or a business owner.

Our tax team has compiled their top ten action steps to ease the burden and possibly lessen the blow of taxes owed come April 15. 

The holiday season often prompts people to give money or property to charity. If you plan to give and want to claim a tax deduction, there are a few tips you should know before you give. For instance, you must itemize your deductions. Here are six more tips that you should keep in mind:

The end of year brings about changes, extenders and provisions in the world of individual and business taxation. One of the IRS changes announced for 2016 is the 3.5 cent reduction in standard mileage rates for business use of a vehicle. 

As anticipated, Congress has written new legislation extending certain tax provisions.  "Protecting Americans From Tax Hikes Act of 2015" is expected to be signed by President Obama within the next several days. 

One important provision has permanently extended the rule which allows tax-free IRA distributions (up to $100,000) to charitable organizations, and will be retroactive to January 1, 2015.  This rule allows owners of IRAs who are at least 70 1/2 years of age to direct up to $100,000 of their IRA distributions to charity. 

The funds that are given to charity are counted toward the IRA owner's annual required minimum distribution, or RMD.  Since these funds are going directly to charity, the distribution is not included in one's Adjusted Gross Income (A.G.I.), which helps in potentially reducing state income taxes, and may also allow certain other tax breaks to occur, due to a lower A.G.I. (i.e., medical expenses and miscellaneous itemized deductions).   

Legislation affecting tax law can be confusing. The Zinner tax department is up-to-date with the latest provisions affecting individuals and businesses and is ready to help ensure your financial strategy remains favorable, If you have any questions or concerns about taxes or your IRA, please contact me at gsigman@zinnerco.com or 216-831-0733. I'm ready to start the conversation and help you guide your retirement plan.

Following several staff promotions during a recent year-end Firm address, Managing Partner Robin Baum announced the appointment of Brett W. Neate, CPA, M.Tax, to Partner.

Due to a number of recent promotions and to accommodate our growing workload, the firm is searching for an outstanding professional to join our tax staff as a Tax Supervisor. 

Each week, we receive calls and inquiries about a worker classification and the considerations whether that person should be considered an employee or an independent contractor. The Zinner staff of CPAs and management consultants meets often with clients to ensure their workforce is properly classified.