Fraud can be devastating for business owners. When you see signs that an employee, partner, or shareholder might be participating in fraud, experts can step in to help you investigate. While the specific nature of your suspected fraud case will determine your course of action, forensic accounts start with these three steps to investigate and…

Divorce is a tough experience even for the most amicably separating couple. The legal matters. The financial matters. The sheer quantity of paperwork. There’s a lot to handle before it’s all final. Most divorcing couples aren’t looking for additional issues to attend to. However, make sure addressing your estate plan is on your to-do list. …

Losses have been a big point of concern for business owners in 2020. As the coronavirus pandemic halted the economy, lawmakers have struggled to provide economic support. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act has been part of these ongoing efforts.  Recent developments in the CARES Act may help address excess losses through…

As the federal government is locked in debate about how to support businesses and workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the big issues has been how to provide financial relief. On August 8, President Trump signed an executive action that deferred the employee portion of Social Security taxes for some individuals.  The action defers…

Your typical investment account holds significantly more money than a checking or savings account. That’s the idea, right? Unfortunately, that means that these accounts are attractive to cybercriminals. Banks, investment firms, and other financial institutions bear responsibility for securing investment accounts, but you can also make your investments more secure by putting protections in place. …

In years past, August was a time for excitement and anticipation: going back to school! This was especially the case for recent high school grads preparing to start their first year of college. But this year is marked by anxiety. Yes, all the essentials need to be arranged: dorm supplies, computer, books, and more. For…

Digital assets are an inevitable part of life in the 21st century. Financial services platforms, cloud storage, your music and movie collection, social media and email accounts. Those all belong to you. But what happens to them after you die or if you were to become incapacitated? The accessibility – and thereby, the future –…

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been a valuable resource for businesses struggling with the economic impact of COVID-19. However, if your business received a PPP loan, it’s important to take tax implications into consideration.   The PPP basics The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed into law on March 27, 2020, was…

COVID-19 has changed how working parents are handling childcare. With daycares and summer camps closed and many schools operating virtually, parents have turned to nannies and babysitters to make sure their children are cared for.  While this approach to childcare can reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, it does raise an important tax issue: “nanny…

Families come in all shapes and sizes. It’s important for your estate planning to reflect it! If you’ve adopted children or have a blended family with stepchildren, make sure your estate is structured to distribute accordingly. Adopted children Most estate planning situations don’t distinguish between biological and adopted children. Intestate succession laws, which regulate who…

It’s a scene straight out of the movies. An anxious family comes together following the death of a wealthy pater familias. They’re there to mourn, but also to find out what exactly is written in his will. The will is read – and no one expected that all the family assets were going to his…

White-collar crime can be costly, but the form with the highest price tag? Financial statement fraud. According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, it brings a median loss of $954,000. However, auditors and forensic accountants are skilled at assessing journal entries to hunt down financial manipulation. Detecting questionable entries  When it comes to financial…