If you are an employer planning to add to your workforce, you need to know about the recent change regarding Form I-9, the Employment Eligibility Verification form. Form I-9 is compulsory for all employers to confirm every newly hired employee’s identity and that they are authorized to work in the United States.

With the 2017 tax year coming to a close, many individuals and business owners are asking what they can do to reduce their tax obligation, discover tax credit opportunities, or set themselves in a  more favorable tax position.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! In recent years, thousands of people have lost millions of dollars and their personal information to tax scams and fake IRS communication. This page looks at the scams affecting individuals, businesses, and tax professionals and what do if you if you spot a tax scam. 

REMEMBER: The IRS doesn't initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information.  In addition, IRS does not threaten taxpayers with lawsuits, imprisonment or other enforcement action.  Being able to recognize these tell-tale signs of a phishing or tax scam could save you from becoming a victim.

 Background--direct and indirect (60-day) rollovers

Confronting the latest scheme to target taxpayers, the IRS and its Security Summit partners warned (on September 22, 2016) that scammers have sent fake emails purportedly containing CP2000 notices, which are used in the IRS’s Automated Underreporter Program.

Read more about IRS Scams by Howard Kass

The IRS emphasized that it never sends these notices by email, and instead uses the U.S. Postal Service (IR-2016-123).

 Cybersecurity. What if I said I can give you five security tips you can implement in five minutes that will help greatly mitigate the risk of your home or business computer system from becoming a target for cybercriminals?  Yes, it can be that easy! 


While there are certainly savvy hackers out there, the reality is many breaches of security stem from common, no-cost proactive measures that most overlook.

Here are our top five:

 Zinner & Co. was recently named an honoree of the 2016 Business Longevity Award by Smart Business Magazine. The firm, established in Cleveland in 1938 by Harry Zinner, is led by Managing Partner Robin Baum and partners Susan Krantz, Howard Kass, Gabe Adler and Brett Neate. 

The award will be presented at an August 4th ceremony and will recognize Zinner & Co. in addition to only 44 other regional companies with at least 50 years in business. Honorees must have demonstrated their ability to adapt and evolve with changing times.

"We are thrilled to be named an award honoree and to share the distinction with such a prestigious group of companies," said Robin Baum, CPA, Managing Partner. Our approach to business growth and sustainability mirrors the same principles that we use when advising our clients; work strategically, with integrity, while never losing sight of the clients’ needs.”

The firm has evolved over the decades, becoming a true business partner that provides services beyond tax and accounting work. Specialty niche service areas not only span a variety of industries including real estate, manufacturing, professional services and not-for-profit, but also provide operational services including management consultancy, outsourced business services and planning and preparation for companies from start-up through succession.  

This visionary method to business is part of what keeps the Beachwood-based firm on its successful track; the other part is the culture of giving, a tenet shared among all employees. Employees are active members of the region, whether serving on boards, volunteering, donating their time or talent, or spearheading a cause. “We believe growing our community is just as important as growing our business,” added Baum.

A Smart Business Magazine judging panel reviewed submitted essay's describing how companies remained viable over the decades and selected the recipients. 

IRS Scammers Demand Tax Payments on Gift Cards | Accounting Today News