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
The following article, written by Michael Cohn, first appeared on AccountingToday.com on May 27, 2016
The Internal Revenue Service issued a new warning Friday (May 27, 2016) to taxpayers about bogus phone calls from IRS impersonators demanding payment for a non-existent tax that they call the “federal student tax.”
The House passed bipartisan legislation May 16, 2016, to prevent taxpayer identity theft and help victims whose tax refunds have been stolen by identity thieves.
The bill was co-sponsored by a CPA turned lawmaker whose own identity was stolen last tax season.
H.R. 3832, Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Prevention Act of 2016, would establish a centralized point of contact at IRS for ID theft victims; improve taxpayer notification of suspected identity theft; require the Internal Revenue Service to submit a study on the feasibility of establishing a program for victims of identity theft-related tax fraud to opt out of electronic filing; and establish an Information Sharing and Analysis Center to collect, analyze, and share actionable data and information to detect and prevent identity theft. Two core components of the bill were enacted last December and the rest were passed Monday.
The bill was sponsored by Rep. Jim Renacci, R-Ohio, and John Lewis, D-Ga., the ranking Democrat on the House Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee. Renacci is a CPA who also fell victim to identity theft.
Free e-book: Tax Return Fraud and Identity Theft: What to do if Your Identity is Stolen
“Today, the House passed my bipartisan bill to protect hardworking American taxpayers,” Renacci said in a statement Monday. “Tax-related identity theft is an evolving criminal activity that can happen to anyone. In fact, last tax season my identity was stolen and used to file a fraudulent tax return.”
The Ways and Means Committee passed the bill late last month (see House Committee Passes IRS Legislation on Identity Theft, Missing Children and Tax-Exempt Donors).
“We must do all we can to fight identity theft, return theft, fraud and scams,” said Lewis. “In the last few years, the Taxpayer Advocate staff assisting my constituents in Atlanta, and the caseworkers working in my District Office have seen an alarming increase in scams targeting the American taxpayer. H.R. 3832 responds to the real needs of real people. The Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Prevention Act of 2016 is a good, bipartisan and timely legislative step in the right direction.”
The bill now moves to the Senate. "I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to ensure this bill is signed into law,” Renacci said.
“Every year, people across the country discover they are a victim of tax-related identity theft,” said Ways and Means Committee chairman Kevin Brady, R-Texas. “Congressman Jim Renacci turned his personal experience as a victim of identity theft into a legislative solution that will help protect all Americans. The bill we passed today will prevent fraud, increase transparency, and improve IRS customer service to better serve taxpayers. I appreciate Congressman Renacci’s leadership against a crime that impacts so many Americans.”
Robin Baum ready to lead Rainbow Babies and Children's Foundation
As the exclusive licensed provider in Cuyahoga County, Zinner & Co. recently presented the Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional (CNAP) course to area professionals working in or with the not-for-profit industry.
The program was made possible by Partner Sue Krantz, who is a member of the Executive Committee of Nonprofit CPAs through The Rainmaker Alliance, a national association management company for accounting firms.
CNAP, the only nationally recognized certification program for nonprofit accounting professionals, earns high accolades from graduates for its comprehensive curriculum and is recognized as the gold standard training for nonprofit financial professionals. Participants attended the multi-day course followed by a comprehensive exam. Upon passing, the attendee is awarded the CNAP designation.
Zinner & Co. has held steady to many founding principles. The integrity of the firm is supported by a long-held belief to not only to show community support through fundraising events and company sponsorships, but also from a boots-on-the-ground approach.
Have Nagging Financial Questions?
