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The Internal Revenue Service today announced an increase in the optional standard mileage rates for the final six months of 2011. Taxpayers may use the optional standard rates to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business and other purposes.

The rate will increase to 55.5 cents a mile for all business miles driven from July 1, 2011, through Dec. 31, 2011. This is an increase of 4.5 cents from the 51 cent rate in effect for the first six months of 2011, as set forth in Revenue Procedure 2010-51.

Posted by: DeAnna DeWitt

The Supreme Court’s recent decision in the case Cigna v. Amara sent a very important message to all plan sponsors/employers regarding the importance of maintaining their retirement plan documents including the required summary plan descriptions and summary of material modifications (as applicable). 

by Joe Ramey, ATS Manager

The SEC recently released a work plan for how International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) might be worked into the U.S. financial reporting system, stressing that the SEC has not yet committed to convergence of U.S. GAAP with IFRS.

The plan drew a picture of how dramatically Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) role may change in standard setting.

We’ve made it well past the trust filing due date of April 15th, and in reflecting back on what we noted with our trust clients, I thought it would be helpful to educate our trustees as to why we ask for certain information in preparing your trust returns.

Along with the lazy, hazy days of summer come some extra expenses, including summer day camp. But, the IRS has some good news for parents: those added expenses may help you qualify for a tax credit.

Many parents who work or are looking for work must arrange for care of their children under 13 years of age during the school vacation.

Here are five facts the IRS wants you to know about a tax credit available for child care expenses. The Child and Dependent Care Credit is available for expenses incurred during the summer and throughout the rest of the year.

It appears that we may be one step closer to repeal of the Ohio Estate tax. On May 5, the Ohio House of Representative approved H.B. 153. Within this bill, was the inclusion of language eliminating Ohio’s estate tax, effective January 1, 2013.

FBAR, otherwise known as Foreign Bank Account Reporting Form TD 90.22-1, is a separate filing from the U.S. Income tax return. Its purpose is to inform the federal government of the existence of foreign financial accounts in which you have an interest. Why do they want to know about this? To protect against international terrorism, combat money laundering and other crimes and to identify illicit funds or income escaping federal income tax because the money is being hidden outside the US!

Who is required to file?

Posted by: Colleen Kaminsky

Last night was one of the most excited and nervous I have felt in a long time! As a CPA, I am used to stressful deadlines, but I rarely fear the threat of personal injury. A paper cut is at the top of my danger list, and it can seriously ruin my day. But, staring through the glass wall into the beautiful commercial-grade kitchen at Cleveland's next hot spot, Pura Vida located in downtown's historic May Co. building, I realized that I would soon be surrounded by flames and sharp knives as I competed with my teammates against some of Cleveland's finest lawyers and professionals. I was a little intimidated to say the least.

Revised instructions to ICE Form I-9 for new employees includes guidance on the E-Verify procedure. E-Verify provides an automated link to federal databases to help employers confirm the employment authorization of new hires. E-Verify is free to employers and is available in all 50 states.