Blog & Newsroom

Why Your 401(K) Plan May Not Be the “End-All Be-All” For Your Retirement

Why Your 401(K) Plan May Not Be the “End-All Be-All” For Your Retirement

Since their inception via the Revenue Act of 1978, 401(k) plans have been great tools to help workers save for retirement. While a 401(k) plan has many advantages, there are also some drawbacks to them that one should consider when creating a comprehensive retirement-strategy.Cleveland CPAs 401 k.jpeg

The advantages of a 401(k)

The basic concept of a 401(k) plan is to allow workers to make pre-tax contributions to the plan from their paychecks. As a result, money contributed is not included in their taxable income for that year.

read more…
Patience is a Virtue: Why you need to (still!) wait to receive your tax refund

Patience is a Virtue: Why you need to (still!) wait to receive your tax refund

Cleveland CPA woman waiting by computer.jpgFor the taxpayers who went through the painstaking process of sifting through their shoebox full of receipts in the attempt to file their income tax return early, we have to offer you a gentle and friendly reminder that refunds stemming from returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax credit will be delayed until February 15. 

read more…
IRS Alerts Taxpayers with Limited English Proficiency of Ongoing Phone Scams; Urges Caution Before Paying Unexpected Tax Bills

IRS Alerts Taxpayers with Limited English Proficiency of Ongoing Phone Scams; Urges Caution Before Paying Unexpected Tax Bills

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service continues to warn taxpayers with limited English proficiency of phone scams and email phishing schemes that continue to occur across the country. Zinner-EBook-MAR17-Cover.png

Con artists often approach victims in their native language, threaten them with deportation, police arrest and license revocation, among other things.

“These scammers continue to adapt and evolve, and the IRS continues to receive reports of these schemes using multiple languages trying to find victims across the country,” IRS Commissioner John Koskinen said.

read more…
Pay Me Now, Pay Me Later: Should you pay quarterly estimates or utilize tax withholdings?

Pay Me Now, Pay Me Later: Should you pay quarterly estimates or utilize tax withholdings?

Cleveland CPAs Zinner & Co.jpeg

Many clients ask if it is more advantageous to pay quarterly tax estimates or utilize their tax withholding. I wish there were a simple, cookie-cutter answer. However, as no two taxpayers are alike, the same goes for the manner in which one can pay one’s taxes. 

Both methods of paying income tax have their pros and cons.  The best selection depends on your personal preference and, more so, financial situation.  A majority of self-employed individuals must utilize quarterly payments.  However, if you have an income source such as retirement distributions, social security or employee wages, you have the option of withholding tax from those income streams in lieu of paying quarterly.  read more…

Show Me the Money – How InvestOhio may reduce your taxes

Show Me the Money – How InvestOhio may reduce your taxes

Buy Ohio MadeWhile there are a myriad of ways to reduce Ohio income taxes that are well known and widely leveraged, some methods seem to go largely unnoticed.  One of those lesser-known and underutilized methods that every small business owner, or those interested in owning a small business, should be aware of is the InvestOhio program.

InvestOhio, launched by the State of Ohio several years ago, was created to encourage investment in Ohio-based eligible small businesses.  Qualifying applicants to this program will receive non-refundable Ohio personal income tax credits equal to 10% of their investment in an eligible small business.  Any unused credits can be carried forward up to seven years.

read more…
When Sallie Mae is on Your Personal Payroll

When Sallie Mae is on Your Personal Payroll

Now that income tax filing season is behind us, it is not too early to plan and prepare for 2018. For many taxpayers, the idea of an income tax refund of any amount is welcome, anticipated, and often needed. Cleveland CPAs Zinner Co tax refund.jpg

Few people think that they have “too much” money, and as taxpayers continue to receive their IRS income tax refund, folks begin to consider paying off credit cards or making a large purchase. Sadly, however, when Sallie Mae is on one’s personal payroll, that shopping spree or big screen TV may be just a virtual reality.  Sallie Mae is the nation’s saving, planning, and paying for college company. Their mission is to help American students and families make the dream of higher education a reality through borrowing.

According to a recent article in Time Magazine, about 8 million (education loan) borrowers have given up paying on more than $137 billion in education debts. 

What does this mean? If a taxpayer has defaulted on their federal student loans, their refund may not be issued and instead, applied to what is called a tax refund offset.

read more…
Since 1938, Zinner has counseled individuals and businesses from start-up to succession. At Zinner, we strive to ensure we understand your business and recognize threats that could impact your financial situation.
What Will the Government Shutdown Mean to Your Tax Return?

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’ve probably heard about the battle between the President and Congress over funding for a southern border wall. The government “shutdown” created by the impasse has created a lot of uncertainty about many government-provided...

12 Security Tips for Accounting Systems

Unless you’ve planted your head firmly in the sand, you’ve probably seen or read about numerous computer hacks and scams. Identity theft is a very real problem, but when a ne’er-do-well accesses your accounting system and puts your customers’ sensitive data at risk,...

Cyber Attacks and Data Breaches: Protecting your email accounts

You have read security warnings advising you to stay away from particular websites and of course, not to click on the link to become the beneficiary of a far-away royal. You know not to download free apps, to stay clear of file sharing, and are current with anti-virus...

Send us your questions and we’ll share our insights with you on our blog!

Share Your Idea For 
A Zinner Blog Article