Stock Market Recoveries: A Guide

The market continues to perform well, making this the perfect time to prepare for the eventuality of a downturn. The good news is that recoveries last far longer than the preceding downturns. Continue reading to learn more.

We are always happy to be of service. Call us at 215-723-4881 with any questions you may have.

We Are Hiring: Tax Preparer/Accountant

Are you a self-motivated leader and experienced accountant looking for a new opportunity? Do you desire more freedom in managing your own schedule and client base while utilizing various service offerings and a team of experienced staff? If so, working with us as a tax preparer/accountant may be your next career step.

Rise in Check Washing Crimes: What You Need to Know

When you hear “check washing,” it probably reminds you of that time you forgot to check everyone’s pockets before doing laundry. But the term refers to a criminal act that is on the rise throughout the United States. This fraudulent activity involves altering a written check by erasing its details — such as the recipient’s name or the check amount — and rewriting them to benefit the criminal.

The Check Washing Process

The process is alarmingly simple. Once the thief has the check, they use chemicals or heat to erase the existing information without damaging the paper. Then they write in new details to their benefit.

Preventing Check Washing

There are several ways to protect yourself from becoming a victim of check washing:

  • Use pens with pigment-based ink. These inks are resistant to most chemicals used in check washing.
  • Always keep your checks in a secure place. If mailing checks, use a tamper-evident envelope. For an additional layer of safety, walk the check into the post office instead of using the outdoor mailboxes.
  • Where possible, switch to electronic transactions to avoid using physical checks.

What to Do If You’re a Victim

If you think you’ve been targeted by check washing, here’s what to do:

  • Contact your bank to stop payment on the suspected check immediately.
  • Notify your local law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission about the issue.
  • Monitor your accounts and bank statements for any unauthorized transactions.

Taking a few simple preventive measures will go a long way in protecting yourself against check washing.

One source, many services, the right decision.

Accounting. Payroll. Technologies. Wealth Management. We’re here to help. Call us at 215-723-4881 or contact us online.

City of Philadelphia Wage Tax Decrease Effective July 1, 2023

This year brings another decrease in the Philadelphia City Wage Tax. Effective July 1, 2023, employers must withhold wage tax at the new rate of 3.75% from all paychecks issued to Philadelphia residents. The wage tax for non-residents of Philadelphia will remain at 3.44%.

This change must be in place for all paychecks dated after June 30, 2023.

Questions? We’re happy to help. Give us a call at 215-723-4881.

Funding Higher Education

We all want the best for our children – for them to have every opportunity to grow and learn and to make a success of their life. The challenge we face as parents of young is how to properly fund our children’s education without draining our current cash flow.

What should you do if they are a few years away from college and your education fund won’t be enough? How can you increase your chances of getting financial aid? What tax benefits might be available to you? Your professional advisors are able to help you answer these question and any others you may have. With the costs of a college education rising every year, the keys to funding your child’s education are to plan early and invest shrewdly. However, there are steps you can take if you get a late start. Moreover, there are a number of effective techniques for increasing financial aid opportunities and reducing taxes.

The thought of funding your child’s education—the cost of which has grown at about 6% a year— can be mind-boggling. However, proper planning can lessen the financial squeeze considerably, especially if you start when your child is young.

We can help you to make the right financial decisions and begin saving for that college education today.

July 4 Hours – Important Update for Payroll Clients

While we will be closed Monday, July 3 & Tuesday, July 4 for the 2023 Independence Day Holiday, we have a special update for our Payroll customers. Our Payroll team will be working and processing payrolls on Monday, July 3, 2023. If you have any questions about the holiday processing deadlines, call 215-723-4881 or email us. We will resume our regular lobby business hours (8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) on Wednesday, July 5, 2023. Have a safe and happy holiday.

Having a Baby

Preparing for the pitter-patter of little feet can be such an exciting, heady time that it can be easy to overlook some of the more serious issues relating to this event. As soon as you start your family, financial planning for the future becomes even more essential. How will you finance childcare, medical bills, food, education, clothing, toys, and education savings? What will you need to spend money on and how much will each item cost? It’s important to take into consideration the ongoing costs associated with starting and raising a family. To get you started, here are some of the things you’ll need to factor into your financial planning:

  • Doctor and hospital expenses
  • Nursery furniture and clothing
  • Baby supplies and equipment
  • Formula
  • Childcare
  • Healthcare
  • Toys and clothes
  • Education costs
  • Extra curricular activities (e.g., ballet classes, school camps, sporting events and activities)
  • Doctor and medical expenses
  • Increased insurance

Be certain you’re well prepared. Talk with us today about how best to prepare for a life-changing event such as the birth of a child.