News: BOI Temporarily Halted by Preliminary Injunction

* Post Updated * The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) reviewed the order of the preliminary injunction Wednesday, pointing out that other courts have denied similar requests.  As of Thursday, December 5, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice has filed an notice of appeal.   Late Tuesday, December 3, 2024, a federal court in Texas […]

ATLAS Mid-Year Team Promotions

ATLAS CPAs & Advisors, with CMMS CPAs & Advisors, announces its 2024 mid-year team member promotions across all locations. ATLAS CPAs & Advisors PLLC, with CMMS CPAs & Advisors PLLC in West Texas, are excited to announce the promotion of several team members throughout the 26 locations operating under ATLAS Navigators LLC.  ATLAS is an […]

Tax Cuts & Jobs Act Expires in 2025

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), enacted in December 2017, introduced significant tax changes which are set to expire at the end of the year in 2025.  The expiration of the TCJA’s individual tax benefits — including reduced tax rates and higher standard deductions — will likely lead to increased tax liabilities for many […]

Social Security Changes Online Login

A recent press release from the Social Security Administration (SSA) announces a transition to the use of Login.Gov for all SSA online accounts and services. SSA account holders who already have a Login.Gov or ID.Me account do not need to take any action.  Rather, this announcement is particularly critical for those whom created their SSA […]

Is Your CPA Part Of Your Summer Routine?

Do your summer plans include a meeting with your CPA?  If they don’t, maybe they should! Summer is upon us!  We love the hot weather, bright sunshine, and cool days in the pool.  And while everyone else is busy planning their beach time or camping trips — you could be busy planning your tax strategy […]

Roth IRAs for Kids

Small businesses play a significant role in labor markets.  They employ 61.7 million Americans; 46.4 percent of all private-sector employees.  In the past 29 years, small businesses have been responsible for generating 17.3 million net new jobs, which accounts for an impressive 62.7 percent of all jobs created since 1995. (1) Knowing the impact small […]

Social Security – Financial Literacy Month

Social Security is a cornerstone of retirement income for millions of Americans. Social Security intertwines with personal financial decisions in complex ways as we plan for-, get close to-, and live in- our retirement.  In light of the role Social Security plays in retirement funding, it is important to have a solid grasp on financial […]

The Importance of Sound Financial Planning

Do you feel ready for retirement?  If your answer is “no,” you are not alone. A report released in 2023 from the Federal Reserve System shows that only 31% of adults feel they are financially ready for retirement. (1) Being negligent of your retirement planning could cast a long shadow over your golden years.  The […]

Retirement Strategies for Women – Women’s History Month

Preparing for retirement can look a little different for women than it does for men. Although stereotypes are changing, women are still more likely to serve as caretakers, meaning they may accumulate less income and benefits during their lifetime, due to time away from the workforce.  One study estimates that 66% of caregivers are women.  […]

Have you Selected your Retirement Plan Beneficiaries?

Do you have a retirement plan? Most individuals will probably answer, “yes.”  They may even answer, “yes,” multiple times, having more than one established retirement account. (1)  Yet, while retirement plans are commonplace, many plan participants have a hard time answering the question:  Who have you selected as your retirement plan beneficiary? Your account beneficiary […]

Get Financially Fit – Exercise your Financial Muscles

What is financial fitness? We are all familiar with the term “physical fitness,” and if pressed for a definition, could come up with an explanation related to levels of strength, a routine of physical activity, and the effects on overall health.  But each individual will explain this a little differently based on their personal history, […]

Financial Strategies for Women – Women’s History Month

This month, we are focusing on the financial planning aspect of ATLAS with our Lifestyle Planning Group (ATLAS LPG.)  As March is also Women’s History Month, we take this opportunity to highlight some important information for- and about- women in the financial planning realm. More and more women are providing for their families, however there […]

Roman Numerals – Fun facts for Super Bowl

Super Bowl LVIII is coming up!  But if the news and internet had not told you this was Super Bowl “58” …would you know what LVIII meant? Roman numerals are a bit antiquated, yet the NFL adheres firmly to this naming convention when it comes to the Super Bowl.  Though everything can be figured out […]

Planning for your Financial Future

Have you thought about the financial, business, or life priorities that you want (or need) to address this year?  2024 is still new, and now is an excellent time to think about the investing, saving, or budgeting methods you could employ toward specific objectives – whether that is building your retirement fund, considering an estate […]

New ATLAS Locations in Northern California

Local CPA Firm, Crippen & Associates, Announces Merger with ATLAS CPAs & Advisors, An ATLAS Navigators, LLC Firm Full-service accounting firm, Crippen & Associates, with two locations based in Marysville and Colusa, California has recently announced their merger with ATLAS CPAs & Advisors PC, an ATLAS Navigators, LLC Firm (ATLAS.)  ATLAS is a tax, accounting, […]

IRA Contribution Deadlines Reminder

Many of us associate taxes with spring because the annual tax filing due date is mid-April.  However, making annual contributions to your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) are an important aspect of your taxes.  As we think about IRA contributions heading into 2024, there are a few distinctions worth noting.  * Remember, this article is for […]

Colorado Announces 2023 TABOR Refund Details

Toward the end of 2023, the Colorado Department of Revenue confirmed the TABOR refund amounts payable to taxpayers in 2024, and the stipulations for claiming said refund.  Continue reading for more information. “Each qualified taxpayer will receive an identical sales tax refund of $800,” according to a Colorado Department of Revenue memo prepared by the […]

IRS Announces ERC Voluntary Disclosure Program

As a follow up to our previous post regarding ERC, we want to share details of the new ERC Voluntary Disclosure Program, recently announced by the IRS. ERC REMINDER As a friendly, the ERC – Employee Retention Credit – is a complex tax credit for businesses and tax-exempt organizations which retained their employees through COVID-19.  […]

ATLAS Announces Annual Team Promotions

ATLAS CPAs & Advisors, with CMMS CPAs & Advisors, announces 2024 team member promotions across all locations. ATLAS CPAs & Advisors PLLC, an ATLAS Navigators, LLC Firm, is excited to announce the promotion of several team members throughout the 25 ATLAS locations.  Five of ATLAS’s locations are based in Texas, operating as CMMS CPAs & […]

ATLAS Announces Promotion of Andrew Wendt to Partner

Andrew Wendt joined ATLAS CPAs & Advisors at the Partner level on January 1st, 2024.  He brings more than 13 years of experience to ATLAS, including time spent performing audits in public accounting, as well as internal audits. Andrew has spent the past 3 years as a Senior Audit Manager in ATLAS’s Northwest Phoenix and […]

2024 Calendar of Important Dates

As we head into the new year, ATLAS offers this annual, friendly reminder of important dates.  We encourage clients to take note of these various due dates, to ensure timely filing and payments throughout 2024.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to your ATLAS or CMMS office directly; or […]

Year End Roth Conversions

ATLAS Lifestyle Planning Group (ATLAS LPG) brings you an informational mini-series, focused on a few key areas of financial planning that could help you wrap up the year feeling better prepared. PART 3:  ROTH CONVERSIONS Don’t forget to have a discussion with your tax professional about Roth IRA conversions before the end of the year. […]

Year End Tax-Loss Harvesting

ATLAS Lifestyle Planning Group (ATLAS LPG) brings you an informational mini-series, focused on a few key areas of financial planning that could help you wrap up the year with a feeling of understanding and a little more control. PART 2:  TAX-LOSS HARVESTING What is Tax-Loss Harvesting?  Great question!  First of all – to be clear […]

Year End Planning for Older Individuals

Year-end planning is one of the best things you can do for yourself to prepare for the coming year, and any challenges you may face.  But there is so much to consider, how do you know where to begin?  Planning can easily become overwhelming, and ultimately skipped because of it. ATLAS Lifestyle Planning Group (ATLAS […]

IRS Freezes ERC Processing & Cautions Taxpayers of ERC Scams

Everyone knows COVID-19 did a number on the economy.  And though we are now over 3 years away from the start of the pandemic, we are still working through the changes that came as a result of that point in history.  One such matter is the ERC – the Employee Retention Credit; or sometimes called […]

EFTPS Now Requires MFA

The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System – more simply referred to as EFTPS – recently announced their implementation of multi-factor authentication for all EFTPS payments. For those who do not know, EFTPS is a secure, free service from the U.S. Department of Treasury through which federal taxes can be paid.  Certain federal taxes, such as […]

Client Axcess Portal Instructions

Dear Clients: In July 2022, ATLAS began a major software conversion. This transition brought all teams onto the same system, streamlining the way we work with our clients, and each other; as well as enhancing the system to provide clients with a higher level of service, due to the capabilities of the programs being used. […]

ATLAS Announces Promotion of Elaine Pressler, CPA/ABV, to Partner

Elaine K. Pressler, CPA/ABV, joined ATLAS as a Partner in our Akron and Canton, Ohio offices in January 2023.  She has more than 30 years of experience in the practice of Public Accounting, with areas of expertise in small business advisory services, business and individual tax return preparation, business valuations, firm management, and more. “I […]

ATLAS Expands Colorado Springs Location

We are excited to announce the addition of two new ATLAS locations in Woodland Park and La Jara, Colorado.  With this merger, a third office, originating in the North Colorado Springs area, will be moving downtown to join our established Colorado Springs office at 455 E Pikes Peak.  Expanding ATLAS’s reach in the Colorado Springs […]

ATLAS Billing Policy

The ATLAS billing policy is designed to be efficient, consistent and transparent for clients. Once the client’s work is completed, ATLAS creates an invoice for the time put into that work, or per an arrangement on an engagement letter. If the work ATLAS does for a client involves a lengthier process or ATLAS is waiting […]

2021 Tax Planning Letter – Businesses

Dear Business Client: With year-end approaching, it is time to start thinking about moves that may help lower your business’s taxes for this year and next. This year’s planning is more challenging than usual due to the uncertainty surrounding pending legislation that could increase corporate tax rates plus the top rates on both business owners’ […]

2021 Tax Planning Letter – Individuals

Dear Clients, With year-end approaching, it is time to start thinking about moves that may help lower your tax bill for this year and next. This year’s planning is more challenging than usual due to the uncertainty surrounding pending legislation that could, among other things, increase top rates on both ordinary income and capital gain […]

Year-End Tax Planning 2021 Document

Click the link below for a document focused on what you need to know for Year-End Tax Planning for 2021. This includes information for both individuals and business. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with questions or if more information is needed! Click title below to open: Year-End Tax Planning Document 2021-ATLAS

New ATLAS Location – Tucson, AZ

We are excited to announce our newest ATLAS location in Tucson, Arizona!  This is an exciting expansion for the ATLAS family of firms, broadening our reach in the southwest.  Continue reading about this recent merger in our press announcement below.   Metzger, Klawon & Fox PLC Announces Merger with ATLAS CPAs & Advisors PLLC an […]

American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 – Businesses

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), signed by President Biden on March 11, 2021, is the latest major legislation that provides economic relief and stimulus, both tax and non-tax, during the Covid-19 pandemic. Below are brief summaries of the key aspects of the tax provisions in ARPA. Provisions Affecting Businesses Payroll tax credits. […]

American Rescue Plan Act 2021 – Individuals

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), signed by President Biden on March 11, 2021, is the latest major legislation that provides economic relief and stimulus, both tax and non-tax, during the Covid-19 pandemic. Below are brief summaries of the key aspects of the tax provisions in ARPA. Provisions Affecting Individuals Recovery rebate credits […]

Making Sense of Your Statement of Cash Flows

The statement of cash flows essentially tells you about cash entering and leaving a business. It’s arguably the most misunderstood and under-appreciated part of a company’s annual report. After all, a business that reports positive net income on its income statements sometimes doesn’t have enough cash in the bank to pay its bills. Reviewing the […]

The American Rescue Plan Act has passed: What’s in it for you?

Congress has passed the latest legislation aimed at providing economic and other relief from the COVID-19 pandemic that has haunted the country for the last year. President Biden is expected to sign the 628-page American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which includes $1.9 trillion in funding for individuals, businesses, and state and local governments. The ARPA […]

2021 Tax Calendar

To help you make sure you don’t miss any important 2021 deadlines, we’ve provided this summary of when various tax-related forms, payments and other actions are due. Please review the calendar and let us know if you have any questions about the deadlines or would like assistance in meeting them. We encourage you to mark […]

New ATLAS Location – Longmont, CO

We are excited to announce a new ATLAS location has been added along the front range of Colorado.  The addition of our Longmont, CO office is an exciting expansion for the ATLAS family of firms.  Continue reading about this recent merger in our press release below.   Clausen & Associates, P.C. announces merger with ATLAS […]

Getting More for Your Marketing Dollars in 2021

A new year has arrived and, with it, a fresh 12 months of opportunities to communicate with customers and prospects. Like every year, 2021 brings distinctive marketing trends to the table. The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic challenges continue to drive the conversation in most industries. To get more for your marketing dollars, you’ll need […]

New Coronavirus Relief Bill and What We Know Now

As many of you know, the Senate passed a (roughly) $900 billion COVID-19 stimulus deal Monday, December 21, 2020 in the late evening. This includes another round of stimulus checks and benefits for jobless Americans. As we dive further in to the details of the bill, below are initial findings we want you to be […]

2021 Update for Colorado Employers

As many are aware, Colorado businesses will be subjected to numerous changes the beginning of 2021. This email below outlines changes you should be aware of. Minimum Wage in the state of Colorado will increase to $12.32 on January 1, 2021. The Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (SB 20-205):  Starting July 14th, 2020 through December 31, […]

2020 Arizona Tax Credits – Easy Reference Guide (AZ Residents Only)

2020 Arizona Tax Credits – Easy Reference Guide (For Arizona State Residents only) Arizona individual taxpayers have the opportunity to redirect state income tax to a variety of Arizona charities through the use of Arizona tax credit contributions. Contributions to certain charities or public schools will not qualify for a federal charitable contribution deduction.  Taxpayers […]

2020 Tax Planning Letter – BUSINESSES

2020 YEAR-END INCOME TAX PLANNING FOR BUSINESSES INTRODUCTION It’s that time of year when businesses normally start developing year-end planning strategies.  However, there has never been a year quite like 2020. We at ATLAS think it is safe to say that year-end tax planning for 2020 is proving to be the trickiest in recent memory.  […]

Tax Planning Letter – INDIVIDUALS

2020 YEAR-END INCOME TAX PLANNING FOR INDIVIDUALS INTRODUCTION With year-end approaching, this is the time of year we suggest possible year-end tax strategies for our clients. However, there has never been a year quite like 2020. We at ATLAS think it is safe to say that year-end tax planning for 2020 is proving to be […]

Paycheck Protection Program – Forgiveness Update

We are committed to keeping you up-to-date with news about the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). On November 18, 2020, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued a Revenue Ruling (2020-27), a Revenue Procedure (2020-51), and added two Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) which address PPP issues. The Revenue Ruling (Rev. Rul.) and the Revenue Procedure (Rev. Proc.) […]

ATLAS Expands Into West Texas

We are excited to announce three new ATLAS locations have been added to our West Texas territory:  Lubbock, Plainview, and Floydada.  This is an exciting expansion for the ATLAS family of firms.  These offices will operate under the name, CMMS CPAs & Advisors PLLC, which is an ATLAS Navigators LLC firm, and is the name […]

New ATLAS Location – Levelland, TX

We are excited to announce the addition of a new ATLAS location in Levelland, Texas.  The addition of a second Texas office is an exciting development for the ATLAS family of firms.  As with its predecessor in Amarillo, our new Levelland location will operate under the firm name, CMMS CPAs & Advisors PLLC, which is an […]

New ATLAS Location – Amarillo, TX

We are excited to announce the addition of a new ATLAS location in Amarillo, Texas.  This is an exciting expansion for the ATLAS family of firms.  Our new Texas office will operate under the firm name, CMMS CPAs & Advisors PLLC, which is an ATLAS Navigators LLC firm.  Continue reading about this recent merger in […]

What Tax Records Can You Throw Away?

October 15 is the deadline for individual taxpayers who extended their 2019 tax returns. (The original April 15 filing deadline was extended this year to July 15 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.) If you’re finally done filing last year’s return, you might wonder: Which tax records can you toss once you’re done? Now is a […]

ATLAS Update: PPP Update – New Interim Final Regulation

As you are well aware, we have been monitoring the Small Business Administration (SBA) for updates concerning the Payroll Protection Program (PPP). Although Congress has not yet acted, yesterday the SBA announced, through its regulatory authority,  a new Interim Final Regulation (IFR) making a de minimus exception from the FTE employee reduction for PPP loans less […]

A PPP Update: Pending Legislation

Understandably, everyone is on pins and needles dealing with 2020 events that seem to pour into our consciousness every waking hour. Concerning the Payroll Protection Program (PPP), rumors have been flying about potential legislative modifications. You hear them, we hear them. We want to provide a glimpse into what MIGHT happen, should legislation be passed […]

Forecasting Financial Results for a Start-Up Business

There’s a bright side to today’s unprecedented market conditions: Agile people may discover opportunities to start new business ventures. Start-ups need a comprehensive business plan, including detailed financial forecasts, to drum up capital from investors and lenders. Entrepreneurs may also use forecasts as yardsticks for evaluating and improving performance over time. However, forecasting can be challenging […]

Thoughtful Onboarding is More Important Than Ever

Although many businesses have had to reduce their workforces because of the COVID-19 pandemic, others are hiring or may start in the weeks or months ahead. A thoughtful onboarding program has become more important than ever in today’s anxious environment of safety concerns and compliance challenges. Crucial opportunity Onboarding refers to “[a formal] process of […]

6 Key IT Questions to Ask in the “New Normal”

The sudden shutdown of the economy in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic forced many businesses to rely more heavily on technology. Some companies fared better than others. Many businesses that had been taking an informal approach to IT strategy discovered their systems weren’t as robust and scalable as they’d hoped. Some may have lost […]

Does Your Business Have a Unique Selling Proposition?

Many business owners — particularly those who own smaller companies — spend so much time trying to eliminate weaknesses that they never fully capitalize on their strengths. One way to do so is to identify and explicate your unique selling proposition (USP). Give it some thought In a nutshell, a USP states why customers should […]

CFU & ATLAS QuickBooks Classes For You!

Some of our very own ATLAS QuickBooks Advisors have teamed up with the great people at Colorado Free University to offer you classes on how to use QuickBooks for your success! Classes will be taught by ATLAS Team members, Libby Smith, Talena Johnson and Kelli Marincin. More information, class options and registration can be found […]

ATLAS Q&A Video: The PPP and its Loan Forgiveness

  This video answers several questions we have seen or received in regard to The Paycheck Protection Program and its Loan Forgiveness. This video is presented by ATLAS Managing Partner, Loni Woodley, and Westminster Partner, Fran Coet. For additional details or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us here.

ATLAS Video: The PPP and Its Loan Forgiveness

    In this video, ATLAS Managing Partner, Loni Woodley, and Westminster Partner, Fran Coet, discuss the Paycheck Protection Program and its Loan Forgiveness. As always we will continue to update you on changes regarding this topic. Check back for updates! Links from video: Slide 3: SBA releases instructions to calculate PPP loan forgiveness Small […]

ATLAS Update: New EZ PPP Loan Forgiveness Application Form

On Wednesday, June 17, 2020, the SBA came out with the EZ PPP Loan Forgiveness Application Form to streamline the forgiveness process for most business owners. We have seen several tweaks to the Paycheck Protection Program throughout the past weeks including the Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act. This act made changes making PPP loan forgiveness more […]

ATLAS Update: Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act

The U.S. Senate passed the House version of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) legislation June 3, 2020, tripling the time allotted for small businesses and other PPP loan recipients to spend the funds and still qualify for forgiveness of the loans. The Senate approval sends the House bill, called the Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act, to President Donald […]

ATLAS Video: Post-Pandemic Survivor Skills for Small-Medium Businesses

  This video from our Managing Partner, Loni Woodley, and Partner in Westminster, CO, Fran Coet, discusses post-pandemic survival skills to help small to medium sized businesses recover. We will continuously update information regarding this topic with notes here. Check back for updates and, as always, send your questions to us via our contact us […]

How ATLAS Can Help Now: Is Your Paycheck Protected?

May is Disability Insurance Awareness Month. Here are some facts our ATLAS Risk Management Group (RMG) thought you may want to consider and may surprise you: QUICK FACTS Just over 1 in 4 of today’s 20 year-olds will become disabled before they reach retirement age. 70% of American employees live from paycheck to paycheck, without enough […]

How ATLAS Can Help Now: Ransomware and How to Protect Your Data

Ransomware is a profitable market for cybercriminals and can be difficult to stop. Prevention is the most important aspect of protecting your personal data. To deter cybercriminals and help protect yourself from a ransomware attack, keep in mind these 7 dos and don’ts from our ATLAS IT Services Team. 1. Do use security software. To help […]

How ATLAS Can Help Now: How the CARES Act Impacts your IRA and RMDs for 2020

The legislation in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act includes policy changes that impact Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) owners and Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) for the 2020 calendar year. Those of you who are retirement account owners can use relief offered through the CARES Act by suspending 2020 RMDs that are not […]

ATLAS Video: Paycheck Protection Program – Loan Forgiveness

Video recorded 4/23/2020 This video answers several questions we have received regarding Loan Forgiveness with a Paycheck Protection Program loan. If you feel your question was not answered or have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us here. As you may have heard, an additional Coronavirus Relief package providing more funding for SBA loans […]

Paycheck Protection Program – Loan Forgiveness

We wanted to provide you with additional information and clarification when it comes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness. If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to your ATLAS office or contact us here. Things to Know About the Loan Forgiveness: Forgiveness is equal to the amount of qualifying […]

How ATLAS Can Help Now: Is Your Technology Protected?

Is Your Technology Protected? Today, many people are working remotely – whether that is due to COVID19 or just regular operations for your organization. Remote users use various devices to access and use critical data while not physically at the organization’s facility. Providing employees remote access is necessary today. But it comes with a big […]

Paycheck Protection Program Loans (FAQs)

The Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, intends to provide timely additional guidance to address borrower and lender questions concerning the implementation of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), established by section 1102 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act or the Act). We will continue […]

ATLAS Q&A Video: CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program – SBA Loans

Recorded 4/7/2020 This video answers additional questions and hopefully provides some clarity to the Paycheck Protection Program regarding SBA loans. As you know, this situation is fluid and guidance from the government agencies involved continues to come out. We will continue to post updates on this page and get you the newest information as soon […]

ATLAS Q&A Video: CARES Act and FFCRA for Businesses – SBA Loans

  We hope this video answers your questions we received about the CARES Act, FFCRA and SBA loans for businesses. **Please note: When this was prepared, we were waiting on final specifics. Some of those specifics have been issued since the recording of this video. We will add updates continuously on this page. Check back for updates […]

ATLAS Q&A Video: CARES Act and FFCRA for Individuals and Families

  Please enjoy the first of several videos we will be providing on your most frequently asked questions on the CARES Act, FFCRA and other legislation in response to COVID-19. We know this is a confusing and difficult time for people so we hoped to gather as much information as possible to answer your questions […]

Details from Lenders on PPP SBA Loans

Updated: 4/6/2020 Loan applications have opened through banks to provide SBA PPP loans. While each bank has a slightly different list of items they need to get the application process started, we are happy to help you with the process. Contact us here to be contacted by our SBA PPP loan assistance team. One Update […]

ATLAS Update: The CARES Act – What We Know

Information on the CARES Act – Passed by The Senate March 25, 2020. Passed by the House and signed by The President March 27, 2020. Updated 3/27/2020   As of March 27, 2020, the Senate and House have passed the $2 trillion “Phase Three” COVID-19 economic stabilization package, H.R. 748, the ‘Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and […]

IRS People First Initiative

The IRS has unveiled a People First Initiative to provide immediate relief to taxpayers. The IRS has initiated several steps to help those who are dealing with tax liabilities and other tax issues in these uncertain and difficult times. This is the first time in a long time we have seen the IRS go to this […]

Department of Labor: Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)

Updated 3/26/2020 In response to the adjustments employees and employers are continuing to make because of COVID-19, the Department of Labor has put out information about Employee Rights under the new Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). Below is a link to that information. https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/posters/FFCRA_Poster_WH1422_Non-Federal.pdf This poster details requirements and qualifications around employers providing employees with […]

ATLAS Update: Federal Tax Deadline Extended from April 15 to July 15, 2020

Dear Clients, In recent news, the IRS and the President have issued statements confirming the extension of the federal tax filing deadline to July 15, 2020. The first communication came this morning in a tweet from the Secretary of the Treasury. Additional information can be found here: https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/trump-moves-tax-day-to-july-15-because-of-coronavirus You can also read the passed bill here: […]

ATLAS COVID-19 Update: A letter from our Managing Partner, Loni Woodley

Dear Clients and Friends, Amid the outbreak of COVID-19, we’re taking measures to maintain the highest possible level of client service while protecting our team members and you. We are continuing to monitor updates and news surrounding COVID-19 and have taken the following measures to mitigate risks and keep everyone safe. Please read the changes happening […]

ATLAS COVID-19 Update: SBA Loan/Disaster Assistance Information

We will continue to update information on SBA Disaster Assistance that comes out. Please scroll through this page to see past updates on this subject. Most recent news will be at the top!   An Update as of 3/23/2020: Dear Clients, As you may have heard, lawmakers are working on a relief bill in response […]

Accounting for Indirect Job Costs the Right Way

Construction contractors, professional service firms, specialty manufacturers and other companies that work on large projects often struggle with job costing. Full cost allocations are essential to gauging whether you’re making money on each job. But some companies simply lump indirect job costs into overhead or fail to use meaningful cost drivers, thereby skewing their profit […]

4 Key Traits to Look for When Hiring a CFO

Finding the right person to head up your company’s finance and accounting department can be challenging in today’s tight labor market. While it may be tempting to simply promote an existing employee, external candidates may offer fresh ideas and skills that take your financial reporting to the next level. Here are four traits to put […]

3 Best Practices for Achieving Organic Sales Growth

Most business owners would probably agree that, when it comes to sales, there’s always room for improvement. To this end, every company should strive for organic sales growth — that is, increases from existing operations unrelated to a merger or acquisition. That’s not to say a merger or acquisition is necessarily a bad idea, but […]

5 Ways to Strengthen Your Business for the New Year

The end of one year and the beginning of the next is a great opportunity for reflection and planning. You have 12 months to look back on and another 12 ahead to look forward to. Here are five ways to strengthen your business for the new year by doing a little of both: 1. Compare […]

Tax Planning – So Why Should You Tax Plan?

If you were to look up “Tax Planning”, the definition would be: Tax planning is the analysis of a financial situation or plan from a tax perspective. The purpose of tax planning is to ensure tax efficiency. Through tax planning, all elements of the financial plan work together in the most tax-efficient manner possible. Tax […]

Employee Retention – How to Keep Great Employees

Why do people leave their jobs? The number one reason: they don’t like their leadership. Please don’t leave companies, they leave people. Why? Because a lot of leadership doesn’t know how to lead. Power and influence don’t work for everyone. If you want to test a person’s character, give them power. The first thing to […]

ATLAS CPAs & Advisors Announces New Partner, Kelli Berardi, CPA

Press Release Announcing Kelli Berardi, CPA as Partner can be read below!   ATLAS CPAs & Advisors PLLC (ATLAS), a regional tax, accounting and consulting firm with locations across Arizona, Colorado, Iowa and Illinois, has recently promoted Kelli Berardi, CPA to Partner. Berardi has served from the Northwest Phoenix location of ATLAS for over 6 […]

The Secret of Learning

Would you like to know the secret of learning? First, we have to have an open mind. This is an attitude shift. The key is having a childlike attitude. What do we mean by that? Children are simple (and incredible) characters. They are curious therefore teachable. They do not have any false pretenses, so they […]

ATLAS CPAs & Advisors PLLC Announces New Partner, Brooke Greve, CPA

ATLAS Press Release ATLAS CPAs & Advisors PLLC (ATLAS), a regional tax, accounting and consulting firm with locations across Arizona, Colorado, Iowa and Illinois, has recently promoted Brooke Greve, CPA to Partner. Greve has served at the Englewood (Denver Tech Center- DTC) location of ATLAS for over two years as Manager. She has served clients […]

ATLAS Announces Promotion of Everlene Romero, CPA to Senior Manager

ATLAS Press Release: ATLAS CPAs & Advisors PLLC (ATLAS), a regional tax, accounting and consulting firm with locations across Arizona, Colorado, Iowa and Illinois, has recently promoted Everlene Romero, CPA to Senior Manager. Romero has served at the Northwest Phoenix location of ATLAS for over 11years as Manager. She has served clients from all locations […]

ATLAS CPAs & Advisors Merges New Firm in Phoenix, AZ

Canyon Financial Services, LLC Announces Merger with ATLAS CPAs & Advisors PLLC A local business valuation, litigation and consulting firm, previously known as Canyon Financial Services (CFS), has recently announced its merger with ATLAS CPAs & Advisors PLLC, an accounting, tax and consulting firm with locations across Colorado, Arizona, Iowa and Illinois. ATLAS CPAs & […]

ATLAS CPAs & Advisors PLLC Announces New Partner, Gautam Gupta

ATLAS CPAs & Advisors PLLC Announces New Partner, Gautam Gupta ATLAS CPAs & Advisors PLLC (ATLAS), a regional tax, accounting and consulting firm with locations across Arizona, Colorado, Iowa and Illinois, has recently promoted Gautam Gupta, CPA to Partner.  Gupta has served at the Northwest Phoenix location of ATLAS for over 8 years as Manager. […]

Rental Properties – Are they eligible for 199A (20%) Deduction?

As Congress and the IRS continue to more clearly define the New Tax Act we will attempt to keep you informed.  Recently they defined the rules around rental properties. For 2018 and beyond, rental property owners (Individuals, Partnerships, Trusts and S Corporations) can qualify for the 199A deduction if certain qualifications are met: • Must […]

For AZ clients and residents: New Info – Electronic filing, S-Corps and Vehicles

New information on S-Corps and Personal Vehicles Health Insurance premiums paid on behalf of a >2% shareholder-employee are deductible by the S-Corporation and reportable as wages on the shareholder-employees’ Form W-2, included in boxes 1, 14 and 16. It is also required by the IRS that we include a line on your W-2 for amounts […]

ATLAS Boss – Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: What We Know Now

Why Tax Planning is So Important Now

Why Tax Planning is So Important Now Tax Planning is more important than ever before. The IRS just enacted the largest changes in the past 30 years. While the federal income tax regulations are now more complicated than ever, the benefits of strategic tax planning are more valuable than ever before.   What is Tax […]

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New Tax Law

Financial Statements

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Top Four Reasons to Join a 401k Multiple Employer Plan

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10 Tips to Reduce Your Risk of a Data Breach

Cybersecurity is important and ever-changing. Major data breaches are a common topic in news today. It is estimated that $150 billion is lost annually by businesses of all sizes due to data and identity theft.(1) Only 1 in 4 organizations feel they are highly immune to cyberattacks.(2) The best way to prevent a cybersecurity attack is […]

What is Artificial Intelligence?

And why are we hearing so much more about it now? Artificial Intelligence (AI) is BIG. In fact, it will soon be the biggest thing since the Internet itself. But what is it, exactly? The simplest explanation is that it’s our ever-improving ability to make digital technology – computers – approximate the functionality and capability […]

How to Create a Crisis Management & Response Plan

How to Create A Crisis Management & Response Plan Creating a crisis management response plan is something most organizations don’t want to think about. Numerous studies also confirm that only about half of all organizations have any kind of crisis plan in place. Make sure your company is prepared. If your company is one of […]

The Importance of Employee Recognition for Business Performance

The Importance of Employee Recognition for Business Performance Did you know that organizations with formal recognition programs have 31% less voluntary turnover than organizations that don’t have any program at all? And they’re 12X more likely to have strong business outcomes. Do you know what motivates employees, the benefits (and costs) of employee recognition, and […]

Impact of Tax Reform on HR

What Should Employers and HR Professionals Know About Tax Reform? On December 22, 2017, President Trump signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act—the most substantial reform of the U.S. tax code in over 30 years. This new law, which went into effect on January 1, carries significant changes to both individual and business […]

Top HR Trends 2018

The world of Human Resources is constantly evolving, and each new year ushers in new laws and trends that impact the workplace. For employers and HR professionals, it is crucial to keep abreast of these changes and understand how they affect an organization’s ability to build and manage a successful workforce. Several trends defined HR […]

Changing Performance Reviews? Focus on these Core Concepts.

Performance reviews are dead, or so we have been told. The data shows a shrinking support for the traditional method: only 15% of companies have not adjusted their annual performance management process and do not plan to. But the data from our Performance Management, Culture, and Business Results study shed a different light on the […]

Tax Reform: More Jobs | Fairer taxes | Bigger Paychecks

President Trump has laid out four principles for tax reform: First, make the tax code simple, fair and easy to understand. Second, give American workers a pay raise by allowing them to keep more of their hard-earned paychecks. Third, make America the jobs magnet of the world by leveling the playing field for American businesses […]

Trump Proposes the Most Sweeping Tax Overhaul in Decades

President Trump on Wednesday began an ambitious push to slash taxes and salvage what remains of his embattled legislative agenda in Congress this year, proposing a politically challenging array of tax cuts for individuals and businesses that would constitute the most sweeping changes to the federal tax code in decades. Read the full NY Times […]

Equifax Data Breach – Please Read and Share

By now you have probably heard about one of the largest data breaches in US history – the Equifax data breach. If you have a credit report, there is a good chance that you are one of the 143 million American consumers whose sensitive personal information was exposed. As a client of ATLAS CPAs & […]

Pit Stop Reality Check: Powerful Decision-Making Tools Beyond Your Gut

Guides Point the Way: Trusted Advisors Alert You to Potholes and Possibilities

In Case the Wheels Come Off: Expect the Best, Prepare for the Worst

Begin With the End in Mind: Grow Your Business Into the Future

Colorado Regulations on Electronic Documents and Record Retention

  Electronic Documents and Record Retention A frequent question that we receive from clients with Colorado businesses is what are the federal and Colorado rules related to record retention and electronic document storage and retrieval? Federal law states that all taxpayers subject to income tax must keep books and records that are sufficient to establish […]

Year End Tax Planning with Fixed Assets

Year End Tax Planning with Fixed Assets As 2015 comes ever closer to an end, it is time to consider your tax planning options for the remainder of the year.  One aspect of tax planning for a business is how to account for fixed asset purchases in the most tax efficient manner.  There are several […]

Checkups for Small Businesses

Like individuals, businesses might want to tackle these finance-related projects early in 2015: 1. Renegotiate your lease. You may be overpaying rent if you signed your lease five (or more) years ago. If your current landlord isn’t willing to renegotiate the lease terms, consider switching to another location with lower rent, more usable space or […]

3 Financial Metrics for Business Success

There is a large amount of data available to help you more effectively manage and grow your business. But, how do you know which numbers to crunch, and what the data is telling you? While it’s true that the importance of certain financial metrics will vary depending on your industry, there are three important financial […]