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Hosting an employee holiday party that is festive, frugal and free of stress

December 2, 2019

Hosting a holiday party for your staff is one of the best ways to show them you care—while also creating some meaningful, team-driven memories. Follow our tips below for hosting a memorable soiree that doesn’t push your stress or your budget past your limit.

Thinking about retiring? Here’s an easy 5-step calculation to see where you stand.

November 15, 2019

If you have retirement on your mind, the big question is this: Are you in a financial position to do so? While nothing replaces the advice of a seasoned advisor, you can take your first step to answering this question by applying a simple 5-step calculation.

Enjoy the deals without the Black Friday rush this year

November 8, 2019

If you’re not a fan of Black Friday chaos—you know…the crowds, the rush, the relentless search for a parking space—then ditch the onsite shopping this year while still enjoying the sweet deals.

What you need to know about the new overtime rule

November 1, 2019

The Department of Labor (DOL) announced a final rule that allows a much larger pool of employees to earn overtime if they work more than 40 hours per week. Specifically, the DOL raised the salary level for employees who are counted as “exempt” (or unable to earn overtime pay).

Launching another business? Be sure to cover a few business basics…

October 15, 2019

If you’re starting a second business, then you know everything that’s involved with a business launch. However, there are a few business basics that every entrepreneur should revisit before diving into another enterprise. Consider these business basics and then put them into a well-thought-out business plan:

3 cybersecurity tips to protect your small business

October 1, 2019

The 2019 small and midsized business (SMB) Cyberthreat Study from Keeper Security reported that nearly two out of three SMB owners do not feel threatened by or are not concerned about cyber attacks. Yet, in the previous year’s study, two out of three business owners reported falling victim to some level of data breach.

De-stress your workday!

September 16, 2019

We can all get caught up in the day…meetings, calls, texts, emails and the myriad of other workday demands that pile up quickly and can create unwanted stress.

About to get grillin' for Labor Day? Mind a few of our safety tips first.

August 29, 2019

Labor Day is upon us—a popular holiday that is dedicated to the millions of women and men who keep this country going strong. For many, it also means that it’s time to break out the grill for that big end-of-summer celebration. And because most of us aren’t Grill Masters, this is a good time for a refresh on some basic grilling safety tips to keep everyone safe and the party going.

Back to school on a budget: 4 solid tips to save you money

August 19, 2019

Let’s face it. Kids aren’t cheap, so you have to save money where you can. Back-to-school shopping is a good place to start because costs can add up quickly—especially if you have more than one child. Consider these tips for sending your kids back to school without breaking the bank.

$700 million is what Equifax will pay out as a result of its data breach. Make sure you get your share.

August 6, 2019

According to the commission's online claims process, those whose personal information was exposed can opt for 10 years of free credit monitoring, which breaks down as follows: Four years via the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) and six years specifically through Equifax.

Deducting kid’s summer camp and daycare costs under the Child and Dependent Care Credit

August 1, 2019

With all the tax law changes this year, be sure that you are getting your just deductions in the coming tax season. That is, qualifying deductions that fall under the Child and Dependent Care Credit. According to tax giant and trusted resource Intuit, here’s the skinny…

Traveling safe: Tips to keep you secure while on the road

July 15, 2019

These days, we seem to have endless articles on IT security while traveling, but far fewer on physical safety. Because summer can be big travel months for many businesses, we put together the following list of tips to help keep you safe while away from home.

Get up, get out and have some cost-effective fun this summer!

July 1, 2019

As your trusted advisor, we are always looking for ways to improve your financial health—and that doesn’t stop at business activity. We also want to support you with tips to help you save money in your personal life as well.

June is National Safety Month! Tips for augmenting your marketing efforts.

June 17, 2019

June is national safety month, and it never hurts to remind your clients and community that safety always comes first. Our goal with this blog is to help you augment your marketing initiatives with a few ideas around safety. While we can’t cover every industry in a single post, we hope that you find the tips below useful and that they spark some innovative new marketing ideas!

Tapping into a 529 plan for the first time? Tips for parents of college-bound grads…

June 3, 2019

It’s graduation season, and for many parents that means it’s almost time to start shelling out for college tuition. For those well-prepared parents with established 529 plans in place, the time has come to tap into that money pool. Of course, when it comes to tax-advantaged savings, trust that the IRS is keeping close watch, so it’s important to avoid making any rookie mistakes. It’s also important to keep saving as you move forward.

Tips for building a company culture that supports remote workers

May 15, 2019

Having a remote workforce can be challenging, especially if you are trying to build a positive, collaborative work environment. So, how do you create a sense of comradery when you have staff in remote locations? These tips can help:

Tax refund on the way? Use it to fortify your financial future.

May 1, 2019

If you are expecting a refund this year, you may be tempted to splurge on something not-so-practical. Before you do, take some time to think about ways to use your refund to bolster your financial health. We’ve put together a few ideas for you to consider:

Take advantage of these Tax Day deals

April 15, 2019

Once your taxes have been filed, first, take a moment to breathe a big sigh of relief…and then enjoy some Tax Day (April 15, 2019) discounts. There’s nothing like a good deal to take the sting out of tax obligations. Below, we’ve compiled a short list of best food and drink deals, taken from offer.com.

It’s spring! Reboot your enthusiasm with these tips…

April 1, 2019

The long stretch from the end of the winter holiday season until the next break in your routine can feel like eternity. If you feel the need to reboot your enthusiasm as the spring season arrives, try these tips:

Summersgill CPA

March 20, 2019

As a full-service accounting firm with offices in Covington, LA and Key Largo, FL, Summersgill CPA offers a full range of traditional accounting services. But that’s where “traditional” ends. Offering deep analysis and insight into the numbers, we work with business clients throughout the year—guiding them toward smart, sound business decisions.

5 tips to dial down distractions

March 15, 2019

Our most precious commodity is time—and our attention is a close second. That’s why everyone can use some help on how to tune out daily distractions. We compiled the following helpful tips from copyblogger.com to get you started on dialing down distractions:

4 reasons to file your return early

March 1, 2019

The April 15 filing deadline is rapidly approaching, so we encourage you to send us your tax documentation as soon as possible to expedite the filing process. Here are four important reasons why you should file your return sooner rather than later:

A few key tax reform provisions every business owner should know about

February 15, 2019

This tax season is an important one for many business owners because it’s the first that will be impacted by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). How big of an impact is dependent on your unique situation. We’ve compiled this short list of provisions that may affect the business community:

Ways to skinny down Super Bowl Sunday

February 1, 2019

According to Forbes.com, Super Bowl viewers traditionally load up on millions of pounds of less-than-healthy foods during the big game—including ribs, pulled pork, tortilla chips, nuts, popcorn and bacon—all washed down with beer (the Super Bowl beverage of choice). If you are trying to stick to your New Year’s resolution to eat better, consider a few healthy substitutes for the traditional Super Bowl eats:

Reward and Invigorate Your Staff for the New Year: Why Work Retreats “Work”

Abigail Bellio

January 22, 2019

When you work an 8-5, there’s a lot of time spent in the office with your head down. Rarely do you have time to chat with coworkers and reminisce about your weekend or discuss what fun things you and your family have coming up. There’s simply no time for this in many workplaces, and it’s especially true for those who work in the Tax/Accounting Industry. In December you’re planning Year-End strategies, and January-April, you’re hitting the ground running with tax season. This is why it’s important to take time out of the office as a group.

On your mark, get set…GO prepare for tax season

January 17, 2019

The combination of running a business and your life and preparing for tax time can drive some people into a slight panic. But no need to get stressed if you are prepared. Now is the time to start organizing all documents required to file your tax return.

5 tips to mitigate paying taxes on Social Security benefits

January 2, 2019

Like the old paraphrased saying goes: In this world, two things are certain—death and taxes. The recent federal tax overhaul changed a lot of rules, so it’s as important as ever to understand your tax obligations, including those on Social Security benefits.

Meet Summersgill CPA Founder, Shannon Summersgill, CPA

December 13, 2018

Meet Summersgill CPA Founder, Shannon Summersgill, CPA! Learn how her career evolved into running her own firm, what she attributes her success to, her favorite travel destination, and much more!

New IRS warning: Email scams will surge this holiday season

December 10, 2018

Unfortunately, cyber scammers never take a vacation. In fact, the IRS has issued a warning of a surge in fraudulent emails that bait potential phishing victims with fake tax transcripts. Links within these emails lead recipients to documents containing the well-known malware, Emotet.

Minimize the hustle and bustle and stay on budget this holiday season

December 3, 2018

The holidays can be overwhelming. You only have so many hours in a day, your gift list is long, and your budget may be tight. A bit of up-front planning and prioritizing can help save you time and money. Here are a few ideas to help you minimize the hustle and bustle, stay on budget, and find more peace this holiday season.

Five Reasons to Shop Small this Holiday Season

Abigail Bellio

November 28, 2018

Every year we promise ourselves to start our Christmas shopping early. We get on our phones, tablets, and laptops and go straight to Amazon—because that’s easy, right? We LOVE Amazon! I have to admit, I use it weekly. And while we think we are getting the best, quickest deal, there’s a price for shopping this way. The local businesses in our community get overlooked and we forget that these mom-and-pop stores in our downtowns and neighborhoods are trying to provide for their families as well. In the process of shopping online, we aren’t soaking in what the holiday season is really about–Giving!

Spreading the feeling of gratitude

November 19, 2018

Instilling a thankful frame of mind among your staff makes for a gratifying work place. Consider a few suggestions for developing an atmosphere of thankfulness to get into the spirit of the holiday season.

Ramp up awareness to ‘shop small’ on Small Business Saturday this month

November 12, 2018

Black Friday and Cyber Monday need no introduction, but for small business owners it’s all about Small Business Saturday—an annual holiday shopping tradition that gets communities out in support of their local small businesses. Small Business Saturday falls on November 24 this year, so if you haven’t already…start getting the word out.

Important Update: 1099 Reporting for 2018

November 1, 2018

The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015 requires Forms 1099-MISC reporting non-employee compensation (NEC) in box 7 to be filed by January 31.

Meet Summersgill CPA Executive Assistant, Abigail Bellio!

October 18, 2018

Meet Executive Assistant, Abi Bellio! Learn what she does on and off the clock, and how she contributes to making Summersgill CPA great!

Bring in extra traffic with some trick-or-treat action

October 15, 2018

Small business owners in many communities offer downtown trick or treat events. Take advantage of this opportunity to build your business reputation. Involvement in local events goes a long way with both existing and prospective customers—indicating a vested interest in your community. Find creative ways to make your business stand out this trick-or-treat season. We hope the following suggestions will spark fun promotional ideas:

Recognizing Women-Owned Small Businesses Everywhere!

October 1, 2018

October marks Women’s Small Business Month, and we are happy and proud to recognize women in business both locally and around the world. Successful business women of the past and present continue to forge new paths for female entrepreneurs. We celebrate all those who are breaking the glass ceiling and serving as role models and mentors to women everywhere.

Take Advantage of the September Slowdown

September 17, 2018

For many business owners, September tends to bring a bit of a slowdown. The chaos of getting kids prepared for going back to school has passed, and a focus on saving money tends to kick in as people prepare for the coming holiday spend. Combined, this can often translate into a lull for business owners.

Reminder: Q3 Tax Estimate is Due Soon!

September 4, 2018

This is a friendly reminder that the Q3 tax estimate payment deadline is coming up fast. Be sure to make your payment by September 15, 2018 to avoid penalties. Currently, penalties for late or no payment average about 4 percent. And wouldn’t you rather keep that money in your pocket?

Meet Summersgill CPA Staff Accountant, Katie!

August 30, 2018

Meet Summersgill CPA Staff Accountant, Katie! Learn what she does on and off the clock, and how she contributes to making Summersgill CPA great!

Dinner, Drinks and Deductions

August 21, 2018

According to new rules from the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, meals and entertainment tax-deductible expenses for businesses have undergone considerable reform. Because the explanations of new deduction guidelines can be confusing, we’ve created this brief outline for you. A visit with your accounting professional to ensure your Chart of Accounts is correct may also be beneficial.

Back to School on a Budget

August 15, 2018

August is upon us once again. The collective “UGH!” is heard nationwide as families trudge toward the school supplies aisle in preparation for the upcoming academic year. Sadly, the “days-gone-by” supplies such as a box of crayons, spiral-ring notebooks and a pack of #2 pencils have evolved into a much longer list. But never fear, we’ve put together these useful tips to help you do “back to school” on the cheap.

Healthy Summer Eating Made Easy – Part II

August 1, 2018

So popular was the topic of our last post, that we created Part II to create our eating-healthy-this-summer-themed blog series. Enjoy these added nutritional and time-saving tips for summer meal planning.

5 Tips to Eat Healthy While on Vacation this Summer

July 16, 2018

If you are like most, summer is prime time for family and friend vacations. It’s a time to unwind and recharge…to see new places and try new things. For many, “new things” often means food. And if you are trying to maintain or lose weight, that can be a problem. So, for all you travelers trying to stay healthy this summer, here are 5 great tips to help you stay on a healthy eating plan and still enjoy your vacation!

5 Tips to Get Kids Out of Technology and Into Nature this Summer

July 2, 2018

If you are like most families, summer means vacation. And if your kids are like most kids, they tend to be tethered to their technology. Whether planning to travel abroad or a long weekend at a local campground, summer is a time for exploration and simply paying attention to the beauty around us.

Get to Know Hannah Summersgill

June 28, 2018

We invite you to get to know Hannah! Learn what she does on and off the clock, and how she contributes to making Summersgill CPA great!

Ideas for Multigenerational Family Vacations this Summer

June 18, 2018

Multigenerational family vacations have experienced an uptick in popularity, especially with older generations being more active and families living farther apart. Family getaways certainly bring people together physically, but also emotionally. Dedicated family time is simply good for the soul…even more so when multiple generations take part. With this in mind, we bring you a few ideas and tips to consider when planning your next multigenerational vacation.

Your Smartphone Preparedness Travel Guide

June 4, 2018

For many of us, our smartphone is a vital travel tool. We rely on it for navigating unfamiliar places, taking photos, and identifying recreational activities. Michael Zhao, an editor for TheWirecutter.com, offers the following tips on what to pack in addition to your smartphone—so you won’t be stranded when traveling this summer...or any other time of the year.

Facing the Facts: How to Interpret Facial Expressions at Work

May 15, 2018

You may be completely proficient at decoding emojis on social media and in text messages, but for many of us, figuring out what other people’s facial expressions mean can be quite a challenge. Here’s a quick rundown of how to interpret different facial stances based on research from people-communicating.com:

Summer is Just Around the Corner— And So Are Potential Childcare Tax Credits

May 1, 2018

Summer will be here before you know it! If you are a working parent with school-aged children, you know that it can also mean pretty steep bills for childcare and summer camp. However, you may be able to soften the hit to your family’s budget if these services qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.

Get to Know Chandra Jambon

April 25, 2018

Get to know Chandra Jambon, what she does on and off the clock, and how she contributes to making our firm great!

Employee Recognition – A Great Way to Motivate Your Staff!

April 18, 2018

Quite often we can get so wrapped up in checking projects off the company’s to-do list that we forget to recognize the labor that went into each accomplishment. Acknowledging milestones provides opportunity to show appreciation to the employees who helped you achieve them...

What You ‘C’ is What You Get: 4 Tips for Hiring Your Ideal Employees

April 13, 2018

The old adage that your company is only as good as the people that work for it has never rung truer than it does today. The cost of hiring—and then firing—an employee who turns out to be the wrong fit is huge. So how do you find the ideal employee the first time? Focusing on these four ‘Cs’ can help:

Receiving a Tax Refund? Spend It Wisely With These Tips!

April 2, 2018

Are you expecting a tax refund? If so, don’t treat your tax refund as ‘bonus’ cash. Rather look at it as simply a return of taxes paid beyond your actual obligation. This will help you think about using this money purposefully. Here are some ideas to try:

Know the True Value of Your General Contracting, HVAC or Plumbing Business

March 22, 2018

If you own a general contracting, HVAC or plumbing business, it’s important to know its true value, not only when you are looking to sell your business, but as part of your overall financial management of it. The following are some of the important reasons to know what your business is worth at any given time. Consider that:

Spring Cleaning Time is Here! An Easy 3-Step Checklist for Cleaning Your Office

March 19, 2018

The spring season is here! In addition to taxes, many of us want to take care of some overlooked cleaning tasks. Procrastination often creeps in when it comes to cleaning—especially our offices. It can feel overwhelming and somewhat unproductive to spend time decluttering and cleaning your workspace, but once complete, most people feel a sense of relief and calm. Use this handy checklist...

Meet Staff Accountant, Dena Knight

March 9, 2018

Get to know Dena Knight, what she does on and off the clock, and how she contributes to making our firm great!

Disappearing Tax Deductions! Don’t Miss Them on Your 2017 Tax Return

March 5, 2018

Have you filed your 2017 taxes yet? If not, you still have the opportunity to make sure that you lower your tax obligation as much as possible. With new tax laws in effect for 2018 and beyond, the following deductions will disappear after this tax season—check them out to see which ones may help you lower your taxable income...

Tips to Improve Cash Flow for Your General Contracting Business

March 1, 2018

Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business. And it’s especially vital for general contracting businesses that require financial flexibility for purchasing materials, meeting payroll and paying subcontractors. Also consider that GCs must have cash liquidity in order to receive financing from creditors.

The Winter Blues Are Real—Here’s How You Can Beat Them with Science

February 22, 2018

If you tend to feel down in the winter—you’re not alone. According to the American Psychiatric Association, as many as 20% of Americans experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), depression brought on by the shorter days and diminishing sunlight at this time of year.

Tips to Boost Client Appreciation Efforts… Even When Time is Tight

February 15, 2018

When you are super busy running a business, it can be easy to let customer appreciation slide to the bottom of your long to-do list. The problem is, if you don’t show your customers love on a regular basis, they’re going to feel neglected, which can put their continued loyalty at risk.

Considering Hiring a Cybersecurity Professional? Here’s What to Look For.

February 1, 2018

With the occurrence of cybercrimes affecting businesses increasing daily, many companies are looking for outside expertise to help them mitigate their risks. If your company has never engaged a cybersecurity professional before, you may be unsure of what to look for. The IRS suggests businesses use the following four steps when evaluating and selecting a cybersecurity...

Need Help Trying to Make New Habits Stick? Try These Simple Tips…

January 16, 2018

Even if you are not a New Year’s resolution maker, it’s likely that at some point in your life you’ll want to adopt healthier or more productive habits. When you do want to make a change for the better, consider trying the following tips from lifehack.org to increase your chances of making your new good habits stick:

5 Professional New Year’s Resolutions You Should Actually Keep

January 11, 2018

The start of a new year is like a universal pressing of the reset button where we assess what changes/resolutions we’d like to make to improve our lives and careers. Short on ideas? We offer 5 easy resolutions that you can implement today to help make you more creative, productive, and generally more content personally and professionally.

Quick Tips to Help You Tackle Your Taxes with Ease

January 3, 2018

Tax season is approaching quickly. It’s just a few weeks until the IRS officially starts accepting returns, which means now is the perfect time to use the tips below to help you net some last-minute tax-savings and tackle tax season with ease.

5 tips to mitigate paying taxes on Social Security benefits

January 2, 2018

Like the old paraphrased saying goes: In this world, two things are certain—death and taxes. The recent federal tax overhaul changed a lot of rules, so it’s as important as ever to understand your tax obligations, including those on Social Security benefits.

Tips to Help You Truly Enjoy the Most Wonderful—and Overwhelming—Time of the Year

December 18, 2017

It’s amazing how much festive fun can be packed into a few weeks. While the holidays truly can be wonderful, they can also feel overwhelming with too much to do and too many temptations that derail us from enjoying what is truly important. To help you make your holidays feel more fulfilling and less frantic, try these suggestions...

Tax Reform Update: A Snapshot of Key Proposals in the GOP Bill

December 4, 2017

On November 16, the House passed a new tax reform bill that moves the GOP closer to bringing the legislation to fruition. Now the Senate is preparing its own tax reform package. If passed, it must be reconciled with the House before any final legislation goes to the White House. Here is a snapshot of some of the key changes proposed in the tax reform bill: