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AI scams are increasing, and it's predicted to get worse this year. ▶ What to do? "Be wary of unexpected texts, emails, and calls that create urgency or pressure, especially those claiming to be from trusted organizations." ...among other things https://lnkd.in/gWuh235C

Some of us are guilty of avoiding uncomfortable phone conversations (don't worry, we're not pointing any fingers). Calm your fears with this: IRS representatives are expected to be courteous and respectful. EVEN IF you owe hefty tax debt. No matter your situation, you can expect to be treated with dignity.

Because we want you to stay ahead of the personal information thieves, today we're offering up an identity protection best practice that we're pretty sure you've heard before but should REALLY take seriously: 🔒 PROTECT YOUR PASSWORDS. 🔒 The longer the password, the tougher it is to crack. Some password tips: - Use at least 10 characters; 12 is ideal for most home users. - Mix letters, numbers, and special characters. - Try to be unpredictable – don’t use your name, birthdate, or common words. - Don’t use the same password for many accounts. - Don’t share passwords on the phone, in texts, or by email. - Keep your passwords in a secure place out of plain sight. And if this seems like a lot to do and keep track of on your own, there are literally dozens of password security providers out there now (LastPass, Dashlane, LogMeOnce, Bitwarden, 1Password, etc.). Pick one and start using it today.

"My interest is in the future because I am going to spend the rest of my life there." - Charles Kettering Time to look to 365 days of future possibility and opportunity. Happy New Year!

When you think about accidentally making a mistake on your taxes, do you picture the IRS maliciously coming to take your house or car? Believe it or not, the IRS doesn’t have its eyes set on your property. Property seizure only happens as a last resort. And with a trustworthy tax pro (like us) in your corner, you can fix things long before it ever gets to that point.

As your friend in the tax business, we would hate to see you suffer the consequences of honest mistakes. Because believe us – the consequences can be BRUTAL. Just how brutal, you ask? They can range from a slap on the wrist in the form of a small payment, to criminal investigation and imprisonment (and everything in between). The take away here is: You MUST take your tax responsibilities seriously. And, find someone you trust to help you with those responsibilities. We're happy to be that someone... and we're just a DM away.

You’ve probably already heard the news – the previous January 1, 2025 beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting deadline is currently on hiatus (but may come back around). What does that mean for YOU? ❗️If you already filed: Keep your BOI records handy. ❗️If you haven’t filed yet: Get your BOI reporting documents in order. ❗️And regardless: Stay in the loop. It's likely the ruling will be overturned, but the timeline for that isn't clear yet. Drop a “🤔” below if you're still confused or want to go over this topic for your business. We've got answers.

The greatest gift we can give this season is love. Let our hearts be open not to just those who are close to us, but to ALL humanity. Let us be slow to judge, quick to forgive, and show patience and empathy. Happy Holidays from our homes to yours. What special traditions make the holidays memorable for you?

What financial milestone are you most proud of this year? Don’t be shy – let’s hear about the forward steps you’ve taken in 2024.

Social Security benefits. Buying a home. Applying for student loans. There’s one thing that could delay (or completely derail) these plans: Failing to pay your past-due taxes can seriously jeopardize your financial future. The best thing to do? Get your past-due taxes paid as soon as you can – you aren’t doing yourself any favors by procrastinating. And if you have no idea where to start, comment “help” below.