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We pride ourselves on giving you personalized and thorough service that meets your business or individual needs. +1 310.552.1600 Newsletter Sign Up Recent News Tax Considerations for Data Center Projects in the Age of AI May 1, 2026 Understanding the EV/2P Ratio May 1, 2026 6 Tips for Your Mid-Year Check In May 1, 2026 The ROI of Autonomy: Measuring the Business Value of Agentic AI Workflows May 1, 2026 Bottom Menu About Us News Pay with Credit Card or by eCheck Contact Us Privacy Disclaimer Gerber & Co. © 2026 Recordkeeping | Gerber Co. | What Beyond BeanCounting® Gerber & Co. Menu Home Services Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning Pre-Immigration Tax & Estate Planning Guild International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement Standard Engagement Letter Engagement Letter Transmittal Letter U.S. Residency Tax Preparation News & Tools Media Tax Blog Monthly News Track Your Refund Financial Calculators Record Retention Guide Useful Links Tax Due Dates Life Events Personal Events Financial Events Business Events Tax Events Finance Dictionary Fed & State Tax Links Contact Us Pay Your Bill +1 (310) 552 1600 Skip to content Home » Recordkeeping Print 🖨 PDF 📄 eBook 📱 Home Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement U.S. Residency Tax Preparation Home Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement U.S. Residency Tax Preparation Recordkeeping for Taxes What to keep and how long to keep it Tax records should be kept on a year-round basis, not hastily assembled just for your annual tax appointment. Without tax records, you can lose valuable deductions by forgetting them on your tax return, or you may have unsubstantiated items disallowed if you are audited. Generally, returns can be audited for up to three years after filing. However, the IRS may audit for up to six years if there is substantial unreported income. The three and six year limits start with the filing of a tax return; if no return is filed, the time limit never starts to run. Which records are important? Records of income received. Expense items, especially work-related. Home improvements, sales, and refinances (for homes with profit potential of $250,000 or more). Investment purchases and sales information. The documents for inherited property. Medical expenses. Charitable contributions (records vary with value of gift). Interest and taxes paid. Records on nondeductible IRA contributions. How long should records be kept? Just how long you should keep records is partly a matter of judgment and a combination of state and federal statute limitations. Federal tax returns can be audited for up to three years after filing (six years if underreported income is involved). Keeping most records for six years after the return filing date is a good idea. Some records are worth keeping permanently, partly due to long-term needs and partly because they take up very little room. Consider permanently retaining a copy of each year’s tax return. Contracts, real estate buy/sell records, and records of property improvements should be retained for seven years after the property is sold. If you are in business, your record requirements are more extensive. Please call us; we will be happy to assist you with a system of record retention for your business. Wealth Management Los Angeles Business Management Los Angeles Looking for information on current topics? View the latest Tax and Financial News , or try our Financial Calculators . New Client Consultation Request Contact Info Main Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 310 552 1600 Memphis TN Support Office 1790 Kirby Parkway, Suite 127, Memphis, TN 38138 Los Angeles CA Main Office 1880 Century Park East, Suite 200 Los Angeles CA 90067 Corporate Info & Media TeamGerber, the careful management of your finances is our top priority. We pride ourselves on giving you personalized and thorough service that meets your business or individual needs. +1 310.552.1600 Newsletter Sign Up Recent News Tax Considerations for Data Center Projects in the Age of AI May 1, 2026 Understanding the EV/2P Ratio May 1, 2026 6 Tips for Your Mid-Year Check In May 1, 2026 The ROI of Autonomy: Measuring the Business Value of Agentic AI Workflows May 1, 2026 Bottom Menu About Us News Pay with Credit Card or by eCheck Contact Us Privacy Disclaimer Gerber & Co. © 2026 Facilitating Access to Housing and In-State Tuition, Sanctioning Iran and the Battle Over DHS Funding | Gerber & Co. Gerber & Co. Menu Home Services Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning Pre-Immigration Tax & Estate Planning Guild International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement Standard Engagement Letter Engagement Letter Transmittal Letter U.S. Residency Tax Preparation News & Tools Media Tax Blog Monthly News Track Your Refund Financial Calculators Record Retention Guide Useful Links Tax Due Dates Life Events Personal Events Financial Events Business Events Tax Events Finance Dictionary Fed & State Tax Links Contact Us Pay Your Bill +1 (310) 552 1600 Skip to content Home » Blog » Facilitating Access to Housing and In-State Tuition, Sanctioning Iran and the Battle Over DHS Funding Facilitating Access to Housing and In-State Tuition, Sanctioning Iran and the Battle Over DHS Funding Print 🖨 PDF 📄 eBook 📱 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (HR 6644) – As many local governments face the problem of rising affordability and severe housing shortages, this bipartisan bill would update existing housing programs to increase the housing supply, as well as streamline federal regulations that slow construction. Among its provisions, the legislation would authorize a pilot program designed to convert vacant or underused buildings into residential housing, issue grants for infrastructure improvements for utilities and transportation, and include construction of new housing units for low- and moderate-income residents. The legislation was introduced on Dec. 11, 2025, by Rep. French Hill (R-AR). It originally passed in the House on Feb. 9, but the Senate made changes before passing it on March 12. It has returned to the House for a final vote. Territorial Student Access to Higher Education Act (HR 6472) – This act would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for in-state tuition rates for certain residents of Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the United States Virgin Islands. The bill would help offset the high cost of attending college on the U.S. mainland, which prohibitively adds thousands of dollars to airfare, housing, and basic living expenses incurred by citizens of U.S. territories. The legislation was introduced by Rep. James Moylan (R-Guam) on Dec. 4, 2025. It passed the House on March 7 and is currently under consideration in the Senate. Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025 (HR 1422) – On Feb. 8, 2025, Rep. Michael Lawler (R-NY) introduced this bill to strengthen secondary sanctions on foreign entities (e.g., banks, insurers, pipeline construction and operation facilities) that help process, export, or sell illicit Iranian oil, including for liquified natural gas. The bill lay dormant in the House until late February, when the U.S. launched its attack on Iran. On March 10, the bill was updated to include an interagency work group to develop more sanctions related to Iran and a multinational effort to enforce sanctions. The latest version of the act was passed in the House on March 16; its fate currently lies in the Senate. Servicemembers’ Credit Monitoring Enhancement Act (S 2074) – The purpose of this bill is to provide free credit monitoring for veterans. Presently, only active duty members can take advantage of this service. The bill was introduced by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) on June 12, 2025. It passed unanimously in the Senate on March 5 and is currently under consideration in the House. Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026 (HR 7744) – This is the bill that is currently holding up appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30. The bill was introduced by Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) on March 2 and passed in the House on March 5. However, it has triggered a partial government shutdown and is under heated debate in the Senate. Republicans insist on passing the complete bill with increased funding for national security and border protection. The legislation also includes provisions prohibiting funds for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Critical Race Theory programs, as well as abortions and gender-affirming care for ICE detainees. Senate Democrats are seeking to include guardrails that would prohibit ICE agents from wearing masks or entering homes, schools, hospitals, etc., without a judicial warrant. PAY TSA Act of 2026 – Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-NY) introduced a carve-out bill for DHS on March 16, authorizing specific fees already collected to fund the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) during shutdowns. The bill would direct the Aviation Passenger Security Fee (initiated after the 9/11 terror attacks) to be used to pay TSA agents during any period that TSA appropriations lapse. Airlines currently charge this passenger fee ($5.60 for a one-way trip and up to $11.20 for a round-trip) for flights that originate in the United States. The bill is not expected to pass due to Republican opposition to carving out funding from the general DHS appropriations bill. End Special Treatment for Congress at Airports Act of 2026 (S 4123) – Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced this bill on March 17 as a companion bill reflecting stalled appropriations for DHS – and for TSA workers specifically. The bill calls for a ban on Congressional lawmakers’ current preferential status that enables them to sidestep security checkpoint lines at U.S. airports. The ban would require members of Congress to wait in TSA lines along with other passengers. The bill passed in the Senate on March 19, and its fate now lies with the House. Version 2 Disclaimer  These articles are intended to provide general resources for the tax and accounting needs of small businesses and individuals. Service2Client LLC is the author, but is not engaged in rendering specific legal, accounting, financial or professional advice. Service2Client LLC makes no representation that the recommendations of Service2Client LLC will achieve any result. The NSAD has not reviewed any of the Service2Client LLC content. Readers are encouraged to contact a professional regarding the topics in these articles. The images linked to these articles are protected by copyright and should not be copied for any reason. Author Service2Client Posted on April 1, 2026 Categories Blog , Congress at Work Leave a Reply Cancel reply You must be logged in to post a comment. 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We pride ourselves on giving you personalized and thorough service that meets your business or individual needs. +1 310.552.1600 Newsletter Sign Up Recent News Tax Considerations for Data Center Projects in the Age of AI May 1, 2026 Understanding the EV/2P Ratio May 1, 2026 6 Tips for Your Mid-Year Check In May 1, 2026 The ROI of Autonomy: Measuring the Business Value of Agentic AI Workflows May 1, 2026 Bottom Menu About Us News Pay with Credit Card or by eCheck Contact Us Privacy Disclaimer Gerber & Co. © 2026 Investment Review | Gerber Co. | Good Advice Pays Gerber & Co. 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As a CPA firm, we possess the valuable perspective of having reviewed thousands of tax returns. We see what works and what doesn’t work for our clients' investment portfolio. We can review your investment ideas with you and your investment advisor and make recommendations to maximize your after-tax return. Utilizing Morningstar’s X-Ray portfolio review technology, our office can give you an overall perspective of your holdings to ensure you’re making the right choices. Don’t ignore the impact of taxes on your investments. While taxes should not drive your investment strategy, understanding how taxes affect your earnings will help you minimize taxes and maximize your return. Consider these items: Long-term capital gains and dividends carry a favored tax status. Consider putting more dollars in investments that give you dividend income and long-term capital gains. You can deduct a limited amount of capital losses in excess of capital gains. Consider balancing your winners and losers to maximize this deduction each year. Investments which produce high taxable annual income can be given to family members who are in lower tax brackets, thereby saving taxes for the overall family group. Depending on your tax bracket, you may benefit from investing in municipal bonds. Another area where taxes make a difference is in deciding which investments to keep in your tax-deferred accounts, such as a regular IRA or 401(k) plan, and which to keep in taxable accounts. Wealth Management Los Angeles Business Management Los Angeles For assistance with your investment concerns, contact us. Looking for information on current topics? View the latest Tax and Financial News , or try our Financial Calculators . New Client Consultation Request Contact Info Main Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 310 552 1600 Memphis TN Support Office 1790 Kirby Parkway, Suite 127, Memphis, TN 38138 Los Angeles CA Main Office 1880 Century Park East, Suite 200 Los Angeles CA 90067 Corporate Info & Media TeamGerber, the careful management of your finances is our top priority. We pride ourselves on giving you personalized and thorough service that meets your business or individual needs. +1 310.552.1600 Newsletter Sign Up Recent News Tax Considerations for Data Center Projects in the Age of AI May 1, 2026 Understanding the EV/2P Ratio May 1, 2026 6 Tips for Your Mid-Year Check In May 1, 2026 The ROI of Autonomy: Measuring the Business Value of Agentic AI Workflows May 1, 2026 Bottom Menu About Us News Pay with Credit Card or by eCheck Contact Us Privacy Disclaimer Gerber & Co. © 2026 Media | Gerber & Co. Gerber & Co. 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In The Media Gerber & Co Expands International Tax and Estate Planning Services April 24, 2025 No Comments Gerber & Co Expands International Tax and Estate Planning Services with the Appointment of Julia Lee as Head of International Tax: LOS ANGELES, March 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ Read More » May 2026 M T W T F S S   1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 « Apr     Categories Accounting News Blog Company News Congress at Work General Business News Gerber Co Post Guest Article of the Month Guest Post of the Month News Tax and Financial News Tip of the Month What's New in Technology Recent Posts Tax Considerations for Data Center Projects in the Age of AI Understanding the EV/2P Ratio 6 Tips for Your Mid-Year Check In The ROI of Autonomy: Measuring the Business Value of Agentic AI Workflows Stalemates in Voting Rights and ICE Legislation; Small Business Funding Expanded Recent Comments Contact Info Main Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 310 552 1600 Memphis TN Support Office 1790 Kirby Parkway, Suite 127, Memphis, TN 38138 Los Angeles CA Main Office 1880 Century Park East, Suite 200 Los Angeles CA 90067 Corporate Info & Media TeamGerber, the careful management of your finances is our top priority. 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We pride ourselves on giving you personalized and thorough service that meets your business or individual needs. +1 310.552.1600 Newsletter Sign Up Recent News Tax Considerations for Data Center Projects in the Age of AI May 1, 2026 Understanding the EV/2P Ratio May 1, 2026 6 Tips for Your Mid-Year Check In May 1, 2026 The ROI of Autonomy: Measuring the Business Value of Agentic AI Workflows May 1, 2026 Bottom Menu About Us News Pay with Credit Card or by eCheck Contact Us Privacy Disclaimer Gerber & Co. © 2026 blog | Gerber & Co. Gerber & Co. 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Developers, private equity sponsors and their tax advisors are... Read More Blog General Business News Understanding the EV/2P Ratio Service2Client – May 1, 2026 When it comes to raw materials, especially for fossil fuels, it's essential to evaluate existing and potential production capabilities for... Read More Blog Tip of the Month 6 Tips for Your Mid-Year Check In Service2Client – May 1, 2026 It might be hard to believe, but yes, it’s almost the middle of the year and the perfect time to... Read More Blog What's New in Technology The ROI of Autonomy: Measuring the Business Value of Agentic AI Workflows Service2Client – May 1, 2026 Businesses are moving beyond basic automation into a new era of intelligent, self-directed systems. While automation helps with streamlining repetitive... Read More Blog Congress at Work Stalemates in Voting Rights and ICE Legislation; Small Business Funding Expanded Service2Client – May 1, 2026 Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (S 1383) – Also known as the SAVE America Act, this bill passed in the... Read More Accounting News Blog Understanding the Customer Acquisition Cost Service2Client – May 1, 2026 The Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) measures how much a company spends to obtain new, additional customers. Oftentimes, it's used with... Read More Blog Tax and Financial News Filing Your 2026 Tax Return? The Stakes Just Got Higher Service2Client – April 1, 2026 Picture two things happening at the same time. The agency responsible for reviewing your tax return is understaffed and buried... Read More Blog General Business News Understanding Cash EBITDA Service2Client – April 1, 2026 While Cash EBITDA isn’t recognized by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), it’s a way for company owners and investors to... Read More Blog Tip of the Month 7 Small Financial Habits for Big Success Service2Client – April 1, 2026 You might have heard this saying, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” which is from... Read More Blog What's New in Technology The Governance Wall and AI Regulation Service2Client – April 1, 2026 The era of artificial intelligence as a competitive advantage has hit a structural barrier – the Governance Wall. Some time... Read More Blog Congress at Work Facilitating Access to Housing and In-State Tuition, Sanctioning Iran and the Battle Over DHS Funding Service2Client – April 1, 2026 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (HR 6644) – As many local governments face the problem of rising affordability and... Read More Accounting News Blog Understanding the Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) Service2Client – April 1, 2026 The Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) measures how much a company spends to obtain new, additional customers. Oftentimes, this calculation is... Read More Accounting News Blog Tax and Financial News California Nonprofits: When the $2 Million Revenue Threshold Requires an Independent Audit Joe Estrera – March 11, 2026 Many nonprofit leaders are unaware that California law requires certain nonprofits to obtain an independent financial audit once they reach... Read More Accounting News Blog Understanding Hidden Values Service2Client – March 1, 2026 Companies that have assets on their balance sheet, but the values of those assets aren't accurately reflected, are considered to... Read More Blog Congress at Work Burying Time Capsules, Ending Payments to Dead People, and Safeguarding Voting Rights for U.S. Citizens Service2Client – March 1, 2026 Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the DC Income and Franchise Tax Conformity and Revision... Read More Blog Guest Post of the Month What Your Tax Preparer Wishes You Already Knew Service2Client – March 1, 2026 Most people approach tax season thinking about one thing: getting their return done. What they rarely think about is what... Read More Blog What's New in Technology Cloud Sovereignty vs. Big Tech: How Businesses Are Avoiding the ‘AI Lock-in’ Trap in 2026 Service2Client – March 1, 2026 Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a competitive advantage; it has become a necessary infrastructure. Businesses now heavily rely on... Read More Blog General Business News Understanding Qualifying Dispositions Service2Client – March 1, 2026 With 57 percent of public companies offering their workers employee stock purchase plans (ESPPs), according to the National Association of... Read More Blog Tax and Financial News Filing Your 2025 Taxes? Why Accuracy Matters More Than Ever This Year Service2Client – March 1, 2026 Tax season is here, and while the IRS opened its doors for 2025 returns on Jan. 26, with the familiar... Read More Blog Tip of the Month 5 Tax Tips for High Earners Service2Client – March 1, 2026 If you’re a high-income earner, generally defined as household incomes over $350,000, there are some key things you might want... Read More 1 2 3 … 19 Next » Contact Info Main Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 310 552 1600 Memphis TN Support Office 1790 Kirby Parkway, Suite 127, Memphis, TN 38138 Los Angeles CA Main Office 1880 Century Park East, Suite 200 Los Angeles CA 90067 Corporate Info & Media TeamGerber, the careful management of your finances is our top priority. We pride ourselves on giving you personalized and thorough service that meets your business or individual needs. +1 310.552.1600 Newsletter Sign Up Recent News Tax Considerations for Data Center Projects in the Age of AI May 1, 2026 Understanding the EV/2P Ratio May 1, 2026 6 Tips for Your Mid-Year Check In May 1, 2026 The ROI of Autonomy: Measuring the Business Value of Agentic AI Workflows May 1, 2026 Bottom Menu About Us News Pay with Credit Card or by eCheck Contact Us Privacy Disclaimer Gerber & Co. © 2026 Divorce - Tax Planning | Gerber & Co. Gerber & Co. Menu Home Services Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning Pre-Immigration Tax & Estate Planning Guild International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement Standard Engagement Letter Engagement Letter Transmittal Letter U.S. Residency Tax Preparation News & Tools Media Tax Blog Monthly News Track Your Refund Financial Calculators Record Retention Guide Useful Links Tax Due Dates Life Events Personal Events Financial Events Business Events Tax Events Finance Dictionary Fed & State Tax Links Contact Us Pay Your Bill +1 (310) 552 1600 Skip to content Home » Divorce – Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Print 🖨 PDF 📄 eBook 📱 Home Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement U.S. Residency Tax Preparation Home Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement U.S. Residency Tax Preparation Tax Planning for the Divorcing and the Newly Divorced For those going through a divorce, tax planning may not be the most compelling issue to deal with, but whether you are structuring a property settlement, dividing retirement assets, or filing income tax returns, there are potential minefields to navigate. Alimony and Child Support: Generally, spousal support is taxable to the person who receives it and deductible to the person who pays it, while child support is neither taxed nor deducted. However, payments to an ex-spouse are not considered spousal support if not specified in the settlement agreement because no taxes are withheld on spousal support received; frequently estimated taxes will need to be paid during the year. Filing Status: Couples who are separated but not yet divorced before December 31 can still file a joint return because, for tax purposes, you are treated as married if you are not legally divorced by year-end. Only when the divorce decree becomes final is that no longer an option. Generally, married filing jointly results in lower taxes than filing married filing separately. However, joint liability attaches to that joint return. After your divorce is finalized, you can file as head-of-household (and get the benefit of a larger standard deduction and lower tax brackets) only if you had a dependent living with you for more than half the year and you paid for more than half of the upkeep for your home. Tax Exemptions for Dependents: You can claim your child as a dependent on your tax return if the divorce decree names you as the custodial parent. If the decree is silent, you would nevertheless be considered the custodial parent eligible for the exemption if the child lived with you for a more extended period during the year than with your ex. Generally, the parent with the most custodial time with the children takes the exemption. However, the settlement agreement can stipulate differently — for example, the mother and father alternate years for taking this deduction. If the non-custodial parent (i.e., the parent who spends fewer days with the child) claims the children as dependents, at tax time, they will file Form 8332, a release of the exemption signed by the custodial parent stating that s/he won’t claim it.) The parent who claims the dependent exemption can also claim the child credit or an American Opportunity or Lifetime Learning college credit. Put differently, the parent who is not eligible to claim the exemption cannot claim these credits, even if s/he has paid the bills for college. Medical Expenses: Children’s medical costs can be included in the medical expense deduction of the paying parent, regardless of who claims the dependency exemption. Asset Transfers: When a divorce agreement allocates property between spouses, the recipient doesn’t pay tax on that transfer. However, the property’s tax basis remains unchanged regardless of the actual market value at the time. When this property is sold, capital gains taxes will be paid on the entire gain earned before and after the transfer. When diving property, both tax basis and market value need to be considered, and the excess taxes that will ultimately be paid on sale should be considered. For example, a $100,000 CD is worth more to the recipient than a $100,000 piece of raw land that has a basis of $50,000. There’s no tax on the CD, but when the land is sold for $100,000, taxes will be paid on that $50,000 profit. Home Sales: Generally, the first $250,000 gain on the sale of a primary home is tax-free if you have owned the house and lived there at least two years out of the last five. Married couples filing jointly can exclude up to $500,000 if either has owned the residence and used it as a primary home for at least two out of the last five years. For sales after a divorce, if those two-year ownership-and-use tests are met, each spouse can exclude up to $250,000 of gain on their individual returns. The sale of a residence after divorce can qualify for a reduced ratable exclusion if the two-year tests have not been met. The amount claimed depends on the proportion of the two-year period the home was owned and used. For example, if it was a year instead of two, each can exclude $125,000 of gain. However, if you receive the house in the divorce settlement and sell it several years later, a maximum of $250,000 can be excluded, and the time your spouse owns the home is added to your period of ownership for the two-year test. Transfer of Retirement Assets: A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) allows retirement plan assets to be rolled into a retirement plan for the divorcing spouse free of any current taxes – and to retain their tax-deferred status. A QDRO is not required to transfer IRA funds, but the transfer must be specified in the divorce settlement. Improper adherence to these rules will result in the transfers being treated as fully taxable in the year of withdrawal or transfer. First-time Home Buyer Credit: If a home was purchased in 2008, 2009, or 2010 and a first-time home buyer credit was claimed, the divorce can retroactively affect that tax break. The credit must be repaid if it ceases to be a primary residence within three years of purchase. However, if the residence is transferred the house to either of the spouses as part of the divorce, no repayment is due. Note that this responsibility moves to the spouse who gets the home in the divorce. Estate Planning: One of the first things to be taken care of when planning for divorce is to redo the estate planning documents. This should be pretty apparent – and yet it is frequently overlooked. Keep in mind that the beneficiary designations determine beneficiaries of life insurance and retirement plans and not by the will/living trust – so be sure to request new beneficiary designation forms and have them completed correctly in conjunction with your estate planner and you Tip of the Month Archives | Gerber & Co. Gerber & Co. Menu Home Services Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning Pre-Immigration Tax & Estate Planning Guild International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement Standard Engagement Letter Engagement Letter Transmittal Letter U.S. Residency Tax Preparation News & Tools Media Tax Blog Monthly News Track Your Refund Financial Calculators Record Retention Guide Useful Links Tax Due Dates Life Events Personal Events Financial Events Business Events Tax Events Finance Dictionary Fed & State Tax Links Contact Us Pay Your Bill +1 (310) 552 1600 Skip to content Home » Tip of the Month Category: Tip of the Month 6 Tips for Your Mid-Year Check In It might be hard to believe, but yes, it’s almost the middle of the year and the perfect time to take a look at how you’re doing financially: are you fiscally fit or do you need a few adjustments? Whether it’s saving more, paying down debt, or prepping for retirement, you still have time to effect change. Here are a few ways to get started. Review Your 2026 Financial Goals Kind of a no-brainer, but ask yourself: Have I saved as much as I planned? How’s my progress at paying off debt? Have my priorities changed since the new year? In addition to these things, other important goals might include building your emergency fund (broken dishwasher, for instance); saving for a vacation; and finally, the certainty no one can escape – tax preparation. Go Over Your budget and Spending Your habits might have shifted over the past few months, so places to put a lens on might be: Where have I increased spending? Do I really need all those subscriptions? Can I pay a little more on debt? In the second half of the year, other things to consider include insurance renewals, back-to-school expenses, and year-end medical costs. Revisit Your Retirement Contributions This might be far away or near soon. No matter, it’s critical to keep an eye on the following things: Your 401(k) or employer retirement plan contributions Employer match opportunities IRA contributions If you can increase funding for any of these, now’s the time to do so. Retirement comes along more quickly than you think. Give Your Employee Benefits a Looksee Take time to go over: HSA or FSA contributions Health insurance Life insurance and disability coverage You might have other benefits, of course, to review. And while many people wait until open enrollment to give these a think, you don’t have to be one of them. Take action now to amend them so you’ll be better prepared for the rest of the year. Start Your Taxes for Next Year Between now and July, you can get a jumpstart by planning ahead – and you won’t be stressed when it’s actually tax time. Taking a look now can help you: Estimate your taxes Find ways to reduce your taxable income Plan retirement contributions before year-end. Recalibrate Your Plan for the Rest of 2026 So now that you’ve taken inventory of your finances, you can adjust for the remaining months. Your new plan might include: Setting up an automatic transfer to savings – it’s so easy, and you’ll never miss it Increase retirement contributions – even 2 percent makes a difference Concentrate on one debt to pay off. The idea is not to change everything all at once. Your goal should be to take small steps so you can move forward with confidence and finish the year strong. All it takes is a little time. And as we know, time is money. Make the last six months of 2026 count! Sources https://www.benefitandfinancial.com/blog/mid-year-financial-review-are-you-on-track-for-2026 Author Service2Client Posted on May 1, 2026 Categories Blog , Tip of the Month Leave a comment on 6 Tips for Your Mid-Year Check In 7 Small Financial Habits for Big Success You might have heard this saying, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” which is from the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu. However, the principle of taking tiny steps along a path to achieve a larger financial goal is the much same. Here are a few things you can integrate into your daily life to hasten your journey. Every Day, Invest in Yourself It all starts with you and your mindset. Set aside a time and a place to each day to go over what your financial goals are for the day, not the year. What is your daily spending limit? What do you have to buy? Baby steps are your way to long-term goals. Remember, you are your most valuable asset. Have a Monthly Budget Meeting No matter if you’re married and have a family, or single and have a dog, this is key. A monthly touch base helps you stay focused. If you have older kids, it’s a great way to start the conversation about generational wealth. Here are a few things to put on the agenda as you look back at the month: Did you stay within your budget? If you did, great. If not, make adjustments. How much did you save? Do you need to decrease? Can you increase? How much did you invest? How does it look? Does it need some tweaking? Automate Savings This is a no-brainer. Activate your direct deposit. The rule: If you don’t see it, you don’t miss it. Plus, this is a great way to create emergency reserves for when your fridge breaks or you need a new dryer, or for a larger goal like a down payment on a home. Further, only take money out if it’s a necessity, not a luxury. The treats can come later when you’ve planned for them. But ask yourself this: Is your savings account the best one? Can you find a better one? Here’s a list of high-yield savings accounts for you to review. Track Your Progress It might be tempting to look at how far you still have to go when you’re working toward a goal. Instead, celebrate your successes, no matter how small. During your monthly meeting, recognize your progress and, if you want to and can, increase your contribution. Little changes are what make the biggest difference. Invest Incrementally Start with what you can afford, big or small. Then increase the percentage each year. You might consider investing in stocks, bonds, or mutual funds within an IRA. You might also want to consult your accountant or financial advisor. And the key? Diversify. But also, set aside some money for your own development, i.e., learn a new computer skill or a new language. When you have experience investing in and for different things, you learn and grow. That not only makes you a better investor but also a better human. Create Giving Rhythms Choose a charitable organization that’s near and dear to your heart. One that feels like “you.” During your monthly meeting, carve out time to think about how and where to give. Then each month, revisit to see how you’re doing. Remember, when you give, you receive. Dream Big Having financial success is more than just about managing your money. It’s about having a vision for your life. Set ambitious goals. You’ve got one life in this iteration. So make a plan, take small steps and be persistent. You’ll get there sooner than you ever thought. Sources 8 Small Money Habits for Big Financial Success | WealthBuilders   Author Service2Client Posted on April 1, 2026 Categories Blog , Tip of the Month Leave a comment on 7 Small Financial Habits for Big Success 5 Tax Tips for High Earners If you’re a high-income earner, generally defined as household incomes over $350,000, there are some key things you might want to keep in mind come tax season. Here are a few of the strategies to consider that not only Life Events | Gerber & Co. Gerber & Co. 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We pride ourselves on giving you personalized and thorough service that meets your business or individual needs. +1 310.552.1600 Newsletter Sign Up Recent News Tax Considerations for Data Center Projects in the Age of AI May 1, 2026 Understanding the EV/2P Ratio May 1, 2026 6 Tips for Your Mid-Year Check In May 1, 2026 The ROI of Autonomy: Measuring the Business Value of Agentic AI Workflows May 1, 2026 Bottom Menu About Us News Pay with Credit Card or by eCheck Contact Us Privacy Disclaimer Gerber & Co. © 2026 1# Expert Tax Services for US Expats | Gerber Co. Gerber & Co. Menu Home Services Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning Pre-Immigration Tax & Estate Planning Guild International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement Standard Engagement Letter Engagement Letter Transmittal Letter U.S. Residency Tax Preparation News & Tools Media Tax Blog Monthly News Track Your Refund Financial Calculators Record Retention Guide Useful Links Tax Due Dates Life Events Personal Events Financial Events Business Events Tax Events Finance Dictionary Fed & State Tax Links Contact Us Pay Your Bill +1 (310) 552 1600 Skip to content Home » Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Print 🖨 PDF 📄 eBook 📱 Home Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement U.S. Residency Tax Preparation Home Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement U.S. Residency Tax Preparation Expert Tax Services for US Expats Let Us Simplify the Complex tax landscape of US Expats Navigating US Expat tax compliance as an expatriate can be daunting. At Gerber & Co LLP, we specialize in simplifying the complexities of international tax for Americans living abroad. As a full-service CPA firm with decades of experience, we offer a comprehensive suite of services designed specifically for expats: U.S. Tax Return Preparation (including Forms 1040, 1116, 2555, FBAR, and FATCA reporting) Foreign Earned Income Exclusion & Foreign Tax Credit Optimization Compliance with IRS Voluntary Disclosure Programs Tax Planning for Cross-Border Investments and Income Exit Tax & Pre-Residency Planning for Individuals Moving to or from the U.S. Trust & Estate Tax Advisory with an International Focus US Expats Our clients benefit from precise planning, proactive guidance, and a dedicated team that understands the unique tax challenges facing expatriates. Whether you need help catching up on past filings or want to proactively structure your finances for tax efficiency, we’re here to help. Let’s schedule a consultation to discuss how we can support your tax and financial goals with clarity and confidence. 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View the latest Tax and Financial News , or try our Financial Calculators . New Client Consultation Request Contact Info Main Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 310 552 1600 Memphis TN Support Office 1790 Kirby Parkway, Suite 127, Memphis, TN 38138 Los Angeles CA Main Office 1880 Century Park East, Suite 200 Los Angeles CA 90067 Corporate Info & Media TeamGerber, the careful management of your finances is our top priority. We pride ourselves on giving you personalized and thorough service that meets your business or individual needs. +1 310.552.1600 Newsletter Sign Up Recent News Tax Considerations for Data Center Projects in the Age of AI May 1, 2026 Understanding the EV/2P Ratio May 1, 2026 6 Tips for Your Mid-Year Check In May 1, 2026 The ROI of Autonomy: Measuring the Business Value of Agentic AI Workflows May 1, 2026 Bottom Menu About Us News Pay with Credit Card or by eCheck Contact Us Privacy Disclaimer Gerber & Co. © 2026 International Estate Planning | Gerber Co. Gerber & Co. Menu Home Services Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning Pre-Immigration Tax & Estate Planning Guild International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement Standard Engagement Letter Engagement Letter Transmittal Letter U.S. Residency Tax Preparation News & Tools Media Tax Blog Monthly News Track Your Refund Financial Calculators Record Retention Guide Useful Links Tax Due Dates Life Events Personal Events Financial Events Business Events Tax Events Finance Dictionary Fed & State Tax Links Contact Us Pay Your Bill +1 (310) 552 1600 Skip to content Home » International Estate Planning Print 🖨 PDF 📄 eBook 📱 Home Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement U.S. Residency Tax Preparation Home Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement U.S. Residency Tax Preparation Estate Planning for our International Clients In California, it is common to represent clients who are not United States citizens and who may or may not be U.S. residents. Many clients who are both U.S. citizens and residents own assets located in other countries, and many clients have a spouse or other family member who is not a U.S. citizen. All of these situations create complexities in planning the client’s estate. The common issues that arise with international estate planning are discussed below. 1. Application of Federal Estate Tax and Gift Tax to U.S. Residents. The U.S. federal estate tax applies to U.S. residents [i] (even if that person is not a U.S. citizen) on their worldwide assets. [ii] A tax treaty may apply so that assets are not taxed twice on the client’s death (in the United States and in the foreign country jurisdiction where those assets are located). [iii] Also, there are special estate and gift tax rules that apply to expatriates making transfers of property. 2. Application of Federal Estate Tax and Gift Tax to Nonresident Aliens. The U.S. estate, gift, and generation-skipping taxes are imposed on the transfers of U.S. assets by nonresident aliens. To be a nonresident alien, the donor must not be a citizen of the U.S. and not be a resident of the U.S. The U.S. gift tax does not apply to a nonresident alien’s gift to a U.S. citizen of assets not situated within the U.S., nor to a nonresident alien’s gifts of U.S. corporate stock or corporate bonds. A nonresident alien’s gift of intangible property within the U.S. is generally not subject to U.S. gift taxes. However, a U.S. gift tax typically applies if the foreign (nonresident alien) donor makes a gift of real or tangible property in the U.S. . Even if U.S. gift taxes do not apply, gifts by nonresident aliens to U.S. citizens may still require filing Form 3520. [iv] The federal gift tax applies only to the extent the gift’s value exceeds the §2503(b) per donee annual exclusion. However, nonresident alien donors cannot apply for unified federal estate and gift tax credit. For example, tangible property subject to U.S. gift tax includes U.S. real property. For the nonresident alien’s gift to avoid U.S. gift taxes, U.S. real estate could first be transferred to a foreign corporation, and such foreign corporation’s stock would not be considered property within the U.S. This type of planning may have U.S. income tax and reporting issues. For deceased nonresident aliens, the U.S. federal estate tax only applies to the U.S. situated assets of those deceased nonresident aliens’ estates. U.S.-situated assets , for purposes of the federal estate tax, on deceased nonresident aliens’ estates, include U.S. real property; debt obligations of a U.S. person, the U.S., and any U.S. state, with exceptions for portfolio debt; U.S. corporate stock (regardless of where the share certificates are located); and tangible personal property located in the U.S. (except specific works of art on loan for exhibition at a nonprofit public gallery or museum). U.S. assets would not include tangible assets located outside the U.S.; life insurance policy proceeds from a U.S. insurance company insuring the nonresident alien’s life; portfolio debt, such as if the U.S. issues bonds qualifying as portfolio debt in a foreign market if the interest on such debt is not contingent and is exempt from income tax withholding (this portfolio debt exception has many limitations); and deposits in a U.S. bank or savings and loan not in connection with a trade or business. [v] 3. Owning Assets Which are Located in Foreign Jurisdictions. Where U.S. residents own assets located in foreign jurisdictions, those jurisdictions (for example as to real estate) may not recognize a U.S. trust as a permissible property owner. Additionally, a revocable living trust may not be the best way to title assets which are located in a foreign country, because of that country’s income tax laws. In some cases, a separate legal entity may have to be set up in other countries to accommodate the client’s assets situated in that country. Additionally, clients who have foreign bank accounts have to be sure to comply with the FBAR and FACTA reporting requirements. [vi] 4. Laws of Many Countries Impose a Mandatory Inheritance of Assets. The laws of many countries require that certain family members (such as spouses or an eldest child) inherit a portion of a decedent’s assets, even if that decedent’s Will or trust specifies a different dispositive desire. These mandatory inheritance laws can trump the provisions of a client’s Will or trust as to assets located in that country or as to citizens of that country. 5. Foreign Death Taxes on U.S. Citizens. Many foreign countries impose their own inheritance taxes and death taxes. These taxes can apply to a U.S. citizen who is a domiciliary or resident of that other country or own assets in this other country. There is a U.S. federal estate tax “foreign death tax credit” under §2014 which covers foreign inheritance taxes imposed on foreign property. Note that this federal estate tax credit does not apply to foreign death taxes imposed on property located in the United States. 6. When a U.S. Citizen Leaves Assets at their Death to a Non-Citizen Spouse, the Federal Estate Tax Unlimited Marital Deduction Does Not Apply. The federal estate tax unlimited marital deduction does not apply to assets a U.S. citizen (or a nonresident alien) leaves at their death to a spouse who is not a U.S. citizen. Whether the deceased spouse is or is not a U.S. citizen or a U.S. resident is irrelevant to determining the unlimited federal estate tax marital deduction. Instead, the surviving spouse’s citizenship and residency status determines the unlimited federal estate tax marital deduction application. However, the deceased U.S. citizen spouse’s estate can still utilize the estate tax exclusion amoun Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Gerber & Co. Menu Home Services Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning Pre-Immigration Tax & Estate Planning Guild International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement Standard Engagement Letter Engagement Letter Transmittal Letter U.S. Residency Tax Preparation News & Tools Media Tax Blog Monthly News Track Your Refund Financial Calculators Record Retention Guide Useful Links Tax Due Dates Life Events Personal Events Financial Events Business Events Tax Events Finance Dictionary Fed & State Tax Links Contact Us Pay Your Bill +1 (310) 552 1600 Skip to content Home » Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Print 🖨 PDF 📄 eBook 📱 Home Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement U.S. Residency Tax Preparation Home Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement U.S. Residency Tax Preparation ASSURANCE Audits, Reviews, Compilations and Forensic Accounting Determining the level of service you need Many business owners automatically think of “audit” when assurance is needed. However, other types of service may serve your purpose. To understand what you need, here are definitions of the different service levels. We view our role in the financial reporting process as an opportunity to provide constructive solutions for maximizing your company’s profitability and efficiency. Our seasoned team of professionals has had broad exposure to many industries and businesses over decades. Improving the quality of your information Financial data is just one element of making wise business decisions. Assurance is the process of adding to the financial data for a complete picture based on your business objective. Recent events and subsequent congressional legislation (Sarbanes-Oxley, HIPAA, etc.) have significantly affected the duties and accountabilities of owners, CEOs, CFOs, and CPAs in regard to the privacy, integrity, accuracy and completeness of the financial information they present. With greater accountability at stake, assurance can protect your company. While the immediate impact has been felt most keenly in the public company arena, there are many indications of “trickle down” to other entities with public responsibility (ex. financial institutions) and even smaller privately held companies. The Dashboard Report “A picture is worth a thousand words”: Our Dashboard functions in much the same way as the dashboard in your car enables you to drive without having to open the hood constantly to check — so long as there are no glowing red lights and the dials are not in the red-zone. The Gerber Dashboard System gives you useful, timely information to facilitate efficient management and makes it easy to spot deviations from target. Let us design a Dashboard for your enterprise to provide summarized relevant data in graphics / pie charts / trendlines to show you the highlights from accounting and other quantitative and qualitative data — it is an invaluable management and information tool. “ It’s an early warning system when things are moving off course. ” — Selwyn Gerber CPA We provide financial reporting on four levels of assurance: Audit — an examination, on a test basis, in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, providing reasonable assurance on the financial statements. An audit is a formal examination of an organization’s accounts or financial situation. It is the top level of investigation performed on a business’ financial statement. For example, when conducting an audit, the possibility of fraud has to be systematically and thoroughly questioned and analyzed by the auditor/CPA and the officers of the company. Oftentimes buyers, investors, and lending institutions require an audit to assure that the financial statements conform. If you need a reasonable assurance that financial statements are free of material misstatements, consider obtaining this service. An audit may be required if: You are publicly traded. You are considering going public. A lender requires one as a condition of the loan. You anticipate purchasing a business or selling your company. You receive federal funds and want to preserve the integrity. There are absentee owners that need assurance of the company’s operations. TeamGerber leaders start by understanding your business, the risks you face, and your internal controls. With these elements, we can identify opportunities for your company to increase its efficiency and profitability. Review — inquiries and analytical procedures are conducted, providing limited assurance on the financial statements. A review involves inquiries and analytical procedures that provide limited assurance that financial statements are fairly presented. Third-party sources are used to confirm that the facts are correct. If you need a closer examination of your books but an audit is not required, and a compilation is not thorough enough, you should consider a review. A review is a mid-level assessment performed by an independent accountant. For example, a lender may require a level of comfort for a loan and request that a review be conducted. Compilation — involves obtaining information from management in an effort to prepare financial statements (without expressing any assurance) that the statements are fairly presented. There will be times when you need to evaluate your company’s performance with the intent of assuring that your business is meeting its financial goals. The compilation is the most basic service we offer and does not express any assurance. Consider obtaining a compilation if you need to have your financial statements put into a format that can be easily read by outside sources. Forensic Accounting — we handle special projects, investigations, tracing, and marital dissolution matters. “Our skilled sleuths make sure we look in all the nooks and crannies and produce a credible roadmap in our reports in a cost-effective and useful manner” – Moshe Y. Graber, Principal. Our commitment to delivering superior service means that we strive to demonstrate initiative, anticipate problems, propose options, and communicate effectively with you and other members of management throughout the year. Beyond Beancounting We understand that the objective view of the company’s operations provided by an audit can be a basis for a whole range of important business decisions. The audit also helps us learn about a client’s business, which means our audit puts us in a position to identify opportunities to bring insightful and constructive suggestions for improving management information, operating and accounting procedures and controls. As your business advisors, we will also look for opportunities to reduce your costs and improve asset m Blog Archives | Gerber & Co. Gerber & Co. Menu Home Services Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning Pre-Immigration Tax & Estate Planning Guild International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement Standard Engagement Letter Engagement Letter Transmittal Letter U.S. Residency Tax Preparation News & Tools Media Tax Blog Monthly News Track Your Refund Financial Calculators Record Retention Guide Useful Links Tax Due Dates Life Events Personal Events Financial Events Business Events Tax Events Finance Dictionary Fed & State Tax Links Contact Us Pay Your Bill +1 (310) 552 1600 Skip to content Home » Blog Category: Blog Understanding the Customer Acquisition Cost The Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) measures how much a company spends to obtain new, additional customers. Oftentimes, it’s used with the customer lifetime value (LTV) metric, which also projects the customer’s profitability to calculate the newly acquired customer’s value. It’s primarily used to measure a business’ sales and marketing departments to figure out their profitability, profit margin and return on investment figures. How to Calculate CAC = Sales and Marketing Expense/Number of New Customers Where: Examples of the expenses include product and service promotion expenditures, special compensation and commissions, regular wage payments, and operating expenses. The tally of newly acquired customers is simply how many new, unique contracts the business acquired. It’s important to keep the expenses and customer acquisition numbers consistent over the same periods. Why It’s Important Business owners and their managers, along with investors, can look at sales and marketing efforts from a return on investment on their expenditures and outcomes. For example, there could be multiple channels that sales and marketing utilize to obtain new customers over a quarter, half-year, or 12-month period (such as email marketing, social media marketing, conferences, etc.). Based upon each channel, the customer acquisition cost is determined by dividing the financial outlay per customer acquired. From there, each channel can be analyzed to see which one works well and, equally important, which ones don’t work well and either need to be discontinued or modified. Internal stakeholders and external investors (both existing and potential) can look at trends to see if existing management is productive or needs to be replaced with more competent individuals.       Accounting Considerations Based on FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification 340-40, businesses are required to document and capitalize incremental costs of securing new customer business if the related expenses are projected to be recouped. An incremental cost in the scope of obtaining a contract is a cost an entity incurs to obtain a contract that wouldn’t have been incurred if the contract hadn’t been obtained. While a sales commission (be it fixed or a percentage of a new contract) may be considered an eligible incremental cost to one of its employees, it’s not necessarily always the case. Rather, the true test of whether an incremental cost is capitalizable depends on the subjective interpretation of whether a mandated financial expenditure for an incremental cost is attributed to signing a contract with a new customer. The following sample situations often require more investigation to determine whether the capitalization of costs is applicable: Equity issuances based upon meeting production and essential function goals Employee compensation according to previous years’ executed contracts Sales commissions allocated over multiple time frames and/or to more than one employee for a single contract. ASC 340-40 also stipulates the amortization schedule of capitalization costs of obtaining a customer contract on a scheduled timeline that follows the delivery to the customer of the contracted goods or services. Conclusion While the customer acquisition cost may be straightforward, when it comes to subjective cases, businesses that have experience with murkier situations are able to make the most of their subjective sales and marketing expenses when navigating the tax and accounting landscape.  Author Service2Client Posted on May 1, 2026 Categories Accounting News , Blog Leave a comment on Understanding the Customer Acquisition Cost Stalemates in Voting Rights and ICE Legislation; Small Business Funding Expanded Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (S 1383) – Also known as the SAVE America Act, this bill passed in the House on Feb. 11 but stalled in the Senate due to the Democrat filibuster. The bill would require states to verify documentary proof of citizenship and current residential address when Americans apply for federal voter registration. The easiest documentation would be a birth certificate or passport that confirms their current legal name (most women change their last name after marriage, so they require additional documentation, such as a marriage certificate). However, research from the Bipartisan Policy Center found that nearly 1 in 10 registered voters do not have access to their birth certificate, and 52 percent do not have an unexpired passport with their current legal name. Note that these registration requirements kick in any time current voters update their registration, such as for an address change or to switch political party affiliation. The bill also requires a specific type of photo ID to cast a ballot. A driver’s license is acceptable, but not student IDs or a tribal ID that lacks an expiration date (which tribal IDs do not contain). The president is also insistent that the legislation include unrelated restrictions for transgender Americans. The debate over this bill continues in the Senate. Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026 (HR 7744) – This is the bill that has held up appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2026. The bill was introduced by Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) on March 2 and passed in the House on March 5. However, it triggered a partial government shutdown and is under heated debate in the Senate. Republicans insist on passing the complete bill with increased funding for national security and border protection. The legislation also includes provisions prohibiting funds for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Critical Theory programs, as well as abortions and gender-affirming care for ICE detainees. Senate Democrats are seeking to include guardrails that would prohibit ICE agents from wearing masks or entering homes, schools, hospitals, etc., without a judicial warrant. Currently at a stalemate, Republicans will likely try to pass funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), more money for ICE, and components of the Save America Act through a budget reconciliation bill. Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act (S 3971) – On March 3, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) introduced this bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) programs. These programs, also known as America’s Seed Fund, expired last September. The new bill enables certain agencies to award a portion of their funds to larger projects focused on technology transition, rather than incremental R&D. These agencies, which include the Departments of Defense, Energy and Homeland Security, the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, may Fed & State Tax Links | Gerber & Co. Gerber & Co. Menu Home Services Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning Pre-Immigration Tax & Estate Planning Guild International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement Standard Engagement Letter Engagement Letter Transmittal Letter U.S. Residency Tax Preparation News & Tools Media Tax Blog Monthly News Track Your Refund Financial Calculators Record Retention Guide Useful Links Tax Due Dates Life Events Personal Events Financial Events Business Events Tax Events Finance Dictionary Fed & State Tax Links Contact Us Pay Your Bill +1 (310) 552 1600 Skip to content Home » News & Tools » Fed & State Tax Links Print 🖨 PDF 📄 eBook 📱 <— News & Tools Contact Info Main Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 310 552 1600 Memphis TN Support Office 1790 Kirby Parkway, Suite 127, Memphis, TN 38138 Los Angeles CA Main Office 1880 Century Park East, Suite 200 Los Angeles CA 90067 Corporate Info & Media TeamGerber, the careful management of your finances is our top priority. We pride ourselves on giving you personalized and thorough service that meets your business or individual needs. +1 310.552.1600 Newsletter Sign Up Recent News Tax Considerations for Data Center Projects in the Age of AI May 1, 2026 Understanding the EV/2P Ratio May 1, 2026 6 Tips for Your Mid-Year Check In May 1, 2026 The ROI of Autonomy: Measuring the Business Value of Agentic AI Workflows May 1, 2026 Bottom Menu About Us News Pay with Credit Card or by eCheck Contact Us Privacy Disclaimer Gerber & Co. © 2026 5 Tax Tips for High Earners | Gerber & Co. Gerber & Co. Menu Home Services Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning Pre-Immigration Tax & Estate Planning Guild International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement Standard Engagement Letter Engagement Letter Transmittal Letter U.S. Residency Tax Preparation News & Tools Media Tax Blog Monthly News Track Your Refund Financial Calculators Record Retention Guide Useful Links Tax Due Dates Life Events Personal Events Financial Events Business Events Tax Events Finance Dictionary Fed & State Tax Links Contact Us Pay Your Bill +1 (310) 552 1600 Skip to content Home » Blog » 5 Tax Tips for High Earners 5 Tax Tips for High Earners Print 🖨 PDF 📄 eBook 📱 If you’re a high-income earner, generally defined as household incomes over $350,000, there are some key things you might want to keep in mind come tax season. Here are a few of the strategies to consider that not only maximize your financial benefits but also minimize tax liabilities. Boost Retirement Contributions By increasing savings in your 401(k) and IRA accounts, you can reduce your current tax liability while building your nest egg. Here’s a closer look: 401(k)s – In 2026, you can contribute up to $24,500. If you’re over 50, there’s a catch-up option of an extra $8,000, and better still, if you’re between 60-63, the catch-up contribution limit increases to $11,250. By doing these things, you lower your income and, thus, your tax bill. Traditional IRAs – You can contribute up to $7,500 in 2026 with an additional catch-up contribution of $1,100 for individuals age 50 and older. Note that while you can make traditional IRA contributions regardless of income levels, the tax deduction phases out at certain income thresholds. Roth IRAs – These products are popular because they let you sock away after-tax dollars. That said, your eligibility to contribute, capped at $7,500 in 2026, varies with income levels. Taxes are paid up front, but withdrawals, including earnings, are tax-free later. Woot! Beware, however, that the ability to directly contribute to a Roth IRA starts to phase out at $153,000 for single filers and $242,000 for those married filing jointly. Implement Tax-Efficient Investments Here are three more strategies to consider for reducing your tax burden: Buy municipal bonds . With these securities, you may gain tax-free income that reduces your taxable income. Buy dividend-paying stocks . Payouts from stocks give you lower-taxed income and wealth growth. Invest in opportunity zones . These zones, defined as underserved, low-income communities, not only offer tax deferral but also provide community investment. Paying it forward pays yourself – and others. Leverage Charitable Giving And being strategic about it is critical when trying to reduce your tax bill. For instance, you might set up a donor-advised fund (DAF), which is an efficient way to manage your giving while securing tax benefits. You can set one up through a financial institution or a community foundation. Once you contribute, you’ll get an immediate tax deduction. However, this deduction is subject to certain limitations based on your adjusted gross income (AGI) – 60 percent for cash contributions and 30 percent for contributions of appreciated securities. Still, it reduces your taxable income for the current year. And that’s a good thing. Gift Assets to Your Family This is another good strategic move. Both you and your relatives will love it. In fact, the IRS lets you give up to $19,000 per year (as of 2026) without triggering gift taxes. Think college tuition or home down payments. However, while gifting assets can reduce the size of your taxable estate, it does not reduce your taxable income for income tax purposes. But here’s the upside: By using the gift tax exclusion, you’ll avoid increasing your estate tax liability later on. Utilize Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) If you’re retired and over 70 ½, QCDs offer a powerful tax advantage. Get this: you can transfer up to $111,000 annually (in 2026) directly from your IRA to qualified charities without counting that amount as taxable income. These are just a few of the ways high-earners can strategize for taxes. But no matter what tools and strategies you harness, the goal is to put together a smart plan so you can keep more of what you earn.   Sources https://www.farther.com/foundations/tax-planning-strategies-for-high-income-earners#:~:text=401(k)%20and%20IRA%20Contributions,situation%20and%20provide%20personalized%20advice https://finance.yahoo.com/news/minimum-salary-required-considered-top-170108488.html?guccounter=1 Disclaimer  These articles are intended to provide general resources for the tax and accounting needs of small businesses and individuals. Service2Client LLC is the author, but is not engaged in rendering specific legal, accounting, financial or professional advice. Service2Client LLC makes no representation that the recommendations of Service2Client LLC will achieve any result. The NSAD has not reviewed any of the Service2Client LLC content. Readers are encouraged to contact a professional regarding the topics in these articles. The images linked to these articles are protected by copyright and should not be copied for any reason. Author Service2Client Posted on March 1, 2026 Categories Blog , Tip of the Month Leave a Reply Cancel reply You must be logged in to post a comment. Post navigation Previous Previous post: Accounting Considerations for Senior Debt Next Next post: Filing Your 2025 Taxes? Why Accuracy Matters More Than Ever This Year May 2026 M T W T F S S   1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 « Apr     Categories Accounting News Blog Company News Congress at Work General Business News Gerber Co Post Guest Article of the Month Guest Post of the Month News Tax and Financial News Tip of the Month What's New in Technology Recent Posts Tax Considerations for Data Center Projects in the Age of AI Understanding the EV/2P Ratio 6 Tips for Your Mid-Year Check In The ROI of Autonomy: Measuring the Business Value of Agentic AI Workflows Stalemates in Voting Rights and ICE Legislation; Small Business Funding Expanded Recent Comments Contact Info Main Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 310 552 1600 Memphis TN Support Office 1790 Kirby Parkway, Suite 127, Memphis, TN 38138 Los Angeles CA Main Office 1880 Century Park East, Suite 200 Los Angeles CA 90067 Corporate Info & Media TeamGerber, the careful management of your finances is our top priority. We pride ourselves on giving you personalized and thorough service that meets your business or individual needs. +1 310.552.1600 Newsletter Sign Up Recent News Tax Considerations for Data Center Projects in the Age of AI May 1, 2026 Understanding the EV/2P Ratio May 1, 2026 6 Tips for Your Mid-Year Check In May 1, 2026 The ROI of Autonomy: Measuring the Business Value of Agentic AI Workflows May 1, 2026 Bottom Menu About Us News Pay with Credit Card or by eCheck Contact Us Privacy Disclaimer Gerber & Co. © 2026 Understanding the Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) | Gerber & Co. Gerber & Co. Menu Home Services Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning Pre-Immigration Tax & Estate Planning Guild International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement Standard Engagement Letter Engagement Letter Transmittal Letter U.S. Residency Tax Preparation News & Tools Media Tax Blog Monthly News Track Your Refund Financial Calculators Record Retention Guide Useful Links Tax Due Dates Life Events Personal Events Financial Events Business Events Tax Events Finance Dictionary Fed & State Tax Links Contact Us Pay Your Bill +1 (310) 552 1600 Skip to content Home » Accounting News » Understanding the Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) Understanding the Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) Print 🖨 PDF 📄 eBook 📱 The Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) measures how much a company spends to obtain new, additional customers. Oftentimes, this calculation is used with the customer lifetime value (LTV) metric, that also projects the customer’s profitability to calculate the newly acquired customer’s value. It’s primarily used to measure a business’ sales and marketing departments to figure out their profitability, profit margin and return on investment figures. How to Calculate CAC = Sales and Marketing Expense / Number of New Customers Examples of the expenses include product and service promotion expenditures, special compensation and commissions, regular wage payments, and operating expenses. The tally of newly acquired customers is simply how many new, unique contracts the business acquired. It’s important to keep the expenses and customer acquisition numbers consistent over the same periods. Why It’s Important Business owners and their managers, along with investors, can look at sales and marketing efforts from the return on investment of their expenditures and outcomes. For example, there could be multiple channels that sales and marketing took to obtain new customers over a quarter, half-year or 12-month period (such as email marketing, social media marketing, conferences, etc.). Based upon each channel, the customer acquisition cost is determined by dividing the financial outlay per customer acquired. From there, each channel can be analyzed to see which one works well and, equally important, which ones don’t work well and should either be discontinued or modified. Internal stakeholders and external investors (both existing and potential) can look at trends to see how ongoing efforts may be working and if existing management is productive or needs to be replaced with more competent individuals. Accounting Considerations Based on FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification 340-40, businesses are required to document and capitalize incremental costs of securing new customer business if the related expenses are projected to be recouped. An incremental cost in the scope of obtaining a contract is a cost an entity incurs to obtain a contract that wouldn’t have been incurred if the contract hadn’t been obtained. While a sales commission (be it fixed or a percentage of a new contract) may be considered an eligible incremental cost to one of its employees, it’s not necessarily always the case. Rather, the true test of whether an incremental cost is capitalizable depends on the subjective interpretation of if a mandated financial expenditure for an incremental cost is attributed to signing a contract with a new customer. The following sample situations often require more investigation to determine whether the capitalization of costs is applicable: Equity issuances based upon meeting production and essential function goals Employee compensation according to previous years’ executed contracts Sales commissions allocated over multiple timeframes and/or to more than one employee for a single contract ASC 340-40 also stipulates the amortization schedule of capitalization costs of obtaining a customer contract on a scheduled timeline that follows the delivery to the customer of the contracted goods or services. Conclusion While the customer acquisition cost may be straightforward, when it comes to subjective cases, businesses that have experience with murkier situations are able to make the most of their subjective sales and marketing expenses when navigating the tax and accounting landscape.  Disclaimer  These articles are intended to provide general resources for the tax and accounting needs of small businesses and individuals. Service2Client LLC is the author, but is not engaged in rendering specific legal, accounting, financial or professional advice. Service2Client LLC makes no representation that the recommendations of Service2Client LLC will achieve any result. The NSAD has not reviewed any of the Service2Client LLC content. Readers are encouraged to contact a professional regarding the topics in these articles. The images linked to these articles are protected by copyright and should not be copied for any reason. Author Service2Client Posted on April 1, 2026 Categories Accounting News , Blog Leave a Reply Cancel reply You must be logged in to post a comment. Post navigation Previous Previous post: California Nonprofits: When the $2 Million Revenue Threshold Requires an Independent Audit Next Next post: Facilitating Access to Housing and In-State Tuition, Sanctioning Iran and the Battle Over DHS Funding May 2026 M T W T F S S   1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 « Apr     Categories Accounting News Blog Company News Congress at Work General Business News Gerber Co Post Guest Article of the Month Guest Post of the Month News Tax and Financial News Tip of the Month What's New in Technology Recent Posts Tax Considerations for Data Center Projects in the Age of AI Understanding the EV/2P Ratio 6 Tips for Your Mid-Year Check In The ROI of Autonomy: Measuring the Business Value of Agentic AI Workflows Stalemates in Voting Rights and ICE Legislation; Small Business Funding Expanded Recent Comments Contact Info Main Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 310 552 1600 Memphis TN Support Office 1790 Kirby Parkway, Suite 127, Memphis, TN 38138 Los Angeles CA Main Office 1880 Century Park East, Suite 200 Los Angeles CA 90067 Corporate Info & Media TeamGerber, the careful management of your finances is our top priority. We pride ourselves on giving you personalized and thorough service that meets your business or individual needs. +1 310.552.1600 Newsletter Sign Up Recent News Tax Considerations for Data Center Projects in the Age of AI May 1, 2026 Understanding the EV/2P Ratio May 1, 2026 6 Tips for Your Mid-Year Check In May 1, 2026 The ROI of Autonomy: Measuring the Business Value of Agentic AI Workflows May 1, 2026 Bottom Menu About Us News Pay with Credit Card or by eCheck Contact Us Privacy Disclaimer Gerber & Co. © 2026 International Tax Planning | Gerber Co. | Good Advice Pays Gerber & Co. Menu Home Services Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning Pre-Immigration Tax & Estate Planning Guild International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement Standard Engagement Letter Engagement Letter Transmittal Letter U.S. Residency Tax Preparation News & Tools Media Tax Blog Monthly News Track Your Refund Financial Calculators Record Retention Guide Useful Links Tax Due Dates Life Events Personal Events Financial Events Business Events Tax Events Finance Dictionary Fed & State Tax Links Contact Us Pay Your Bill +1 (310) 552 1600 Skip to content Home » International Tax Planning Print 🖨 PDF 📄 eBook 📱 Home Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement U.S. Residency Tax Preparation Home Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement U.S. Residency Tax Preparation International Tax Planning and Compliance Gerber & Co provides a broad range of consulting and advisory services to US clients investing or doing business abroad and to international clients in the following areas: Tax treaty analysis USA disclosures needed for foreign corporations and trusts Tax planning to minimize / defer taxes Asset protection and offshore trusts Jurisdictional analysis Transfer pricing Tax compliance NOTE: We are not lawyers and do not provide legal advice. Looking for information on current topics? View the latest Tax and Financial News , or try our Financial Calculators . New Client Consultation Request Contact Info Main Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 310 552 1600 Memphis TN Support Office 1790 Kirby Parkway, Suite 127, Memphis, TN 38138 Los Angeles CA Main Office 1880 Century Park East, Suite 200 Los Angeles CA 90067 Corporate Info & Media TeamGerber, the careful management of your finances is our top priority. We pride ourselves on giving you personalized and thorough service that meets your business or individual needs. +1 310.552.1600 Newsletter Sign Up Recent News Tax Considerations for Data Center Projects in the Age of AI May 1, 2026 Understanding the EV/2P Ratio May 1, 2026 6 Tips for Your Mid-Year Check In May 1, 2026 The ROI of Autonomy: Measuring the Business Value of Agentic AI Workflows May 1, 2026 Bottom Menu About Us News Pay with Credit Card or by eCheck Contact Us Privacy Disclaimer Gerber & Co. © 2026 1# Real Estate Investment Tax Planning | Gerber Co. Gerber & Co. Menu Home Services Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning Pre-Immigration Tax & Estate Planning Guild International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement Standard Engagement Letter Engagement Letter Transmittal Letter U.S. Residency Tax Preparation News & Tools Media Tax Blog Monthly News Track Your Refund Financial Calculators Record Retention Guide Useful Links Tax Due Dates Life Events Personal Events Financial Events Business Events Tax Events Finance Dictionary Fed & State Tax Links Contact Us Pay Your Bill +1 (310) 552 1600 Skip to content Home » Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Print 🖨 PDF 📄 eBook 📱 Home Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement U.S. Residency Tax Preparation Home Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement U.S. Residency Tax Preparation Real Estate Investment Tax Planning: Get it Right, Save a Bundle One of the best reasons to invest in real estate is the potential for tax savings. The US tax code contains numerous provisions that real estate investors can use to reduce their tax liability and accelerate their wealth. But “advantageous” does not mean “layman-friendly.” The sections of the tax code that apply to real estate investing are just as complicated, labyrinthine, and ever-changing as the rest of the tax code. If you aren’t a tax preparation pro — or even if you don’t keep up with annual changes in the law — you could end up paying thousands of dollars in taxes that you don’t need to pay. For most real estate investors, these savings more than justify relying on a professional pair of eyes to square away their taxes. A Gerber & Co tax preparation specialist can help you squeeze the maximum tax savings out of your investment property. Here are some tax considerations for real estate investors that our qualified tax experts address: Ordinary Income vs. Capital Gains Not all real estate income is created equally. Some may be taxed as “ordinary income,” while others may be a capital gain. “Ordinary income” is taxed like income from your job. The statutory rate can change yearly, but ordinary income is generally taxed more than capital gains. Generally speaking, rental income and “fix-and-flip” income are taxed at the ordinary income rate, while proceeds from sale face capital gains tax. This is typically because the earning cycle for the money lasts less than a year. However, the capital gains rate kicks in if you hold a property for more than a year. Most “buy-and-hold” strategies cycle through multiple years … but not constantly. Knowing whether your profit will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains can significantly affect your ROI. One key benefit a tax-preparation specialist can offer a real estate investor is correctly—and advantageously—classifying real estate income as a capital gain or ordinary income. Property Management Oversight A professional property manager can be a godsend. For a reasonable percentage of the rent, your property manager can advertise the property, source the tenants, collect the rent, manage repairs, process evictions, and prepare financial reports. No banging on doors, no filing eviction reports, no answering “broken-toilet” phone calls at three in the morning. A great property manager frees the investor to work the day job, source new investment opportunities, or chill on the beach! However, investors buy that freedom by giving up a lot of control. A degree removed from their valuable asset, investors trust their property managers. Property managers can — and do — violate that trust sometimes. That’s where a qualified third-party audit comes in handy. Gerber & Co. can provide critical oversight over the property manager’s activities by thoroughly reviewing the financial reports, receipts, and supporting documents generated by the property manager. We can identify inflated costs, missing income, and other early signs of trouble. That way, you can take action before little discrepancies become financial catastrophes. Depreciation Real estate investors love depreciation . It’s essentially a dummy expense that the IRS allows you to declare on your taxes … even though it doesn’t take any money out of your pocket. Essentially, a portion of the property’s cost basis (the cash it took to buy it) is eligible to be deducted from your taxes every year. This is based on the assumption that the property becomes less valuable over time due to wear and tear. Of course, real estate investors know that property tends to become more valuable rather than less useful as years pass. But they are still allowed to deduct depreciation. This massive write-off can dramatically reduce the investor’s overall tax liability. If you sell the property at a profit, depreciation must be “recaptured,”… i.e., you owe the deduction back. Ideally, the sale proceeds are there to cover it, and the overall effect of depreciation is a net positive over the life of the investment. Cost Segregation Depreciation becomes even more potent if you can perform cost segregation on a rental property. According to the tax code, the most you can deduct each year is the cost basis for real estate improvements divided by 27.5. “Improvements” mean the building, utilities … everything but the land itself. If you hold the property for 27.5 years, you will no longer be eligible to deduct depreciation since it will be considered fully depreciated. This is where cost segregation comes in. Real estate improvements must be depreciated over a schedule of 27.5 years … but some property fixtures may not be real estate improvements. Some may be eligible for a shorter depreciation schedule—seven, five, or even three years. If even a tiny portion of the property’s value can be depreciated on an accelerated schedule, this could massively increase your depreciation deduction in the first few years of a real estate investment. It’s not uncommon for a real estate investor to wipe out their tax liability entirely, thanks to accelerated depreciation. Ask your Gerber & Co. tax consultant whether cost segregation for accelerated depreciation makes sense for your investment property. 1031 Exchange Section 1031 of the US Tax Code describes one of the most potent methods of accelerating real estate wealth — the “1031 Exchange.” If you sell an investment property at a profit, that profit is usually liable for capital gains tax. However, Section 1031 allows investors to flip the cash proceeds from an investment sale into another investment property. Investors can often afford a more extensive property with higher cash flow potential if California Nonprofits: When the $2 Million Revenue Threshold Requires an Independent Audit | Gerber & Co. Gerber & Co. Menu Home Services Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning Pre-Immigration Tax & Estate Planning Guild International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement Standard Engagement Letter Engagement Letter Transmittal Letter U.S. Residency Tax Preparation News & Tools Media Tax Blog Monthly News Track Your Refund Financial Calculators Record Retention Guide Useful Links Tax Due Dates Life Events Personal Events Financial Events Business Events Tax Events Finance Dictionary Fed & State Tax Links Contact Us Pay Your Bill +1 (310) 552 1600 Skip to content Home » Accounting News » California Nonprofits: When the $2 Million Revenue Threshold Requires an Independent Audit California Nonprofits: When the $2 Million Revenue Threshold Requires an Independent Audit Print 🖨 PDF 📄 eBook 📱 Many nonprofit leaders are unaware that California law requires certain nonprofits to obtain an independent financial audit once they reach a specific revenue level. Under the California Nonprofit Integrity Act of 2004, charitable organizations that generate $2 million or more in annual gross revenue must obtain an independent audit of their financial statements performed by a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Understanding this requirement is essential for maintaining compliance and ensuring financial transparency with donors, board members, and regulators. What the Law Requires California Government Code §12586 requires that nonprofits exceeding the $2 million threshold: * Obtain an annual independent audit of their financial statements * Have the audit performed by a licensed CPA following accepted auditing standards * Prepare financial statements using generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) Audited financial statements must be made available for inspection by the California Attorney General and the public within nine months after the end of the fiscal year. Government Grants May Be Excluded When calculating the $2 million threshold, certain government grants may be excluded if the nonprofit is required to provide a separate accounting of how those funds are used. Because revenue calculations can vary, organizations approaching the threshold should consult with an experienced CPA. Nonprofits Must Establish an Audit Committee Nonprofits that meet the $2 million threshold must also create an independent audit committee to oversee the audit process. The committee is responsible for recommending the auditor, reviewing the audit, and reporting its findings to the board of directors. Why This Requirement Matters Independent audits help ensure: * Accurate financial reporting * Strong internal controls * Greater transparency with donors and funders * Compliance with California regulations For many nonprofits, the audit process also strengthens financial management and governance. How Gerber & Company Can Help Gerber & Company has decades of experience working with nonprofit organizations across California. Our CPA team helps nonprofits understand audit requirements, prepare financial records, and complete audits efficiently and in full compliance with state law. 📞 Phone: (310) 552-1600 📧 Email: [email protected] Contact us to learn whether your nonprofit may be subject to California’s audit requirement. Disclaimer  These articles are intended to provide general resources for the tax and accounting needs of small businesses and individuals. Service2Client LLC is the author, but is not engaged in rendering specific legal, accounting, financial or professional advice. Service2Client LLC makes no representation that the recommendations of Service2Client LLC will achieve any result. The NSAD has not reviewed any of the Service2Client LLC content. Readers are encouraged to contact a professional regarding the topics in these articles. The images linked to these articles are protected by copyright and should not be copied for any reason. Author Joe Estrera Posted on March 11, 2026 March 11, 2026 Categories Accounting News , Blog , Tax and Financial News Leave a Reply Cancel reply You must be logged in to post a comment. Post navigation Previous Previous post: Understanding Hidden Values Next Next post: Understanding the Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) May 2026 M T W T F S S   1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 « Apr     Categories Accounting News Blog Company News Congress at Work General Business News Gerber Co Post Guest Article of the Month Guest Post of the Month News Tax and Financial News Tip of the Month What's New in Technology Recent Posts Tax Considerations for Data Center Projects in the Age of AI Understanding the EV/2P Ratio 6 Tips for Your Mid-Year Check In The ROI of Autonomy: Measuring the Business Value of Agentic AI Workflows Stalemates in Voting Rights and ICE Legislation; Small Business Funding Expanded Recent Comments Contact Info Main Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 310 552 1600 Memphis TN Support Office 1790 Kirby Parkway, Suite 127, Memphis, TN 38138 Los Angeles CA Main Office 1880 Century Park East, Suite 200 Los Angeles CA 90067 Corporate Info & Media TeamGerber, the careful management of your finances is our top priority. We pride ourselves on giving you personalized and thorough service that meets your business or individual needs. +1 310.552.1600 Newsletter Sign Up Recent News Tax Considerations for Data Center Projects in the Age of AI May 1, 2026 Understanding the EV/2P Ratio May 1, 2026 6 Tips for Your Mid-Year Check In May 1, 2026 The ROI of Autonomy: Measuring the Business Value of Agentic AI Workflows May 1, 2026 Bottom Menu About Us News Pay with Credit Card or by eCheck Contact Us Privacy Disclaimer Gerber & Co. © 2026 Pay Your Bill | Gerber Co. Gerber & Co. Menu Home Services Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning Pre-Immigration Tax & Estate Planning Guild International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement Standard Engagement Letter Engagement Letter Transmittal Letter U.S. Residency Tax Preparation News & Tools Media Tax Blog Monthly News Track Your Refund Financial Calculators Record Retention Guide Useful Links Tax Due Dates Life Events Personal Events Financial Events Business Events Tax Events Finance Dictionary Fed & State Tax Links Contact Us Pay Your Bill +1 (310) 552 1600 Skip to content Home » Pay Your Bill Print 🖨 PDF 📄 eBook 📱 Please use this page to make an ACH/eCheck or Credit Card payment on your account with Gerber & Co LLP. Pay Your Bill With Your Bank Account ACH - eCheck No Fee Pay Your Bill With A Credit Card Credit Card 2% Fee Gerber & Co Inc Payment Processor Process Invoice Number Payment Amount 1 A Service/Convenience Fee of 2.00% of the Total will be included in this transaction. Please use this form to make an ACH/eCheck payment on your account with Gerber & Co Inc. Pay by ACH – No Fee Contact Info Main Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 310 552 1600 Memphis TN Support Office 1790 Kirby Parkway, Suite 127, Memphis, TN 38138 Los Angeles CA Main Office 1880 Century Park East, Suite 200 Los Angeles CA 90067 Corporate Info & Media TeamGerber, the careful management of your finances is our top priority. We pride ourselves on giving you personalized and thorough service that meets your business or individual needs. +1 310.552.1600 Newsletter Sign Up Recent News Tax Considerations for Data Center Projects in the Age of AI May 1, 2026 Understanding the EV/2P Ratio May 1, 2026 6 Tips for Your Mid-Year Check In May 1, 2026 The ROI of Autonomy: Measuring the Business Value of Agentic AI Workflows May 1, 2026 Bottom Menu About Us News Pay with Credit Card or by eCheck Contact Us Privacy Disclaimer Gerber & Co. © 2026 Cloud Sovereignty vs. Big Tech: How Businesses Are Avoiding the 'AI Lock-in' Trap in 2026 | Gerber & Co. Gerber & Co. Menu Home Services Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning Pre-Immigration Tax & Estate Planning Guild International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement Standard Engagement Letter Engagement Letter Transmittal Letter U.S. Residency Tax Preparation News & Tools Media Tax Blog Monthly News Track Your Refund Financial Calculators Record Retention Guide Useful Links Tax Due Dates Life Events Personal Events Financial Events Business Events Tax Events Finance Dictionary Fed & State Tax Links Contact Us Pay Your Bill +1 (310) 552 1600 Skip to content Home » Blog » Cloud Sovereignty vs. Big Tech: How Businesses Are Avoiding the ‘AI Lock-in’ Trap in 2026 Cloud Sovereignty vs. Big Tech: How Businesses Are Avoiding the ‘AI Lock-in’ Trap in 2026 Print 🖨 PDF 📄 eBook 📱 Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a competitive advantage; it has become a necessary infrastructure. Businesses now heavily rely on AI-powered systems, from automated customer service to predictive analytics and decision-making tools. These platforms are cloud-based, and their reliance comes with growing concern of AI lock-in. This dependence on major cloud providers and the convenience of Big Tech ecosystems can turn into long-term dependency. In response, cloud sovereignty is gaining momentum. What Is Cloud Sovereignty? Cloud sovereignty refers to the ability of an organization to maintain full control over its data, infrastructure, and digital assets. This includes where data is stored, how it is processed, and which legal jurisdiction governs it. Unlike traditional cloud hosting, where companies rely on a single global provider, cloud sovereignty emphasizes: Data ownership and portability Compliance with local laws and regulations Reduced dependence on foreign-controlled infrastructure Strategic control over AI models and workflows The Rise of Big Tech and the AI Lock-in Problem Over the past decade, companies like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure have built highly integrated AI ecosystems, especially since the surge of generative AI. These platforms offer powerful tools, including proprietary machine learning services, exclusive Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), pre-trained AI models, and seamless infrastructure scaling. However, when businesses build their AI systems entirely on one provider’s proprietary tools, switching becomes difficult. Platform dependency can also create serious risks when a vendor fails. A good example is the collapse of Builder.ai, an AI app builder backed by giants like Microsoft and the Qatar Investment Authority. Its collapse was an indicator that companies do not have complete control over the software and data on which their operations depend. This is what is known as AI Lock-in, where: AI models rely on proprietary APIs Data pipelines are optimized for a specific cloud architecture Workflows depend on unique vendor tools Migration costs become prohibitively high As a result, businesses suffer: Escalating operational costs Limited negotiating power Reduced flexibility Strategic vulnerability In 2026, with AI deeply embedded into operations, being locked-in can threaten long-term agility and innovation. Regulatory Pressure is Accelerating the Shift Governments worldwide are tightening digital sovereignty and data protection rules. From stricter data residency laws to AI governance frameworks, compliance is no longer optional. Industries such as finance, healthcare, and telecommunications face heightened scrutiny. They must prove where data is stored, who can access it, and how AI models are trained and governed. Additionally, businesses can’t afford regulatory risks. Regulations such as the CLOUD Act demand data access transparency, while different states are pushing for data localization policies. Relying entirely on a foreign-controlled AI ecosystem can raise compliance risks. In some regions, businesses are now required to use local or sovereign cloud providers for sensitive workloads. Gartner predicts 35 percent of countries will adopt region-specific AI platforms by 2027 as countries increase investment in domestic AI stacks to meet sovereignty goals. Regulation, once seen as a burden, is now a strategic driver pushing companies toward sovereign-first strategies. How Businesses Are Avoiding AI Lock-in Trap Businesses are not abandoning cloud AI. Instead, they are becoming more strategic about how they implement it. Embracing open-source and interoperable AI Many businesses are adopting open-source AI frameworks and models to reduce dependency on proprietary systems. By building on interoperable standards, they maintain flexibility to deploy workloads across different environments. This approach allows businesses to experiment freely without being tied to a single vendor’s ecosystem. Adopting multi-cloud and hybrid strategies Rather than relying on one provider, a business can distribute workloads across multiple clouds. This reduces operational risk, strengthens negotiation leverage, enhances flexibility and improves resilience. Hybrid models, where on-premise infrastructure is combined with cloud services, are also growing in popularity. They ensure sensitive data remains locally controlled while still leveraging AI scalability. Partnering with sovereign or regional cloud providers Regional cloud providers are gaining traction as they offer local data hosting, compliance with national regulations, and greater transparency. Strengthening contract and governance frameworks Procurement and legal teams are now playing a more active role in cloud decisions. They negotiate stronger data portability clauses, clear exit strategies, transparent pricing structures, and model ownership rights. Final Thoughts In 2026, the real risk is not using AI, but losing control over it. Cloud sovereignty represents a strategic shift while not rejecting Big Tech. It must be viewed as the ability to act strategically, as no business can dominate every layer of the AI stack due to constraints like the high cost of training advanced AI models. Businesses that prioritize sovereignty today are building resilient, flexible, and future-ready AI ecosystems. Those who ignore it may find themselves powerful – but trapped. Disclaimer  These articles are intended to provide general resources for the tax and accounting needs of small businesses and individuals. Service2Client LLC is the author, but is not engaged in rendering specific legal, accounting, financial or professional advice. Service2Client LLC makes no representation that the recommendations of Service2Client LLC will achieve any result. The NSAD has not reviewed any of the Service2Client LLC content. Readers are encouraged to contact a professional regarding the topics in these articles. The images linked to these articles are protected by copyright and should not be copied for any reason. Author Service2Client Posted on March 1, 2026 Categories Blog , What's New in Technology Leave a Reply Cancel reply You must be logged in to post a comment. Post navigation Previous Previous post: Understanding Qualifying Dispositions Next Next post: What Your Tax Preparer Wishes You Already Knew May 2026 M T W T F S S   1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 « Apr     Categories Accounting News Blog Company News Congress at Work General Business News Gerber Co Post Guest Article of the Month Guest Post of What's New in Technology Archives | Gerber & Co. Gerber & Co. Menu Home Services Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning Pre-Immigration Tax & Estate Planning Guild International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement Standard Engagement Letter Engagement Letter Transmittal Letter U.S. Residency Tax Preparation News & Tools Media Tax Blog Monthly News Track Your Refund Financial Calculators Record Retention Guide Useful Links Tax Due Dates Life Events Personal Events Financial Events Business Events Tax Events Finance Dictionary Fed & State Tax Links Contact Us Pay Your Bill +1 (310) 552 1600 Skip to content Home » What’s New in Technology Category: What’s New in Technology The ROI of Autonomy: Measuring the Business Value of Agentic AI Workflows Businesses are moving beyond basic automation into a new era of intelligent, self-directed systems. While automation helps with streamlining repetitive tasks, agentic AI workflows enable systems to make decisions, take action, and continuously improve with minimal human oversight. Most businesses adopting agentic AI have no structured way to prove it is working. Although they can feel the difference, they can’t measure it. Without measurement, return on investment (ROI) conversations stall, budgets get cut, and genuinely transformative tools get shelved. What Makes Agentic AI Workflows Different Agentic AI workflows are designed to operate with a degree of independence. Unlike traditional automation, which follows predefined rules, agentic systems are goal-oriented. Once given an objective, they plan, execute, adjust, and complete tasks across multiple steps, tools, and decisions without requiring human intervention. For example, an agentic workflow may pull data from multiple systems, analyze it, draft a report, flag anomalies, and email a summary. Another example is a supply chain AI agent that not only highlights anomalies but can also reorder stock, renegotiate pricing thresholds, and even reroute logistics as these actions fall within predefined objectives. Agentic AI can also improve efficiency and productivity by identifying inefficiencies in workflows and adjusting them in real time. For businesses facing rising labor costs and increasing demand for speed and personalization, this evolution is more than a technological advancement. It offers a strategic advantage. Why ROI Measurement Is Different for Agentic AI Traditional ROI models are rather straightforward as they compare the cost of a system to the output generated. ROI on projects using traditional models is measured based on cost savings, headcount reduction and cycle-time compression. However, agentic AI is more dynamic because the systems improve over time. This means the output isn’t static – rather, it compounds. These systems also reduce the need for ongoing supervision, operate continuously, and often uncover efficiencies that were not initially anticipated. As a result, the ROI of agentic AI is not just immediate cost savings but also includes long-term gains. These gains include improved decision-making, faster execution, higher productivity, strategic agility and the ability to scale operations without a proportional increase in cost. Measuring this kind of value requires a broader, more forward-looking approach. Key ROI Drivers of Agentic AI workflows Operational efficiency – unlike conventional automation that is vulnerable to dynamic environments due to fixed rules, agentic AI responds to changes automatically. These systems continuously learn and optimize, delivering ongoing improvements without additional manual effort. Real-time responsiveness – customers expect real-time interaction. Agentic workflows enable this through systems that are always on and context-aware. Scalability – businesses can handle increased demand without a corresponding increase in operational costs or headcount, allowing more efficient growth. Cross-departmental reach – Agentic AI agents can seamlessly connect workflows across different departments like HR, IT, and finance. This reduces operational friction between teams and enhances overall efficiency. Productivity gains – Agentic AI can operate 24/7, completing tasks faster and with greater consistency than human teams. This allows employees to focus on higher-value work, increasing overall organizational productivity. Cost reduction – by automating complex workflows, businesses can reduce reliance on manual labor, minimize errors, and eliminate inefficiencies. This can translate into significant savings. Revenue growth – Agentic AI enables faster go-to-market strategies and more personalized customer experiences. This can directly impact conversion rates and revenue. Improved decision quality – With access to real-time data and advanced analytics, agentic AI systems can make quick, informed decisions. This reduces human bias and enhances accuracy in areas like forecasting, inventory management, and customer engagement. Strategies for Evaluating Agentic AI ROI To measure agentic AI ROI, businesses need a structured approach that connects AI deployment to business outcomes. Identify high-impact workflows – repetitive, resource-heavy processes like IT support, sales operations, or compliance. Establish baseline measurements by documenting current costs, completion times, error rates, and headcount before deployment. Compare pre- and post-implementation performance by checking utilization rates, tasks completed, and infrastructure costs to confirm operational sustainability. Estimate agentic impact by projecting improvements in speed, cost, throughput, and quality. If implementing agentic AI in phases, use control groups to isolate its impact from other organizational changes. Measure real business outcomes, including cost reductions, revenue growth, and productivity gains. Conclusion Traditional automation delivered value by reducing manual effort. Agentic AI, on the other hand, reduces decision latency, operational friction, and coordination costs. Therefore, AI agents’ ROI is not defined by savings alone. Its real value lies in the ability to generate compounding returns across multiple dimensions of a business. By adopting a broader view of ROI, organizations can better assess impact, build stronger adoption cases, and identify new opportunities for optimization. Author Service2Client Posted on May 1, 2026 Categories Blog , What's New in Technology Leave a comment on The ROI of Autonomy: Measuring the Business Value of Agentic AI Workflows The Governance Wall and AI Regulation The era of artificial intelligence as a competitive advantage has hit a structural barrier – the Governance Wall. Some time back in 2024 and 2025, organizations raced to adopt AI tools to automate decisions, improve efficiency and cut costs. Now, as we move through 2026, the conversation is shifting from “How powerful is your AI?” to “Can you explain its decisions to a regulator, customer or even a judge?” As global regulations move from abstract guidelines to strict enforcement, businesses must move from pure automation to strategies defined by traceable, human-centred oversight. The Shift From Innovation to Accountability In the early days of AI adoption, the priority was speed and results. Algorithms made decisions behind the scenes with little transparency. As AI improved, it was used in high-stakes scenarios like screening job applications, approving loans, detecting fraud and influencing health decisions. When these systems mak Filing Your 2025 Taxes? Why Accuracy Matters More Than Ever This Year | Gerber & Co. Gerber & Co. Menu Home Services Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning Pre-Immigration Tax & Estate Planning Guild International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement Standard Engagement Letter Engagement Letter Transmittal Letter U.S. Residency Tax Preparation News & Tools Media Tax Blog Monthly News Track Your Refund Financial Calculators Record Retention Guide Useful Links Tax Due Dates Life Events Personal Events Financial Events Business Events Tax Events Finance Dictionary Fed & State Tax Links Contact Us Pay Your Bill +1 (310) 552 1600 Skip to content Home » Blog » Filing Your 2025 Taxes? Why Accuracy Matters More Than Ever This Year Filing Your 2025 Taxes? Why Accuracy Matters More Than Ever This Year Print 🖨 PDF 📄 eBook 📱 Tax season is here, and while the IRS opened its doors for 2025 returns on Jan. 26, with the familiar April 15 deadline intact, this year’s filing experience is shaping up to be anything but routine. A perfect storm of workforce cuts, rushed new tax breaks, and strained systems means that getting your return right the first time has never been more important. A Smaller IRS With a Bigger Job The numbers tell a sobering story. According to the Taxpayer Advocate, the IRS entered this filing season with 27 percent fewer employees than it had just a year ago. Congressional funding clawbacks combined with the Department of Government Efficiency’s push for retirements and reductions have hollowed out the agency’s capacity at nearly every level. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration warned that the IRS could struggle this year, noting that by Dec. 30, 2025, the agency had managed to onboard only two percent of the employees it was authorized to hire for submission processing. The culprits? New hiring procedures imposed by the Trump Administration and delays stemming from last year’s record 43-day government shutdown. What does this mean for you? Automated systems will continue handling straightforward electronic returns efficiently. But anything requiring human attention, whether that’s an amended filing, identity verification or a return flagged for errors, will move at a crawl. Phone lines will be even harder to get through than usual, if you can get through at all. New Deductions, New Confusion Adding complexity to an already strained system, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that President Trump signed in July introduced a set of temporary tax breaks that took effect retroactively for 2025. These include deductions for tips, overtime, seniors, and car loan interest, all requiring new forms, schedules and guidance that had to be produced in a hurry. The potential for mistakes is significant, especially for the 45 percent of filers who prepare their own returns. Most 2025 W2 forms will not break out overtime pay separately, leaving taxpayers to figure it out themselves. And despite the political rhetoric around “no tax on Social Security,” the reality is a larger deduction for seniors that phases out as income rises. Some recipients may not realize they still need to report their benefits as taxable income. The SALT cap increase from $10,000 to $40,000 is good news for many, but it also means taxpayers should take a fresh look at whether itemizing now makes more sense than claiming the standard deduction. Direct Deposit or Prepare to Wait The IRS is pushing hard for electronic refunds, and for good reason. Most error free, electronically filed returns with direct deposit are processed within 21 days. But if you prefer a paper check or accidentally provide incorrect bank account information, expect a much longer wait with fewer staff available to sort out problems. Returns sent by mail? Plan on six weeks or more. Amended returns are averaging five months or longer, and the IRS is already working through an elevated backlog from prior years. The Bottom Line Accuracy matters more than speed this year. The system still works well for straightforward, completely correct returns, but it is far less forgiving when something goes wrong. If you are uncertain about how to handle one of the new deductions or think you might be missing documentation, filing for an automatic extension is a smarter move than submitting a return with errors. File electronically. Double-check every entry. Use direct deposit. And if your situation is at all complicated, seek out a tax professional who can help you navigate a filing season where the margin for error has never been thinner. Disclaimer  These articles are intended to provide general resources for the tax and accounting needs of small businesses and individuals. Service2Client LLC is the author, but is not engaged in rendering specific legal, accounting, financial or professional advice. Service2Client LLC makes no representation that the recommendations of Service2Client LLC will achieve any result. The NSAD has not reviewed any of the Service2Client LLC content. Readers are encouraged to contact a professional regarding the topics in these articles. The images linked to these articles are protected by copyright and should not be copied for any reason. Author Service2Client Posted on March 1, 2026 Categories Blog , Tax and Financial News Leave a Reply Cancel reply You must be logged in to post a comment. Post navigation Previous Previous post: 5 Tax Tips for High Earners Next Next post: Understanding Qualifying Dispositions May 2026 M T W T F S S   1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 « Apr     Categories Accounting News Blog Company News Congress at Work General Business News Gerber Co Post Guest Article of the Month Guest Post of the Month News Tax and Financial News Tip of the Month What's New in Technology Recent Posts Tax Considerations for Data Center Projects in the Age of AI Understanding the EV/2P Ratio 6 Tips for Your Mid-Year Check In The ROI of Autonomy: Measuring the Business Value of Agentic AI Workflows Stalemates in Voting Rights and ICE Legislation; Small Business Funding Expanded Recent Comments Contact Info Main Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 310 552 1600 Memphis TN Support Office 1790 Kirby Parkway, Suite 127, Memphis, TN 38138 Los Angeles CA Main Office 1880 Century Park East, Suite 200 Los Angeles CA 90067 Corporate Info & Media TeamGerber, the careful management of your finances is our top priority. We pride ourselves on giving you personalized and thorough service that meets your business or individual needs. +1 310.552.1600 Newsletter Sign Up Recent News Tax Considerations for Data Center Projects in the Age of AI May 1, 2026 Understanding the EV/2P Ratio May 1, 2026 6 Tips for Your Mid-Year Check In May 1, 2026 The ROI of Autonomy: Measuring the Business Value of Agentic AI Workflows May 1, 2026 Bottom Menu About Us News Pay with Credit Card or by eCheck Contact Us Privacy Disclaimer Gerber & Co. © 2026 Engagement | Gerber Co. | CPA Firm Los Angeles Gerber & Co. Menu Home Services Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning Pre-Immigration Tax & Estate Planning Guild International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement Standard Engagement Letter Engagement Letter Transmittal Letter U.S. Residency Tax Preparation News & Tools Media Tax Blog Monthly News Track Your Refund Financial Calculators Record Retention Guide Useful Links Tax Due Dates Life Events Personal Events Financial Events Business Events Tax Events Finance Dictionary Fed & State Tax Links Contact Us Pay Your Bill +1 (310) 552 1600 Skip to content Home » Engagement Engagement Print 🖨 PDF 📄 eBook 📱 Home Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement U.S. Residency Tax Preparation Home Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement U.S. Residency Tax Preparation Engagement Letters Standard Engagement Letter Engagement Letter Transmittal Letter Looking for information on current topics? View the latest Tax and Financial News , or try our Financial Calculators . New Client Consultation Request May 2026 M T W T F S S   1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 « Apr     Categories Accounting News Blog Company News Congress at Work General Business News Gerber Co Post Guest Article of the Month Guest Post of the Month News Tax and Financial News Tip of the Month What's New in Technology Recent Posts Tax Considerations for Data Center Projects in the Age of AI Understanding the EV/2P Ratio 6 Tips for Your Mid-Year Check In The ROI of Autonomy: Measuring the Business Value of Agentic AI Workflows Stalemates in Voting Rights and ICE Legislation; Small Business Funding Expanded Recent Comments Contact Info Main Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 310 552 1600 Memphis TN Support Office 1790 Kirby Parkway, Suite 127, Memphis, TN 38138 Los Angeles CA Main Office 1880 Century Park East, Suite 200 Los Angeles CA 90067 Corporate Info & Media TeamGerber, the careful management of your finances is our top priority. We pride ourselves on giving you personalized and thorough service that meets your business or individual needs. +1 310.552.1600 Newsletter Sign Up Recent News Tax Considerations for Data Center Projects in the Age of AI May 1, 2026 Understanding the EV/2P Ratio May 1, 2026 6 Tips for Your Mid-Year Check In May 1, 2026 The ROI of Autonomy: Measuring the Business Value of Agentic AI Workflows May 1, 2026 Bottom Menu About Us News Pay with Credit Card or by eCheck Contact Us Privacy Disclaimer Gerber & Co. © 2026 California Tax Issues | Gerber Co. | Good Advice Pays Gerber & Co. Menu Home Services Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning Pre-Immigration Tax & Estate Planning Guild International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement Standard Engagement Letter Engagement Letter Transmittal Letter U.S. Residency Tax Preparation News & Tools Media Tax Blog Monthly News Track Your Refund Financial Calculators Record Retention Guide Useful Links Tax Due Dates Life Events Personal Events Financial Events Business Events Tax Events Finance Dictionary Fed & State Tax Links Contact Us Pay Your Bill +1 (310) 552 1600 Skip to content Home » California Tax Issues Print 🖨 PDF 📄 eBook 📱 Home Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement U.S. Residency Tax Preparation Home Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement U.S. Residency Tax Preparation Tax Assistance to Out-of-State Persons and Corporations Urgent Notice to Out-of-State Persons and Businesses: California is Expanding its Net of Taxation Due to the fiscal crisis, California is aggressively reclassifying people and businesses as California taxpayers. Several state agencies, each with unique and complex laws and regulations, have the power to file tax liens, levy bank accounts, and even shut down businesses for the non-payment of California state taxes. In addition, the state is chasing all taxpayers who they claim owe the state of California money on past due taxes, regardless of where they are now living. Punishment for failure to file a required California tax return can include criminal prosecution. Every type of California tax audit has seen a dramatic increase in activity this year: – The Franchise Tax Board (income tax) – Employment Development Department (payroll taxes) – State Board of Equalization SBE (sales tax). In this environment, the tax experts at Gerber & Co. urge anyone whose life or business intersects with the State of California to carefully review their complete current tax liability. Choosing Gerber & Co. CPAs Who better to trust for resolution of a critical tax matter than a seasoned CPA firm? – Trust and Track Record At Gerber & Co., were are intimately familiar with Federal and California Tax matters, and have a solid track record of success. – Comprehensive Expertise Our firm provides only seasoned, licensed CPAs. (Other firms may transfer your case to a much less experienced “licensed tax preparer” or “enrolled agent”.) Two members of the Gerber team hold advanced degrees in taxation, and we have a tax attorney on staff. – Delivering Value Our fees are fair and our work is unconditionally guaranteed. Act Quickly In confidence at no obligation, contact Managing Partner and tax specialist Selwyn Gerber CPA : 310 552-1600 . Types of cases we handle: Arrange FTB Installment Agreement/ Wage Levy Releases FTB Offer In Compromise FTB Audit representation FTB Offer In Compromise All FTB tax issues EDD payroll tax disputes EDD audit representation Board of Equalization sales tax issues EDD Offer In Compromise Board of Equalization sales tax audit representation California criminal tax representation Looking for information on current topics? View the latest Tax and Financial News , or try our Financial Calculators . New Client Consultation Request Contact Info Main Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 310 552 1600 Memphis TN Support Office 1790 Kirby Parkway, Suite 127, Memphis, TN 38138 Los Angeles CA Main Office 1880 Century Park East, Suite 200 Los Angeles CA 90067 Corporate Info & Media TeamGerber, the careful management of your finances is our top priority. We pride ourselves on giving you personalized and thorough service that meets your business or individual needs. +1 310.552.1600 Newsletter Sign Up Recent News Tax Considerations for Data Center Projects in the Age of AI May 1, 2026 Understanding the EV/2P Ratio May 1, 2026 6 Tips for Your Mid-Year Check In May 1, 2026 The ROI of Autonomy: Measuring the Business Value of Agentic AI Workflows May 1, 2026 Bottom Menu About Us News Pay with Credit Card or by eCheck Contact Us Privacy Disclaimer Gerber & Co. © 2026 Guest Post of the Month Archives | Gerber & Co. Gerber & Co. Menu Home Services Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning Pre-Immigration Tax & Estate Planning Guild International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement Standard Engagement Letter Engagement Letter Transmittal Letter U.S. Residency Tax Preparation News & Tools Media Tax Blog Monthly News Track Your Refund Financial Calculators Record Retention Guide Useful Links Tax Due Dates Life Events Personal Events Financial Events Business Events Tax Events Finance Dictionary Fed & State Tax Links Contact Us Pay Your Bill +1 (310) 552 1600 Skip to content Home » Guest Post of the Month Category: Guest Post of the Month What Your Tax Preparer Wishes You Already Knew Most people approach tax season thinking about one thing: getting their return done. What they rarely think about is what the experience looks like from the other side of the desk. Having seen it from both angles, I can tell you there’s a real difference between clients who make a preparer’s job easy and those who quietly make it harder than it needs to be. Here’s why that matters to you specifically: being a better client isn’t about being polite for politeness’ sake. It translates directly into lower bills, faster turnarounds, and better advice. This is entirely in your own interest. First, Understand How You’re Being Charged The way the preparer bills you should shape how you work with them. There are three common arrangements, and each one rewards organization in a different way. If you’re on a flat fee, the dollar amount doesn’t change whether your documents are immaculate or a complete mess. But here’s what does change: a preparer who powers through your tidy file in two hours now has time to actually think about your situation. That might mean spotting a deduction you’ve been missing for years or flagging something worth changing before next filing season. Advice like that can easily be worth more than the return preparation itself, but it only happens when there’s time and mental energy left over to give it. Hourly billing leaves no room for ambiguity. Every follow-up email, every clarifying phone call, every minute your return sits untouched while you track down a missing form, it all runs the meter. Most of that extra cost is entirely preventable with a little upfront effort. The hybrid model, which is a base fee with overage charges for complexity, is the most common setup you’ll encounter. Most preparers are generous about absorbing minor extra work without comment. But when documents arrive in scattered batches, questions go unanswered for days, and the timeline keeps slipping, that goodwill has a limit. And again, the extra charges that result are almost always avoidable. There’s one more piece to this that doesn’t show up on any invoice. Tax preparers are human, and like anyone doing service work, they have clients they genuinely enjoy and clients they quietly dread. The ones they enjoy tend to get more, for example, a heads-up about a planning opportunity, a faster turnaround when things are hectic, and a little extra thought applied to their situation. Difficult clients still receive competent, professional service. They just don’t get the extras. That’s not a policy; it’s just how people work. The Three Things That Actually Move the Needle None of this requires becoming a tax expert. It really comes down to three habits. Send everything at once, and send it organized. Before you submit anything, set aside an evening to go through your documents. W-2s, 1099s, interest statements, charitable contribution records, mortgage forms, gather everything. If your preparer sends you an intake organizer or questionnaire, use it. It exists because it tells them exactly what they need in the format that’s easiest to work with. If they don’t use one, just organize things logically and label your files clearly. “Scan_final_2” is not a file name. A small amount of effort on your end saves a disproportionate amount of time on theirs. Don’t send documents as they trickle in. It’s tempting to forward your W-2 the moment it hits your inbox, making you feel like you’ve gotten ahead of things. In practice, piecemeal delivery creates more problems than it solves, for example, things get overlooked, work gets duplicated, and many preparers won’t even open a file until they believe everything has arrived. There are legitimate exceptions: a K-1 that shows up late, a corrected 1099 that comes in after the fact. Any experienced preparer will understand those situations. But make them the exception rather than your default approach. Respond promptly when they reach out. When your preparer sends you a question, it usually means they’re actively working on your file and have hit a wall they can’t get past without your input. A week-long delay doesn’t just slow things down; it forces them to set your return aside entirely and context-switch back to it later. That kind of stop-and-start cycle costs time, and depending on your billing arrangement, it may cost you money too. Conclusion A single organized evening and a commitment to responding quickly when questions come up. That’s genuinely most of what separates the clients’ preparers who enjoy working with them from the ones they don’t. In return, you get a smoother process, a more accurate return, and very likely some guidance you’d never have received if you’d shown up with a shoebox and gone quiet. Author Service2Client Posted on March 1, 2026 Categories Blog , Guest Post of the Month Leave a comment on What Your Tax Preparer Wishes You Already Knew One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Part 1 – What the New Tax Law Means for You Part 1 The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) passed the House on July 3 and was signed into law by President Trump. This comprehensive legislation makes several expiring tax cuts from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent while at the same time introducing several temporary provisions through 2028. In this two-part series, we will look at what the OBBBA means for taxpayers. In Part 1, we examine the impact on individual taxpayers; Part 2 will cover the Act’s impact on businesses, trusts, and estates. Making TCJA Provisions Permanent The bill primarily focuses on extending individual tax benefits sunsetting after 2025 since business tax benefits from the 2017 TCJA were already made permanent. Income Tax Rates and Brackets: The current seven-bracket system is becoming permanent, with the highest rate staying at 37 percent. Standard Deduction : The doubled standard deduction amounts are now permanent. For tax year 2025, this means individuals get $15,000, married couples filing jointly receive $30,000, and heads of household get $22,500. Child Tax Credit: The credit increases from $2,000 to $2,200 per child, with future inflation adjustments. The credit remains subject to phase-outs beginning at $400,000 for joint filers and $200,000 for other taxpayers. Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT): The TCJA increases to AMT exemptions are made permanent with inflation adjustments. For 2025, single filers get an $88,100 exemption that phases out at $626,350, while married couples filing jointly receive $137,000 that phases out at $1,252,700. Changes to Deductions State and Local Tax (SALT) Deductions: The current $10,000 cap on state and local tax deductions is raised temporarily to $40,000 with 1 percent annual increa Finance Dictionary | Gerber & Co. Gerber & Co. Menu Home Services Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning Pre-Immigration Tax & Estate Planning Guild International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement Standard Engagement Letter Engagement Letter Transmittal Letter U.S. Residency Tax Preparation News & Tools Media Tax Blog Monthly News Track Your Refund Financial Calculators Record Retention Guide Useful Links Tax Due Dates Life Events Personal Events Financial Events Business Events Tax Events Finance Dictionary Fed & State Tax Links Contact Us Pay Your Bill +1 (310) 552 1600 Skip to content Home » News & Tools » Finance Dictionary Print 🖨 PDF 📄 eBook 📱 <— News & Tools Contact Info Main Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 310 552 1600 Memphis TN Support Office 1790 Kirby Parkway, Suite 127, Memphis, TN 38138 Los Angeles CA Main Office 1880 Century Park East, Suite 200 Los Angeles CA 90067 Corporate Info & Media TeamGerber, the careful management of your finances is our top priority. We pride ourselves on giving you personalized and thorough service that meets your business or individual needs. +1 310.552.1600 Newsletter Sign Up Recent News Tax Considerations for Data Center Projects in the Age of AI May 1, 2026 Understanding the EV/2P Ratio May 1, 2026 6 Tips for Your Mid-Year Check In May 1, 2026 The ROI of Autonomy: Measuring the Business Value of Agentic AI Workflows May 1, 2026 Bottom Menu About Us News Pay with Credit Card or by eCheck Contact Us Privacy Disclaimer Gerber & Co. © 2026 Tax Preparation | Gerber Co. | Los Angeles CPA Firm Gerber & Co. Menu Home Services Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning Pre-Immigration Tax & Estate Planning Guild International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement Standard Engagement Letter Engagement Letter Transmittal Letter U.S. Residency Tax Preparation News & Tools Media Tax Blog Monthly News Track Your Refund Financial Calculators Record Retention Guide Useful Links Tax Due Dates Life Events Personal Events Financial Events Business Events Tax Events Finance Dictionary Fed & State Tax Links Contact Us Pay Your Bill +1 (310) 552 1600 Skip to content Home » Tax Preparation Tax Preparation Print 🖨 PDF 📄 eBook 📱 Home Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement U.S. Residency Tax Preparation Home Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement U.S. Residency Tax Preparation Professional Tax Return Preparation Today's tax laws are so complicated that unless your financial affairs are extremely simple, chances are you will benefit from at least occasional help from a tax professional. It is too easy to overlook deductions and credits to which you are entitled if you prepare only one return a year. Even the use of computer software is no substitute for the assistance of a seasoned tax preparer. We prepare hundreds of tax returns every year. We know what to look for when your return is prepared. More importantly, you will have someone to answer your questions during the rest of the year. And we can put you on our mailing list to receive timely tax, business, and financial advice. Your Tax-Cutting Checklist Whether you’re a wage earner, an investor, a business owner, or all three, you should use the tax-cutting benefits available in the tax law. There is little to be gained by paying more tax than the law demands. Identify the tax-savers for which you qualify. Here’s a tax-cutting checklist to get you started. Check the list to see if there are tax breaks that you are overlooking. Tax Preparation For Individuals: Roth IRA Rollover to Roth IRA Tax-deductible IRA Child tax credit Income shifting to children Child care credit Earned income credit Lifetime gifts Education savings accounts Education expenses Hope scholarship credit Lifetime learning credit Bunching deductions Flexible spending accounts Health savings account Donating appreciated assets instead of cash Qualifying property for personal residence gain exclusion Best filing status Shifting income or deductions from year to year Adoption expense credit Tax Preparation For Investors: Tax-free municipal bonds Long-term capital gains and dividends Rental property Tax-free exchange Low-income housing credit Small business stock rollover Tax Preparation For Businesses: Home office deduction Keogh plan SIMPLE plan SEP 401(k) plan First year expensing of business equipment Bonus depreciation Year-end bonuses Bad debt write-off Disabled access credit Other business tax credits Tax-free exchange Contact our office if you have questions or want more information on these and other strategies that could reduce your taxes. E-mail us at [email protected] to request our newsletter. Looking for information on current topics? View the latest Tax and Financial News , or try our Financial Calculators . New Client Consultation Request May 2026 M T W T F S S   1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 « Apr     Categories Accounting News Blog Company News Congress at Work General Business News Gerber Co Post Guest Article of the Month Guest Post of the Month News Tax and Financial News Tip of the Month What's New in Technology Recent Posts Tax Considerations for Data Center Projects in the Age of AI Understanding the EV/2P Ratio 6 Tips for Your Mid-Year Check In The ROI of Autonomy: Measuring the Business Value of Agentic AI Workflows Stalemates in Voting Rights and ICE Legislation; Small Business Funding Expanded Recent Comments Contact Info Main Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 310 552 1600 Memphis TN Support Office 1790 Kirby Parkway, Suite 127, Memphis, TN 38138 Los Angeles CA Main Office 1880 Century Park East, Suite 200 Los Angeles CA 90067 Corporate Info & Media TeamGerber, the careful management of your finances is our top priority. We pride ourselves on giving you personalized and thorough service that meets your business or individual needs. +1 310.552.1600 Newsletter Sign Up Recent News Tax Considerations for Data Center Projects in the Age of AI May 1, 2026 Understanding the EV/2P Ratio May 1, 2026 6 Tips for Your Mid-Year Check In May 1, 2026 The ROI of Autonomy: Measuring the Business Value of Agentic AI Workflows May 1, 2026 Bottom Menu About Us News Pay with Credit Card or by eCheck Contact Us Privacy Disclaimer Gerber & Co. © 2026 What Your Tax Preparer Wishes You Already Knew | Gerber & Co. Gerber & Co. Menu Home Services Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning Pre-Immigration Tax & Estate Planning Guild International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement Standard Engagement Letter Engagement Letter Transmittal Letter U.S. Residency Tax Preparation News & Tools Media Tax Blog Monthly News Track Your Refund Financial Calculators Record Retention Guide Useful Links Tax Due Dates Life Events Personal Events Financial Events Business Events Tax Events Finance Dictionary Fed & State Tax Links Contact Us Pay Your Bill +1 (310) 552 1600 Skip to content Home » Blog » What Your Tax Preparer Wishes You Already Knew What Your Tax Preparer Wishes You Already Knew Print 🖨 PDF 📄 eBook 📱 Most people approach tax season thinking about one thing: getting their return done. What they rarely think about is what the experience looks like from the other side of the desk. Having seen it from both angles, I can tell you there’s a real difference between clients who make a preparer’s job easy and those who quietly make it harder than it needs to be. Here’s why that matters to you specifically: being a better client isn’t about being polite for politeness’ sake. It translates directly into lower bills, faster turnarounds, and better advice. This is entirely in your own interest. First, Understand How You’re Being Charged The way the preparer bills you should shape how you work with them. There are three common arrangements, and each one rewards organization in a different way. If you’re on a flat fee, the dollar amount doesn’t change whether your documents are immaculate or a complete mess. But here’s what does change: a preparer who powers through your tidy file in two hours now has time to actually think about your situation. That might mean spotting a deduction you’ve been missing for years or flagging something worth changing before next filing season. Advice like that can easily be worth more than the return preparation itself, but it only happens when there’s time and mental energy left over to give it. Hourly billing leaves no room for ambiguity. Every follow-up email, every clarifying phone call, every minute your return sits untouched while you track down a missing form, it all runs the meter. Most of that extra cost is entirely preventable with a little upfront effort. The hybrid model, which is a base fee with overage charges for complexity, is the most common setup you’ll encounter. Most preparers are generous about absorbing minor extra work without comment. But when documents arrive in scattered batches, questions go unanswered for days, and the timeline keeps slipping, that goodwill has a limit. And again, the extra charges that result are almost always avoidable. There’s one more piece to this that doesn’t show up on any invoice. Tax preparers are human, and like anyone doing service work, they have clients they genuinely enjoy and clients they quietly dread. The ones they enjoy tend to get more, for example, a heads-up about a planning opportunity, a faster turnaround when things are hectic, and a little extra thought applied to their situation. Difficult clients still receive competent, professional service. They just don’t get the extras. That’s not a policy; it’s just how people work. The Three Things That Actually Move the Needle None of this requires becoming a tax expert. It really comes down to three habits. Send everything at once, and send it organized. Before you submit anything, set aside an evening to go through your documents. W-2s, 1099s, interest statements, charitable contribution records, mortgage forms, gather everything. If your preparer sends you an intake organizer or questionnaire, use it. It exists because it tells them exactly what they need in the format that’s easiest to work with. If they don’t use one, just organize things logically and label your files clearly. “Scan_final_2” is not a file name. A small amount of effort on your end saves a disproportionate amount of time on theirs. Don’t send documents as they trickle in. It’s tempting to forward your W-2 the moment it hits your inbox, making you feel like you’ve gotten ahead of things. In practice, piecemeal delivery creates more problems than it solves, for example, things get overlooked, work gets duplicated, and many preparers won’t even open a file until they believe everything has arrived. There are legitimate exceptions: a K-1 that shows up late, a corrected 1099 that comes in after the fact. Any experienced preparer will understand those situations. But make them the exception rather than your default approach. Respond promptly when they reach out. When your preparer sends you a question, it usually means they’re actively working on your file and have hit a wall they can’t get past without your input. A week-long delay doesn’t just slow things down; it forces them to set your return aside entirely and context-switch back to it later. That kind of stop-and-start cycle costs time, and depending on your billing arrangement, it may cost you money too. Conclusion A single organized evening and a commitment to responding quickly when questions come up. That’s genuinely most of what separates the clients’ preparers who enjoy working with them from the ones they don’t. In return, you get a smoother process, a more accurate return, and very likely some guidance you’d never have received if you’d shown up with a shoebox and gone quiet. Disclaimer  These articles are intended to provide general resources for the tax and accounting needs of small businesses and individuals. Service2Client LLC is the author, but is not engaged in rendering specific legal, accounting, financial or professional advice. Service2Client LLC makes no representation that the recommendations of Service2Client LLC will achieve any result. The NSAD has not reviewed any of the Service2Client LLC content. Readers are encouraged to contact a professional regarding the topics in these articles. The images linked to these articles are protected by copyright and should not be copied for any reason. Author Service2Client Posted on March 1, 2026 Categories Blog , Guest Post of the Month Leave a Reply Cancel reply You must be logged in to post a comment. Post navigation Previous Previous post: Cloud Sovereignty vs. Big Tech: How Businesses Are Avoiding the ‘AI Lock-in’ Trap in 2026 Next Next post: Burying Time Capsules, Ending Payments to Dead People, and Safeguarding Voting Rights for U.S. Citizens May 2026 M T W T F S S   1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 « Apr     Categories Accounting News Blog Company News Congress at Work General Business News Gerber Co Post Guest Article of the Month Guest Post of the Month News Tax and Financial News Tip of the Month What's New in Technology Recent Posts Tax Considerations for Data Center Projects in the Age of AI Understanding the EV/2P Ratio 6 Tips for Your Mid-Year Check In The ROI of Autonomy: Measuring the Business Value of Agentic AI Workflows Stalemates in Voting Rights and ICE Legislation; Small Business Funding Expanded Recent Comments Contact Info Main Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 310 552 1600 Memphis TN Support Office 1790 Kirby Parkway, Suite 127, Memphis, TN 38138 Los Angeles CA Main Office 1880 Century Park East, Suite 200 L Doctors and Medical Practices | Gerber Co. | Beyond Counting Gerber & Co. Menu Home Services Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning Pre-Immigration Tax & Estate Planning Guild International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement Standard Engagement Letter Engagement Letter Transmittal Letter U.S. Residency Tax Preparation News & Tools Media Tax Blog Monthly News Track Your Refund Financial Calculators Record Retention Guide Useful Links Tax Due Dates Life Events Personal Events Financial Events Business Events Tax Events Finance Dictionary Fed & State Tax Links Contact Us Pay Your Bill +1 (310) 552 1600 Skip to content Home » Doctors and Medical Practices Doctors and Medical Practices Print 🖨 PDF 📄 eBook 📱 Home Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement U.S. Residency Tax Preparation Home Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement U.S. Residency Tax Preparation Gerber & Co Inc. , a highly respected CPA firm based in Los Angeles, California, specializes in servicing physicians, their medical practices and their families’ needs. The financial and accounting needs of every doctor, dentist, and veterinarian are different and we customize our services to meet your specific situation. Let us illustrate three levels of service which many of our physician clients utilize: Full Practice Management We offer complete practice management services for medical providers who do not have the time or energy to micromanage the business side of their practices. We respect that our clients may focus their limited time on seeing patients and practicing medicine, and we make it easy for them to do the rest. We handle and oversee all accounts payable, human resources (coordinated through Payroll Service), collection services (through the medical billing company of your choice), and monthly reporting. Our state-of-the-art software enables our clients, in real-time, to review and approve every disbursement online in real time with the ability to concurrently access books and records. Our experienced team reviews all bills. We provide weekly cash-flow reports to keep an accurate and near real-time pulse on the practice’s cash flow. By having Gerber & Co involved in all cash and check movements and preparing monthly financials, the physician virtually eliminates the risk of embezzlement, which is all too common among practices with limited staff. By categorizing all disbursements accurately and appropriately, we maximize tax savings while remaining compliant. Our reports go ‘Beyond Beancounting’ to reflect critical accounting and non-accounting data. This is exemplified by our unique ‘Dashboard’ reporting, which provides a series of graphs and pie charts to communicate the financial results and contrast them to prior periods and with established targets, highlighting areas of concern. Monthly Write-Up Work For medical providers with the infrastructure to handle the day-to-day collections and disbursements of the firm and the necessary segregation of duties, Gerber & Co provides an accurate and reliable set of books monthly. Within 20 days following the close of each month, the physician receives a report with graphs and charts reflecting critical accounting and non-accounting data monthly. Annual Taxes Gerber & Co will prepare your returns. Our unparalleled expertise in this field enables us to offer up a myriad of tax saving suggestions. Our total focus is on pro-active planning, with the goal of saving and deferring taxes wherever possible. Our firm motto sums it up: ‘ Surprises are for birthdays, not for tax time ‘ ®. All of Gerber & Co’s services are fully customizable to suit the exact needs and infrastructure of the client. All services are billed hourly or on a fixed monthly retainer and work is done at the lowest priced billing rates with competency necessary to get the task accomplished professionally, yet affordably. If you're not a client yet, it's costing you! The Dashboard In addition to the standard accounting reports that we provide, we also customize a series of graphics and pie charts to clearly communicate all relevant data. Remember: A picture tells a thousand words ‘ and we’ll give you all the information you need in a manner that is easy to understand and enables you to manage your practice effectively. 10 WAYS to Reduce Fraud in an MD, DO, DMD, DDS, or DVM's Office The physician should be the one to open and review the bank statement every month. The billing person should not make check deposits. Bank reconciliations should be independently reviewed monthly. Two signatures should be on every check above a relatively low threshold. Trend and Ratio analysis should be included as part of monthly reports. Every member of the staff must take annual vacations. Limit access to various aspects of billing, accounting and banking systems to the lowest necessary level of access. Strong passwords should be changed regularly. Run a credit report annually. Never use a rubber stamp with the physician’s signature. 5 TIPS to an Effective Medical Practice Have a monthly report done with both accounting and nonaccounting data (Include data such as number of new patient visits; track revenues by procedure etc). Have good ‘systems’ for patient flow and internal controls. Use a PEO for your personnel. Hire expert professionals who work as a team to optimize your situation (lawyer, accountant, insurance broker, investment advisor). Pay yourself first. The very first check you write each month should be to your own investment account. Looking for information on current topics? View the latest Tax and Financial News , or try our Financial Calculators . New Client Consultation Request May 2026 M T W T F S S   1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 « Apr     Categories Accounting News Blog Company News Congress at Work General Business News Gerber Co Post Guest Article of the Month Guest Post of the Month News Tax and Financial News Tip of the Month What's New in Technology Recent Posts Tax Considerations for Data Center Projects in the Age of AI Understanding the EV/2P Ratio 6 Tips for Your Mid-Year Check In The ROI of Autonomy: Measuring the Business Value of Agentic AI Workflows Stalemates in Voting Rights and ICE Legislation; Small Business Funding Expanded Recent Comments Contact Info Main Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 310 552 1600 Memphis TN Support Office 1790 Kirby Parkway, Suite 127, Memphis, TN 38138 Los Angeles CA Main Office 1880 Century Park East, Suite 200 Los Angeles CA 90067 Corporate Info & Media TeamGerber, the careful management of your finances is our top priority. We pride ourselves on giving you personalized and Congress at Work Archives | Gerber & Co. Gerber & Co. Menu Home Services Expert Tax Services for U.S. Expats Audits, Reviews, Compilations & Forensic Accounting Bookkeeping Tax Problem Resolution California Tax Issues International Tax Planning Pre-Immigration Tax & Estate Planning Guild International Estate Planning Family Office / Business Management Estate & Gift Planning Doctors and Medical Practices Real Estate Investment Tax Planning Investment Review Recordkeeping Tax Filings for Foreign Entities Tax Planning Divorce – Tax Planning Engagement Standard Engagement Letter Engagement Letter Transmittal Letter U.S. Residency Tax Preparation News & Tools Media Tax Blog Monthly News Track Your Refund Financial Calculators Record Retention Guide Useful Links Tax Due Dates Life Events Personal Events Financial Events Business Events Tax Events Finance Dictionary Fed & State Tax Links Contact Us Pay Your Bill +1 (310) 552 1600 Skip to content Home » Congress at Work Category: Congress at Work Stalemates in Voting Rights and ICE Legislation; Small Business Funding Expanded Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (S 1383) – Also known as the SAVE America Act, this bill passed in the House on Feb. 11 but stalled in the Senate due to the Democrat filibuster. The bill would require states to verify documentary proof of citizenship and current residential address when Americans apply for federal voter registration. The easiest documentation would be a birth certificate or passport that confirms their current legal name (most women change their last name after marriage, so they require additional documentation, such as a marriage certificate). However, research from the Bipartisan Policy Center found that nearly 1 in 10 registered voters do not have access to their birth certificate, and 52 percent do not have an unexpired passport with their current legal name. Note that these registration requirements kick in any time current voters update their registration, such as for an address change or to switch political party affiliation. The bill also requires a specific type of photo ID to cast a ballot. A driver’s license is acceptable, but not student IDs or a tribal ID that lacks an expiration date (which tribal IDs do not contain). The president is also insistent that the legislation include unrelated restrictions for transgender Americans. The debate over this bill continues in the Senate. Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026 (HR 7744) – This is the bill that has held up appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2026. The bill was introduced by Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) on March 2 and passed in the House on March 5. However, it triggered a partial government shutdown and is under heated debate in the Senate. Republicans insist on passing the complete bill with increased funding for national security and border protection. The legislation also includes provisions prohibiting funds for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Critical Theory programs, as well as abortions and gender-affirming care for ICE detainees. Senate Democrats are seeking to include guardrails that would prohibit ICE agents from wearing masks or entering homes, schools, hospitals, etc., without a judicial warrant. Currently at a stalemate, Republicans will likely try to pass funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), more money for ICE, and components of the Save America Act through a budget reconciliation bill. Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act (S 3971) – On March 3, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) introduced this bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) programs. These programs, also known as America’s Seed Fund, expired last September. The new bill enables certain agencies to award a portion of their funds to larger projects focused on technology transition, rather than incremental R&D. These agencies, which include the Departments of Defense, Energy and Homeland Security, the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, may award up to $30 million to small business projects that prioritize national security, customer demand and undercapitalized technology areas. The bill passed in the Senate on March 3, the House on March 17, and was signed into law by the president on April 13. Tyler’s Law (S 921) – The purpose of this bill is to issue guidance for hospital emergency departments to implement fentanyl testing as a routine procedure for patients experiencing an overdose. The current standard procedure tests for marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, PCP, and natural and semisynthetic opioids, but not synthetic opioids like fentanyl – something many ER practitioners are unaware of. The bill is named for Tyler Shamash, a California teenager who died of an overdose after he passed a drug test in an emergency room that did not include fentanyl. The bipartisan bill was introduced by Sen. Jim Banks (R-IN) on March 10, 2025. It passed in the Senate on March 23, 2026, and is currently awaiting a vote in the House. To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (HR 1689) – This bill was introduced on Feb. 27, 2025, and passed in the House on April 16, 2026. Amid rampant immigration enforcement, this bill is designed to extend temporary protected status for Haitian migrants through 2029. TPS is intended to provide a safe haven for foreign nationals whose home countries are experiencing temporary unsafe conditions, such as from a natural disaster or civil unrest, for which Haitians continue to qualify. This largely partisan legislation faces