Retirement September 30, 2026
History of Social Security COLAs
The predicted 2027 cost-of-living adjustment of 3.5% would rank 19th among the increases implemented since 1977, the first year Social Security began calculating the annual boost.
May 28, 2014
GASB Moves to Improve State and Local Government Health Insurance and Benefits Reporting
The Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) has voted unanimously to approve two Exposure Drafts proposing significant improvements to financial reporting by state and local governments of other postemployment benefits (OPEB), such as retiree health insurance. The GASB also approved a third Exposure Draft that would establish requirements for pensions and pension plans that are outside…
May 27, 2014
IRS Nixes “Pump-and-Dump” Obamacare Strategy
Employers can’t get around the Obamacare “shared responsibility” provision simply by giving employees tax-free cash to pay for health insurance from a state-run exchange. In effect, this would pump up a worker’s pay and dump them in the marketplace. According to a new question and answer (Q&A) posted on the IRS website, as initially reported…
May 20, 2014
Thomson Reuters Offers Solution to Help Firms Market Healthcare Reform Services
As trusted financial advisors to millions of Americans and businesses, accounting firms are uniquely positioned to provide their clients with information and services regarding the Affordable Care Act. Thomson Reuters is offering a new solution to help firms market their expertise to clients and has released a tax act overview and monthly client marketing newsletter…
May 20, 2014
The Best States for Military Retirees
Retirement is typically viewed as the end of the line – a time for rest, relaxation and the pursuit of interests long ago put on the back burner. But the narrative is far different for military retirees.
May 15, 2014
Which States Have the Best 401(k) Growth?
Which states have the best 401(k) plans? That question isn't usually tied to geography, but financial advisory firm Judy Diamond Associates has found some key differences and benefits based on location.
May 13, 2014
What are the Tax Implications of ObamaCare?
Most people have heard the endless political arguments about the Affordable Care Act, aka ObamaCare, but many still don't really know the full extent of what the law is. The Affordable Care Act was enacted by Congress and signed into law by President Obama in 2010, becoming the biggest healthcare reform measure since the implementation…
April 29, 2014
The ObamaCare of Computing? Microsoft’s Silly Trick
By now you have discovered the sad and silly trick that Microsoft played on you during the last days of tax season. Windows XP has been killed, and you have to upgrade to Windows 8.1 or leave your accounting computers both unprotected and in violation of federal law.
April 28, 2014
Survey: Only Half of Businesses are Prepared for Healthcare Law
A new survey shows that, four years after being signed into law, about half of businesses understand and are prepared for the implications of the Affordable Care Act, also known as ObamaCare.
April 27, 2014
Strategic Mid-Year Business Tax Tips
Traditionally, tax planning is targeted to individual taxpayers, but small business owners can also benefit from such tax-saving techniques. Instead of waiting until the very end of the year to pitch ideas to clients, present them with the following ten strategies at midyear.
April 24, 2014
Contribution Limits Raised for Health Savings Accounts
The Internal Revenue Service has increased the annual limitation on deductions for Health Savings Accounts for 2015, the agency announced on Wednesday.
April 23, 2014
Marcum Launches Health Insurance Marketplace
Businesses, groups and individuals looking for health insurance and information now have a new resource, courtesy of the accounting firm Marcum LLP. The firm's affiliate, Marcum Financial Services, which is also a member of the Marcum Group of companies, has launched the Marcum Benefits Marketplace, a one-stop resource for health insurance delivery for groups and…
April 22, 2014
Florida Pension Reformers Merge Ideas
House Republicans merged two pension bills Monday in a late effort to salvage House Speaker Will Weatherford's long-sought effort to close the Florida Retirement System to new employees and move them into a 401(k)-style investment plan.