Catalyst (Dublin, Ohio) articles from November 2005

Catalyst (Dublin, Ohio) archives from November 2005

Standing out from the crowd.(A message FROM THE CHAIR)
November 1, 2005... In today's global economy, having a niche is often a determining factor of success. One must differentiate oneself from the pack and deliver a quantifiable value to the marketplace. As CPAs, we have acquired a wide range of business skills...

Ohio tax amnesty program set for early 2006.(Ohio)
November 1, 2005... The Ohio Department of Taxation is offering an amnesty program to allow Ohioans to correct errors in past filings. The 2006 Tax Amnesty Program, which runs from Jan. 1-Feb. 15, 2006, is designed to help taxpayers deal with recent changes to...

ODT issues information releases on CAT.(Ohio)
November 1, 2005... The Ohio Department of Taxation (ODT) issued four new information releases on various aspects of the commercial activity tax (CAT), including draft rules on: * Sampling that outlines the methods that may be used in lieu of a complete...

U.S. Supreme Court accepts Ohio tax credit Appeals case.(Ohio)
November 1, 2005... The U.S. Supreme Court will hear a case involving Ohio's Machinery and Equipment Tax Credit program, which was ruled unconstitutional last year by a U.S. Appeals Court. The court said the tax credit violated the Commerce Clause of the U.S....

Four Ohio Society members recognized in Accounting Today.(Ohio)
November 1, 2005... Accounting Today magazine included four Ohio Society members in its 2005 Top 100 Most Influential People in the accounting profession, including: * Michael R. Dickson, CPA, CITP, CISA, manager of technology consulting and solutions at...

U.S. Master Tax Guide offered to members at 26% discount.(Ohio)
November 1, 2005... Ohio Society members can purchase CCH's 2006 U.S. Master Tax Guide at a discounted price of $46. The guide normally retails for $62.50. The Master Tax Guide is cross-referenced to the Internal Revenue Code, Income Tax Regulations,...

SEC announces extension for small business SOX compliance.(National)
November 1, 2005... The SEC is extending the deadline for small public companies to comply with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Section 404 internal control rules until July 2007. Public companies with a market capitalization of less than $75 million will now have...

Gallup Poll confirms favorable perception of CPA profession.(National)
November 1, 2005... According to a 2005 Gallup Poll, the accounting profession receives high marks among Americans. Along with education and agriculture, accounting is viewed more favorably compared to 2004. The profession was up eight approval points from...

IRS warns of disaster relief scams.(National)
November 1, 2005... The IRS issued a consumer alert about possible scams in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters. The IRS cautions that fraudulent solicitations could come through the telephone, Internet, e-mail or in-person. Individuals...

Summing up: small business and health care.(Newsflash)
November 1, 2005... Who Is Paying For Small Business Medical Covereage? 14% of small businesses incentivize eligible employees to not participate in the company's medical plan. 97% of all small businesses offer employees basic medical benefits. Souce:...

Energy Tax Incentives Act becomes law.(National)
November 1, 2005... President Bush recently approved the Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005, which contains more than $14 billion in tax cuts. The credits are in place to promote the production and conservation of domestic energy. Tax credits available to...

Tax compliance costs more than $100 billion annually.(National)
November 1, 2005... Costs for complying with the current federal tax code top $100 billion each year for American taxpayers, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) told Congress. In addition, the GAO projects that lost economic efficiency associated with...

The rising cost of health care coverage: employers struggle to keep up with fundamental changes in benefit offerings.(Cover Story)
November 1, 2005... With historic double-digit increases in employer insurance plan costs over the past several years, many executives are at their wit's end to find ways to absorb price spikes while continuing to provide a viable benefits package to their...

CAT scan: the ins and outs of the new Ohio commercial activity tax.
November 1, 2005... The state tax revisions signed into law on June 30 dramatically changed Ohio tax reporting as we knew it. As a component of an omnibus tax reform package, a gross receipts tax on Ohio business activity called the Commercial Activity Tax...

Independent contractors: a guide to understanding the classification.
November 1, 2005... Walking the Razor's Edge Many employers misuse and abuse the independent contractor classification, either out of ignorance or by attempting to avoid the costs associated with employing a person on the company payroll. [ILLUSTRATION...

Ohio Society offers successful Tax Reform Updates for members.
November 1, 2005... Ohio's tax system saw sweeping changes this past summer--impacting virtually every business and individual taxpayer in Ohio. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] To address the critical need for Ohio Society members to understand these changes. The...

Spreading the word about careers in accounting: student ambassadors now reach 11 universities.
November 1, 2005... College students on a record 11 campuses are getting a positive image of accounting, thanks to 12 Student Ambassadors. The 2005-2006 Student Ambassadors are: * Aileen Raig, Bowling Green State University * Igor Kaschiszki,...

Self-assessment exam.
November 1, 2005... Catalyst -- November/December 2005 Earn convenient CPE credit with the Catalyst CPE exam. Answer the 25 required questions based on content in Catalyst: The Leading Edge of Ohio Business and submit your answers to The Ohio Society of CPAs....

Volunteer spotlight--PFP Committee.(member connections)
November 1, 2005... Are you looking for a way to become involved with The Ohio Society of CPAs? The Personal Financial Planning (PFP) Committee is one of the many ways you can be involved with the Society--"on your time and your terms." This committee...

Area tax call-in shows need CPAs.(member connections)
November 1, 2005... Tax season is right around the corner and area television stations are looking for CPA tax experts to answer viewer's tax questions. Tax call-in shows are a great way to volunteer in your community and offer your expertise. [ILLUSTRATION...

Be prepared with a member connections event near you: upcoming member connections events.(member connections)
November 1, 2005... The tax season will soon be upon us. Member Connections is ready to keep members informed and up-to-date with upcoming tax events coming to their areas. Lima Tax Club Nov. 8 -- course #80333LA05 Dec. 13 -- course #80334LA05 ...

Members gain insight on latest issues at fall professional issues updates.(PROFESSIONAL ISSUES UPDATE)
November 1, 2005... Featuring timely discussion of the profession's hottest topics, the Society's Professional Issues Updates were presented in 12 locations throughout the state this fall. The series featured topics such as: * The AICPA's Support of Private...

Tech toys light up holiday season.(Gadgets & Gizmos)
November 1, 2005... Technology gadgets are already flooding the market as the holiday season approaches. Here is a sampling of some of the latest offerings that double as great gift ideas. Fujitsu LifeBook P1510D Notebook--$1,700 This is the perfect...

Volunteering helps young CPA makes a difference.(member profile)(Interview)
November 1, 2005... At 25, Megan Durst already has four years of experience as a CPA. Add to that more than a year of experience on The Ohio Society's Executive Board and you have a young CPA making a difference in her profession. How has volunteer...

Surviving busy season.(off the Beaten path)
November 1, 2005... Whether this is going to be your first or your 31st tax season, it is important for those of us in public accounting to have a plan of defense before going into battle. ********** I remember why it is I do what I do--it is all about...

10 questions to strengthen your client relationships.(Idea Exchange)
November 1, 2005... Can a tax form really help you strengthen your client relationships? It certainly can--a client's 1040 is a window into his or her life. ********** As you prepare taxes this year, use the following 10 questions to spark a conversation...

Cleveland Accounting Show features CPE, free software.(Members Only)
November 1, 2005... Free copies of Microsoft Office Small Business Accounting 2006 software and a technology cafe were just some of the highlights at this year's Cleveland Accounting Show. In addition to a sold-out exhibit hall, members learned about the...

Ohio Society recognized for excellence in programs, services.(Members Only)
November 1, 2005... Several organizations have recognized The Ohio Society of CPAs for excellence this year, including: * American Society of Association Executives, Associations Advance America 2004 Award of Excellence -- Accounting for Kids Day * The...

Cincinnati members recognized as top women CPAs.(Members Only)
November 1, 2005... Ohio Society members were selected as leading female CPAs in Women's Business Cincinnati, a monthly magazine for working women. Ohio Society members recognized include: * Hope I. Bone, CPA Owner, Bone & Bone CPAs, Lebanon *...

Member awards recognize contributions to profession.(Members Only)
November 1, 2005... The Ohio Society of CPAs annually recognizes members who have made significant contributions to the accounting profession. The Society's annual awards program provides an opportunity to acknowledge members who have risen above the standard and...

Leadership candidates sought for Executive Board.(Members Only)
November 1, 2005... The Ohio Society of CPAs' Nominating Committee is now seeking nominations from the membership for The Ohio Society's Executive Board. Available positions include chair-elect and seven director positions. Chair-elect is a one-year term but...

Accountancy Board of Ohio disciplinary actions listed.(Members Only)
November 1, 2005... The following are the disciplinary actions taken by the Accountancy Board of Ohio at its Aug. 5 Board meeting. This information is current as of press time. NAME HOMETOWN VIOLATION BOARD ACTION Frank...

The path less traveled: academic careers in accounting.(academic perspectives)
November 1, 2005... Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. --Robert Frost While the number of students studying accounting has increased in the past few years, the amount of qualified...

GBQ Partners LLC.(Columbus)
November 1, 2005... Courtney Channell, CPA, of GBQ Partners LLC, has earned the Certified Construction Financial Professional (CCFP) designation.

Brockman, Coats, Gedelian & Co.(Akron)
November 1, 2005... Brockman, Coats, Gedelian & Co. has been named one of the best northeast Ohio workplaces for top talent by the Employers Resource Council, northeast Ohio's largest employers' association.

Raymond H. Dunkle, CPA, ABV, CVA, CFE, has joined Brockman, Coats, Gedelian & Co. as a senior manager in the Business Valuation/Litigation Support practice area.(Akron)
November 1, 2005... Raymond H. Dunkle, CPA, ABV, CVA, CFE, has joined Brockman, Coats, Gedelian & Co. as a senior manager in the Business Valuation/Litigation Support practice area. Katie R. Schramm and Dustin Sheppard have been promoted to senior tax associates...

Bober, Markey, Fedorovich & Company.(Akron)
November 1, 2005... Danielle J. Kimmell, CPA, has joined Bober, Markey, Fedorovich & Company as senior manager, and Elizabeth A. Dixon has joined the firm as a senior accountant. David T. Hill, Nicole M. Hughes, Kathryn R. Kuzior, Melissa G. Murphy and Karen V....

Schlabig & Associates, Ltd.(Akron)
November 1, 2005... David A. Shanower has joined Schlabig & Associates, Ltd. as a staff accountant.

Walthall, Drake & Wallace LLP.(Cleveland)
November 1, 2005... Charles P. Battiato Jr., CPA, has been appointed chairman of the Management Committee of Walthall, Drake & Wallace LLP. He joins Richard H. Cause, CPA, and James E. Sprague, CPA, who are currently serving on the committee. The firm has also...

Howard, Wershbale & Co.(Cleveland)
November 1, 2005... Howard, Wershbale & Co. has been named one of the best places to work in northeast Ohio for the second consecutive year by the Employers Resource Council.

Skoda, Minotti & Co.(Mayfield Village)
November 1, 2005... Michael J. Stefanek, CPA, has been promoted to partner at Skoda, Minotti & Co. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Flynn & Company, PSC Inc.(Cincinnati)
November 1, 2005... Linda Tracy Gill, CPA, has joined Flynn & Company, PSC Inc. as president and partner. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Women's Business Cincinnati.(Cincinnati)
November 1, 2005... Women's Business Cincinnati magazine has named the following members to its list of top female CPAs in the Cincinnati area: Hope I. Bone, CPA; Crystal L. Faulkner, CPA; Charlotte M. Johnston, CPA; Kathleen R. Mitts, CPA; Julia W. Poston, CPA;...

CPE and events.(Calendar)
November 1, 2005... Event Spotlight Columbus 11/15-16/05 Health Care Conference Midwest Hotel & Conference Center The 2005 Health Care Conference is an essential update for financial professionals that work in or provide services for the...