R&A CPAs blog

IRS announces a delay in implementing reporting threshold of third-party payment platforms

The IRS has announced a delay to the implementation of $600 reporting threshold for third-party payment platforms’ Form 1099-K. 2022 will now be a transition year for these platforms including…

Does Your Employee Benefit Plan Require an Audit? Here is what to expect

The audit of an employee benefit plan (EBP) requires expertise and a high level of understanding and scrutiny of the plan documents. Not all CPAs have the knowledge and experience…

401(k) and IRA Limits Rise for 2023

The IRS has announced that the amount individuals can contribute to their 401(k) plans in 2023 has increased to $22,500, up from $20,500 for 2022. This also applies to 403(b), most…

November 2022 Newsletter

As it usually does at this time of year, the IRS has announced increases in the amounts individuals can put away in 401(k) and IRAs. Click through to see how…

7 Behavioral Red Flags for Internal Fraud

Fraud can be uncovered in many different ways: a tip, management review, internal or external audit, document examination, account reconciliation, or even by accident. In 53 percent of cases, however,…

Billing Fraud Schemes Lessons Learned

Many small business owners hire friends and family or have employees who have been with them for years. They may also have vendors they have become close with and do…

Employers: Beware of Third Parties Promoting Improper Employee Retention Credit Claims

The Internal Revenue Service is warning employers to be wary of third parties who are advising them to claim the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) when they may not qualify. Some…

Employee Retention Credit: Over but Not Done

The federal government’s Employee Retention Credit (ERC) proved to be a lifeline for many businesses and their employees affected by the COVID pandemic. The eligibility rules were complex and changed…

I Bonds: Protecting Your Portfolio from Inflation

With a rising inflationary environment—the highest in four decades—investors are seeking shelter in low-risk investments to protect their portfolios. As a result, there has been record demand for I Bonds,…

October 2022 Newsletter

I Bonds are a nearly risk-free diversification strategy to hedge against market volatility and there has been record demand for I Bonds.

What You Need to Know About Paying Household Employees

October 22, 2026

When you hire someone to do work in your home, they may be considered a household employee, and you might have some tax withholding responsibility when you pay them. You may have heard of this tax referred to as the “nanny tax.” These taxes are actually employment taxes and include social security, Medicare, and sometimes…

Update on Trump Accounts – Automatic Enrollment

October 22, 2026

Do you have a child under the age of 18? They most likely have a Trump Account now, whether or not you signed them up for one. The US Department of Treasury recently began automatically enrolling eligible children in the program rather than waiting for parents or guardians to apply. Even though your child may…

September 2026 Newsletter

September 24, 2026

Employee or Independent Contractor?

September 24, 2026

Suppose your business hires an outside person to complete a task. What is your tax withholding responsibility when you pay this person? The answer depends on the business relationship between you and the person doing work for you. Types of workers There are two kinds of workers: employees and independent contractors. (We know this is…

Payroll Security Best Practices for Small Businesses

September 24, 2026

Payroll systems handle large volumes of sensitive personal data, making them vulnerable to breaches. To safeguard this data, organizations need integrated security measures that minimize the risks of errors, fraud, and operational disruptions. AI can support these efforts by identifying processing issues and suspicious activity, but it is not a standalone solution. Effective payroll security…

Checking Your Federal Tax Withholding – Why, When, and How

September 24, 2026

If you are an employee, you know that various taxes are withheld from your paychecks. While you generally can’t change the amount of social security and Medicare taxes withheld, you can change the withholding amounts of federal and state income tax. In fact, the IRS encourages taxpayers to review their income tax withholding at least…

R&A Named a 2026 Top 500 US Accounting Firm

September 24, 2026

R&A is very pleased to share that we have been recognized as a Top 500 Firm in the US for 2026 by INSIDE Public Accounting based on US net revenue. INSIDE Public Accounting is a leader in practice management and CPA firm resources for the public accounting profession. Of this recognition, Phillip C. Dalrymple, CPA, CFE, and R&A Managing Partner said, “We are proud…

Trusts Can be Powerful Estate Planning Tools

September 24, 2026

You’ve probably had a check-up with your doctor or dentist in the last year as part of your routine practice of self-care. Preventive visits like this can detect and address potential health issues in their earliest and most treatable stages. We think of estate planning as preventive care for your life and loved ones. No…

Promises of Tax Settlements for “Pennies on the Dollar” are Often Too Good to be True

September 24, 2026

At R&A CPAs, we often find ourselves counselling individuals or businesses that are overwhelmed by large tax liabilities or mired in IRS bureaucracy. Like you, we see ads promising amazing “pennies on the dollar” settlement deals with the IRS touted by “professionals,” backed up by dramatic testimonials of success. These settlements refer to the IRS’s…