4 things to look for in a good CPA

Let’s just face facts. Taxes are an inevitable thing. What do they say? There are two things certain in life. Death and taxes. Dealing with these certainties is inevitable. I tell all my friends and family to hire a professional and reputable CPA to assist them with their taxes. Even if it isn’t our firm. […]

4 Tax Mistakes to Avoid when Tackling Taxes.

Do you see what I did there? In the title? A pun and alliteration. The pun being that we are now in the midst of football season and I said “tackling.” Ha. Before we know it tax time will be here again. Now is actually a good time to begin getting everything in order and […]

Do You Feel Lucky? Gambling And Taxes

Well do ya? Punk! Have to love Clint Eastwood. The man can do no wrong. Well at least in my opinion. Fall and football season is here and so many of us love to gamble on various games and sports. Maybe you like to hit the track and bet a horse. Maybe your a big […]

Thank You to Our Military and Veterans. Tax Knowledge for the Troops.

We recently celebrated Memorial Day. Many of us kicked off summer (can you really call this summer?) with big BBQ’s, partying and spending time with family and friends. My father (DPLI) and I spent Sunday at Jones Beach watching the annual airshow. Every year I am blown by the might and capability of our military […]

Should I Hire A CPA or Tax Professional?

“I am in surgery.” A statement that is often made when a partner is busy dissecting a return or in thorough analysis of financial statements. This comes as a reply to another associate attempting to interrupt the “surgery.” I mention this because many a true word is spoken in jest. Regardless of what these Do-It-Yourself services […]

Some Possible Deductions to consider.

Attached is a helpful document to organize and determine possible deductions for your return. Deductions are important because they decrease your tax liability. In other words, if you owe money on your return deductions can help reduce that amount. If you are getting a refund on your return, deductions provide a boost to your refund. All […]

3 ways for Young Professionals to Boost Their Tax Refunds

Young professionals have been asking our firm “How do I give an extra boost to my refund?” and “Can you get me a big refund?” While most of your refund is dependent on your income and the federal and state withholding of that income, there are a few methods to boost your refund that are […]

10 ways to ask the IRS to Audit you.

It seems as if there are some common trends pertaining to the IRS and the taxpayers they choose for audit. Here is a list comprised from the educated opinions of the Certified Public Accountants at Lavin & Associates. 1. You work for yourself and claim a loss on Schedule C. Business owners claiming a loss on […]

Tax Saturdays at L&A

Headquarters is alive and buzzing on Saturdays during tax season. It is probably our busiest day of the week simply because many people are off from work. I apologize but sometimes it is necessary to state the obvious. ‘Tis the season of 80 hour work weeks for all of us in the industry consisting of […]

L&A Tax Tips for 2014

It’s that time of year again. For some of us, it means a few extra bucks in our pockets thanks to our income tax refund. For others, it means a few extra bucks out of our pockets to pay Uncle Sam. But for most of us, it means preparing and filing our 2014 tax return […]