08.10.23
What You Need to Know About Texting Clients
Text messaging—whether via SMS, iMessage or another format—has become ubiquitous in our personal and work worlds. Texting is fast, easy for mostly everyone and can be a positive for both the phone-phobic and those simply in a hurry. Law firm clients already communicate with a variety of service providers by text, and they may expect […]

05.23.23
It is Time to Review Your Client Trust Account Practices
Handling client money happens daily in every law firm. State ethics rules require most attorneys to use trust funds to segregate client funds from firm funds. Maintaining these client trust accounts (CTAs) while meeting your state’s ethics rules can be onerous, but following the rules is better than sanctions or potential disbarment. CTA rules vary […]

02.28.23
Pass-Through Entity Taxes: How Law Firms Can Manage the SALT Deduction Limit
Many high-income taxpayers were negatively impacted when the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) imposed a $10,000 limit on the individual federal income tax deduction for state and local taxes (SALT). This $10,000 limit is often referred to as the “SALT cap.” In response, over two dozen states and one locality, New York […]

11.14.22
Law Firm Group Newsletter – Fall 2022
ORBA's Law Firm Group's Fall 2022 Newsletter discusses ways a law firm can retool its policy for origination credits and reminds law firms to carefully consider the need for lateral hires as the costs of bringing them on can be high.

07.26.22
Law Firm Group Newsletter – Summer 2022
ORBA's Law Firm Group's Summer 2022 Newsletter summarizes the updated Attorneys Audit Technique Guide and looks at how law firms are valued compared to other businesses.

05.19.22
Law Firm Group Newsletter – Spring 2022
ORBA's Law Firm Group's Spring 2022 Newsletter discusses the findings of the 2022 Report on the State of the Legal Market and highlights ten ways law firms can assess collections processes.

06.03.20
What You Need to Know About Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness
Join ORBA’s Frank L. Washelesky on Friday, May 29, for a complimentary webinar that will provide clarity on the PPP Loan Forgiveness rules. 

02.13.19
Tax Planning Considerations for New Law Firm Partners
Recently becoming a partner at your firm, or in the near future, is an exciting milestone in your professional life. With any leadership role comes a new set of responsibilities yet it’s surprising how few are prepared for the financial implications of such an undertaking. Now is the perfect time to consider your personal financial […]

08.05.15
ORBA and COSi Present: Tiger Teams – Empowering Your People to Accelerate Profitability
During this program, you'll roll up your sleeves, participate in interactive hands-on exercises and learn proven techniques that will be immediately useful. You will also receive expert one-on-one coaching so you can get started down the fastest path to building a more profitable and valuable high growth business.

09.01.23
ORBA Welcomes Tina Chen as Director of Human Resources
ORBA, one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, is pleased to announce the appointment of Tina Chen as its new Director of Human Resources.

08.30.23
ORBA Promotes Kelly Buchheit and Kevin Omahen to Directors
ORBA, one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, is pleased to announce that Kelly Buchheit, CPA and Kevin Omahen, CPA have been promoted to Directors effective August 1.

07.17.23
ORBA Welcomes New Hires to Audit Group, Tax Group and Marketing Department
CHICAGO — ORBA, one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, is pleased to announce that Carrie Hale, Tommy Nguyen and Kaleb Spreitzer have joined the firm’s Tax and Audit Groups, while Stephanie Becker has joined the firm’s Marketing Department.

09.20.23
IRS suspends processing of ERC claims
In the face of a flood of illegitimate claims for the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERC), the IRS has imposed an immediate moratorium through at least the end of 2023 on processing new claims for the credit. The reason the IRS cites for the move is the risk of honest small business owners being scammed by unscrupulous promoters who submit questionable claims on their behalf.

09.19.23
IRS Issues Guidance on New Retirement Catch-Up Contribution Rules
In December 2022, President Biden signed the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) 2.0 Act. Among other things, the sweeping new law made some significant changes to so-called catch-up contributions, with implications for both employers and employees.

09.18.23
Tax Relief for Hurricane Idalia Victims
The IRS postponed deadlines to file various individual and business tax returns and make tax payments for taxpayers affected by Hurricane Idalia in Florida and in South Carolina. Affected individuals and businesses in Florida will have until February 15, 2024 to file returns and pay any taxes that were originally due after August 26, 2023 in Florida and August 29, 2023 in South Carolina.

04.08.19
Various Media – ORBA Appoints Chief Financial Officer
ORBA is mentioned in the media for announcing the appointment of Cara Sample, CPA, as Chief Financial Officer of the firm. Reporting media include Yahoo! Finance, Spoke, The Daily Herald, NewsBlaze, Star Tribune and ABC 7. View the official press release.

04.04.19
Various Media – ORBA Ranked Among 2019 ‘Top Firms to Watch’ by Accounting Today
ORBA is mentioned in the media for being ranked among the “Beyond the Top 100: Firms to Watch” list for 2019, as well being listed among the top 20 firms in the Great Lakes Region.

01.10.19
Various Media – ORBA Launches ORBA Wealth Advisors
ORBA was mentioned in the media for its announcement of the launch of ORBA Wealth Advisors, LLC. Reporting media include Wealth Adviser, Verdict, Yahoo! Finance, the Daily Herald and Merril Edge. View the official press release.

09.01.23
ORBA Welcomes Tina Chen as Director of Human Resources
ORBA, one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, is pleased to announce the appointment of Tina Chen as its new Director of Human Resources.

08.30.23
ORBA Promotes Kelly Buchheit and Kevin Omahen to Directors
ORBA, one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, is pleased to announce that Kelly Buchheit, CPA and Kevin Omahen, CPA have been promoted to Directors effective August 1.

07.17.23
ORBA Welcomes New Hires to Audit Group, Tax Group and Marketing Department
CHICAGO — ORBA, one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, is pleased to announce that Carrie Hale, Tommy Nguyen and Kaleb Spreitzer have joined the firm’s Tax and Audit Groups, while Stephanie Becker has joined the firm’s Marketing Department.