02.17.25
Navigating Financial Stability in Times of Uncertainty
With news of executive orders and their potential impact on federal funding, management and board members of many not-for-profit organizations are anxious and concerned about the financial stability of their organization and its ability to continue to fulfill its mission. The following are a few best practices we recommend for all organizations. Understanding Make sure […]

01.27.25
Understanding Board-Designated Net Assets
Sometimes donors put restrictions on their donated funds, and in other instances, not-for-profit boards place limits on certain assets. Board-designated net assets can prove critical to the survival of programs, projects — or even your organization itself. Let’s take a closer look. What they are The term “board-designated net assets” generally refers to funds that […]

12.20.24
Helpful Changes at the Illinois Attorney General’s Office
Good news for Illinois Not-For-Profit organizations out of the Illinois Attorney General’s office: New rules effective October 29, 2024, should simplify the extension and filing process of the charitable organization annual report, Form AG990-IL.  Under the old rules, the annual report was due within six months of the organization’s fiscal year end and was eligible […]

03.19.25
Not-For-Profit Group Newsletter – Winter 2025
ORBA's Not-For-Profit Group's Winter Newsletter reviews how penetration (pen) testing can help organizations preempt intrusions and attacks by identifying weaknesses so they can proactively address them and outlines the potential tax penalties that can result if the IRS deems your compensation more than reasonable.

11.27.24
Not-For-Profit Group Newsletter – Fall 2024
ORBA's Not-For-Profit Group's Fall Newsletter highlights a survey that suggests many not-for-profit CEOs are considering leaving their jobs and warns about the practice of paying officers to provide services, potentially opening your not-for-profit up to the responsibility of paying employment taxes.

09.17.24
Not-For-Profit Group Newsletter – Summer 2024
ORBA's Not-For-Profit Group's 2024 Summer Newsletter covers the concerns around hosting raffles in regards to IRS gaming rules and explains the recent changes to Charity Navigator's ranking methodology.

08.09.23
What Not-For-Profits Need to Know About Implementing ASC 842 Leases
The Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 842, Leases, codifies significant changes to how lessees and lessors—including not-for-profit organizations—report and disclose lease obligations for fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and thereafter. Is your organization prepared? Join ORBA Director Jim Quaid and ORBA Audit Manager Barbara Miller for a complimentary webinar as they dive into the […]

09.08.22
What Not-For-Profits Need to Know About ASC 842 Leases
The Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 842, Leases, codifies significant changes to how lessees and lessors—including not-for-profit organizations—report and disclose lease obligations for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021. Is your organization prepared? Join ORBA Director Jim Quaid and ORBA Manager Kelly Buchheit in this complimentary webinar as they dive […]

05.18.22
The Financial Reporting Framework for Small- and Medium-Sized Entities: The GAAP Alternative for the Back Bone of America
As a banking professional, you’ve undoubtedly noticed that accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (US GAAP) has become increasingly complex in recent years, especially for the middle market companies who comprise the back bone of the US economy. With limited resources available to devote to the accounting function, software that does […]

03.11.25
ORBA Named to Accounting Today’s 2025 “Beyond the Top 100: Firms to Watch”; Firm also Recognized as a Great Lakes Region Leader
CHICAGO –  ORBA, one of Chicago’s premier public accounting firms, has been recognized once again by Accounting Today in their “Beyond the Top 100: Firms to Watch”, securing the 132nd spot. Additionally, ORBA is ranked among the top 25 firms in the Great Lakes Region, marking its 15th consecutive year on the “Top Firms: The Great Lakes” list.

02.12.25
ORBA Welcomes Bee Yang as Tax Group Director
ORBA, one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, is pleased to announce a new Director, Bee Yang, CPA, MST, as a member of the firm’s Tax Group.

01.27.25
ORBA Welcomes Nico Berrini as Director of Growth
ORBA, one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, is pleased to announce that Nico Berrini has joined the firm as its Director of Growth.

03.21.25
Disaster Victims of the 2025 California Wildfires may Qualify for Tax Relief
The 2025 California wildfires, declared as a major disaster on January 7, 2025, do not fall within FDTRA's definition of a "qualified disaster." However, other potential opportunities are available for those affected by this disaster.

02.11.25
President Trump’s Tax Plan: What Proposals are Being Discussed in Washington?
President Trump and the Republican Congress plan to act swiftly to make broad changes to the United States — including its federal tax system. Congress is already working on legislation that would extend and expand provisions of the sweeping Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), as well as incorporate some of Trump’s tax-related campaign promises. To that end, GOP lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives have compiled a 50-page document that identifies potential avenues they may take, as well as how much these tax and other fiscal changes would cost or save. This Client Alert is a preview of potential changes that might be on the horizon.

01.14.25
Attention All Illinois Taxpayers: The Illinois Gives Tax Credit Act
For tax years ending on or after December 31, 2025, the program created under this Act offers a state income tax credit to individuals and businesses that submit an application through MyTax Illinois and, following approval of the application, contribute to permanent endowment funds held by Qualified Community Foundations (QCFs).  Subject to the limitations referenced below, the state income tax credit is equal to 25% of the amount contributed.

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.

03.11.25
ORBA Named to Accounting Today’s 2025 “Beyond the Top 100: Firms to Watch”; Firm also Recognized as a Great Lakes Region Leader
CHICAGO –  ORBA, one of Chicago’s premier public accounting firms, has been recognized once again by Accounting Today in their “Beyond the Top 100: Firms to Watch”, securing the 132nd spot. Additionally, ORBA is ranked among the top 25 firms in the Great Lakes Region, marking its 15th consecutive year on the “Top Firms: The Great Lakes” list.

02.12.25
ORBA Welcomes Bee Yang as Tax Group Director
ORBA, one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, is pleased to announce a new Director, Bee Yang, CPA, MST, as a member of the firm’s Tax Group.

01.27.25
ORBA Welcomes Nico Berrini as Director of Growth
ORBA, one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, is pleased to announce that Nico Berrini has joined the firm as its Director of Growth.