03.17.20
LLCs: How Limited Is Your Liability?
Many real estate investors hold title to their investment properties through a limited liability company (LLC). While LLC rules vary by state, this structure protects real estate investors from personal liability beyond the member’s equity investment. The administration of an LLC is fairly uncomplicated and, in addition, may offer potential tax benefits; however, there are […]

01.28.20
Historic Tax Credit is Alive and Well
The Historic Tax Credit (HTC) for rehabilitating historic buildings survived the TCJA but is less beneficial than it was for projects completed before 2018.

01.14.20
Valuation Matters: Appraisers Apply Four Tests to Determine Highest and Best Use
An important factor for an appraiser to consider when valuing real property is its “highest and best use.” This article reviews the four tests appraisers typically apply to determine that use.

02.20.20
Real Estate Group Newsletter – Winter 2020
ORBA's Real Estate Group's winter newsletter offers insight into IRR waterfalls and provides information on commercial gross-up provisions.

02.06.19
Real Estate Group Newsletter – Winter 2019
Our Real Estate Group's Winter 2019 Newsletter discusses seller financing and if it's a viable option for investors, as well as insight on the Opportunity Zone tax incentive.

12.07.18
Real Estate Group Newsletter – Fall 2018
Our Real Estate Group's Fall 2018 Newsletter offers insight on the new lease accounting standards, and well as the adjustments to like-kind exchanges under the new tax law.

11.13.19
Tax Planning Strategies and Emerging Opportunities for Real Estate Professionals
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has paved the way to several significant tax-planning strategies that investors, owners, operators and other professionals in the real estate industry should know about. Between like-kind exchanges to the emerging popularity of qualified opportunity zones, there are many beneficial strategies to consider.

11.15.18
Tax Planning Trends and Tips for the Real Estate Industry
The cyclical nature of the real estate industry, coupled with the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, presents a new set of challenges for real estate investors, owners, operators and other professionals in the industry. But with these challenges come various opportunities for growth through creative tax-planning strategies. Join ORBA for […]

04.17.19
ORBA Announces Cloud CFO and Accounting Service Hires
Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. (ORBA), one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, is pleased to welcome Carissa Coppola as an Associate in the Accounting Services Department, and Emily Cohen, Jason Dion and Joshua Trezek as Associates in the Cloud CFO Services Department

04.08.19
ORBA Appoints Chief Financial Officer
CHICAGO — Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. (ORBA), one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, is pleased to announce the appointment of Cara Sample, CPA, as Chief Financial Officer.

04.04.19
ORBA Ranked Among 2019 ‘Top Firms to Watch’ by Accounting Today
Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. (ORBA), one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, is named as one of the “Beyond the Top 100: Firms to Watch” for 2019 by Accounting Today. ORBA is also ranked among the top 20 firms in the Great Lakes Area.

04.01.20
Retirement Relief Provisions Under the CARES Act
We continue to breakdown important provisions of the Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, passed on March 27, 2020. This Client Alert addresses the key provisions affecting retirement plans. 

03.30.20
Paycheck Protection Program
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) is now law and the most impactful piece of this historic legislation is the Paycheck Protection Program. This provides nearly $350 billion in forgivable loans to qualified small businesses. 

03.24.20
Small Business Administration Disaster Loans
Illinois has been declared a disaster state due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Illinois small and mid-sized businesses are now qualified to apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans up to $2 million directly through the Small Business Administration.

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. Click here to 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.

01.02.19
Various Media – Crain’s Business Ranks ORBA Among Chicago’s Largest Accounting Firms
ORBA was recently mentioned in the media for being ranked 18th out of the 25 largest accounting firms in Chicago, listed by Crain’s Chicago Business. Reporting media include MarketWatch, Pittsburgh Business Times, the Daily Herald, Daily Penny Alerts and Chicago City Room. Click here to view the official press release.

04.17.19
ORBA Announces Cloud CFO and Accounting Service Hires
Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. (ORBA), one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, is pleased to welcome Carissa Coppola as an Associate in the Accounting Services Department, and Emily Cohen, Jason Dion and Joshua Trezek as Associates in the Cloud CFO Services Department

04.08.19
ORBA Appoints Chief Financial Officer
CHICAGO — Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. (ORBA), one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, is pleased to announce the appointment of Cara Sample, CPA, as Chief Financial Officer.

04.04.19
ORBA Ranked Among 2019 ‘Top Firms to Watch’ by Accounting Today
Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. (ORBA), one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, is named as one of the “Beyond the Top 100: Firms to Watch” for 2019 by Accounting Today. ORBA is also ranked among the top 20 firms in the Great Lakes Area.