11.16.23
High Mortgage Rates Hamper Housing Market Outlook
The U.S. home market has struggled throughout 2023, burdened with 30-year fixed mortgage rates that passed 8% for the first time since 2000. The high rates have been one of the reasons that buyers have faced a historically unaffordable market. Rates have retreated a bit since that peak, but what does the future hold for […]

10.05.23
Renting vs. Buying in Today’s Home Market
According to the Census Bureau, the U.S. homeownership rate has consistently hovered around 66% for some time, but this does not mean purchasing a home—rather than renting—is the right choice for everyone. The decision to rent or buy is one that can cause heated debates, and while the American Dream was to own a house […]

07.05.23
IRS Audit Issues for Real Estate Owners
In recent years, the IRS has audited only about 0.5% of individual income tax returns. Their audit choices have been more high net worth returns and larger businesses with more tax issues. However, based on recent tax legislation, the government has provided more IRS funding to help close the tax gap — the difference between […]

08.29.23
Real Estate Group Newsletter – Summer 2023
ORBA's Real Estate Group's Newsletter covers the tax liability for owners of homes following the original owner's passing and discusses the benefits of investing in a "Qualified Opportunity Zone," or an area that experiences preferential tax treatment to encourage investment.

05.04.23
Real Estate Group Newsletter – Spring 2023
ORBA's Real Estate Group's Newsletter covers the tax incentives for keeping properties energy efficient and discusses the benefits of being a real estate professional as well as a few lesser-known methods to becoming one.

12.27.22
Real Estate Group Newsletter – Fall 2022
ORBA's Real Estate Group's Newsletter covers the non-financial factors that investors use as part of their analysis to screen potential investments and the recent legislation regarding like-kind exchanges.

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 […]

11.04.21
Real Estate Tax Planning in an Uncertain Tax Environment
The economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with proposed tax legislation, have laid an unstable foundation for professionals in the real estate industry. Join members of ORBA’s Real Estate Group for a complimentary webinar, moderated by Jeffrey Newman, as they discuss the unique tax challenges that are currently top of mind for many professionals in the industry.

11.05.20
Legal, Financial and Tax Issues Affecting Real Estate in a COVID-19 Environment
Join ORBA’s Michael Kovacs, Jeffrey Newman, Thomas Kosinski, Tamara Partridge, Thomas Vance, Justin Sylvan, and guest speakers, John Morse, partner at Patzik Frank & Samotny, Ltd., and Alan Weel, senior vice president at Wintrust Commercial Real Estate, for a complimentary webinar discussing the legal, financial and tax implications of the pandemic on the real estate industry.

11.14.23
ORBA Ranks Among 2023 Largest Accounting Firms by Crain’s Chicago Business
ORBA, a full-service accounting, tax and business consulting firm, has been ranked as one of the largest accounting firms in Chicago, according to an annual survey published by Crain’s Chicago Business.

11.07.23
ORBA Receives 2023 Top Workplaces Honor From the Chicago Tribune
CHICAGO — ORBA, one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, has been awarded a 2023 Top Workplaces honor by the Chicago Tribune. The award is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey that is administered by employee engagement technology partner, Energage, LLC.

10.24.23
ORBA Welcomes New Chief Financial Officer, Jennifer Kueker, CPA
ORBA, one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, is pleased to announce that Jennifer Kueker, CPA, has joined the firm as its new Chief Financial Officer.

12.06.23
Five Strategies to Cut your Company’s 2023 Tax Bill
As another year ends with interest rates and markets in flux, one thing remains certain: Reducing your company’s tax bill can improve your cash flow and your bottom line. This Client Alert covers five strategies — some tried-and-true and others particularly timely — that you can execute before the turn of the new year to minimize your company’s tax liability.

11.22.23
The 2024 Cost-Of-Living Adjustment Numbers Have Been Released: How Do They Affect Your Year-End Tax Planning?
The IRS recently issued its 2024 cost-of-living adjustments for more than 60 tax provisions. With inflation moderating slightly this year over last, many amounts will increase over 2023 amounts but not as much as in the previous year. For instance, the Social Security wage base is increasing from $160,200 to $168,600, which is a lesser increase than the $13,200 increase that occurred from 2022 to 2023. As you implement 2023 year-end tax planning strategies, be sure to take these 2024 adjustments into account.

11.15.23
Take Action Now to Reduce Your 2023 Income Tax Bill and Your Taxable Estate
A number of factors are making 2023 a confounding tax planning year for many people. They include turbulent markets, stabilizing—but still high—interest rates and significant changes to the rules regarding retirement planning. While much uncertainty remains, the good news is that you still have time to implement year-end tax planning strategies that may reduce your income tax bill for the year. Here are some steps to consider as 2023 comes to a close.

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.

11.14.23
ORBA Ranks Among 2023 Largest Accounting Firms by Crain’s Chicago Business
ORBA, a full-service accounting, tax and business consulting firm, has been ranked as one of the largest accounting firms in Chicago, according to an annual survey published by Crain’s Chicago Business.

11.07.23
ORBA Receives 2023 Top Workplaces Honor From the Chicago Tribune
CHICAGO — ORBA, one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, has been awarded a 2023 Top Workplaces honor by the Chicago Tribune. The award is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey that is administered by employee engagement technology partner, Energage, LLC.

10.24.23
ORBA Welcomes New Chief Financial Officer, Jennifer Kueker, CPA
ORBA, one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, is pleased to announce that Jennifer Kueker, CPA, has joined the firm as its new Chief Financial Officer.