Connections for Success

 

10.21.20

The RESTAURANTS Act: Will Congress Deliver Additional Financial Relief?
James Pellino

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take a toll on the U.S. economy, restaurants and bars remain among the hardest-hit businesses. A bill pending in Congress, if enacted, would provide the industry with much-needed financial relief. The tortuously named Real Economic Support That Acknowledges Unique Restaurant Assistance Needed To Survive (RESTAURANTS) Act of 2020 would […]

10.14.20

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans Offer Important Benefits — And Some Notable Risks
Adam M. Levine

Nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plans allow you to set aside large amounts of tax-deferred compensation — well beyond the contribution limits for 401(k)s and other qualified plans. Many NQDC plans also give you the flexibility to schedule distributions to align with your financial goals. However, NQDC plans also pose substantial risks, including loss of compensation […]

10.08.20

Creating a Business Plan in Uncertain Times
Brandon W. Vahl

With the economy in a state of flux because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many manufacturers may need additional financial assistance. A business plan that accurately reflects your business is something every company — manufacturing or not — should have. Now is the time to create or update your business plan to provide company growth expectations […]

10.07.20

Cost-Cutting for Sustainability: Three Areas to Target

U.S. law firms of all sizes and practice areas have had their financial foundations shaken as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Firms that were flying high less than a year ago now find themselves scrambling to survive the economic fallout. One obvious place to begin is cost-cutting. Several other areas make likely candidates. Staffing […]

09.30.20

Budget Planning: Three Things to Ask Before Building Next Year’s Budget

It is budget-planning time. After a year that may very well have derailed your budget, and despite how begrudgingly you might enter this process, now is the time to plan next year’s budget. Digging deeper into the essential questions from budgeting and forecasting for high-growth companies is a great place to start. Related Read: Five […]

09.29.20

Six Ways to Motivate Your Employees

In this time of national emergency due to the Covid-19 pandemic, your staff is almost certainly under more stress than normal. This is a very important time to work cooperatively with your employees, listening to and taking seriously their fears and concerns. Conditions will eventually return to normal and employees will likely remember how you […]

09.24.20

An Estate Plan Benefits You and Your Family
Jeffrey R. Green

Quick question: Who needs an estate plan? The answer is everyone, not just the affluent. While gift and estate tax liability is not an issue for most folks, most families can benefit from a comprehensive plan that divides their wealth, protects their well-being and provides a compass for the future. Asset distribution Estate planning is […]

09.22.20

Is Remote Selling the New Normal? Tips to Make the Most of Your Sales Program
Joyce Carlson

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the way people interact and do business. Many of the changes that have been made to adapt to a social-distancing environment within the digital landscape will likely become permanent and evolve over time. Though pre-COVID-19 digital trends were already surfacing as a basis for contemporary selling, many experts agree that the […]

09.16.20

Classifying Workers as Employees or Independent Contractors: When Bringing Back Workers, Follow the Rules
Jeffrey Chiles

Part of your not-for-profit organization’s entrance into the “new normal” not-for-profit world may involve rehiring workers — and perhaps hiring some new replacements. For tax obligation purposes, you will be required to classify those workers as employees or independent contractors (ICs). Sizing up Independent Contractor benefits Treating a worker as an independent contractor (IC) rather […]

09.15.20

How to Handle Laid-Off Employees’ 401(k) Accounts Still in Your Plan
Stephanie Zaleski-Braatz

As employee headcount grows, some turnover now and then usually does not create many concerns about “orphan” 401(k) accounts.  However, employers forced to downsize during the economic downturn brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic might have a larger proportion of accounts left behind by former employees. This could be a problem, but there are some […]

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Firm News

08.11.25

ORBA Ranked as a 2025 Top 200 Firm by INSIDE Public Accounting
CHICAGO — ORBA, one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, has once again been recognized as a 2025 IPA Top 200 Firm by INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA). This marks the eleventh time since 2013 that ORBA has made the list of the country’s top firms. In the IPA’s annual report, ORBA is ranked #113, climbing five spots higher than last year, and is the highest ranked of the six Illinois firms on the Top 200 list.

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Guides

ORBA will gladly provide you with hard copies of the useful guides listed below. Select which guides you would like to receive and submit the form below.

  • Tax Pocket Guide
  • Tax Planning Guide
  • Records Retention Schedule
  • Auto, Travel & Business Log

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