Connections for Success

 

08.27.20

How to Map Metrics to Your Mission

When you are strategic planning, do you map back metrics to your mission? If you have read any of our budgeting articles, you are familiar with my recommendation to set targets or benchmarks for your team. Creating this culture of growth sets your business up to scale. I recently wrote that in order to grow […]

08.26.20

The Tax Importance of Having a Profit Motive
Thomas Kosinski

Individuals with real estate businesses often expect to deduct business-related expenses for tax purposes. But those tax deductions might not be a guarantee. One married taxpayer recently learned the hard way when the IRS disputed business deductions that led them to the U.S. Tax Court. Sarkin v. Commissioner provides a helpful overview of how the […]

08.20.20

Five Planning Strategies in Uncertain Times

The COVID-19 pandemic, waves of civil unrest and rocky economic times have led to an abundance of external and internal forces for which many not-for-profit organizations have found themselves unprepared. Organizations are struggling to continue serving their constituencies while keeping their doors open, and their employees safe and employed. The uncertainty makes it challenging to […]

08.14.20

Approaching Retirement? How to Deal With Market Volatility
Christopher Georgiou

The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on financial markets and the general economy, providing swings in both directions. If you are approaching retirement, or are already retired, you may be worried about the effects of market volatility on your retirement portfolio. Here is how to adjust your investments — and possibly, some of your expectations. […]

08.12.20

How to Handle Collections Reasonably and Compassionately

According to the Kaiser and New York Times survey, almost 25% of U.S. patients have trouble paying a medical bill. The same survey states that 32% of adults between the ages of 18 and 64 have postponed getting needed care due to the cost and 40% said they have relied on home remedies and over-the-counter […]

08.11.20

How to Cut Your Monthly Business Expenses as You Grow  

Now is a better time than ever to get your business spending under control. Unlike most accountants, we like to focus on growing your business, but certain times call for cost-cutting measures. Better yet, if you can cut your monthly business expenses as you are growing, then you are creating a great capacity to scale. […]

08.07.20

CARES Act Balancing Act: Helping Employees Recoup Retirement Savings

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act’s retirement plan provisions are designed to throw a financial lifeline to people suffering adverse economic consequences from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, they leave plan sponsors largely in the driver’s seat. If you amended your plan to allow employees to take advantage of the CARES Act, what […]

08.04.20

Making Remote Work…Work

This year, many law firms were forced to temporarily shutter their offices and required staff to work from home. Although many professional services businesses are beginning to reopen and are recalling employees back to the office, COVID-19 infection rates could potentially spike to spring levels again this fall. Now is the time to prepare for […]

07.30.20

Giving to Charity is a Little Sweeter in 2020
Jacqueline N. Janczewski

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act has temporarily created a new $300 charitable deduction for nonitemizers but also gives larger donors an opportunity to save more tax on their gifts. Here is what charitable donors need to know. Related Read: CARES Act Expands Financial Options for Impacted Plan Participants Limit suspended The CARES […]

07.29.20

What You Need to Know About the SECURE Act
Kelly H. Buchheit

In late 2019, the first significant legislation related to retirement savings since 2006 became law. Whether you offer your employees a 403(b), a 401(k), a 457(b) or no retirement plan, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act includes provisions that could affect you and your employees. Related Read: SECURE Act: New Tax Incentives […]

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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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