The Roart Group Blog

2010 is over HURRAY!

2010-12-16T08:59:00.000-08:00

As we ended an economically horrible year, we look forward apprehensively to 2011. The prayer is "it can't get worse". Why not? I've seen nothing on the horizon that indicates things will get better. Unemployment, foreclosures, tight credit, bankruptcies, defaults, homelessness, politicians who take care of themselves not their constituents and social unrest all point to another year (or more) of struggling and discontent. I consider the political hacks interchangeable. Whether Republican or Democrat its doesn't really matter. They both are incompetent.

In spite of all the negativity there is hope. This is the perfect time for smart, hard working, innovative entrepreneurs. I've worked with lots of folks who, instead of bitching and moaning, rolled up their sleeves and went to work. "Necessity is the mother of invention": over and over we've seen people who had no choice but to keep going figure out that being proactive is superior to being inactive or worse, reactive. Whatever your passion, now is the time to figure out how to make it a profitable concept. Smart, creative marketing, a little common sense and ingenuity can get you over the hump and start you on your way to success and even prosperity.

Since my life revolves around sports no blog can end without some thoughts about my favorite teams. Hopefully the Giants will continue to win right through the Super Bowl. Of all the teams I root for they have the best chance for success. Its appropriate here to note that my Fantasy Football team has reached the semi finals and if it can get past Drew Brees has an excellent chance to go all the way.
The Knicks have woken up from 10 years of awful basketball and while not quite ready for prime time, they have become watchable & actually fun to support. There's hope for them.
That brings us to the Mets. With the highest priced front office is baseball, they've managed to do nothing. Perhaps Bernie Madoff stole all the free agent $ otherwise how can the Phillies, in a smaller market, accumulate 4 Cy Young award winners? Unfortunately the future for the Mets is bleak. That means I'll have to practice what I preach---roll up my sleeves and work hard rather than watch the lousy Mets. Accordingly, I've booked several speaking appearances in Jan & Feb 2011. In future blogs I'll report the details.

Have a happy, healthy, successful & prosperous New Year. If I can help you please email me @ arthur@theroartgroup.com.

Seasons

2010-02-14T09:07:00.000-08:00

I have always enjoyed the change of seasons. However, for me the change comes not so much from weather but rather from sports. I look forward to one season ending and a new one beginning. The New York Giants end (albeit prematurely) and the Mets start (hopefully a precursor to a better season than the past few). Disappointment or elation with one team evolves into anticipation and excitement for the next one.
One of the things that also comes around is tax season. After a 40 year career as a CPA, I am very familiar with "tax season". This year things are more confusing than ever. There are lots of changes so just following last year's return and substituting this year's amounts probably won't get the job done. There are new credits for both new and long-time home owners who purchase new primary residences. There are also other tax breaks for college costs, energy efficient home improvements, the new making-work credit and child credits.
Contributions for the Haitian earthquake relief made prior to March 1, 2010 can be deducted either in 2009 or 2010. Contributions after that date are deductible only in 2010. My wife & I have contributed and I hope you will do what you can.
Looking out my window at the snow piled up I take comfort in knowing that this week pitchers and catchers report for the start of spring training and that the baseball season is only weeks away. In addition, March madness and the NFL draft is on the horizon. I admit to being less excited about the National Hockey League, the NBA (primarily because the Knicks stick), Tigerless golf and other sports. Whatever your activity of choice, enjoy the upcoming season.

What to save, what to throw away

2009-05-26T09:11:00.000-07:00

While there is confusion and conflicting information as to how long records should be kept, I suggest the following:
Copies of filed tax returns should be kept forever
Supporting documentation--income records 6 years & deductions 3 years
Unusual transactions--bad debt deductions, excessive medical & contributions & other "out of the ordinary" items should be kept forever
Real estate records--keep for as long as you own the property plus at least 3 years after you dispose of it. Substantiation of your cost basis including improvements, refinancing documents, insurance info & related documents should be kept indefinitely.
Securities--all records of purchases, sales, dates of transactions, dividend reinvestment, stock splits & investment expenses should be kept as long as you own the securities plus at least 3 years after disposal.
IRAs--keep all records until 3 years after the money is withdrawn from the account.
Other--the IRS requires that all records pertaining to carryovers, carrybacks, casualty losses & carry forwards should be maintained for a minimum of 4 years
Business records--general employment records should be kept for a minimum of 4 years. Books of original entry, general ledgers, subsidiary ledgers and journals should be kept indefinitely.

As with any important financial decision, you should consult with your accountant or financial advisor prior to disposing of any records. If you have any questions or would like additional information email me at arthur@theroartgroup.com

Avoiding tax problems

2009-04-12T08:28:00.000-07:00

I've been reviewing a lot of tax returns--both before and after filing--and I'm finding errors in almost every return I see. In the past few days I discovered errors which resulting in saving the taxpayer almost $40,000. That's right. The original preparer omitted more than $100,000 in deductible business losses.
If you are interested in having your return reviewed, and it can be done even after filing, contact me at arthur@the roartgroup.com.
I'll be away from 4/16 thru 5/3 but should have limited access to emails.