Practice

A group of plaintiffs are suing the Treasury Department, the Social Security Administration, and the District of Columbia, claiming the federal government is continuing to hold onto their tax refunds to pay for supposed overpayments of Social Security benefits decades ago.

Most companies strongly protect their crown jewels: internal sales figures, product development plans, account numbers and customer transaction information. Typically lower down the priority list are customer relationship management systems and databases of clients' contact information.

Experts recommend that employers be more flexible with workers who borrow money from their 401(k) plans, such as giving more time for repayment or allowing loans to be rolled over to the next employer's plan.

What advisors should know about setting up an independent practice.

Understand the importance of fostering trust in client and professional relationships in order to create a stronger business.

The Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants recently surveyed its CPA members in public accounting on the most outrageous tax deductions clients tried to take on their tax returns. Their responses included everything from pets and weddings to cars impounded by the police.

The three-advisor team generated more than $2 million in annual revenue before making the move.

The IRS warned tax preparers and other tax professionals to be on guard against bogus emails seeking updated personal or professional information.

The fiscal 2016 budget includes proposals to limit the value of itemized tax deductions for IRAs and 401(k)s and other expenses to 28%.

The group has expanded into Seattle, following entries into New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles.