Recent storms have highlighted the importance of understanding your insurance coverage before disaster strikes. Tune into an insightful webinar where we’ll break down the critical things you need to know from the latest hurricanes and what they mean for your policies. 

 The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) Beneficial Ownership Information Report filing deadlines have been on-again, off-again for weeks now. Just as we were adjusting to FinCEN’s newly issued deadlines, the Fifth Circuit Court decided to hit pause—again. Who needs consistency when chaos can keep things interesting?

Managing a business is no easy task. The same is true of managing the various corporate documents that companies use on a day-to-day basis. There are certain business documents that are required by law for you to keep on hand for your business and others that are just best practice to hang on to. Making sure you have efficient document management methods and tools can help ensure you have them in place when you need them. Join us in discussing the importance of corporate documents for your business.

There’s wisdom and experience in your company. Unfortunately it’s locked up in your people’s heads. And that’s a problem. When it’s only in their heads, it’s inaccessible to others. This webinar will show you how to make that wisdom available to everyone who needs it. So they all can put it to use.

When you form a business, you have a lot of decisions to make regarding its structure. Do you need to worry about liability? What about taxes? Deciding how you want to structure your business legally is one of the first and primary business decisions you will have to make. Depending on which type of business structure you choose, there are different levels of protection safeguarding your personal assets and shielding you from personal liability. There are also significant tax implications for each type of business structure. Join us in discussing your options as a business owner.

Year-end is often a busy time of year for everyone. Not only are you working to get your financials in order, but you’re also evaluating the numbers, measuring success, and exploring opportunities. It can be overwhelming, to say the least. With a little planning before the year ends, you can be better prepared for the upcoming tax season. Join us in discussing some year-end tax planning tips!

Our topic for October is "7 Critical Numbers" these are critical numbers that business owners need to know. They don't all come directly from your financial statements, but they all (except perhaps #6) depend on numbers that come from the financial statements. We're going to talk about: what that number is, how to calculate it, and how to use it (or why you should care)

Estate planning is the process of designating who will receive your assets and handle your responsibilities after your death or incapacitation. One goal is to ensure beneficiaries receive assets in a way that minimizes estate tax, gift tax, income tax, and other taxes. Join us with Attorney Kate Smith in discussing general estate planning and how to best prepare for your future.

Have you kept up with the changes to HR laws and requirements of employers happening this year? Don't worry if you haven't - we have! Uninformed decisions can be costly. In this fast-paced and informative session, employment attorney Mindi Wells will discuss recent changes to workplace laws and provide you with a roadmap on what to do next to minimize risks to your organization. The discussion may include topics such as minimum wage and salary exemption, worker classification: employee vs. contractor, undocumented workers and the I-9 form, COVID-19 laws, paid leave, medical marijuana, harassment prevention, employee posters and employee handbook updates for 2021.

Our September webinar will cover Projections. Prospective financial statements—including forecasts and projections—are one category of prospective financial information. They offer a glimpse into the future by forecasting potential business outcomes.

You don’t need a real estate lawyer to sell your house — although, in some circumstances, however, like if you’re selling for sale by owner or you’re dealing with unique property issues, it may be in your best interest. Real estate attorneys go over the intimidating paperwork involved in your home sale with a fine-tooth comb to catch mistakes and protect you every step of the way. If an unexpected complication were to throw a curve ball into the transaction—like a lien or judgment on the title, or question about a disclosure—your real estate attorney will represent you and handle it so that the deal can move forward. The reality is having an attorney in your corner, especially at closing, protects you from documentation issues, titling errors and costly lawsuits. Join us in discussing how a Real Estate Lawyer can ‘Review & Attend’ your transaction and keep you protected.

This session is for every business - whether you have an employee handbook or not! If you don't already have a handbook, learn why this is one of the essential tools in your HR toolbox (even if you have only 2 employees). Then we'll have a fast-paced and entertaining conversation about biggest mistakes companies make when it comes to handbooks, questions to ask yourself in reviewing your company's current handbook, policies to consider changing (like skirts and hosiery for women) or just plain get rid of (can't talk about pay), and policies that have been impacted by recent changes in the law. We'll also talk about policies you may want to consider adding now that we've experienced the COVID pandemic and remote work looks like it is here to stay.

In a sale of a company or of its assets, it is common for founders, executives, sales people, or other important employees to be retained after the acquisition to assist in the transition of the company. It is also common for these people to sign restrictive covenants. We will discuss these covenants; such as non-competition, non-disclosure, non-solicitation, and confidentiality covenants which are recommended or necessary to protect a business interest in the context of a business purchase and sale, formation of a business relationship, dissolution of a business relationship, buyout, and employment. Join us to discuss more in detail these considerations.

In this series of webinars, Business Coach John Seiffer and CPA, Marina Parkin will explain how your financial numbers can give you critical insight to use in making better management decisions. We'll explain why typical financial reports often don't make sense to non-accountants and what to do for better insight.

Over the next few weeks, Florida taxpayers will begin receiving their annual Notices of Proposed Property Taxes, also known as “TRiM Notices.” This presentation will explain the important information disclosed in your Trim Notice regarding the taxable value of your property, applicable tax exemptions, and the tax rates imposed by your local taxing authorities. We will also discuss the different methods for objecting to a tax assessment, and the critical deadlines for bringing those challenges.

1031 Exchange has become a HOT topic in the current real estate market. This allows investors to defer the capital gains tax from a sale of a property and invest the proceeds into another property. Although, there are a strict set rules that must be followed in order to complete a successful 1031 exchange. So while 1031 exchanges can be a powerful tool for building wealth, there are some drawbacks if not used properly.

Join us for the first webinar in our new series with Business Coach John Seiffer and CPA Marina Parkin. We will explain how your financial numbers can give you critical insight to use in making better management decisions. We'll explain why typical financial reports often don't make sense to non-accountants and what to do for better insight. We are first highlighting, CASH - how to know why cash is short even if your business is profitable and what to do about it.

Renting commercial space is a big responsibility -- the success or failure of your business may ride on certain terms of the lease. Whether you need an office, retail, or industrial building for your business, commercial properties have their own unique issues. A proper lease ensures you are able to run and grow your business effectively without unreasonable restrictions or interruptions from the property owner. A well-negotiated (and drafted) commercial lease may also help avoid litigation – or at least put you in the best position.

Owning a rental property is great… until it’s not. You may have come to an end to your investment journey and it’s time for you to sell. Tricky tax rules, existing lease terms, and wear-and-tear from tenants can make selling a rental property a major headache. However, when the time is right, you need to act — and with the right approach and preparations, you can make a graceful exit without too much disruption.

Choosing an exit strategy for your business might not seem like an obvious step when you’re just getting started, however planning ahead is an important part of building a business. An exit strategy is a plan for how you will eventually leave the business. It also includes details on what will happen to the organization after you have left. Leaving a business can be stressful, and emotions can often obscure your judgment. Should this occur, a good exit strategy that you’ve come up with in advance will enable you to address tough situations rationally.

Back in Part 1 - The Missing Piece we talked about how to craft a better job description. In Part 2 we will talk about how to source candidates now that you know who you're looking for. We will also cover some guerrilla recruiting tactics that any company can use.

In addition to great weather, one of Florida’s most attractive characteristics is the lack of a state income tax. It easily makes its way as a top choice for those who are interested in establishing residency and saving on taxes. But you can't just say "I'm a Florida resident" and have the income tax bill magically disappear. You need to show that Florida is your primary and permanent home—and it's your actions, not your words, that count the most.

Let’s face it, bookkeeping is important in any business, large or small. Sad to say, this process is often neglected which has a direct adverse effect on the business. By keeping accurate records, your business can get a snapshot of its health in the form of financial statements such as income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements and more. Before getting into the weeds with new financial transactions, tune into our webinar to discuss how to implement and prioritize bookkeeping in your business.

Nonresident foreigners face a different set of rules when filing their taxes in the U.S. than those who are citizens. Join us in talking about some of the key guidelines, and who needs to follow them.

Most business owners hate hiring – but how else do you build a solid team? The first part of the hiring system is the job description. But there’s a piece of that description which most people leave out. When you get that piece right, it makes the whole process easier and more successful.

An escalation clause is incorporated into a purchase offer for a home that is intended to make sure a buyer is the highest bidder. It is typically used when a buyer and their real estate agent strongly believe a house will receive multiple offers. An escalation clause can be a useful tool, but it has drawbacks for buyers and sellers alike.

Thinking about buying a franchise? In a franchise business, the owners grant right to an independent business owner to do business under their name. In exchange for compensation and specified obligation in the Franchise agreement. Join us in discussing the pros and cons of owning a franchise and determine if it is worth diving headfirst into the investment.

A company should provide a way for the owners to achieve a better lifestyle. Sometimes that means growing the company, and sometimes it doesn’t. You’ll learn how to make that choice and how to avoid the booby traps that hide in growing companies if you go that route.

Lease Option and Lease Purchase are two different types of real estate deals. If you don't accurately structure your lease agreement, the transaction can fail or become more expensive for you. Jo Ann Koontz and Jackie Durham (Koontz & Associates, PL) discuss important details and distinctions between Lease Option and Lease Purchase agreements.

The majority of real estate transitions will require the purchase of title insurance, but most parties involved don't fully understand what it is, how much it costs, why it matters and what to expect when purchasing. Jo Ann Koontz and Jackie Durham (Koontz & Associates, PL) explain the basics of title insurance and why it could save your house and your money.

Getting ahead of the FIRPTA process can help reduce the amount of money you owe at the closing table. Marina Parkin (Koontz & Parkin, CPAs) and Jo Ann Koontz (Koontz & Associates, PL) explain how important the timing of your closing is so you know when to pay FIRPTA tax and how to get the payment back.

CEO Bootcamp, John Seiffer, breaks down 3 reasons management is so hard: It's not your full-time job, you're afraid of micromanagement, and management is not social intercourse. John details each topic while Jo Ann Koontz (Koontz & Associates, PL) questions how to persevere as a successful business owner.

Acquiring and renewing your ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) can be a lengthy process in 2021, so applying early is extremely important. Watch this webinar to help figure out if you need an ITIN, if you need to renew, and if so, how do you renew. The rules of ITIN continually change over the years. Marina Parkin (Koontz & Parkin, CPAs) and Jo Ann Koontz (Koontz & Associates, LP) discuss current information relevant to your status.

The closing costs and credits of a real estate transaction can be a strategic negotiating tool when closing. However, these costs can get you into trouble if not properly documented. Jo Ann Koontz and Jackie Durham (Koontz & Associates, PL) discuss common closing cost and credit situations you'll find yourself in when buying or selling a property.

Intellectual property is an extension of your business that needs to be protected like any tangible asset. Whitney Harper (ADVOS Legal) and Jo Ann Koontz (Koontz & Associates, PL) talk about your business's intellectual property concerns. Intellection property is often the most valuable aspect of your business but likely the most misunderstood. Learning about your intellectual property will put you in a better position to run your business or set up your exit strategy.

As a small business owner, you have many options for retirement savings plans. Some will shield your income from taxes today, while others will benefit you more when you retire. Marina Parkin (Koontz & Parkin, CPAs) and Jo Ann Koontz (Koontz & Associates, PL) break down many of the options available to small business owners. Put your future self in the best position possible by speaking to your CPA, a financial advisor and listening to the information in this webinar.

Increasing sales is about what the buyer is doing and how to react to this. Learning how to respond and move forward with the buyer's journey to purchase will increase your sales. John Seiffer explains the last stages of the buyer's journey and how to track your customers' progress in their journey.

When purchasing or selling a business, it is critical to be accurate in the details of the assets and stock in the business. Incomplete description of assets, poor documentation, broad representations and warranties, and other subtleties can turn a good deal into a terrible deal. Jackie Durham, Jo Ann Koontz (Koontz & Associates, PL) and Marina Parkin (Koontz & Parkin, CPAs) discuss these subtleties related to the purchase of the assets and stock of a business. Don't miss the details that must be documented and discussed with your attorney from the beginning of the purchase.

The homestead exemption is an easy way to save money on your property tax. Jo Ann Koontz, Jackie Durham (Koontz & Associates, PL) and Marina Parkin (Koontz & Parkin, CPAs) discuss common myths about the homestead exemption, properly claiming the exemption and important tax impact when you claim the homestead exemption on your primary residence.

Are you leaving yourself open to an IRA audit? Proper documentation and looking out for these IRS audit triggers will give you a better chance at a peaceful tax season. Marina Parkin (Koontz & Parkin, CPAs) and Jo Ann Koontz (Koontz & Associates, PL) breakdown some of the most popular IRS triggers. Listen to learn how to avoid these triggers.

Start the Year off Right! Even if you’ve already given up on your New Year’s resolutions you can still get your business off to a great start for 2021. We talk about an annual plan – do you need one and if so, what kind? Learn why budgets are usually a waste of time (but not always). And we’ll talk about John's favorite tool – the Time Skeleton.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 includes over $900 billion in government spending to provide relief for businesses and individuals. The update may include provisions and credits that will likely impact your personal and business taxes in 2020. Marina Parkin (Koontz & Parkin, CPAs), Jo Ann Koontz and Jackie Durham (Koontz & Associates, PL) explain how these individual, business and energy credits and incentives will impact you.

Brian Mariash discusses the Mariash Lowther Wealth Management of Merrill Lynch’s market outlook for 2021. Will the recovery from the COVID Crash continue or are we heading back into a recession?

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been reopened for first time borrowers and now offers certain borrowers a second bite at the apple. Are you eligible for the Second Draw PPP Loan? What can the funds be used for? Discuss eligibility and how your business will be impacted. Jo Ann Koontz, Jackie Durham (Koontz & Associates, PL) and Marina Parkin (Koontz & Parkin, CPAs).

How to prepare your 2020 tax information to make the process smooth for yourself and your CPA. Marina Parkin (Koontz & Parkin, CPAs) and Jo Ann Koontz (Koontz & Associates, PL) explain what information needs to be provided, organization tips, bookkeeping recommendations and how to present documents to your CPA.

Marina Parkin (Koontz & Parkin, CPAs) and Jackie Durham (Koontz & Associates, PL) discuss many of the complexities of owning a rental property. Watch to learn how to legally protect your properties and organize your expenses for an easier tax season.

Jackie Durham and Jo Ann Koontz (Koontz & Associates, PL) discuss contract considerations you need to be aware of if you're participating in a for sale by owner real estate transaction. A knowledgeable Realtor® will provide priceless information. However, an attorney will draft and review your contracts if you decide to go it alone. Be prepared. Koontz & Associates, PL are available to help with contracts and can help find the right Realtor® for you.

Marina Parkin (Koontz & Parkin, CPAs) and Jo Ann Koontz (Koontz & Associates, PL) explain why it's so important to plan for your 2020 tax season now. The CARES act has provided many benefits for businesses that are doing well this year and for companies that have struggled during the pandemic. Learn about these new ideas to save money on your taxes and be prepared early.

John Seiffer (CEO Boot Camp) joins Jo Ann Koontz and Marina Parkin to discuss the purpose of having a business plan for next year, or if it makes sense to skip it. A business plan can help achieve a new goal or milestone for your company. John Seiffer defines the types of goals to set and how to create accountability to meet the goal.

Jackie Durham and Jo Ann Koontz (Koontz & Associates, PL) share important information about common provisions and contingencies you need to be aware of when buying or selling a business. Business purchase contract are complicated. The contracts can be drafted in your favor or against from the other party. Reviewing these common provisions and contingencies will ensure you're prepared when negotiating a business purchase contract.