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News from Rucci, Bardaro and Falzone P.C.

Q2 2013

IN THIS ISSUE:

Rucci, Bardaro & Falzone, PC

The Right Size Accounting Firm

919 Eastern Avenue
Malden, MA 02148

303 Wyman Street
Suite 300
Waltham, MA 02451

7 Main Street
Atkinson, NH 03811

T: 1-781-321-6065
F: 1-781-321-7747

www.rbfpc.com

IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE: In compliance with IRS requirements, we inform you that any U.S. tax advice contained in this communication, including any attachments, is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer or in connection with marketing or promotional materials.

Welcome to the latest issue of RBF News – our summary of the important tax, business and financial news and opinion you need to help you see the bigger picture, and make more informed decisions.

Economic Snapshot

Could it be that everybody is breathing just a little easier these days? The job market is improving, consumer spending is up and the economy finally seems to be gaining a little momentum.

Construction companies added 48,000 jobs in February, the ninth consecutive month of job growth, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America.

Even accountants, a notoriously cautious bunch, reported their own confidence in the U.S. economy is growing, according to Accounting Today’s monthly Accountants Confidence Index.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg reported that consumer spending increased in February by the most in five months as incomes rebounded, providing a kick for the U.S. economy at the start of the year.

Taxes and Tax Planning

tax planning

Beware of bogus IRS emails

The IRS has issued a warning to taxpayers who receive emails claiming to be from the agency. The tactic – called “phishing” – is an attempt to trick recipients into revealing personal and financial information, which can lead to identity theft. Here’s what to look for, and what you can do.

Business owners want lower, simpler taxes

Fully 85 percent of small business owners surveyed by a national business advocacy group - The National Federation of Independent Business - agreed that the Tax Code is too complex and should be overhauled. They also strongly preferred a Tax Code with low rates and fewer deductions.

Taxpayers less tolerant of cheating

More than one in 10 Americans think it’s OK to cheat on their taxes - but that’s one of the lowest percentages ever recorded, according to the 2012 Taxpayer Attitude Survey recently released by the IRS Oversight Board.

Managing Your Business

managing your business

Why banks still aren’t lending to you

New data says commercial lending is booming, and interest rates are at record lows. But most banks haven't warmed to small businesses the way they have to their larger counterparts. Here’s the story from Inc.com.

Never say 'I don't have time' again

Are you as busy as you think you are? Busy-ness often comes down to inefficient time use or lack of clarity about your priorities and your actual schedule. Author Laura Vanderkam writes in The Wall Street Journal about a way to get real.

Creative excuses for being late to work

Frozen car keys, a functionally fashionable cement duck, and a coin-operated newspaper machine. Hiring managers shared with careerbuilder.com some of the most memorable excuses they’ve heard from employees who were late getting to the office.

Around the Office

around the office

Paul Bardaro has accepted an appointment to serve on the Audit Committee of the Hallmark Health System. Hallmark Health is the premier charitable provider of health services to Boston's northern communities, and is the official healthcare partner of the Boston Bruins.

In an extensive interview with U.S. News & World Report, Bill Rucci recently offered tax advice and information for individuals who are out of work or who may have left their jobs in 2012.

RBF is pleased to announce that Semi-Senior Accountant Alex Butts has received his CPA license to practice in Massachusetts. He also holds a Master’s degree in Accounting from Bentley University. Congratulations Alex!

 

Rucci, Bardaro & Falzone is affiliated with:

Russell Bedford Forum of Firms