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Tax Scams Do Not End With the Tax Season

June 20, 2015

Once the tax filing season is over doesn't mean that tax scams have ended. Taxpayers face the threat of tax scams at any time because it is highly profitable for fraudsters year round. IRS phone scams, in particular, can be carried out any time of the year.

Dual Signatures

June 20, 2015

An important internal control related to cash disbursements can include requiring two authorized signatures on all company checks generally over a specific amount that has been set by management or the board directors. By requiring two signatures, the company is verifying that both signers agree that the payment is proper

Why is IRS Form 990 so Important?

February 9, 2015

Form 990 is the annual information return filed by tax-exempt organizations with the Internal Revenue Service, and provides a wealth of information to the IRS and to readers of the return. Form 990 is a public document, meaning anyone can ask to see your association’s 990, and you are required

Identity Theft Epidemic

February 4, 2015

According to Steve Lapppenbusch, Ph.D., of LexisNexis Risk Solutions: "An identity is stolen every three seconds--adding up to about 27,000 per day."

Resolve to Reduce Spam

January 27, 2015

Did you know that email marketing is regulated by Federal law? In 2003, the United States Congress passed an act that legislates how and when a business can send emails to customers or potential customers. This legislation is called the "Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act of

Simplifying Saving for Retirement

January 19, 2015

Have you ever wanted to start saving for retirement or increase your savings rate, yet you hesitated due to all the complexity of investment alternatives? Start saving now so you will improve your future retirement outlook.

Did You Know this About Fraud?…

October 29, 2014

The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) releases a report that summarizes information from fraud cases investigated in more than 100 countries. The 2014 report includes an analysis of 1,483 cases of occupational fraud.

What is a Certified Fraud Examiner?

October 29, 2014

A Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) has a unique set of skills that are not found in any other career field or discipline. They combine a knowledge of complex financial transactions with proven expertise in fraud prevention, detection and deterrence. Fraud examiners are trained to understand not only how fraud occurs,

Olsen Thielen Forensics Support Services

October 29, 2014

Our forensic support services can help implement strategies to identify fraud and reduce the risk of loss. If fraud is already present, we can investigate and calculate losses.

Olsen Thielen Valuation Services

October 29, 2014

Our business valuation experts help business owners and their advisors determine and understand the value of their business.

Electing a Young Board Member

October 9, 2014

Before you elect any board member the first step is to figure out which type of person you would like to choose. You want to consider their experience, qualifications, skills and commitment, but what about age?

Thomas W. Campbell Elected Principal

September 8, 2014

We are pleased to announce that Thomas W. Campbell, MBA, has been elected as a Principal of the firm, effective September 1, 2014.

Not-for-Profit Governance: Fraud Risk Assessment

June 4, 2014

Governance of not-for-profit organizations is important for the sustainability and future impact of the not-for-profit 's mission. One key governance function is risk management and one specific area of risk management relates to fraud risk.

Real Estate Professionals Need Proper Documentation

January 27, 2014

Rental losses are subject to the rules under IRC 469. These losses can be limited or suspended based on a taxpayer’s income and participation. There are exceptions to these rules for taxpayers that qualifying as Real Estate Professionals by satisfying certain requirements.

Business Valuation Uses

April 4, 2013

Business valuations are critical for businesses of any size--and not just when a business is being bought or sold. This article details some common uses of valuations include.