Patricia Spivak CPA PC

Patricia Spivak CPA PC Income Tax preparation, Accounting, bookkeeping, and payroll services

If you were born in 1960 or later, you can start taking “full” Social Security benefits when you turn age 67. But should...
09/01/2026

If you were born in 1960 or later, you can start taking “full” Social Security benefits when you turn age 67. But should you? It may depend on your health, retirement income and other factors. If possible, try to delay taking benefits until you’re age 70, when you’ll receive larger monthly payments. In fact, benefits increase by 8% each year you delay taking them! For more about Social Security and funding your retirement, call us today.

Is federal tax debt blocking you from achieving your financial goals? Unresolved tax debt can lead to interest and penal...
08/31/2026

Is federal tax debt blocking you from achieving your financial goals? Unresolved tax debt can lead to interest and penalties, tax liens, asset seizures — and even the denial or revocation of your passport. These consequences can make it difficult to move forward. The good news is relief may be just a phone call away. We can assess your situation and help you find a path forward. Contact us to discuss your next steps.

Scholarship awards can provide significant financial relief to families of college-bound students. Most, but not all, of...
08/28/2026

Scholarship awards can provide significant financial relief to families of college-bound students. Most, but not all, of the awards are tax-free. To qualify for tax-free status, scholarships must meet three criteria: 1) The student must be a degree candidate at an eligible educational institution, 2) the award must be used to pay for tuition and fees, books, and certain supplies (not room and board or travel), and 3) the award can’t represent wages for teaching or research. Many graduate student awards have employment compensation components, so they may be taxable. Also, taxable scholarship money could potentially be subject to the “kiddie” tax. Contact us for more information.

Avoid underpayment penalties by staying on top of estimated tax payments and paycheck withholding. If you expect to owe ...
08/26/2026

Avoid underpayment penalties by staying on top of estimated tax payments and paycheck withholding. If you expect to owe at least $1,000 in taxes after subtracting credits and withholding, quarterly estimated payments may be required. Withholding and estimated payments must generally cover 90% of this year’s tax or 100% of last year’s tax (or 110%, depending on your income). Unsure if you’re on track? Let’s review your situation now to help avoid surprises when you file your 2026 return next year. Call us at today.

Many small business owners find the concept of risk management intimidating. But essentially, it’s about identifying pot...
08/25/2026

Many small business owners find the concept of risk management intimidating. But essentially, it’s about identifying potential disruptions and making practical plans to guard against them. From cash flow slowdowns to staffing shortages, every business faces uncertainty. The key is being prepared, not overwhelmed. Call us for help reviewing your current risks, spotting emerging challenges, and making informed decisions that support long-term stability and growth.

Effective job costing can help business owners make smarter pricing and budgeting decisions. By tracking the direct labo...
08/24/2026

Effective job costing can help business owners make smarter pricing and budgeting decisions. By tracking the direct labor, materials and overhead tied to specific jobs or projects, you gain a clearer picture of profitability and operational efficiency. Without accurate data, it’s easy to underprice work, overlook cost overruns or misjudge your most profitable services. We can help you set up practical costing methods that improve financial insight and support better decision-making. Call us for more information.

The IRS has increased the 2026 cents-per-mile rates for calculating tax-deductible vehicle operating costs due to rising...
08/21/2026

The IRS has increased the 2026 cents-per-mile rates for calculating tax-deductible vehicle operating costs due to rising fuel costs. Effective July 1, 2026, the standard mileage rate for the business use of a car, van, pickup truck or panel truck is 76 cents per mile, up from 72.5 cents per mile for the first half of the year. The revised rate for medical and eligible moving purposes is 23.5 cents per mile, up from 20.5 cents per mile. For charitable driving, the 14 cents per mile rate remains unchanged. These rates apply to gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles as well as electric and hybrid ones. To protect your deduction, keep detailed mileage records. Call us with your questions.

Business owners: Should you use cash to pay federal tax debt or keep it for operational needs? Paying the IRS sooner may...
08/19/2026

Business owners: Should you use cash to pay federal tax debt or keep it for operational needs? Paying the IRS sooner may ease stress and reduce penalties, but draining cash can disrupt operations, payroll and growth. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. In many cases, the IRS offers options — such as installment agreements, temporary collection holds or penalty relief — that may help you stay compliant while preserving cash flow. The biggest risk is choosing extremes, either depleting cash reserves or ignoring the issue. A balanced strategy often works best.

There are several benefits to having an estate plan. It can protect your wealth while giving you peace of mind that your...
08/18/2026

There are several benefits to having an estate plan. It can protect your wealth while giving you peace of mind that your assets will be distributed according to your intentions. In addition, it can save taxes, minimize legal complications and family disputes, and reduce expenses for your heirs. Do you have young children? An estate plan is a must so you can name guardians for them in the event of your untimely death.

Whether your business sponsors a 401(k) plan or is considering it, automatic enrollment deserves a fresh look. This feat...
08/17/2026

Whether your business sponsors a 401(k) plan or is considering it, automatic enrollment deserves a fresh look. This feature automatically enrolls eligible employees in the plan unless they opt out or choose a different contribution rate. Under the SECURE 2.0 Act, many 401(k) plans established on or after December 29, 2022, must include an auto-enroll feature for plan years beginning after December 31, 2024. (Some exceptions may apply.) Older plans generally aren’t required to add this feature, but doing so can benefit both employers and employees.

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Drums, PA
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