Sussman & Addis, CPAs

05/05/2026

We had a great time yesterday at the Jason on Firms Live event in Columbus!

Jason Staats isn't a household name but in the accounting world, he’s built something that matters. He’s created a platform where small firm owners can learn, share ideas, and realize they’re not figuring this out alone. That kind of community is rare in a profession that’s traditionally been pretty siloed.

It was a great time to network with like minded individuals in the accounting industry and have open dialogue of challenges and successes.

Events like this are a good reminder that our industry is changing fast. The firms that stay relevant are the ones willing to keep learning, adapt to new technologies, and rethink how things have always been done.

We’re committed to doing exactly that. Staying sharp, staying curious, and making sure we’re bringing the best tools and ideas back to our clients.

04/23/2026

In today’s environment, protecting your sensitive financial information isn’t optional, it’s essential.

We’re seeing an increase in phishing emails that look like legitimate requests. New clients, familiar named contacts, local phone numbers, links to documents. The list goes on.

Long gone are the days of poorly spelled emails letting you know of your inheritance from an ancestor in India. 😄

These messages often include links that seem real but are designed to capture your information.

Below is an example. If you know what to look for, it is easy to identify the red flags. But if you don't take the time this could easily look like a regular request.

Here’s the bottom line: how you send your documents matters.

We understand that emailing files can feel quicker or more convenient, and using the portal can sometimes feel like an extra step. But that “extra step” is exactly what protects your personal and financial data from being intercepted, altered, or stolen.

Sussman & Addis, CPAs will never ask you to send sensitive documents through unsecured email or unfamiliar links.

Our secure client portal through TaxDome is the proper way to send documents to our office. It’s encrypted, monitored, and specifically designed to keep your information safe.

Before sending anything:
• Avoid sending sensitive documents via email
• Double-check any unexpected requests or links
• When in doubt, contact our office directly

We take your security seriously and need you to do the same. Using the portal isn’t just a preference, it’s part of protecting you.

04/21/2026

Still waiting on your tax refund? Don’t sit in the dark. Check your status the right way.

The IRS makes it simple to track your federal refund. You can check your status as soon as 24 hours after e-filing using their official tool. Most refunds are issued within about 21 days, but delays can happen if your return needs additional review.

👉 “Where’s My Refund?”: https://www.irs.gov/refunds

For Ohio taxpayers, the state offers its own tracking system. Refund information is typically available within a few days for e-filed returns, while paper returns can take longer to appear.

👉 Check your Ohio refund status: https://tax.ohio.gov/individual/refunds/wheres-my-refund

What you’ll need:
• Social Security Number
• Filing status
• Exact refund amount

Bottom line: Don’t guess or ask your tax preparer where your refund is. Verify the status directly. If something’s off, THEN check in with your tax preparer 😎

04/15/2026

Another tax season in the books. 🥂

To our team - this doesn’t happen without you. The long hours, the attention to detail, positive attitudes under pressure…it all adds up. We’re proud of the work you put in and the standard you hold.

To our clients - thank you for trusting us year after year. We don’t take that lightly.

And if you’re still calling us on April 15th…well…we admire your optimism. 😄

Here’s to a little breathing room, at least for now.

04/13/2026

Filing a tax extension doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong. It simply means you’re giving yourself more time to file your return accurately.

An extension moves your filing deadline from April to October. That’s it. It’s a tool, not a penalty.

Why consider an extension?
• You’re still waiting on important documents
• Your return is more complex than usual
• You want to avoid rushing and making costly mistakes

Let’s be direct - every year, we have people who drop off their information after our deadline and expect a completed return immediately. That’s not how quality work gets done. We don’t rush returns just to meet a deadline, because rushing leads to errors, and errors can cost you far more than an extension ever will.

Here’s the key point: an extension gives you more time to file, not more time to pay. If you owe taxes, you still need to estimate and pay by the original deadline to avoid penalties.

Used properly, extensions are a smart, responsible move, not something to stress over.

As we come to the finish line of tax season, take a deep breath and relax, you are in good hands with us.

04/08/2026

One Week Left in Tax Season… so we made a playlist for it. 🎧

With just 7 days until the tax deadline, we figured you might as well finish strong... with a soundtrack.

From high-energy “let’s get this done” vibes to late-night “why did I wait?” moments… our Tax Season Playlist has you covered. Because let’s be honest-filing taxes isn’t fun, but it doesn’t have to be silent.

New hits include:
🎧Fifteenth of April
🎧Tax Man is Approachin'
🎧Refund Funk

Listen here: https://suno.com/playlist/c7089bb5-613a-4da1-8dd7-7214dc6e980a

Still need to file?
✔ Don’t wait until the last minute
✔ Extensions buy time to file, not to pay
✔ A little music might just make it easier

Let’s wrap this up the right way.

Suno is building a future where anyone can make great music.

04/06/2026

📬 Procrastinators, take note-the rules just got tighter.

Starting December 2025, the USPS changed how postmarks work.

Translation: relying on “I mailed it on the deadline” is about to get riskier.

For years, dropping returns or payments in the mail on April 15th served as the postmark date. The USPS has changed the postmark to reflect the date of processing at regional hubs rather than the date of deposit.

That safety net is shrinking.

What this means for you:

• A delayed or unclear postmark could mean your return is considered late.
“I mailed it on time” may no longer protect you the way it used to
More filings could trigger late penalties simply due to mailing issues

And remember:
✔️ An extension gives you more time to FILE
❌ It does NOT give you more time to PAY

👉 The smarter move:

File electronically whenever possible (no postmark risk)
If you must mail, don’t wait until the last minute
Pay what you can now to limit penalties

04/01/2026

🚀 Taxation Doesn’t Stop at Liftoff 🌕

As we look ahead to the historic Artemis program launch to the moon today, here’s a fun (and very grounded) fact:

Even in space…you still pay taxes.

Astronauts working for NASA remain fully subject to U.S. federal income tax while orbiting Earth or heading to the Moon. Their pay is still considered U.S. income, and their tax obligations don’t change just because they’ve left the planet.

In other words, whether you’re at your desk or aboard a spacecraft, the IRS still expects the same thing:

👉 File and pay what you owe.

One small upside? Many astronauts are based in Texas or Florida, which have no state income tax so at least there’s some gravity relief there.

As humanity pushes further into space, one thing remains certain:
Taxes are universal… even if your office isn’t.

03/30/2026

“Can I write that off?”

Maybe—but not everything is a deduction.

Common misconceptions:
• Meals are not 100% deductible
• Your entire vehicle isn’t automatically a write-off
• “Business use” has to be legitimate and documented

The IRS expects records, not guesses.

Bad advice from the internet is expensive.

Before you assume something is deductible, get a real answer.
Sussman & Addis, CPAs
📞330-334-3641
📧 [email protected]

03/23/2026

Understanding How Taxes Really Work

One of the most common misconceptions we hear:
“If I move into a higher tax bracket, all my income gets taxed at that higher rate.”

That’s not how it works.

The United States uses a progressive tax system, which means your income is taxed in layers, called marginal tax brackets.

Here’s the reality:
✔ Each portion of your income is taxed at a different rate
✔ Only the income within a higher bracket gets taxed at that higher rate
✔ Moving into a higher bracket does not increase the tax rate on your entire income

Why this matters:
Making more money will never result in “losing money” due to higher taxes. You still come out ahead, always.

Understanding this can help you make better decisions about raises, bonuses, and business income.

Have questions about your specific situation? That’s where we come in.

📞 330-334-3641
📩 [email protected]

03/20/2026

It’s another Fun Sock Friday at Sussman & Addis, CPAs. 🧦

This week’s theme? Let’s just say there’s a process to everything.

From cows… to burgers 🍔
From documents… to completed tax returns 📄

Both take the right steps, attention to detail, and a team that knows what they’re doing.

While the socks brought some humor to the office (and maybe a few lunch cravings), the work behind the scenes is all about getting things done accurately and efficiently.

This time of the year, we run on candy 🍬 and sometime feel a little extraterrestrial 👽.

Whether it’s on your plate or on your return, how it’s processed matters.