March of Dimes Honors the Madonia Family
October 19, 2026March of Dimes Names the Madonias as 2026 Ambassador Family Earlier this month, Nick and Alaina Madonia were honored by the March of Dimes Construction & Transportation Awards as the 2026 Ambassador Family. At a luncheon that honors those in the construction and transportation industry who have demonstrated exceptional achievements. For 88 years, March of… Read more »
Welcome Olga Gitman, CPA!
October 19, 2026Olga Gitman, CPA Joins AJM&A We are excited to add to our awesome Tax Team with a new accountant and CPA, Olga Gitman! Olga brings years of experience in public accounting and is skilled in preparing all manner of tax returns to her new role at AJM&A and starts on October 26, 2026. She excels… Read more »
Temporary Penalty Relief for Dyed Diesel Fuel
October 19, 2026Temporary Penalty Relief for On‑Road Use of Dyed Diesel Fuel for Farming and Agricultural Purposes Effective October 6, 2026, Illinois will temporarily suspend penalties for using dyed diesel fuel on highways for farming and agricultural purposes. The state made this move to keep agricultural operations running during a diesel fuel crunch. The relief period runs… Read more »
Glossary of Estate Planning Terms
October 16, 2026Naming someone to inherit your home is different from naming someone to manage your finances. Likewise, the person handling your estate may have different responsibilities from the person managing a trust for your children. Estate planning brings these decisions together, but unfamiliar language can make otherwise practical choices feel unclear. Let us familiarize you with… Read more »
2026 Trick or Treat Candy Contest
October 12, 2026It’s Trick or Treat Time – Count the Sweets and Win the Treats! (Contest Form Below) The TREAT: Colorful candy and tasty treats (no candy corn or peeps this year)…this treat jar is filled to the brim with sugary sweets. The TRICK: Sure, you can see inside, but just how many pieces of candy are… Read more »
Tax Planning for High-Net-Worth Individuals Beyond the Basics
September 30, 2026For high-net-worth individuals, tax planning is not simply a year-end search for deductions. It is the coordinated management of income, investments, business interests, property, gifts, trusts, and future transfers. A decision that lowers current income tax may create a less favorable estate-tax result, reduce liquidity, or limit control over an asset. Anthony J. Madonia &… Read more »
End of an Era – Ben Hurwitz Retires
September 29, 2026Farewell to Our Favorite Non-Socialite Ben Hurwitz Known around the office for his crack of dawn start time and disdain of footwear, Ben Hurwitz, our fearless Tax Department leader, is retiring. Much to his chagrin, we shone the spotlight on him one last time. We celebrated with him at a celebratory luncheon on October 5…. Read more »
Qualified Production Property (QPP): A New 100% First-Year Tax Deduction
September 23, 2026By Irina Heyer, CPA Qualified Production Property (QPP) is a special tax category of nonresidential property used directly in domestic manufacturing, production, or refining that allows companies to deduct 100% of the cost in the first year. Internal Revenue Code Section 168(n) allows businesses to immediately deduct 100% of the cost of eligible Qualified Production… Read more »
Jimmy Buffett’s Paradise lost – A $275 Million Estate Disaster
September 23, 2026Jimmy Buffett didn’t leave a paradise behind as he had planned, instead it became a legal nightmare after his death. He built his empire on the philosophy of carefree beach living. His Margaritaville brand grew from a Key West souvenir shop into a $275 million empire spanning restaurants, hotels, and cruises. But since his passing… Read more »
Consider a Family LLC to Simplify Investment Accounts
September 23, 2026Simplifying Your Investment Accounts Might Be as Easy as an LLC There are many options to consider in planning a family legacy. Families tend to manage numerous investment accounts across individuals and trusts which can create administrative burdens. One option to streamline your investments is to consolidate into a family LLC or partnership. A family… Read more »