Refunds for Tariffs Coming To These IL Residents
August 24, 2026Some Illinois customers could reclaim tariffs paid on overseas purchases in 2025 from FedEx, UPS, and DHL. This news would delight them. Illinois residents who bought something from an overseas vendor last year should check their bank accounts. Shippers, including FedEx and UPS, acted as customs brokers for imported packages. They received tariff refunds from… Read more »
FinCEN Ceases Beneficial Ownership Reporting
August 24, 2026As of August 11, 2026, FinCEN issued a final rule on BOI reporting. The rule removes the CTA reporting requirement for U.S. companies and U.S. persons. FinCEN will delete previously reported beneficial ownership information from the database. FinCEN also announced it would delete previously reported information by U.S. persons from the beneficial ownership information (BOI)… Read more »
Taxpayers Want a Human CPA not AI
August 24, 2026CPAs and accountants can sigh in relief. Recent data show that clients do not crave a 100% AI-led experience. They prefer AI aiding human accountants (especially a CPA) to provide better service. In many circumstances, most people prefer to keep AI out. Accounting practice management solutions provider Karbon has compiled data indicating that only a… Read more »
Estate Planning When A Child Turns 18
August 24, 2026At the age of 18, a child becomes independent. At the same time, parents lose the automatic legal authority to make medical and financial decisions on their behalf. This is true even if the child still lives at home or remains on the family’s insurance. Three documents close that gap: a durable power of attorney,… Read more »
What Does a Trust Cost?
August 07, 2026Should you put a price tag on a secure future? Is the peace of mind that comes with knowing your legacy is secure worth an exact amount? Rather than just a transaction, consider Estate Planning as a process that comes with certain outcomes. Instead of focusing on the cost of a trust find out why… Read more »
People in Their 30s Don’t Have a Retirement Account
August 06, 2026Save Now for a Better Retirement Later Starting to save in your 30s can roughly double your eventual retirement savings, how do we get that message to people in their 30s. According to an Investopedia analysis of the Federal Reserve’s most recent edition of its Survey of Consumer Finances (2022), about 40% of U.S. households… Read more »
Three Life Events that Cause Your Estate Plan to Be Outdated
August 06, 2026When Life Changes – Review Your Estate Plan Life changes can happen at any time. Being aware of how specific life events can impact your legacy as defined by your estate plan is crucial. An estate plan is not a “Set it and Forget it” type of document. While signing a will or trust feels… Read more »
Tax Relief for IL Taxpayers Affected by Severe Weather
August 06, 2026Penalties and Interest Waived for Taxpayers Affected by Severe Weather in Illinois In July, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) announced disaster tax relief for individuals and businesses in 11 counties affected by severe storms, tornadoes, heavy rainfall, straight-line winds, and flooding between March 10, 2026, and June 21, 2026. This… Read more »
Longer Life Expectancy Means a New Plan
August 06, 2026People are living longer nowadays. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average life expectancy at birth is 76.5 years for males, 81.4 years for females, and 79 years for both sexes. With medical advances more people are living into their late 80s and 90s than ever before. This is significant… Read more »
Madonia Goes to Blackberry Farm
August 06, 2026Goes To RSVP Here Meet Us at the Farm Inviting families with young children to a fun afternoon at Blackberry Farm. Blackberry Farm is a living history museum where pioneer life is re-created through hands-on fun. Farm highlights include rides on the train, hay wagon, pedal tractors, paddle boats, carousel, and ponies plus visits to… Read more »