Cordes Tax & Advisory

10/24/2024

Dear Valued Clients,

I hope this post finds you in good health and high spirits. It was with mixed emotions that I announced my decision to step away from the operations of Cordes Tax & Advisory effective July 1. After much reflection, I have decided to embrace an opportunity that allows me to spend more time with my two young children and work entirely from home, thus enabling me to be more available for my family and my church.

Over the past 17 years, it has been a privilege to serve you and assist with your tax needs. Your trust and loyalty have been the cornerstone of our success, and for that, I am deeply grateful. As I transition to this new chapter in my life, I am pleased that Cordes Tax & Advisory has continued to operate under the capable leadership of Erica Filson.

Erica Filson, the new owner of the firm, has rebranded the firm as Arise Tax. Erica is an Enrolled Agent with several years of experience in public practice. Her background as a former Revenue Officer with the Internal Revenue Service uniquely positions her to understand and navigate the complexities of your tax issues. Erica is dedicated to maintaining the high standards of service you have come to expect and is committed to providing exceptional care for all your tax needs.

I am confident that Erica, along with our dedicated staff—Andrea, Kelly, and Jayme—will continue to provide you with the same level of professional service, if not better. The team you know and trust remains intact, and the office location has stayed the same. Erica and staff will also have me available for answering quick questions and advice (though I will not be available to clients). This seamless transition ensures that you will continue to receive the high-quality service you deserve.

While I will miss our interactions and the pleasure of working with you, I am excited about the future of Arise Tax under Erica's leadership. I encourage you to reach out to her with any questions or concerns you may have going forward. Your satisfaction remains our top priority, and I am confident that you will find Erica's expertise and dedication reassuring.

Thank you once again for your continued trust and support. It has been an honor to serve you, and I look forward to seeing Arise Tax thrive under Erica's guidance.

Warm regards,

Matthew J. Cordes, EA
President
Cordes Tax & Advisory

03/07/2024

You may have noticed that your interest rates on savings and CDs have increased here lately, and for savers that is a great thing. But keep in mind that with more income comes the potential for more income taxes.

Recently I was quoted here in the Washington Post regarding this situation that many savers find themselves in this year.

Interest rates were so low for so long that many people didn’t even know the interest in their savings accounts was taxable.

03/06/2024

Be careful with your data. When something is free, you and your data are the product.

“We just need your OK on a couple of things,” TurboTax says as you prepare your tax return. That’s your red flag to watch out.

03/02/2024

Be sure you are careful where you get your tax tips. Your neighbor, your hair stylist, and that reel or TikTok “influencer” are not a seasoned tax professional you pay for tax advice.

Between the entertaining videos and the confident delivery from self-described experts, finding advice on TikTok is both easy and potentially risky, experts say.

02/24/2024

When you have accounting and tax themed outfits and an absolutely adorable model, I’m pretty sure it is required to post to social media.

Have a great weekend!

02/22/2024

Friendly reminder that a tax refund has little correlation with actual tax liability or tax rate.

Unless you are receiving refundable credits, you are simply getting your change back on the amount you already paid.

A big refund means you have given the government an interest free loan.

The closer to zero, the better.

02/11/2024

5 reasons why you should e-file your tax return

Written by my incredibly intelligent colleague Amber from New Mexico.

No system is perfect, but when deciding whether to file your tax return electronically or on paper, e-filing is definitely the more perfect solution.

02/02/2024

While completing your organizer, give us all the necessary information for your new addition. And if you’re so inclined, drop a picture of your new bundle of joy!!

02/01/2024

Every small business that banks with Garrett State Bank and other banks should sign up for online banking and eStatements. It is a much better way to stay on top of your cash flow and helps prevent fraud that could result from paper statements being sent in the mail. Plus, it helps cut back on paper and mailing costs to the bank which is not getting any cheaper.

🌳Have you signed up for E-Statements yet? No more waiting on the mail, download your statements as soon as they produce. Available for both CHECKING & SAVINGS accounts. Visit https://www.garrettstatebank.com/eStatement-Enrollment and start the process right now from the warmth of your home!

02/01/2024

Did you know there is a free tax preparation resource available if you meet certain criteria?

Here is a link to find out more: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers

There are 2 locations nearby

01/22/2024

Tax Season Kick-off!!

Engagement letters have been sent via the mail and online portals. We have also sent out document checklists to help clients gather their tax documents. Reminder: Never email or text your confidential tax documents. Use our secure portal to send documents electronically.

If you are a current client and have not signed up for our secure portal, please call Andrea at the office and she will start the process.

01/20/2024

Many businesses are afraid of paying invoices online or sending payments via ACH. Some think they might get their bank account might be compromised. But a local peer of mine is seeing a fraud scheme taking advantage of old fashioned paper checks and the US mail.

Take steps to protect your bank account from fraud by looking into secure bill pay methods.

01/17/2024

We are aware of pending legislation that would affect 2023 tax laws retroactively and are keeping an eye on it. Key word: pending

01/12/2024

We are sending our staff home a little early due to the worsening road conditions. (1-12-24)

01/10/2024

The IRS has announced that it will begin accepting individual tax returns on January 29, but you may still want to wait just little bit longer before you file if:

1.) You don’t have all the necessary documents to accurately prepare your tax return.

2.) You have a business and need to verify the accuracy of your bookkeeping

3.) Congress passes a retroactive tax bill affecting returns with child tax credits, research and development tax credits, and other tax changes.

Remember, you have until April 15 to file and pay your taxes, and can extend the time to file (not pay) until October 15 to help ensure an accurate tax return.

01/02/2024

Happy New Year!

We have launched our new website here: https://www.cordes.tax/

We still have minor tweaks that we are making but are excited with the new look and functionality. We have a link for your TaxDome log in and a link for our process on becoming a new client.

Check it out!

Balance Your Books, Balance Your Life. Balance Your Books,Balance Your Life. Expert Tax Solutions Tailored For You Expert Tax SolutionsTailored For You Expert Tax Solutions Tailored for You Our dedicated team is committed to helping you find a balanced approach to your finances, allowing yo...