October 15, 2024

As a trusted source, you play a critical role in guiding your clients toward sound financial decisions. With tax season around the corner, now is the time to remind them of a smart, tax-advantaged way to secure a brighter future for their loved ones: the NEST 529 Education Savings Plan.

If I read one more AI article, I’m going to pull what’s left of my hair out!
Seriously, I’m tired of the theoretical jargon, the words like AI pilot and digital transformation. I’m exhausted reading abstract articles about the potential of AI to revolutionize my business, followed by no practical steps of what to do right now.

Congratulations to the following 40 individuals for passing all four sections of the CPA exam on their first attempt, with their final section passed in 2023. The top two CPA exam scorers in Nebraska last year were Jackson Elbracht and Jonathan Jameson—these two candidates tied for the highest average score of 94.75 and both are graduates of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Landon Kennedy, also a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, had the next highest average score of 93.5. The Society commends each and every one of these individuals on a job well done!

This article provides an overview of programs and certifications offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) that benefit women, veterans, and disadvantaged groups. Specifically, this article discusses the following SBA programs:

Omaha became the epicenter for accounting regulators from June 25-27, as the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) kicked off its Western Regional Meeting at the Omaha Marriott Downtown. Melissa Ruff, CPA, an audit managing director at Deloitte & Touche LLP and chair of the Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy (State Board), welcomed more than 200 top-tier professionals from around the country to the Cornhusker State for this important event.

Lyndee J. Black 1952-2024Nebraska Certificate #1327Society Certificate #171447-Year Member2008 NESCPA Distinguished Service to the Profession Award Winner Ronald F. “Ron” Ueberrhein 1937-2024Nebraska Certificate #1016Society Certificate #068254-Year MemberPast Society Chairman1992 NESCPA Distinguished Service to the Profession Award Winner David W. McNally 1948-2024Nebraska Certificate #1283Society Certificate #093750-Year Member Herman D. Weist 1936-2024Nebraska Certificate #0558Society Certificate #036164-Year MemberPast

For private business owners, donating stock to a nonprofit organization or Donor Advised Fund can be a powerful strategy to achieve both charitable and business succession goals.

In today’s competitive business environment, employers in all professions and industries—including CPA firms—are constantly seeking ways to enhance their performance, innovation, and overall effectiveness. One often-overlooked strategy is the inclusion of neurodiverse employees, particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorder. By tapping into this underutilized talent pool, CPA firms not only can address skill shortages but also bring unique perspectives and strengths to their teams. Programs like Autism Action Partnership’s Prosper Workforce Services provide essential support in this endeavor.

Undoubtedly, practitioners understand the value their expertise brings to their clients. We’ve all seen the results of clients who self-prepare their taxes using that well-known tax software (no need to mention names). Accountants would never advise clients to prepare their own taxes, sell their own home, or if they’re a business owner, sell their business on their own.

Whether formed before the advent of more tax advantageous entities or the result of utilizing specific planning opportunities, many farm and ranch families today still operate out of corporations. Rising land prices, low relative cash flow, and changes in tax law over the last two decades have made the transition of these family farm and ranch operations increasingly difficult.