Category: Blog

How to Write an Awesome Accounting Bio

How to Write an Accountant Bio, How to write CPA Bio, How to write a Tax Preparer Bio, How to write a Bookkeeper bioEven though numbers are probably the biggest thing in an accountant’s wheelhouse, getting people in the door with the right words in your bio can make all the difference in the world. Here are a few tips to make sure that how you present yourself to the public via your wording is powerful, succinct, and engaging.

Make it Short and Engaging

Yes, attention spans in our world are woefully short, much like that of gnat. You have seconds to grab someone’s attention. Write your bio as if you were looking for an accountant. How would you word it? What would catch your eye? Of course, you’d start with your name and title, but what after that? Spend time thinking about this.

Don’t Use First Person

While social media is all about saying “I this” and “I that,” when it comes to bios, it’s best not to do that, use the third person as if you were talking about someone else. For instance, “John Davis is a CPA at Ernst & Young.” After that, you can launch into telling the world just how awesome you are.

Use Active Voice

And avoid passive voice. An example of this would be something like, “John’s team was involved in the overhaul of the payroll system.” For active voice, you’d write it like this:  “John’s team overhauled the payroll system.” See the difference? You’ve cut out extra words and adjusted your verb to be active. A quick way to check your writing for passive voice is to do a search in your document for an “of.” If you spot these babies, fix them right away.

Update Your Social Media Profiles

While most people use LinkedIn, many others who are looking for a job include their bios on their social media pages. In fact, you might update your bio on your LinkedIn page and then share it on Facebook, Instagram, or other platforms you use. This way, when employers are casually scrolling, you’ll appear in their feed. And if they’re looking for someone, all the better.

End Strong

The abbreviation in the marketing world is CTA, or Call to Action. You see it on nearly every digital ad as a button. But if you reimagine it in terms of the last sentence of your bio, it can leave a lasting impression and, hopefully, trigger a response. You might end your bio with a short, friendly statement, your email, and your phone number: “John is actively seeking employment, can be reached at [FILL IN INFO], and is just a ping or phone call away.” No matter what you choose to end with, it should reflect you and your personality.

If you need a little help to get started, here are two different samples:

Sally Smith is a CPA and a Senior Accountant at ABC Company, a full-service tax and bookkeeping firm in Home Town, USA.

John Jones joined ABC Company in 2000. In his current role, he is a seasoned tax preparer with a focus on international taxes. This involves staying up-to-date with current and future tax regulations for foreigners living and working in the United States and abroad, as well as state tax regulations in California and Florida.

Writing an accountant bio that will stand out from the crowd will take a bit of time, but it is well worth it. You want to present yourself in the best possible light to your audience. When you do this, you’ll get more traction and, in turn, more business.

How Businesses Can Leverage Data and Personalization for Targeted Campaigns and Growth

Data and Personalization, Targeted CampaignsMarketing efforts today depend on collecting, analyzing, and leveraging data to make informed decisions. Therefore, business owners need to understand how to harness the power of data and personalization to create targeted campaigns that drive growth.

Importance of Data and Personalization in Modern Business

Businesses today collect loads of data, enabling them to understand their customers’ preferences, behaviors and interests. The data comes from different channels, such as a business website, emails, or social media. It is then used to identify patterns and trends to make informed marketing decisions. This yields valuable insights that help craft highly personalized and effective marketing strategies.

Data is the foundation of personalization strategies. Personalization involves tailoring customer experiences to meet individual interests, needs, and preferences. It aims to build strong customer relationships, encourage engagement, and drive revenue and growth.

Personalization takes different approaches, such as recommendations based on previous purchases, creating unique landing pages, or sending emails based on customer browsing behavior. For example, e-commerce websites recommend products based on user browsing history and search queries.

Business owners can’t afford to ignore personalization since customers today are more informed, can easily access information, have more options, and have more control over purchase decisions. Furthermore, customers are more demanding and want to be recognized as individuals, expecting to receive personalized experiences. This has rendered traditional, one-size-fits-all marketing strategies obsolete.

How Businesses Can Use Data and Personalization for Targeted Campaigns and Growth

Using a data-driven approach, a business can create campaigns that deliver the right message to the right audience at the right time by doing the following:

1. Audience segmentation

Capturing the attention of a specific audience segment leads to higher conversion rates. To do this, a business can leverage data insights to segment the target audience. This means it is possible to categorize potential customers based on demographics, interests, or browsing behavior.

2. Crafting personalized content

Once segmentation is complete, it becomes possible to create tailored campaigns that resonate with each segment’s unique preferences. Aside from addressing customers by their names, it involves delivering content that speaks directly to their needs, interests, and pain points. This could include product recommendations based on past purchases or sending targeted offers that align with customer browsing history.

3. Omnichannel personalization

Customers interact with businesses using various channels, such as a business website, social media, emails, and mobile apps. A business can integrate data and personalization efforts to ensure a seamless journey for customers, regardless of where they engage. Additionally, it is crucial to deliver consistent and personalized experiences across these channels.

4. Continuous improvement in data-driven campaigns

Data insights also help guide businesses on the most suitable content and distribution strategies. They can analyze types of content performing well and in which channels. For example, a business can conduct A/B testing to compare campaign and content variations to identify the most effective approach for each segment.  

5. Measuring and analyzing results

To establish the effectiveness of personalized campaigns, a business will need to develop clear key performance indicators (KPIs) and measurement methods. One way to measure the impact of personalization is through customer engagement. This is done by measures such as click-through rates on personalized emails, customer retention rates, customer lifetime value, customer feedback, and number of sales.

It is worth noting that to make the most out of data insights. It is helpful to invest in advanced analytics tools or collaborate with data experts.

6. Adapting to changing trends

The digital landscape is evolving constantly, with new technologies and trends emerging regularly. Businesses must stay updated on these changes and adapt their personalization strategies accordingly. Remaining flexible and open to innovation ensures that the company’s targeting efforts are relevant and effective.

Data Privacy and Security

Although personalization in modern business is crucial, it must be balanced with privacy concerns. First, a business must be transparent about the data it collects and how it will be used. In addition, businesses need to be careful with the data they collect. They must ensure data security by safeguarding data storage and using safe transmission methods, have access control limits, and regularly audit data privacy policies and practices. Customers should be allowed to opt out of data collection and personalization efforts easily.

Customer data must be well protected to ensure compliance with relevant regulations. It also helps build trust with customers. Besides, a breach of trust can severely affect a business’s reputation and growth.

2021 Vs 2022 Vs 2023 Federal Income Tax Brackets

The US tax system is progressive, meaning that the more you earn the more you pay. For the years 2021-2023 there are seven different brackets for each year (2020 was the same structure as well). Which bracket you are in depends on your taxable income; however, your bracket does not equal your tax rate.

Tax brackets work so that you pay part of your income at each level bracket as you move-up in income. In other words, someone in the 32% marginal rate bracket will pay 10% on part of their income, 12% on another part, then 22% on another band of income, 24% on the next tranche and finally, 32% on everything else. In other words, moving into a higher tax bracket does NOT mean you pay higher taxes on all your income.

Below are comparative tables for the taxable years 2021 – 2023. This way you can not only see the tax brackets that apply 2023 taxable income, but the trend changes over time.

Updates to 2023 Tax Rates and Brackets

Over the 3-year period shown below, there are seven brackets with progressive rates ranging from 10% up to 37% and they are the same overall years.

Federal income tax rate brackets are indexed for inflation. The brackets are adjusted using the chained Consumer Price Index (CPI). There were no structural changes to the tax brackets in any of the periods, so the only impact are increases year-over-year due to the inflation indexing.

The inflation adjustment factor for 2023 was 7% for example, raising income thresholds applied to the tax brackets across the board.

Tax Rates and Brackets

Below are the 2021-2023 tables for personal income tax rates. Note, that the 2023 figures below are the amounts applicable to the income earned during 2023 and paid in 2024 when you file your taxes.

 

Tax Brackets & Rates

Single Taxpayers
2021 2022 2023
10% 0 – $9,950 10% 0 – $10,275 10% 0 – $11,000
12% $9,951 – $40,525 12% $10,276 – $41,775 12% $11,001 – $44,725
22% $40,526 – $86,375 22% $41,776 – $89,075 22% $44,726 – $95,375
24% $86,376 – $164,925 24% $89,076 – $170,050 24% $95,376 – $182,100
32% $164,926 – $209,425 32% $170,051 – $215,950 32% $182,101 – $231,250
35% $209,426 – $523,600 35% $215,951 – $539,900 35% $231,251 – $578,125
37% $523,601and Over 37% $539,901 and Over 37% $578,126 and Over

 

Married Filing Jointly and Surviving Spouses
2021 2022 2023
10% 0 – $19,900 10% 0 – $20,550 10% 0 – $22,000
12% $19,901 – $81,050 12% $20,551 – $83,550 12% $22,001 – $89,450
22% $81,051 – $172,750 22% $83,551 – $178,150 22% $89,451 – $190,750
24% $172,751 – $329,850 24% $178,151 – $340,100 24% $190,751 – $364,200
32% $329,851 – $418,850 32% $340,101 – $431,900 32% $364,201 – $462,500
35% $418,851 – $628,300 35% $431,901 – $647,850 35% $462,501 – $693,750
37% $628,301and Over 37% $647,851 and Over 37% $693,751 and Over

 

Married Filing Separately
2021 2022 2023
10% 0 – $9,950 10% 0 – $10,275 10% 0 – $11,000
12% $9,951 – $40,525 12% $10,276 – $41,775 12% $11,001 – $44,725
22% $40,526 – $86,375 22% $41,776 – $89,075 22% $44,726 – $95,375
24% $86,376 – $164,925 24% $89,076 – $170,050 24% $95,376 – $182,100
32% $164,926 – $209,425 32% $170,051 – $215,950 32% $182,101 – $231,250
35% $209,426 – $314,150 35% $215,951 – $323,925 35% $231,251 – $346,875
37% $314,151and Over 37% $323,926 and Over 37% $346,876 and Over

 

Heads of Housholds
2021 2022 2023
10% 0 – $14,200 10% 0 – $14,650 10% 0 – $15,700
12% $14,201 – $54,200 12% $14,651 – $55,900 12% $15,701 – $59,850
22% $54,201 – $86,350 22% $55,901 – $89,050 22% $59,851 – $95,350
24% $86,351 – $164,900 24% $89,051 – $170,050 24% $95,351 – $182,100
32% $164,901 – $209,400 32% $170,051 – $215,950 32% $182,101 – $231,250
35% $209,401 – $523,600 35% $215,951 – $539,900 35% $231,251 – $578,100
37% $523,601and Over 37% $539,901 and Over 37% $578,101 and Over

 

 

Conclusion

While the tax brackets are the same in 2023 as the prior year, the income thresholds increased 7% following hot inflation in the CPI. You can lower your marginal rate or at least reduce the amount of taxable income subject to it by optimizing itemized deductions.

Monitoring Trade Agreements with Taiwan, Promoting Plain-Language Rules, and Expanding Recruiting and Training for Law Enforcement

United States-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade First Agreement Implementation Act (HR 4004) – This bipartisan bill was introduced on June 12 by Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO). The purpose of this bill is to convey approval by Congress of the June 1 trade agreement between the United States and Taiwan. The bill addresses customs administration and regulatory practice issues, as well as dictates conditions for negotiations of subsequent trade agreements. Among its provisions, the bill requires that the U.S. Trade Representative share all negotiating texts with Congress prior to being sent to Taiwan or any parties outside of the executive branch. The bill passed in the House on June 21 and in the Senate on July 18. It was signed into law by the President on Aug. 7.

Providing Accountability Through Transparency Act of 2023 (S 111) – This bill, which was signed into law on July 25, requires each agency to provide a 100-word plain language summary of each new proposed rule posted at regulations.gov. The legislation was introduced by Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) on Jan. 26; passed in the Senate on June 22; and in the House on July 17.

Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act (HR 2544) – This bipartisan bill was introduced by Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN) on April 10. It modifies operations of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, which is managed by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). In the past, the network of professionals was managed by only one organization, but this new bill allows the HRSA to award multiple grants, contracts or cooperative agreements for network management. The legislation was passed in the House on July 25, in the Senate on July 27 and is currently awaiting signature by President Biden.

Strong Communities Act of 2023 (S 994) – Introduced by Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) on March 28, this bill permits funding by the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant program to be used to train officers and recruits who agree to serve in law enforcement agencies in their local communities. The bipartisan bill passed in the Senate on July 26 and is currently under consideration in the House.

Recruit and Retain Act (S 546) – Introduced by Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) on Feb. 28, this bill expands the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant program to enable law enforcement agencies to use funding for recruitment activities such as career and job fairs, as well as lower application fees for things like background checks, testing and psychological evaluations. The Act passed in the Senate on July 26 and has been forwarded to the House.

 

 

Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General Training Act of 2023 (S 1096) – This Act would require new Veterans Affairs (VA) employees to undergo training on how to report misconduct, respond to requests from and cooperate with the Office of the Inspector General. The bill was introduced on March 30 by Sen. Margaret Hassan (D-NH) and was passed in the Senate on July 13. Its fate now rests in the House.

2023 Sales Tax Holidays for Back-to-School Shopping

Now that we are heading into the backend of summer, it’s time for many states to host their annual sales tax holidays for returning to-school shopping. Numerous states with sales tax (remember, not all states have a sales tax) provide the reprieve to help families with the cost of annual school supplies and clothing.

Now that we are heading into the backend of summer, it’s time for many states to host their annual sales tax holidays for returning to-school shopping. Numerous states with sales tax (remember, not all states have a sales tax) provide the reprieve to help families with the cost of annual school supplies and clothing.

According to the National Retail Federation, nearly 80 percent of shoppers are expecting increased costs this year versus last year; so more than ever, consumers are looking for ways to save. Furthermore, about two-thirds of back-to-school shoppers take advantage of these tax-free shopping periods.

The vast majority of states offer some type of tax-free shopping for a limited time period, frequently taking place over a weekend. Below, we will look at each state that offers a sales tax holiday for back-to-school shoppers, along with their details. Note that several states, including Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, have their programs in July – and those are excluded from this article due to the timing of publication.

State Programs

Arkansas: From Aug. 5-6, the following items are tax-free for shoppers: clothes and shoes under $100 per piece, fashion accessories $50 and less per piece, as well as electronics, art, and school supplies.

Connecticut: From Aug. 20-26, clothes and shoes priced at $100 or less per piece are tax-exempt. Fashion accessories and sports gear are fully taxable, though.

Iowa: Aug. 4-5, clothes and shoes priced at $100 or less per piece are exempt.

Maryland: From Aug. 13-19, clothes and shoes priced at $100 or less per piece are exempt.

Missouri’s back-to-school tax breaks come Aug. 4-6. Clothes that cost less than $100 per piece are exempt. Also tax exempt on a “per purchase basis” are school supplies under $50, software under $350, and PCs under $1,500.

New Jersey: From Aug. 26 to Sept. 4 all art supplies, instructional materials, school supplies, and sports equipment sold to individuals are sales tax exempt. In addition, computers priced at $3,000 or less are also tax-free.

New Mexico cuts its sales tax charges from Aug. 4-6. Included are clothes, shoes, and backpacks costing $100 or less per piece; school supplies costing $30 or less per piece; and computers costing less than $1,000.

Ohio’s back-to-school deals are during Aug. 4-6. Clothes costing $75 or less per piece; school supplies less than $20; and other instructional materials priced at $20 or less are all tax-free.

Oklahoma from August 4-6; only clothes and shoes costing $100 or less per piece are exempt.

Texas: During Aug. 11-13, clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks priced below $100 per piece are exempt. The exemption applies to both brick-and-mortar sales and those made online or via catalog.

West Virginia: From Aug. 4-7, no sales tax is charged for clothing priced at $125 or less; laptops and tablets costing $500 or less; school supplies purchased for $50 or less; and also certain sports equipment costing $150 or less.

Expirations and Details

If you notice, most states have an exemption for clothes and footwear in a moderate price range. Some are more liberal with their exemptions, while others offer a tax break on a broader scope of items, such as electronics and supplies.

Keep in mind that a few states’ sales tax holidays are permanent, while others are temporary. Also, remember that certain states are very specific about what is exempt from sales tax, so visit your state’s tax revenue website for details. It’s also important to note that some states allow counties or towns to exempt themselves, so check for this provision as well.