New IRS Indexed Limits for 2020
The Internal Revenue Service today announced that employees in 401(k) plans will be able to contribute up to $19,500 next year. The IRS announced this and other changes in Notice 2019-59 (PDF)…
November Retirement Plan Newsletter 2019
This month’s retirement plan newsletter contains insights on IRS tips for plan sponsors, reasons to outsource fiduciary services, financial wellness programs, and more…
Lutz adds 14 Staff Accountants
Lutz, a Nebraska-based business solutions firm, recently added 14 staff accountants to its Omaha and Lincoln offices…
4 Reasons Why You Didn’t Get the Job
Finding a job is a tough process. It can be frustrating to apply for jobs and get rejected, or worse, to never hear anything back at all. There are many reasons why you may not have landed a job…
Spotting IT Risks Before They Become a Problem
With technology being as vital as it is to business, staying ahead of your IT troubles is an essential step to keeping your doors open. Being proactive with your IT goes a long way to preventing breaches…
2019 OPPS + ASC Proposed Federal Registers
These highlights are by no means a comprehensive listing of all provisions within the OPPS Proposed Rule, but provide a listing of significant items applicable to multiple facilities…
Rural Health Funding Opportunities
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have announced new grant opportunities available to rural hospitals. The grants listed below…
Telehealth and Telemedicine: What You Need to Know
Telehealth and telemedicine have made it so providers and patients have a new way to communicate. Telehealth is defined as the provision of healthcare remotely by means of telecommunications technology…
Virtual Currency + Cryptocurrency
The 2019 tax filing season is just around the corner and with that brings potential changes to tax compliance forms. It is anticipated that the IRS will be adding the following question to this year’s forms…
External Financial Statement Audit and Medicare Cost Report Best Practices
The few months after a facilities fiscal year end are always challenging. From closing the books, to preparing for the external audit process, to providing information for and completing the Medicare cost report…
Understanding the Tax Implications of a Business Sale
Most business sale transactions are structured as ‘asset sales.’ This is where the buyer sets up a new entity that acquires the assets of the selling business. How a business is structured can have significant…
4 Ways an Accountant Can Make Your Business Successful
Professional accounting involves more than just basic bookkeeping. It might be what your business needs to get to the next phase. However, it may also be one of the things that you keep putting off…
Are We Headed for a Recession?
Each morning I craft a Market Update email that I share with our advisors. This email provides commentary on what is happening in the markets and the economy. It includes data related to asset class…
Lutz adds Hesselgesser, Hinrichs and Masek to Central Nebraska Offices
Lutz, a Nebraska-based business solutions firm, welcomes Kelli Hesselgesser to its Grand Island office, and Brooke Hinrichs and Leslie Masek to its Hastings office…
Lutz adds Howes, McLane, Schriner, and Shafer
Lutz, a Nebraska-based business solutions firm, welcomes Jessica Howes, Andy McLane, Dakota Schriner, and Jeffrey Shafer…
October Retirement Plan Newsletter 2019
This month’s newsletter contains insights on fiduciary services, auto-enrollment into retirement plans, ways to increase employee retirement contribution participation, and more…
Connecting Talent to the Right Opportunity
The labor market is fragmented so much that most of us tend to settle for what comes our way. Often, when talent meets opportunity, it is bliss for both the job seeker and the employer. McKinsey Report shows that…
Cybersecurity Awareness Month + 8 Tips to Keep You Protected
Cybersecurity is an ever-prominent, continuously evolving topic in the business world today. With new technological advancements daily, it can be challenging to stay on top of the latest “trends” in cybersecurity…
Family Philanthropy + Creating a Shared Legacy
There’s no denying it: you feel good when you do good. The brain stimulation that occurs from being charitable is credited for a variety of benefits, including reducing stress, feeling happier…
How Automating Payroll Will Change Your Life
You didn’t start a business to learn about compliance with federal and state employee compensation rules. Yet here you are, wearing out your calculator twice a month as you try to stay current with tax tables…
Quarter Two Middle Market M&A Report 2019
Despite growing concerns over a potential economic slowdown, middle-market companies fared generally well in the second quarter. During the quarter there were 3,095 announced M&A transactions…
The Lutz M&A Client Experience + Exit Planning Success Story
The following is a story of Bob Henrichs and his experience working with Lutz M&A over a seven-year time frame. Bob recently sold his business with the help of Lutz M&A and his story is a good example of how…
Am I Ready to Retire? Finding Your Sweet Spot
If you could trade places with Warren Buffett, would you do it? While you would immediately be worth billions of dollars, you would also be 88 years-old. Perhaps you would consider trading place…
Running a Smarter Business + Simple Steps to Start Using Analytics
LUTZ BUSINESS INSIGHTS running a smarter business + simple steps to start using analytics ryan wade, software solutions manager Small business managers wear many hats throughout the day: sales, operations, service, and support. Often, the days feel like a...
Lutz Tech adds Hinrichs and Sheridan in Central, NE
Lutz, a Nebraska-based business solutions firm, recently added Tyler Hinrichs and Brenden Sheridan to its Tech division in its Central Nebraska offices…
5 Ways Technology is Changing Your Accounting
Technology has made accounting more approachable. Or at least more accessible. Software allows time to be spent figuring out how to accomplish business goals, not on calculating if you have the finances to do it…
Lutz M&A Advises Midwest Scaffold Service on its Sale to Sunbelt Rentals
Lutz M&A announced that it served as exclusive financial advisor to Midwest Scaffold Service (“MWSS” or the “Company”), in connection with its acquisition by Sunbelt Rentals, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ashtead Group (LSE:AHT)…
September Retirement Plan Newsletter 2019
This month’s newsletter contains insights on index funds, student loan contribution programs, borrowing against your retirement plan, and more…
Crop Insurance Income and Deferral Possibilities
Mother Nature can be fickle – some years your yield is plentiful, whereas other years crops can be damaged due to significant drought, insect infestations, floods, fire, etc. Thankfully, there are alternatives…
What is Form 990?
The Form 990 series represents the annual informational tax form group that is required to be filed with the IRS by tax-exempt organizations, including charitable and educational organizations, trade associations…
How to Answer These 4 Frequently Asked Interview Questions
Whether you are fresh out of college or a seasoned professional, interviews can be nerve-wracking. You may be nervous that an interviewer might throw you a curve ball question and you won’t know how to answer it…
Why the Planning Phase of a Financial Statement Audit is Important
The word audit is often dreaded for many companies; however, if properly prepared, a financial statement audit can provide many benefits to a Company…
Family Office Millennial Educational Series: Financial Literacy Basics
This is the first session of our Family Office Millennial Educational Series – Financial Literacy Basics: The Beginner’s Guide. Nick Hall and Josh Jenkins of Lutz Financial cover savings plans…
How Microsoft Office 365 Can Optimize Business Processes
When owning a business, there are many things to manage in a small window of time. From figuring out your finances to managing your employees, juggling everything can be a difficult task to accomplish..
Lutz Named a “Top 100 Firm” and “Best of the Best” by INSIDE Public Accounting
INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA) recently announced their annual financial performance analysis and ranking of the nation’s largest public accounting firms. This year, Lutz made it’s second appearance…
Lutz Promotes Pugh to Shareholder
Lutz, a Nebraska-based business solutions firm, has promoted Taylor Pugh, CPA, to Audit Shareholder in Lutz’s Omaha office…
Lutz adds Melissa Adams and Connie Harrison
Lutz, a Nebraska-based business solutions firm, recently added Melissa Adams and Connie Harrison to its Omaha office…
5 Key Purchase Agreement Considerations
The purchase agreement is a major component of an M&A deal. It is the contract that documents all of the terms agreed upon between the buyer and the seller in a transaction. Without one, it would be…
Is Value Investing Dead?
Value investing has been around for nearly a century, developing a devout group of followers over time. Some of the world’s most prominent investors employ a variation of the strategy, including Omaha’s…
Lutz M&A adds Mark Otte
Lutz, a Nebraska-based business solutions firm, welcomes Mark Otte to its M&A division in the Omaha office…
Smart User Management Key to Data Security
Accounting data is some of the most sensitive information your company manages. Make sure you’re protecting it…
Englund a Recipient of Hastings Young Professional 30 Under 30ish Award
Lutz, a Nebraska-based business solutions firm, is proud to announce that Ashley Englund has been named a Hastings Young Professional’s 30 Under 30ish award winner…
August Retirement Plan Newsletter 2019
This month’s newsletter includes insights on integrating your health savings into your retirement plan, Anthem settlements, information on HSA’s, and more…
Resume Do’s and Don’ts
The ease of applying to jobs online has created an influx in resume submissions. Consequently, employers and HR departments spend only a small amount of time reviewing each resume and usually…
Lutz Announces Associate + Coordinator Promotions
Lutz, a Nebraska-based business solutions firm, has promoted Courtney Russell and Cara Williams in Lutz’s Omaha office…
3 Things a Business Plan Can Do for You
If the thought of creating a business plan is intimidating, think about the many benefits of having one…
Should Your Company be Using a VPN?
When businesses want to keep their data safe and secure no matter where it’s located, they often use a virtual private network or VPN. Because of the rise in cyber attacks, Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) programs…
Lutz Promotes 15 to Senior Positions
Lutz, a Nebraska-based business solutions firm, has promoted 15 professionals to Senior positions…
CAH Ambulance Changes
The current policy for ambulance services furnished by a CAH or an entity that is owned and operated by a CAH is 101 percent of the reasonable costs of the CAH or the entity in furnishing those services, but only if…
Health Resources & Services Administration: The Impact on Rural Health
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the primary federal agency for improving health care for people who are…
Activation of OPPS System Edits Delayed
Special Edition (SE) 19007 was revised to provide an update on Round 3 testing of system edits for Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) providers with multiple service locations and to announce a delay…
Provider Enrollment Updates
The Medicare provider and supplier enrollment process is a continuous one which requires on-going attention, lest you be impacted by an interruption in reimbursement…
ICD-10 Updates for 2020
CMS published the changes to the ICD-10-CM codes effective for services on or after October 1, 2019. There are 273 new codes, 21 deleted codes and 30…
Travel Expenses Out of Control? Add an App
If your travel expense report needs are too great for QuickBooks, you can add an integrated app to accommodate them…
Lutz adds Cory Hanson and Regan Szatko
Lutz, a Nebraska-based business solutions firm, welcomes Cory Hanson and Regan Szatko to Lutz’s Omaha office. Cory joins the firm as an Operations Lead, and Regan joins as an Administrative Assistant…
5 Accounting Strategies for the Self Employed
Being a business owner is great, but you’ll quickly realize you hold responsibilities in areas that you may not have much experience. Leveraging the expertise of others can allow you to spend your time on…
Lutz Promotes Six to Manager
Lutz, a Nebraska-based business solutions firm, has promoted six professionals to Manager positions. Congratulations to Merrick, Mark, Brandi, Katie, Tracy and Kayla…
July Retirement Plan Newsletter 2019
This month’s newsletter contains insights on how to stay on top of your responsibilities and liabilities this summer and more…
Lutz Announces Director Promotions
Lutz, a Nebraska-based business solutions firm, has promoted seven to Director roles. Congratulations to Joe, Ashley, Sharissa, Kyle, John, Ryan and Curtis…
Everything You Need to Know About the New Farm Bill
Those in farming and various other businesses tied to agriculture may experience some changes due to the 2018 farm bill, depending on their specific operation. The formal name for this bill is the…
M&A Transactions + Seller Equity Roll
The popularity of equity rollovers in M&A transactions has increased in the past decade. Rolling equity is when certain equity holders in the target company are required or elect to roll a portion of their ownership…
Being Mindful of the Social Security Tax Torpedo & Medicare Surcharges
Social Security and Medicare are programs often at the forefront of retirees’ minds. The claiming strategies and rules can be very confusing for the average person. To complicate matters, timing decisions on…
Tax Cuts & Jobs Act + Ag Industry
Jim Honz, Lutz Tax Shareholder, was recently featured on the Nebraska Grain & Feed Association’s (NEGFA) website for an article about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) relating to the agriculture industry…
Lutz adds Lake and Risinger as Staff Accountants
Lutz, a Nebraska-based business solutions firm, welcomes Alec Lake and Katie Risinger to the team. Alec is working in the Grand Island office, while Katie assists both the Hastings and Grand Island teams remotely…
Provider-Based Departments Update 2019
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) Are Requiring Hospital Provider-Based Departments (PBDs) to be Properly Enrolled in Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System (PECOS)…
7 Questions You Should Always Ask in an Interview
Job interviews are typically the first step in the job seeking process and it is important to make a great first impression. However, you (as the candidate) shouldn’t be the only one responding to all the questions…
Confused by QuickBooks’ Report Customization
If you’re still doing your accounting on paper, you know how challenging it is to create reports. You might be able to cobble together a simple report using Excel, but even that takes time and skill…
Lutz Financial adds Joe Carlson
Lutz, a Nebraska-based business solutions firm, welcomes Joe Carlson to its Omaha office’s financial division. Joe joins Lutz Financial as a Financial Planner. He is responsible for assisting Lutz Financials’ advisers…
Lutz adds Clites, Goscha and Taylor as Staff Accountants
Lutz, a Nebraska-based business solutions firm, welcomes Michiko Clites, Hannah Goscha and Steven Taylor to the Omaha office…
Net Working Capital: What is it and How is it Used?
A commonly misunderstood topic in M&A transactions is the concept of net working capital (NWC). This is recognized as a predetermined amount of capital that is included in the purchase price in a business sale…
Socially Responsible and Environmentally Sustainable Portfolios
An increasing number of investors are looking for ways to align investment decisions with their own values and philosophies. As a citizen, you can express your political preferences around sustainability and other social…
Lutz adds Obermier and Schultze to Grand Island Office
Lutz, a Nebraska-based business solutions firm, welcomes Alexa Obermier and Jarrett Schultze to its Grand Island office. Alexa and Jarrett join Lutz as staff accountants. They are responsible for the preparation of…
5 Ways to Maximize Your Tax Refund
With each tax season comes the hope of a substantial refund, or at least the chance of not owing too much in taxes. So, how can you be sure you are getting back as much as you should…
Lutz adds Katy Doyle as Lutz Talent Recruiter
Lutz, a Nebraska-based business solutions firm, recently added Katy Doyle to its Lutz Talent division in Omaha. Katy joins Lutz Talent as a Recruiter…
Family Governance + Not an Act
For a family enterprise to sustain its wealth, acting collaboratively is required. This need for cohesion leads to the creation of structures and processes that guide the family’s behavior as it navigates the complexities…
Benchmarking for Medical Practices
“Our life begins and ends with measurement. What was the baby’s length and weight at birth? How old was the man when he passed away? At every step in our life we are measured against something or someone…
Why You Need a Disaster Recovery Plan
To understand why you need a disaster recovery plan, you need only think about events that have occurred over the past couple of years in the United States. Recent flooding in Nebraska and Iowa, wildfires…
Sales Tax Registration 101
Starting a business can be easy. Knowing how to make sure that you are in compliance with state and federal laws is a little more difficult. You probably already know that you need to register to collect sales tax…
Tax Law Update
In this webinar, Deyna Rouse and John Kampfe discuss updates to the new tax law and how it may affect your business or organization. They also cover the Qualified Business Income Deduction, method changes…
Lutz adds Steve Roberts as Chief Financial Officer
Lutz, a Nebraska-based business solutions firm, recently added Steve Roberts to its Firm Admin Department. Bringing over 30 years of experience in accounting and finance, Steve joins the firm as Chief Financial…
June Retirement Plan Newsletter 2019
This month’s retirement plan newsletter contains insights on the evolving workscape, millennials saving for retirement, and more…
The Benefits of Temporary Staffing
If you have a vacancy at your company, you may choose to fill it with a temporary staff member. Working with a temporary employee can benefit your business in many ways, however, there are pitfalls you should…
5 Ways to Prevent Data Breaches
Large corporations grab the headlines when they’re hit by a cyber attack, but small businesses are far from immune. In fact, hackers count on the fact that organizations with just a handful of, or a few dozen, employees relax their…
Lutz adds Colleen Boyd to Grand Island Office
Lutz, a Nebraska-based business solutions firm, recently added Colleen Boyd to its Grand Island Office. Colleen joins the firm as an Accounting Assistant and brings over five years of experience in the accounting industry…
Lutz adds Kelly Prokupek as Talent Acquisition Assistant
Lutz, a Nebraska-based business solutions firm, recently added Kelly Prokupek to its Talent division in the Omaha Office…
Denial Management: Are You Doing Enough?
“There’s tremendous pressure to reduce denials. According to CMS, 20% of all claims are denied, 60% of lost or denied claims will never be resubmitted, and 18% of claims will never be collected…
CMS Survey & Certification Emergency Preparedness Initiative
Following the devastating experiences by health care facilities during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Survey and Certification (S&C) Group established a series of internal…
Why Do a Chargemaster Review?
How pricing is set for a healthcare organization may have a significant impact on financial performance. In addition, if individual charge items in the chargemaster file contains errors payment for services…
Cash Flow Problems? 5 Ways to Improve It
You can fix some of the problems your small business faces and move on. You change couriers or banks or suppliers if services and fees aren’t acceptable…
2019 Tax Return: Why You Should Prepare Early & How To Do It
Filing your taxes isn’t always simple and enjoyable. For this reason, many people tend to put them off as long as possible. Unfortunately, delaying your tax preparation will only hurt you in the end…
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