Construction and Real Estate

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Active Fraud Detection

August 15, 2019

When it comes to reducing fraud loss and duration, active fraud detection methods (such as surprise audits or data monitoring) are far more effective than passive methods (such as confessions or notification by police). In spite of the effectiveness of the active methods, many companies fail to use them to their full

Background Checks Help Cover all the Bases

July 30, 2019

Background checks don’t inoculate companies against occupational fraud and other criminal acts by employees. After all, many thieves have never been caught and, therefore, have no criminal background.

Corporate Espionage

July 26, 2019

Corporate espionage involves the theft of information that hasn’t been made public and each year businesses lose billions of dollars in intellectual property (IP) from thieves stealing trade secrets.

Social Security Phone Scam

June 4, 2019

Identify theft is a growing problem for consumers, and the latest tool in the scammers arsenal is the Social Security Phone Scam.

Succession Plan for Family Business

May 16, 2019

Owners of a family-owned business many times underestimate the need for a succession plan for their family business. The thinking may be "we’re a family business and there'll always be a family member here to keep the company going and no one will stand in the way."

Robocall Scam

April 23, 2019

According to the KnowBe4 Security Team (www.KnowBe4.com), be on the lookout for a popular robocall scam that is tricking people into believing their Social Security number (SSN) has been suspended.

Entrepreneurs and Start-Up Expenses

April 23, 2019

For start-ups, before you even open the doors, you generally have to spend a lot of money to train workers and pay for rent, utilities, marketing and more. Entrepreneurs sometimes are surprised to find out that many expenses can’t be deducted right away.

Leasing or Buying Equipment

March 12, 2019

Have you ever wondered if leasing or buying equipment would be more tax efficient for your business? Recent changes to federal tax law and accounting rules could affect whether you make the decision to lease or buy equipment or other fixed assets.

Like-Kind Exchanges of Real Property

February 19, 2019

Generally, if a taxpayer exchanges business or investment property solely for business or investment property of a like or similar kind, they don’t need to recognize a gain or loss.

Magen M. Koepp Elected Principal

September 4, 2018

Olsen Thielen is pleased to announce Magen M. Koepp was elected Principal of the firm, effective September 1, 2018. Magen is an Employee Benefit Plan Specialist and has ten years of experience in accounting, auditing and consulting.

Get Your Financial Statements in Order Before Asking for a Business Loan

August 9, 2018

As a business owner, if you are considering expanding your company, be sure to get your financial statements in order before asking for a business loan.

Apartment Complex Property Manager – Employee or Independent Contractor?

July 11, 2018

The IRS recently won a tax court case that reclassified an apartment complex manager (who was being treated as an independent contractor) as an employee, subjecting the apartment building’s owner to employment taxes and penalties.

Michael Bromelkamp to Retire

June 19, 2018

Olsen Thielen Principal, Michael Bromelkamp, is in the process of transitioning from his many responsibilities at Olsen Thielen after 25 years with the Firm.

Competitive Business Health Assessment

May 11, 2018

For business owners, it is important to step back and regularly do a competitive business health assessment. Even a successful business can fall victim to changing market conditions or major disruptions in the industry if they are not paying attention.

Change Management Benefits

May 10, 2018

Change is difficult and when change management benefits are carefully considered, a formal approach can minimize the negative fallout and increase the likelihood of achieving your desired change goals, whether it be something as drastic as a merger or as simple as a new software program.