- 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.
Olsen Thielen Advisor Blog
- 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.
- April 23, 2019
A nonprofit board retreat is an opportunity for participants to get past the ordinary topics of regular board meetings and delve deeply into specific issues. Most board members lead busy lives and some may not be able to attend all meetings or possibly only attend via teleconference. A carefully planned
- April 11, 2019
With great sadness we announce the passing of a Robert J. Olsen on March 13th. Bob was a terrific business leader, mentor, husband, and father. Bob and Reynold Thielen took the reins of the firm in 1957 and led it through a period of tremendous growth.
- April 4, 2019
All organizations, whether for-profit or not-for-profit, must evolve or they could become obsolete. For-profit organizations tend to react faster to market demands, whereas many not-for-profits continue to run their organization the same way it always has been done in the past. Not-for-profits can learn a few things from the for-profit
- April 2, 2019
Competition is intense for private and public grants to not-for-profits, so it is as important as ever to write a winning grant proposal. Submitting a sloppy and unprofessional grant proposal could undermine your efforts to receive adequate grant money.
- April 2, 2019
Not-for-profit organizations frequently conduct raffles as fundraisers. This popular fundraiser, however, is subject to strict state and federal tax rules. State laws can vary significantly, but nonprofits also must comply with federal income tax requirements such as unrelated business income, reporting and withholding.
- April 2, 2019
Financial resources are precious for most not-for-profit organizations and they need to minimize accounting and tax mistakes. It is true that to err is human, but some errors are more consequential and harder to fix than others. Here are some questions you need to ask to avoid common accounting and tax
- April 2, 2019
Religious congregations are not required to file tax returns so they may not have the benefit of regular oversight by independent accountants and also may not be aware of the best practices that should be followed. Without professional accounting oversight, they could be leaving their organizations vulnerable to fraud and
- April 2, 2019
Like many not-for-profits you may use regular member surveys to find out the pressing needs of your members, but if you fail to conduct them strategically means you could end up with useless information. Maximize your next survey’s effectiveness by focusing on your objectives during every stage of the process.
- April 2, 2019
Striving to improve communication and collaboration between a not-for-profit's development and accounting departments can avoid confusion, embarrassment and possibly financial problems. Here are three ways your organization can facilitate cooperation between these two critical functions.
- March 13, 2019
Directors and officers (D&O) liability insurance is common in the business world, but not as common at not-for-profit organizations. This type of coverage enables board members to make decisions without fear that they’ll be personally responsible for any related litigation costs.
- March 13, 2019
Offering a 401(k) plan has become a competitive necessity for businesses, but some some employees are so accustomed to having a plan they ignore their 401(k) or at most pay very little attention to it. As a business owner, it's in your best interest to keep your employees engaged
- March 13, 2019
Nonprofit organizations rely on donor gifts to achieve their objectives. There are two kinds of gifts, restricted--that come with conditions attached; and unrestricted, that can be added to general operating funds and used where needed..
- 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.