Bulloch, DuPertuis, Schulman, Seger & Co.

“CPAs in communities large and small and from coast to coast are increasingly troubled by the government’s inability to come to grips with this economic calamity-in-the-making,” AICPA President and CEO Barry Melancon, CPA, CGMA, said in a news release.

Senate Republican leader, Mitch McConnell, has made it clear that the tax issue is done. He says the biggest problem now is the country’s debt. He remains committed to finding ways to cut spending while the government struggles with its debt.

The uncertainty over the gift and estate taxes is over this week as a result of the American Taxpayer Relief Act. “Congress has permanently set the estate and gift tax exemptions at $5 million (a level that will rise with inflation).”

“Why some startups soar to great heights while others stumble and fall is almost impossible to answer without digging into the detail of each, on a case-by-case basis. So many factors affect success — from funding and timing, to experience, execution, competitive landscape and even luck. There is also the strength of the idea itself, and whether the competition is better, faster, stronger than you are.”

“Serve your internal customers (employees) and they will ‘serve’ your external customers. They will become an extension of your vision and values. They will make decisions based on the values, not out of fear.”

The U.S. employment outlook is improving with December’s growth with 155,000 new jobs and the jobless rate staying at 7.8 percent. Though economists expected better results, the economy’s fate ultimately rests with the Federal Government.

“The challenge I would like to leave with each of you as we enter 2013 is to create a great team environment. If you can accomplish this goal, the reward is not only high productivity, but also employees who love to come to work, and who are bursting with excitement and energy to accomplish their job.”

The new changes to the Clarified Auditing Standards will effect every auditor. There are three particular changes listed that require significant attention.

James Beshara, co-founder and CEO of Crowdtilt.com, predicts the top five start-up tech trends for 2013.

Forty-one percent of companies are increasing their budgets for internal audits according to a recent report by the North American audit executives by The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).