News

2/20/2013
Jude Hoar Featured in Lancaster Chamber Newsletter

Jude Hoar, CPA and partner at Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP, has been featured in the February 2013 issue of the Lancaster Chamber Newsletter.  You can learn about Jude under the "Meet Your Board Members" section of the newsletter.
 
Jude was elected to the Lancaster Chamber's Board of Directors for a three year term that began in January 2013.

2/1/2013
Peter Faranda-Diedrich Elected as Treasurer for Historic Preservation Trust

Peter Faranda-Diedrich, CPA at Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP, was elected as treasurer for Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County for 2013.
 
The Historic Preservation Trust is the only organization in Lancaster County dedicated to protecting the county's historically significant homes, barns, covered bridges, and other structures.

1/28/2013
Krista Showers Served as Preliminary Judge for PA FBLA Event

Krista Showers, CPA, CEBS, partner at Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP, served as preliminary judge of the Pennsylvania Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Partnership with Business Event for the 2013 State Leadership Conference.  As such, she was one of three judges that reviewed all financial business plans.
 
The FBLA helps develop leadership abilities, and prepare for entry into, and advancement within, a business or business-related occupation.  Members learn how to engage in business enterprise, how to direct the affairs of a group, and how to compete honorably in competitive events.  These activities help prepare students to be better employees and better citizens.
 

1/28/2013
Krista Showers Elected to ISCEBS Board of Directors

Krista Showers, CPA, CEBS, partner at Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP, was elected to the Central PA Chapter of International Society of Certified Employee Benefit Specialists (ISCEBS) Board of Directors for 2013.
 
The Central PA Chapter of ISCEBS is the premier organization in the region for providing educational resources and innovative thinking for benefits professionals, while supporting members' efforts in:
  • Staying current with industry developments and legislative/regulatory issues,
  • Having industry-wide networking opportunities
  • Excelling in their career, and
  • Pursuing the professional designations offered by the International Foundation of Employee Benefits and the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

1/21/2013
Don Johnson Elected to CPA Associates North America Board

Don Johnson, Jr., CPA, managing partner of Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP, was elected to the North America Board of Directors of CPA Associates International, Inc., a leading association of accounting firms.
 
"I am pleased to offer my services to CPA Associates International, of which our firm has been a member since 2010," said Johnson.  "I look forward to helping guide the mission of this prestigious association, which has played such a significant role in our firm's growth."
 
CPA Associates International, Inc. is an association of CPA firms comprising 157 market exclusive member firms and over 300 offices worldwide with 54 members in the United States and 103 members in 64 foreign countries.

1/10/2013
Highlights of 2012 American Taxpayer Relief Act & Other Items

On January 1, 2013, Congress passed the American Taxpayer Relief Act (2012 Taxpayer Relief Act), which the President has since signed.  The 2012 Taxpayer Relief Act will prevent many of the tax increases that were scheduled to go into effect for 2013, but will also increase income taxes for some high-income individuals.  Further, it extends a host of provisions affecting individual taxpayers and small business owners.  This is general in nature and is not intended to be, nor should it be, treated as tax advice.  Please contact your accountant at Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP if you have specific questions about the following information and how it may affect you.
 
Individual Tax Breaks Retroactively Reinstated and Extended by the 2012 Taxpayer Relief Act:
  • American Opportunity tax credit which permits eligible taxpayers to claim a maximum tax credit of $2,500 for the first four years of post-secondary education has been extended for 5 years.
  • $1,000 child tax credit has been permanently extended
  • Retroactively effective for tax years beginning 2012, the Act permanently increases the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts.  In addition, the exemption amount will be indexed annually for inflation.
  • Retroactively effective for tax years 2012 and 2013:
    • Extension of deduction for certain expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers
    • Extension of exclusion from gross income and discharge of qualified principal residence indebtedness
    • Extension of mortgage insurance premiums treated as qualified residence interest
    • Extension of deduction of state and local general sales tax
    • Extension of above-the-line deductions for qualified tuition and related expenses
    • Extension of tax-free distributions from individual retirement plans for charitable purposes (decisions related to 2012 must be made by January 31st so contact our office to discuss if this might apply to you)
    • Extension of residential energy efficiency improvements credit with a continued $500 lifetime limit
 
Key Individual Income Tax Provisions Added with the 2012 Taxpayer Relief Act: 
  • For tax years beginning after 2012, the Act retains the 2012 tax rates for taxpayers earning less than $450,000 (joint filers) or $400,000 (single filers), with a 39.6% rate applicable to income above these thresholds.
  • For tax years beginning after 2012, the Act increases the long-term capital gain and dividend tax rates to 20% for taxpayers with incomes exceeding the thresholds noted above.  For taxpayers whose ordinary income is generally taxed at a rate below 25%, capital gains and dividends will be permanently be subject to a 0% rate.  Taxpayers who are subject to a 25%-or-greater rate on ordinary income, but whose income levels fall below the $400,000/$450,000 thresholds, will continue to be subject to a 15% rate on capital gains and dividends.
  • For tax years beginning after 2012, the Act reinstated the phase out of Personal Exemptions and itemized deductions for joint filers with income above $300,000 and for single filers with income above $250,000.
 
Business Tax Breaks Retroactively Reinstated and Extended by the 2012 Taxpayer Relief Act:
  • The Act extends (and in some cases modifies) a number of depreciation breaks, including:
    • Increased Section 179 expensing limitation to $500,000 and treatment of certain real property as eligible Section 179 property extended through 2013
    • 50% bonus depreciation extended through 2013
    • 15-year straight line cost recovery for qualified leaseholder improvements, qualified restaurant buildings and improvements, and qualified retail improvements extended through 2013
  • The Act extends (and in some cases modifies) many other tax breaks, including:
    • Research credit extended through 2013
    • Work opportunity tax credit extended through 2013
    • Reduction from 10 to five years fir the S corporation built-in gains tax recognition period
    • Credit for energy-efficient new homes
    • Alternative fuels excise tax credits
 
Estate Tax Provisions in the 2012 Taxpayer Relief Act:
  • For individuals dying and gifts made after 2012, the American Taxpayer Relief Act authorizes a $5 million exclusion (adjusted for inflation to $5.25 million for 2013), and a top estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax rate of 40% (up from 35%).
  • The Act also extends portability of the Deceased Spousal Unused Exclusion Amount (DSUEA), effective for individuals dying and gifts made after 2012.  The DSUEA allows some or all of the exclusion amount not used by a deceased spouse's estate to be transferred to the surviving spouse, who can use this amount, in addition to his or her own exclusion, for lifetime gifts or transfers at death.
 
Other Important Items to Note Included in Other Tax Acts:
  • Medicare tax on investment income.
    • Beginning January 1, 2013, a new tax is imposed, related to health care reform, on individuals equal to 3.8% of the lesser of the individual's net investment income for the year or the amount the individual's modified adjusted gross income exceeds $250,000 (joint filers) or $200,000 (single filer).
    • Net investment income is investment income reduced by deductions associated with the investment income.  Investment income included interest, dividends, annuities, royalties, rents, net gains from sale of property, and passive income.
  • Beginning January 1, 2013, there is an extra 0.9% tax on wages and self-employment earnings which exceed $250,000 (joint filers) or $200,000 (single filers).
  • Starting January 1, 2013, the threshold for taking unreimbursed medical expenses as an itemized deduction has been increased from 7.5% of adjusted gross income to10%.
  • Starting January 1, 2013, the annual limitation on medical Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) is set at $2,500.
  • In 2013, the maximum annual exclusion gift is raised for inflation to $14,000.

1/8/2013
Carol Roland Admitted as Partner

Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP is pleased to announce the admission of Carol E. Roland, CPA, CFE as a partner in the firm on January 1, 2013.  Carol currently serves on the firm’s Quality Control Committee, Government Practice Group and leads our Forensic Practice Group. 

12/21/2012
Lauren Schaefer Writes for Young Professional Network Blog

Lauren Schaefer, Senior Tax Accountant at Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP, has written an article for the Lancaster Chamber’s Young Professional Network blog called "Twas The Night Before Tax Season”.   Lauren is currently a member of the Young Professional Network and its Advisory Board.  This blog represents the voices of young professionals from within Chamber membership.

The Lancaster Chamber has formed a Young Professional Network to offer opportunities for networking, professional skills development, and shaping the quality of life in Lancaster County.

12/21/2012
Holiday Hours

Wishing you the Happiest of Holidays and all the Best in the New Year!!
 
Our offices will be closed on:
  • Monday, December 24, 2012 - Christmas Eve
  • Tuesday, December 25, 2012 - Christmas Day
  • Tuesday, January 1, 2013 - New Year's Day

12/17/2012
TEG Children's Christmas Party with Santa

On Saturday, December 15th, Trout, Ebersole & Groff hosted a children's Christmas party with Santa for the employee's children.  The children enjoyed singing Christmas carols, reading their favorite Christmas stories, making an ornament, sitting on Santa's lap, and a bagged snack.  Each child also brought a wrapped gift for a child in need from a local nonprofit organization.  Everyone had a great time!

12/12/2012
Laura High Receives CPA Designation

Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP is pleased to announce that Laura High has earned the designation of Certified Public Accountant (CPA).  This certification indicates that Laura has completed the necessary education and experience requirements and has passed the uniform CPA examination.  We wish to congratulate Laura on this important milestone in her professional career.

12/10/2012
Brian Wassell and Tim Miller Attend Practice Transition Seminar in New York

Brian Wassell, CPA/Partner and Tim Miller, CPA at Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP, attended a "Practice Transition" seminar sponsored by Collier & Associates, Inc. on Thursday, December 6th at the Marriott Eastside in New York.  The focus of the seminar was on dental and medical practices and included topics such as:
  • Are you ready to retire?
  • How to value a practice.
  • How to save taxes on the sale and purchase of a practice or when taking or becoming a partner.
  • What happens to a corporation at retirement?
  • What happens to a doctor-owned office building at retirement?
  • How to avoid major blunders in group practice buy-sell agreements.
  • Fair compensation techniques among partners.
  • Taking benefits out of a retirement plan.
  • Avoiding the 10% penalty on "premature" (before age 59 1/2) distributions.

12/3/2012
Doug Deihm and Monte Anderson Attend NYU Institute on State and Local Taxation Conference

Doug Deihm, CPA/Partner and Monte Anderson, CPA at Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP, attended the annual NYU Institute on State and Local Taxation Conference on November 29th and 30th at the Grand Hyatt in New York.
 
The annual NYU Institute on State and Local Taxation conference addresses all major areas of taxation and attracts attorneys, accountants, state tax officials, tax directors, tax managers, and anyone seeking expert discussion on the latest technical, legislative, and planning developments.
 
The Institute is designed for the practitioner who must frequently anticipate and handle state and local tax matters.  It provides high-level updates, practical advice you can implement, and in-depth analysis of the latest developments and current issues in all areas and local taxation. Attendees learn practical solutions and valuable insights from leading authorities across the profession.

11/28/2012
Jude Hoar Elected to Lancaster Chamber Board of Directors

Jude Hoar, CPA and partner at Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP, has been unanimously elected to the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce & Industry's Board of Directors for a three-year term, officially beginning in January, 2013.
 
The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce & Industry is a dynamic membership organization rich in history and comprised of nearly 2,400 community-minded businesses totaling to more than 116,000 employees collectively working to make Lancaster County a great place to live, work and do business.  The Chamber boasts an impressive menu of services aimed at helping business leaders and professionals connect, learn and grow, while leveraging the collective power of this group to weigh in on legislative and community issues that affect Lancaster County's business climate and quality of life.
 

11/20/2012
Thanksgiving Holiday Hours

Thanksgiving is the perfect occasion to express our sincere thanks to those whose friendship we cherish.  Thank you for your business and best wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday!
 
Our offices will be closed Thursday, November 22nd and Friday, Novemeber 23rd.  We will resume normal hours on Monday, November 26th.

11/15/2012
Erica Colon Hired as IT Helpdesk Junior Administrator

Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP is proud to have Erica Colon join our team as the IT Helpdesk Junior Administrator.  Erica graduated from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology (magna cum laude) in 2011 with an Associate's degree in Computer Networks and System Administration.  She was also awarded Most Technical Growth.
 
Welcome Erica!

11/14/2012
Wayne Luckenbaugh Attends AICPA Forensic & Valuation Services Conference

Wayne Luckenbaugh, Business Valuation & Litigation Consulting Group Manager at Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP, attended the AICPA Forensic & Valuation Services Conference on November 11th thru the 13th in Orlando, Florida.
 
The AICPA Forensic & Valuation Services Conference combines the AICPA National Forensic Accounting Conference along with the AICPA National Business Valuation Conference.  They have been combined to provide a one-stop learning experience for both the forensic and valuation practitioner.  This event gathers the top forensic accounting and business valuation experts from around the United States and focuses on subject matter most relevant to professional development and business needs.
 

11/13/2012
TEG Takes 1st Place in BBBS Dodgeball Tournament

On Saturday, November 10th, several Trout, Ebersole & Groff employees participated in the 8th Annual Dodgeball Tournament fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lancaster at the Thaddeus Stevens School of Technology.  Congratulations to our team for winning 1st place in the Adult Recreational Division and for supporting a great cause!
 
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lancaster offers children of Lancaster County opportunities to be mentored by a qualified volunteer to assist them to become a confident, competent, and caring individual.
 
 

11/6/2012
Brian Wassell Guest Speaker for M&M Mars Executive Lecture Series

Brian Wassell, CPA and partner at Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP, was the guest speaker at the M&M Mars Executive Lecture Series on Friday, November 2nd at Elizabethtown College.  Brian lectured to a group of approximately 80 Elizabethtown Department of Business students on "The Secrets to a Successful Business Career" and afterwards enjoyed lunch with a few accounting students.
 
M&M Mars has partnered with Elizabethtown College Department of Business to create the Executive Lecture Series geared toward bringing in senior level executives from various industries to talk about their business and engage students in discussions about programs that are offered to customers.

11/5/2012
Peggie Stauffer and Robin Bodine Attend CPAAI Annual Meeting

Peggie Stauffer, CPA, CCIFP and Robin Bodine, CPA, both partners at Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP, attended the CPA Associates International's 55th Annual Meeting and Technical Sessions on October 22nd thru the 24th.
 
The topics of the technical sessions included:
  • Troublesome Accounting & Auditing Issues
  • The Dangers of Improper Revenue Recognition
  • Planning Cost Effective and Efficient Audits
  • Fraud Prevention and Helping Management Create an Anti-Fraud Environment
  • Partnerships:  Hot Topics, Cases and Rulings
  • Federal Tax Update
  • International Tax Update for the U.S. Tax Practitioner
 
CPA Associates International (CPAAI) is an association of independent CPA and Chartered Accounting firms that provide clients with professional accounting, auditing, tax, and a variety of consulting services.  The market exclusive organization includes 159 members in 65 countries throughout the world.  Each member draws on the services of the Association and resources of fellow members to better serve their clients and manage their firms.
 

11/2/2012
TEG Social Media Launch

Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP has now added our company profile to LinkedIn and Facebook to better communicate with our clients.  We invite you to join us as we explore this additional method of communicating.  If you already have LinkedIn or Facebook accounts, we encourage you to "FOLLOW" us on LinkedIn and "LIKE" us on Facebook.  In this fast-paced technological world we live in today, time and information are very important.  Using these social media services will allow us to more easily and quickly provide you with important updates on tax laws and changes in industry related information.  If you do not have a LinkedIn or Facebook account, you can also find this information on our website.

11/1/2012
Doug Smith Voted “Best of Lancaster” by Lancaster County Magazine Readers

Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP would like to thank the readers of Lancaster County magazine for voting Doug Smith, CPA, CVA and Partner, as the #1 Accountant in Lancaster County for the second year in a row!
 
Barry Huber, CPA and Partner and Brian Wassell, CPA and Partner, were also voted "Among the Best" of Lancaster County.

11/1/2012
PA Grants Extension of State Tax and UC Deadlines

Secretary of Revenue, Dan Meuser, and Secretary of Labor & Industry, Julia Hearthway, announced certain filing and payment deadline extensions for business and individual taxpayers directly impacted by Hurricane Sandy. In general, Pennsylvania will follow Internal Revenue Service rules outlined in recent news releases (IR-2012-82) that extended federal tax deadlines to November 7th.

 

The 2012 Pennsylvania disaster recovery deadline extension generally applies to inheritance tax, employer withholding and motor carrier road tax/IFTA tax filings and payments with due dates between October 29th and October 31st. The deadline extension also applies to unemployment compensation tax filings for third quarter 2012 that were due October 31st. Such filings may now be filed as late as November 7th.

 

No special action or notice is required by the taxpayer, as the deadline extensions will automatically be honored.

10/31/2012
IRS Gives Additional Time to Taxpayers and Preparers Affected by Hurricane Sandy; File and Pay by Nov 7th

IR-2012-82, Octoober 31, 2012

WASHINGTON - The Internal Revenue Service today announced it is granting taxpayers and tax preparers affected by Hurricane Sandy until November 7th to file returns and accompanying payments normally due today.

The relief applies to taxpayers and tax preparers in an area affected by Hurricane Sandy or otherwise impacted by the storm that hit the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States this week.

This relief primarily applies to businesses whose payroll and excise tax returns and payments are normally due today. No action is required by the taxpayer; this relief is automatic. Regular federal tax deposits are due according to current rules. However, the IRS notes that if taxpayers or tax practitioners receive a penalty notice for this period, they can contact the IRS at the number on the notice to request penalty abatement due to reasonable cause on account of the storm.
IRS expects to grant additional filing and payment relief as qualifying disaster declarations are issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Details will be posted on the Tax Relief in Disaster Situations page on IRS.gov.

10/25/2012
TEG Hosts Lunch & Learn for Local College Accounting Students

On October 24th, Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP hosted its first Lunch & Learn for local college students who are persuing a career in accounting.  Accounting students from Millersville University, Messiah College, Lebanon Valley Cololege, York College, and Elizabethtown College had the opportunity to learn more about our firm and intership program as well as the public accounting profession.  We started with a building tour and then a question and answer session and ended with lunch and mingling with partners and staff.  We hope the students enjoyed the event as much as we did!

10/22/2012
Justin Sensenig Hired as Senior Accountant

Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP is proud to have Justin Sensenig, CPA join our team as a Senior Accountant.  Justin graduated from Messiah College (cum laude) in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and is a member of the Messiah College Business Alumni.  In 2009, Justin received the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.  He currently services as Treasurer for "Get Bridged", a small non-profit organization.
 
Welcome Justin!

10/19/2012
Denise Rodriguez Hired as Administrative Assistant

Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP is proud to have Denise Rodriguez join our team as an Administrative Assistant to partner, Jude Hoar, and to the firm's Estate & Trust Practice Group and Tax Department Committee.  Denise is originally from Lancaster County and has recently moved back to the area after living in San Francisco, California for the past 20 years.  Denise has worked in the financial institution arena for approximately 15 years.  She is a certified paralegal and is in her second year of legal studies.
 
Welcome Denise!

10/16/2012
Robin Bodine & Brian Wassell Contribute to Article in B2B Magazine

Robin Bodine and Brian Wassell, partners at Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP, were recently interviewed by Bruce Mowday, a contributing writer for Business2Business Magazine, for his article on Obamacare Compliance featured in the October 2012 issue of Business2Business Magazine.  Click to read the article "Obamacare Compliance - What you need to know".
 
 

10/8/2012
Kyle Wallace Hired as Staff Accountant

Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP is proud to have Kyle Wallace join our team as a staff accountant.  Kyle recently completed our 2012 summer internship program.  He relocated to Central Pennsylvania from Waco, Texas and is completing a career shift from Sales to Accounting.  Kyle graduated from Tareton State University in May 2012 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.  He was a recipient of the Dean's Distinguished Student Award in both Spring and Fall of 2011.  In 1995, Kyle graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing.
 
Welcome Kyle!

10/1/2012
TEG Hosts Employee Benefit Plans Seminar

Krista Showers, CPA and partner at Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP, was a presenter at an Employee Benefit Plans seminar held at our Lancaster office.   Krista's presentation, "Is Your Plan OK?  A Review of Fiduciary Responsibility," included the following:
  • Fiduciary Requirements
  • Managing Your Plan
  • Managing Your Plan Investments
  • Fiduciary Checklist for Plan Sponsors
Employee Benefit Plans are an important aspect of any company.  Quality retirement and heath and welfare plans provide valuable benefits that will help to attract and retain employees.  We offer the experience and expertise to assist in developing benefit plans and to perform ongoing services to help ensure plans are in compliance with the ERISA and the rules and regulations imposed by the Department of Labor.
 
Our expertise in the area of employee benefit plans will be an invaluable asset to you and your company when you are designing your company's plan.
 
For additional information about our Employee Benefit Services, please contact Krista Showers at 717-569-2900 or email her at kshowers@troutcpa.com.

9/28/2012
Todd Harrington Receives Lancaster MS Leadership Award

The Lancaster MS Leadership Class of 2012 is a group of Susquehanna Valley professionals who have made outstanding contributions to their profession and to the community.
 
On Thursday, September 27th, an evening reception and awards program was held at the Lancaster Country Club to honor the members of the Lancaster MS Leadership Class of 2012.  Todd Harrington, partner at Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP, received the MS Leadership Award, one of the highest honors bestowed by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.  This annual event helps generate funds needed to provide services to Central Pennsylvanians with MS and their families, and will help to fund promising research to find the cause and cure for multiple sclerosis.

9/26/2012
Nadia Zerebilov Hired as Staff Accountant

Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP is proud to have Nadia Zerebilov rejoin our team as a Staff Accountant.  Nadia worked for our firm as a staff accountant in 2002 through 2004.  She has approximately six years experience working in the public accounting industry.  For the past eight years, Nadia has focused on raising her family and working for her husband's business.
 
Nadia graduated from Albright College (summa cum laude) in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and was recognized as a Jacob Albright Scholar.  Nadia is currently working toward renewing her CPA license which she earned in 2003.  She is a member of the firm's Multi-State Tax Committee and is a member of the Bethany Slavic Church Finance Committee.
 
Welcome back Nadia!

9/24/2012
TEG Welcomes Intern Amanda Lehman

Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP is proud to have Amanda Lehman join our team as an intern for the next eight weeks.  This internship provides an excellent opportunity for gaining hands-on experience in the accounting field.
 
Amanda graduated from Penn State University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.  She is currently attending Millersville University and is expected to graduate in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.  In 2011, Amanda was admitted to Delta Mu Delta's International Honor Society in Business.
 
During her employment at the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives in 1992-2006, Amanda dealt with issues related to health care, insurance, economic development, and public pensions.  She is also a board member of the Discovery Preschool located at the First United Methodist Church in Lancaster.
 
Welcome Amanda!
 

9/18/2012
ABC QuickBooks Seminars

Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP, in partnership with Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc. (ABC), also offers a series of seminars especially designed to address the unique concerns of the construction industry.  Click on the links below for seminar details and registration forms.
 
2012 SEMINAR SCHEDULE
 
  • Wednesday, October 17, 2012
 
  • Wednesday, October 24, 2012
 
  • Wednesday, October 31, 2012
 
  • Wednesday, November 7, 2012
 
For additional information, please contact Donna Patterson at dpatterson@troutcpa.com.

9/18/2012
Upcoming QuickBooks Seminars

The Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisors of Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP offer a series of hands-on QuickBooks training seminars.  These seminars are geared towards bookkeepers, accountants, and small business owners who are interested in learning the basics and beyond. 
 
2012 SEMINAR SCHEDULE:
Introduction to QuickBooks & Beyond
 Let us introduce you to QuickBooks and all it has to offer including tips and tricks for ease of use.
  • Tuesday, September 18, 2012
  • Tuesday, November 6, 2012
 
QuickBooks Accounts Payable
Learn how to manage your payables and cash flow and always know what's in your account.
  • Thursday, September 20, 2012
  • Thursday, November 8, 2012
 
QuickBooks Accounts Receivable
Learn how to manage your customers from invoicing to collection.
  • Tuesday, September 25, 2012
  • Thursday, November 15, 2012
 
QuickBooks - Preparing for Year End
New This Year!!  Save time and money by learning how to review your QuickBooks information at year end before you submit it to your accountant.
  • Wednesday, December 5, 2012
 
All seminars are held from 8:30 am - 12:00 pm at The Digital Workshop.  Sign up today for one or all of the seminars.  To register, please visit The Digital Workshop website or email training@thedigitalworkshop.com.
 

9/10/2012
TEG Employees Volunteer Time to United Way

Day of Caring is the kickoff for the United Way of Lancaster County's annual campaign.  About 2,500 participants take part in the annual Day of Caring, pitching in to help the community with a variety of activities including clean-up, painting, carpentry, cleaning houses for the elderly, reading to children, yard work and landscaping, clerical work, and much more.
 
On Saturday, September 8th, a group of Trout, Ebersole & Groff employees, along with their spouses and children, volunteered their time to the United Way's Day of Caring.  Everyone worked really hard at the landscaping clean-up project at the Wheatland Estate.
 
Trout, Ebersole & Groff's Non Profit Practice Group pilots volunteer initiatives directed at providing needed services to our non-profit client base due to their diminishing public and governmental funding support.
 
 

8/30/2012
Emily Stehman Receives CPA Designation

Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP is pleased to announce that Emily Stehman has earned the designation of Certified Public Accountant (CPA).  This certification indicates that Emily has completed the necessary education experience requirements and has passed the uniform CPA examination.  We wish to congratulate Emily on this important milestone in her professional career.
 

8/13/2012
TEG Welcomes Intern Kyle Wallace

Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP is proud to have Kyle Wallace join our team as an intern for the next eight weeks.  This internship provides an excellent opportunity for gaining hands-on experience in the accounting field.
 
Kyle has recently relocated to Central Pennsylvania from Waco, Texas and is completing a career shift from Sales into Accounting.  He recently graduated from Tarleton State University in May 2012 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.  He was a recipient of the Dean's Distinguished Student Award in Spring 2011 and in Fall 2011.  In 1995, Kyle graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing. 
 
Welcome Kyle!

7/25/2012
Jill Gilbert Attends PICPA Local Government Conference

Jill Gilbert, CPA and partner at Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP, attended the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants Local Government Conference on July 23rd and 24th at the Hershey Lodge & Convention Center.
 
On Monday, July 23rd, Jill gave a presentation titled "Communication to the Governing Board."  She discussed requisite issues as audited financial statements and management letters to present to the governing board and identified financial statement trends and materials audit findings appropriate for the board's attention.
 
On Tuesday, July 24th, Jill gave another presentation on "Discussing Fraud, Waste, and Abuse" in which she discussed the difference between the three and explained how to better understand professional reporting responsibilities and the importance of acting decisively in such circumstances.
 
 
 
 

7/18/2012
TEG Announces Employee Promotions

Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP is very pleased to announce the promotions of the following employees:
 
  • Nicole Cradic - Manager
  • Marisol Diaz-Goularte - Senior II
  • Carolyn Gerhart - Manager
  • Jason Herr - Supervisor
  • Chris Johnson - Senior I
  • Gail Mowery - Manager
  • Doug Ober - Supervisor
  • Chuck Pletcher - Senior II
  • Brad Risch - Supervisor

We would like to congratulate these employees and wish them continued success at our company!

7/16/2012
Robert Freedenberg Hired as Tax Manager

Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP is proud to have Robert Freedenberg join our team as a Tax Manager.  Rob recently served as the Deputy Secretary for Taxation and as the Director of the Bureau of Corporation Taxes for the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.  He was previously a partner and the chair of the tax department in a south-central Pennsylvania law firm where he provided counsel to clients on federal, state and local tax planning and appeal matters.  Rob has worked for the Internal Revenue Service in both its Examination and Appeals Divisions, as well as for a Fortune 500 international manufacturer in its tax department.
 
As a Tax Manager, Rob will handle all aspects of tax planning, business consulting and tax preparation and review for firm clients.
 
Welcome Rob!
 

7/9/2012
U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Health Care Law

The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of the 2010 health care reform legislation, including its linchpin individual mandate that requires individuals to pay a penalty if they fail to carry minimum essential health insurance.
 
HIGHLIGHTS
  • Individual Mandate to Take Effect Starting in 2014
  • All Tax Provisions Upheld
  • Penalty on States for Refusing Expanded Medicaid Unconstitutional
  • Premium Assistance Tax Credit to Help Offset Cost of Coverage
  • Limits on Health FSAs and Other Arrangements Continue
  • Small Employer Health Insurance Tax Credit Preserved
  • New Rules for Charitable Hospitals Move Forward
  • Codified Economic Substance Doctrine Sustained
 
Click here for full details.

7/1/2012
Krista Showers Contributes to Article in Central Penn Business Journal

Krista Showers, CPA and partner at Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP, was interviewed by Jason Scott of the Central Penn Business Journal for his article on the new rules from the U.S. Department of Labor regarding 401(k) fees effective July 1st.  Click to read the article, "Employers, take heed: 401(k) rules begin July 1."
 
 

6/25/2012
TEG Employees Volunteer Time to Habitat for Humanity

On Wednesday, June 20th, several Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP employees participated in an organized group of employees to volunteer their time to Lancaster Area Habitat for Humanity.  It was a great day spent painting a home that was under construction and cleaning for a soon-to-be dedicated home.
 
Lancaster Area Habitat for Humanity builds new homes and renovates older homes in partnership with families in need and community volunteers.
 
Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP's Non Profit Practice Group pilots volunteer initiatives directed at providing needed services to its non-profit client base.  In an effort to assist the non-profit organizations (NPO) with their diminishing public and governmental funding support, Trout, Ebersole & Groff is committing resources to providing their NPO clients with much needed services.

6/18/2012
QuickBooks Training Seminars

The Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisors at Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP will be presenting hands-on software training seminars at The Digital Workshop in July.  These seminars are geared towards bookkeepers, accountants and small business owners who are interested in learning the basics and beyond.  The seminars will be held from 8:30 am - 12:00 pm.
 
  • Introduction to QuickBooks:  Let us introduce you to the software and all it has to offer.  Tuesday, July 17th
  • Accounts Payable: Learn how to manage payables and cash flow and always know what's in your account.   Thursday, July 19th
  • Accounts Receivable:  Learn how to manage your customers from invoicing to collection.  Thursday, July 26th
 
The Digital Workshop
205 Granite Run Drive
Suite 120
Lancaster, PA 17601
 
For more information or to register, please call (717) 397-1377, email info@thedigitalworkshop.com or visit www.thedigitalworkshop.com.

6/13/2012
TEG Employees Volunteer Time to Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster

On Wednesday, June 13th, several Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP employees spent the morning and early afternoon at the Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster's Camp Hogan in Millersville, in preparation for their upcoming summer camp.  Activities included mowing, weed wacking, power washing, picking up fallen branches and tree limbs, trimming trees and bushes, and general clean up of debris and building materials around the property.  It was a beautiful day spent helping a great organization ready itself to provide its programs and services to the youth of Lancaster.
 
The mission of the Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster is to enable all young people, especially those who need them most, to become productive, caring, responsible adults.
 
Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP's Non Profit Practice Group pilots volunteer initiatives directed at providing needed services to our non-profit client base.  In an effort to assist non-profit organizations (NPO) with their diminishing public and governmental funding support, we are committing resources to providing our NPO clients with much needed services.

6/13/2012
TEG Welcomes Summer Interns

Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP is proud to have Daniel Chodan, Ethan Derr, Sean Post, and Matthew Burkhart join our team as summer interns.  This internship provides an excellent opportunity for gaining hands-on experience in the accounting field.
 
Dan is a senior at Maranatha Baptist Bible College in Watertown, Wisconsin and will graduate in spring 2013 with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting.  He is a volunteer at his local church and various children's day camps.
 
Ethan is a senior at Messiah College and will graduate in May 2013 with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting.    He is a volunteer at Recycle Bicycle in Harrisburg and helps out with vacation bible school at Calvary Church in Lebanon.
 
Sean is a senior at Elizabethtown College and will graduate in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History.  He works for the Office of Student Activities as the coordinator of the Intramural program at Etown and is also a tour guide for the Office of Admissions.  This past year Sean was inducted into the Delta Mu Delta Honor Society and received the top advocate award for his performance at the Philadelphia Regional Mock Trial competition in February.
 
Matt is a senior at Messiah College and will graduate in May 2013 with a Bachelor's degree Accounting.  He plays golf for Messiah and has been the captain of his team for the past two years.  He won the Mid Atlantic Conference his freshman and sophomore years and has been an All-Region award winner for the past three years.  Matt is also involved with the Sunnyside Mennonite Church and has been mentoring a young man for the past five years.
 
Welcome Dan, Ethan, Sean & Matt!

6/8/2012
Jill Gilbert Presents at PICPA School District Conference in Malvern

Jill Gilbert, CPA and partner at Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP, attended the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants School District Conference on June 7th at the Penn State Great Valley Conference Center in Malvern.  She also gave a presentation on "Successful School Board Presentations" in which she discussed the requisite issues to present to the school board, identifying matters appropriate for the board's attention, and tips to improve presentation skills and adding value to presentations.
 
The PICPA School District Conference offered essentials to preparing a school district audit and covered the latest technical standards, compliance rules, and regulatory issues related to school district audits.
 

6/7/2012
TEG Employees Team Up for ACS Relay for Life Event

On Friday, June 8th and Saturday, June 9th, several Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP employees will participate in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life of Lancaster event at Conestoga Valley High School.  Come out and join our team "Accounting for a Cure" for a fun filled day at the track and to support a great cause!
 
Relay for Life is an overnight relay-style event where teams of people camp out around a track.  Members of each team take turns walking around the track for the duration of the event.  Food, games and activities provide entertainment and fundraising opportunities in a family-friendly environment for the entire community.
 
Click on the link to view the 2012 Relay for Life Timeline of Events.

6/5/2012
Todd Harrington Writes Column for Pennsylvania CPA Journal

Todd Harrington, CPA and partner at Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP, has written a column for the summer 2012 issue of the Pennsylvania CPA Journal called "Changes to Comprehensive Income Reporting."  The article discusses limitation on reporting formats, deferred implementation of certain provisions, and aspects unchanged.  To read Todd's article, click on the link above.
 
The Pennsylvania CPA Journal is the flagship publication of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA).  Published quarterly, this striking, four-color publication provides updates on technical issues in the profession and reports on current developments and programs offered by the association.  CPAs across Pennsylvania turn to it for practical, timely information and news about the accounting profession.

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