R & L SCHUCK, CPAs

08/07/2025

Celebrating 25 Years!
This month, our parent company, R&L Enterprises, Inc., marks 25 years in business. From this foundation, R&L Schuck – CPAs was launched in 2014, allowing us to serve clients with the same commitment to excellence and community that has guided us since the beginning.

08/07/2025

I am honored to have been appointed to the Miami Lakes Economic Development Committee on February 4, 2025.

As a long-time resident, small business owner, and active member of our community, I look forward to collaborating with my fellow committee members to support local businesses, encourage sustainable growth, and strengthen our town’s economic vitality.

Miami Lakes has given so much to me and my family — this is a wonderful opportunity to give back and help shape its future.

08/07/2025

I’m excited to be speaking at the 2025 Miami Lakes Business Bootcamp on September 26 at Miami Lakes Town Hall!
My session, “A Tracked Number Grows,” will show you how tracking the right financial numbers can help you grow your business, increase profits, and make better decisions. 📊💡

Whether you’re just starting out or ready to take your business to the next level, this is your chance to gain tools, tips, and strategies to help you succeed.

📅 When: Friday, September 26, 2025
📍 Where: Miami Lakes Town Hall

Admission is FREE — but space is limited!
Join us and connect with other local entrepreneurs, business leaders, and experts.

02/06/2025

02/06/2025

Tips for choosing a tax professional:

When using a tax return preparer, taxpayers should look for:
• Availability: Look for a preparer who's available year-round in case questions come up after filing season is over.
• Consistent service fees: Ask about the preparer’s service fees. Taxpayers should avoid tax return preparers who base their fees on a percentage of the refund or who offer to deposit all or part of the refund into their own financial accounts.
• IRS e-file: Ensure their preparer offers IRS e-file. The IRS issues most refunds in fewer than 21 days for taxpayers who file electronically and choose direct deposit.
• Records and receipts: Good preparers ask to see these documents when filing a return.
• Qualifications: Understand the preparer's credentials and qualifications and review their history for complaints or disciplinary actions.
• Complete returns: Never sign a blank or incomplete return. Taxpayers are responsible for filing a complete and correct tax return.
• Mistakes: Review their tax return before signing it and ask questions if something is not clear or appears inaccurate.
• Accurate account information: Make sure any refund will go directly to the taxpayer's bank account – not into the preparer's bank account. Review the routing and bank account number on the completed return and make sure it's accurate.

By law, anyone who is paid to prepare or assists in preparing federal tax returns must have a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number. Paid preparers must sign and include their PTIN on any tax return they prepare. Not signing a return is a red flag the paid preparer may be looking to make a quick profit by promising a big refund or charging fees based on the size of the refund. Taxpayers should avoid these preparers.

02/05/2025

Starting our 11th Tax Season with a New Company Logo and making shifts in technological advancement

02/05/2025

Issue Number: Tax Tip 2025-14

Gathering records is the first step of tax preparation

Taxpayers should start gathering and organizing records to get ready for filing their 2024 federal tax return. They need all year-end income documents to help ensure they file a complete and accurate 2024 federal tax return and avoid refund delays.
The Get Ready page on IRS.gov offers practical tips and resources to help taxpayers prepare. It highlights key updates and important steps for making tax filing easier in 2025.

Documents

Taxpayers should have all necessary records handy, such as W-2s, 1099s, receipts, canceled checks and other documents that support any income, deductions or credits reported on their tax return.
Most taxpayers should receive income documents including:
• Forms W-2, Wage and Tax Statement.
• Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income.
• Form 1099-INT, Interest Income.
• Form 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation.
• Form 1099-G, Certain Government Payments – such as unemployment compensation or state tax refund.
• Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statements.

IRS Online Account

An IRS Online Account makes it easy for taxpayers to quickly get the tax planning info they need. With an IRS Online Account, they can:
• View key details from their most recent tax return, such as adjusted gross income.
• Request an Identity Protection PIN.
• Get account transcripts to include wage and income records.
• Sign tax forms like powers of attorney or tax information authorizations.
• View and edit language preferences and alternative media.
• Receive and view notices and letters.
• View, make and cancel payments.

People should visit How to Register for Certain Online Self-Help Tools for more information about how to create an IRS Online Account or how to reset the username or password.
More information:
• Tax Topic 418, Unemployment Compensation
• Taxable income
• What is taxable and nontaxable income?

12/03/2024

Are Your Business Expense Deductions IRS-Ready?
Here's What You Need to Know!

Substantiation of business expenses
In the digital age, it’s easy to overlook some basic rules about tax deductions. Many assume that an expense appearing on a bank or credit card statement is sufficient proof. However, for business owners—whether LLC members, S-corporation shareholders, or sole proprietors—understanding what qualifies as a deductible expense is crucial for avoiding IRS scrutiny.

Follow these straightforward guidelines to stay compliant with IRS regulations and protect your business in case of an audit:

The Basics of Business Expense Deductions
Under Sec. 162(a), a deductible business expense must be:
• Ordinary – Common and accepted in your trade or business. They don’t have to be frequent but must be customary in your trade.
• Necessary – Appropriate and helpful for your business, even if not essential.

Merely incurring an expense isn’t enough. Taxpayers must prove both the amount of the expense and its business purpose. Without proper substantiation, even ordinary and necessary expenses may be disallowed by the IRS.

Keeping Adequate Records. Essential documentation includes:
• Receipts, canceled checks, or invoices.
• Proof of payment (credit card statements, etc.).
• Clear descriptions of the business purpose for each expense.

Certain expenses like those for travel, meals, and entertainment, require additional proof per IRS regulations. For travel expenses, specific details (e.g., dates, locations, business purpose) must also be documented. For meals and entertainment, use the 5 Ws (What, When, Where, Who, and Why) as a guide:
• What: Amount of the expense.
• When and Where: Dates and locations of travel or events.
• Who: The individuals involved.
• Why: The business purpose or benefit.
Written, contemporaneous records carry more weight than relying on memory or oral explanations later.

Key Takeaways for Business Owners
• Document Everything: Save receipts, logs, and proof of payment.
• Understand Special Rules: Travel and entertainment deductions require extra detail.
• Be Proactive: Tax planning happens before the end of the year, while tax evasion happens after. Taking steps now to organize your records and evaluate deductions ensures compliance and minimizes risk.

Lesson: Accurate records documenting the purpose and amount of each expense are essential to claim deductions successfully.

12/03/2024

R&L Schuck CPAs Celebrates 10th Anniversary of the Acquisition of Gordon and Company PA, a Miami Lakes, FL Based Accounting Firm

Reflecting on a Decade of Enhanced Client Services and Community Commitment

Miami Lakes, FL — November 14 — R&L Schuck CPAs proudly marks the 10th anniversary of its acquisition of Gordon and Company, PA, a firm established in 1976 and later known as Gordon Gelley and Co LLP. which significantly contributed to the firm’s expansion and enhanced service offerings. Established in 2006 as R&L Group CPA, the firm has grown through a commitment to client-focused solutions and by embracing a comprehensive, modern approach to accounting and financial advisory.

The acquisition in 2014 broadened R&L Schuck CPAs’ client base and allowed the firm to expand offerings in alignment with evolving industry standards. Over the past decade, the firm has achieved growth by adding new services and building a highly skilled team to support individuals and businesses across South Florida.

“This anniversary is a testament to our team’s dedication and the trust our clients place in us. It marks a significant event for our organization and a reminder of our dedication to excellence and service,” said Rafael J. Schuck, Managing Partner of R&L Schuck CPAs. “Over the past decade, we have strengthened our services to support our clients’ financial goals, and we are honored to continue our legacy, expanding our expertise and resources to serve our clients better than ever.”

With new offerings, including comprehensive tax planning, advanced audit capabilities, and tailored business advisory solutions, R&L Schuck CPAs continues to set high standards of excellence in the field. The firm’s commitment to ongoing professional development ensures that clients receive top-tier service rooted in current industry knowledge and expertise.

As R&L Schuck CPAs celebrates this milestone, the firm remains focused on providing quality, integrity, and value in every client relationship. Looking ahead, the firm is eager to continue supporting clients and the community with innovative solutions for financial success.

About R&L Schuck CPAs
Founded in 2006 by Rafael & Leonor Schuck, R&L Schuck CPAs is a full-service accounting and financial advisory firm based in Miami Lakes, FL. Known for its commitment to personalized client service, the Firm provides a comprehensive range of accounting, tax, audit, and business advisory solutions to individuals and organizations across South Florida. To learn more, please visit www.gcpa.com.

Contact:
Katherine M. Fetzer
Office Manager
R&L Schuck CPAs
305-362-1040
[email protected]
www.gcpa.com

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