Maria Serafica CPA

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Santa Monica, CA
Maria Serafica CPA

Your resource for personalized tax and accounting services.

05/11/2026

Can business debt become personal? In some cases, yes. If you’re a sole proprietor or a general partner in a partnership, you’re personally liable for business debts. Owners of corporations and limited liability companies are generally protected from personal liability, unless they personally guarantee a loan, commit fraud or fail to keep business and personal finances separate. Payroll taxes are different. The IRS can assess the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty to hold owners, officers or other responsible individuals personally liable for unpaid withheld payroll taxes, regardless of the business structure. This applies even if the business declares bankruptcy. Call us at (805) 501-1430 with questions.

05/08/2026

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how almost everything is done, including how fraud is committed. For example, a scammer might use AI to generate “deepfake” voices or “spoof” caller ID information to impersonate IRS agents. AI also makes it easier for perpetrators to establish robocall networks. (The IRS always stresses that it will contact taxpayers via U.S. mail about any tax issues. It won’t leave urgent voice messages or threaten arrest.) Fraud aside, the IRS warns against relying on AI-generated responses to complex tax questions. Be sure to verify AI answers by reviewing IRS instructions and crunching any numbers yourself. Better yet, call us at (805) 501-1430 for assistance.

05/06/2026

If you’d like to help a charity for a period of time but ultimately benefit one or more heirs and potentially save gift and estate taxes, consider a charitable lead trust (CLT). You transfer assets to the irrevocable CLT and the charity receives payments from it for a term of years. When the term expires, the remaining assets are distributed to the CLT’s beneficiaries. The CLT assets can include publicly traded securities, real estate, business interests and even private company stock. Call us at (805) 501-1430 for more details.

05/05/2026

No two taxpayers are exactly alike — so your tax strategies shouldn’t be either. Our firm provides customized tax planning for individuals and businesses. We can identify opportunities to reduce taxes in your specific situation while helping you stay compliant with changing tax laws. Call us at (805) 501-1430 to get started.

05/04/2026

A mission statement is a concise, formal declaration of a business’s core purpose. The right one can serve as a rallying cry for employees and a powerful marketing tool that attracts customers and drives revenue. So, whether you’re writing one for the first time or revising it during a rebrand, craft yours carefully. It can have a surprising impact on your bottom line. Please call us at (805) 501-1430 for help aligning your company’s core purpose with its financial parameters and strategic objectives.

05/01/2026

A temporary federal income tax deduction for interest on qualifying auto loans for 2025 through 2028 was created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The write-off, available even if you don’t itemize, is capped at $10,000 per tax return, subject to income-based phaseouts. It applies only to interest on first-lien loans to buy U.S.-assembled passenger vehicles for personal use. Leased, used and fleet vehicles are excluded. The IRS recently issued proposed regulations that clarify how the deduction works. For example, they address the “personal use” requirement. Contact us for details at (805) 501-1430.

04/29/2026

Now is the perfect time to tidy up your QuickBooks files. Unreconciled accounts, uncategorized transactions and outdated records can distort your cash flow and profitability. Even with QuickBooks’ automation tools and AI-enabled features, consistent review and oversight are essential. Don’t forget your chart of accounts! An outdated or cluttered chart can muddy your results, making it harder to understand your true performance. Clean books support better financial decisions and smoother tax filings. Call us at (805) 501-1430 to help get your bookkeeping in top shape.

04/28/2026

Two federal tax breaks can help offset the cost of accessibility improvements. In 2026, qualifying small businesses (with $1 million or less in gross receipts or no more than 30 full-time employees in 2025) may claim the Disabled Access Credit. It’s generally worth 50% of eligible accessibility costs (up to a $5,000 maximum). Businesses of any size may also deduct up to $15,000 per year for qualified architectural and transportation barrier removal. You can claim both benefits in the same year, but not for the same expense. New construction isn’t eligible for either break. If you’re planning upgrades, call us at (805) 501-1430 to help you make the most of these incentives.

04/27/2026

Imagine if a fraud perpetrator wiped out your 401(k) account balance overnight. Would you still be able to retire? Millions of dollars in U.S. retirement plans have been stolen thanks to hackers, identity thieves and social engineers, such as scammers using phishing emails to obtain financial and other personal information. But you can protect your hard-earned savings! Call us (805) 501-1430 for retirement planning help.

04/24/2026

You’ll receive a CP24 notice if the IRS reviews your tax return and determines you’re due a refund that differs from what you originally claimed. This often happens because the IRS corrected a math error, applied a payment or credit differently, or offset a refund to pay another tax liability. The notice explains what changed and how the refund was calculated. Generally, no response is required if you agree with the adjustment; your adjusted refund will be issued automatically. But if you disagree or don’t understand the change, it’s important to review the notice carefully and respond by the deadline. We can help you determine whether the IRS adjustment is correct and advise on next steps. Call us at (805) 501-1430.

Address

100 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 700
Santa Monica, CA
90401

Website

http://seraficacpa.com/

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