Leake Stephen A

read moreWe provide a wide range of services to individuals and businesses in a variety of industries. From brand new startups still in the brainstorming phase, to established entities that may require fine-tuning of business processes, we strive to meet each client's specific needs in planning for the future and achieving their goals. We focus on building close client relationships that add long-term value. This includes assuring the solidity of financial records, evaluating financial procedures and working to produce strategies that help our clients face the myriad challenges of business planning and execution.

read moreApril 15 has come and gone and another year of tax forms and shoeboxes full of receipts is behind us. But what should be done with those documents after your check or refund request is in the mail? Federal law requires you to maintain copies of your tax returns and supporting documents for three years. This is called the "three-year law" and leads many people to believe they're safe provided they retain their documents for this period of time. However, if the IRS believes you have significantly underreported your income (by 25 percent or more), it may go back six years in an audit.

read moreInformation and interactive calculators are made available to you as self-help tools for your independent use and are not intended to provide investment advice, or supplement the advice of a professional advisor. There is not and can not be a guarantee of their applicability or accuracy in regards to your individual circumstances. All examples are hypothetical and are for illustrative purposes. You are encouraged to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding all personal finance issues.

read moreIt depends on factors such as 1) what kind of deal you can make with the dealership, 2) the typical mileage you put on your car, 3) how much you wear down a car, and 4) the primary use for the car. To determine whether leasing or buying is best, compare the costs and other issues involved in a lease or purchase. You first need to decide on the type, size and options of the car you would like (such as manual, automatic windows, airbags). You then need to decide what the car dealer has to pay for the car of your choice - the "invoice cost".

read moreFollowing are some generally recognized financial planning tools that may help you reduce your tax bill. Charitable Giving - Instead of selling your appreciated long-term securities, donate the stock instead and avoid paying tax on the unrealized gain while still getting a charitable tax deduction for the full fair market value. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) - If you have a high deductible medical plan you can open an HSA and make tax deductible contributions to your account to pay for medical expenses.

read moreThe first step is to figure out a realistic financial goal for yourself and your family. Talk with your loved ones to ensure that everyone has the same goals in mind. Clearly not all families will have the same end goal - figure out what is important to you, whether it is early retirement, financial comfort, children's education, travel, taking care of elders, or your children. Someone starting their savings in their early 20s can save 10% of their income and have a sufficient nest egg, while someone starting in their 40s may have to bump that number up more towards 20%.

read moreThe process of passing a family business onto the second generation is so difficult that not even a third of them survive. Beyond that, roughly half make it to a third generation. In a normal day in the U.S., 40 percent of businesses are confronted with a change of owners. Those who have founded the companies are struggling to find remedies, but there aren't many options. These are the four key points to a successful business transfer. They basically guarantee a transition for years to come within your family when implemented correctly.

read moreYour satisfaction and success are our highest priorities at Leake CPA, PC. Our public accounting firm has been family owned and community focused for over forty years. We provide professional accounting and tax services to clients in the Dallas area from our three convenient locations in Mesquite, Richardson, and McKinney. As a valued client, you will receive personalized services performed in a timely manner with considerate and professional courtesy. Our projects are carefully completed using the latest technologies in accounting and tax preparation.