Check out our October newsletter!
NORTON NEWSLETTER
THE REAL ESTATE TAX PRO ™
NortonAccountingServices.com 985-690-4498 Info@NortonAccountingServices.com OCTOBER 2024
EASE OF MIND • AVAILABILITY • FLEXIBILITY • INDIVIDUAL APPROACH • EXPERIENCE • TAX SAVINGS OPPORTUNITIES
THE BENEFITS OF EARLY TAX PLANNING AVOID THE RUSH
When preparing our taxes, it is important to get started early. We all know people who have their Christmas gifts and wrapping picked out before Halloween — you might even be one of them! Applying that level of preparedness to our taxes can reap even more benefits than a head start on holiday shopping. October is actually a great month to start preparing your taxes. If you created a new LLC or started a new business this year — whether you’re the sole member or are part of a partnership — put it on your holiday to-do list, and please let us know now so we can help you prepare. The Benefits of Preparing Early Planning and decision-making can both be difficult, especially when under a time crunch. When it comes to our taxes, it can be all too easy to procrastinate and end up filing late or underpaying. Starting the planning process early can help mitigate these and other issues as they come up. For instance, if you are an investor and have acquired property this year, starting early can help us take all steps necessary to ensure your taxes are covered. We can help determine whether you should consider accelerated depreciation with a cost segregation study. While these measures are not
required to be completed before the end of the year, it is much better to have these discussions sooner rather than later. The further we get into tax season, the harder it is to accommodate complex tax filings. Tax Season Is Our Busy Season Working with us on your taxes before the end of the year also helps us dedicate more time and attention to your account. Once we get into tax season, our office gets extremely busy, as that is when most people seek assistance and advice regarding their taxes. Additionally, the closer we get to the filing date, the fewer options we have regarding your taxes. For example, if you wait until a few weeks before you need to file, you will have missed opportunities to save money and invest in your success. Before the start of the new year — especially when you have active operating income to work with — we can take proactive measures that benefit your business and save you on taxes. Filing Taxes With an LLC If you are the owner of a single-member LLC (meaning you are the sole owner of your LLC), then you can actually benefit from a simpler tax filing process. Single-member LLCs do not have to file separate tax returns, as their associated income is filed with their owner's personal tax return. However, with multimember LLCs, you will need to file a separate tax return for the LLC. The extension requests for multimember LLCs is March 15, so we’ll need to know if you setup any new partnerships before then. 12 Days of Tax Savings Speaking about getting a headstart, if you would like to benefit from my tax advice, you may benefit from being on our email list. Simply contact our
office and inquire about being added to our email list. This December, we will be sending out our “12 Days of Tax Savings” emails with tips and advice on actions you can take to help you save on taxes.
–Bob Norton
985-690-4498 • 1
Become a Nature Detective UNLOCK THE SECRETS OF ANIMAL FOOTPRINTS Have you ever discovered a mysterious set of animal tracks? Reading those footprints can be your ticket to uncovering the hidden world of wildlife right under your nose. Whether you’re on a camping trip hoping to spot one of your favorite critters or simply curious about the pawprints you stumbled on at home, we’re here to show you how to become a nature detective. Prepare and Observe You’ll have the best luck spotting tracks or other signs of animal life in places where wildlife is known to frequent. Find watering holes or other areas where animals may feed or gather. Tracks need a suitable medium, like snow, mud, sand, or soft dirt, for them to show. Regardless of where you’re heading, bring a field guide, a map of the area, hiking supplies,
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget the fragility of life and the importance of simple precautions. However, for Dr. Brian Hoeflinger, a neurosurgeon in Toledo, Ohio, these lessons have been etched into his life through personal tragedy and decades of frontline experience. Hoeflinger has dedicated over 25 years to treating patients with traumatic brain and spinal injuries and has seen firsthand the devastating consequences of neglecting personal safety. Driven by his loss — the death of his 18-year-old son in a drunk-driving accident — Hoeflinger has made it his mission to educate the public on the most common factors that contribute to these life-altering injuries. Simple Steps to Enhance Personal Safety HEED THE WARNINGS
and tools for tracking, like a ruler, magnifying glass, and a camera. Count the Toes Your main clues to the owner of these natural calling cards are the number of toe and claw marks on the print. Canines, like wolves, and felines, like cougars, all have four toes, but you can see a significant difference between their claws. Cats have retractable claws, so their pawprints won’t always have claws. In contrast, birds have distinctive tracks with three long, skinny, forward-facing toes.
Alcohol Consumption At the top of Hoeflinger’s list of concerns is alcohol
consumption. “Without a doubt, alcohol is number one,” he states emphatically. “So many cases I see when I’m on trauma call are related to alcohol.” The link between alcohol and traumatic injuries is well-documented, with studies showing that alcohol impairs judgment and motor skills, leading to a higher incidence of accidents and injuries. Late Nights Hoeflinger’s second warning targets the dangers of late nights, stating that “nothing good ever happens after midnight.” He explains that many incidents, including fights and accidents, occur in the late hours when people are more likely to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs and less vigilant about their safety. Not Wearing Seat Belts Another critical factor Hoeflinger emphasizes is the importance of wearing seat belts. “Whether you’re the driver or the passenger, always wear your seat belt,” he urges. Despite widespread awareness campaigns, failure to wear seat belts remains a leading cause of death and serious injury in car accidents. Lack of Situational Awareness Finally, Hoeflinger stresses the need for heightened situational awareness, particularly for older adults at higher risk of falls. “Pay attention to your surroundings,” he advises. “I can’t tell you the number of people, especially elderly people, I see who accidentally fell down a flight of stairs and ended up paralyzed.”
Identify Your Prey When you have identified what animal family left the print behind, you can begin to home in on its exact species. Use a small ruler to measure the size of the track to give you clues. A wolf, for example, has similar prints to a dog, but they are about 2 inches wider. Context is also a crucial factor when you’re tracking. Think about the animals that live in the area. Would there be any domesticated dogs in the woods where you are hiking? Document your tracks with photos and notes in a nature journal. If you’re still unsure, go online and look at various animal tracks. You may find what you’re looking for! So, next time you stumble upon animal tracks, get out your ruler and camera! Those prints could lead you on a great adventure!
By heeding his advice, we can all help reduce the incidence of severe injuries and fatalities and perhaps even change the world for the better, one life at a time.
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FROM RESCUE TO RESCUER Poncho's Inspiring Story
In a heartwarming story of canine courage, a rescue dog named Poncho has emerged as a hero after putting his life on the line to defend his family during a home invasion. The events unfolded on a fateful night in early June when an intruder broke into Poncho's home in northern New Mexico. Poncho, an 8-year-old rescue pup, sprang into action the moment the intruder entered the home. Without hesitation, the brave dog leaped at the would-be criminal, determined to protect his family at all costs. In the ensuing struggle, Poncho suffered a deep neck wound that miraculously missed his vital organs. But the attack didn't stop there — the intruder then proceeded to kick Poncho repeatedly. Pumpkin Pie French Toast
Undeterred by his injuries, Poncho managed to hold the intruder at bay until others could intervene and restrain the criminal. Poncho's family then embarked on a desperate two-hour journey to Albuquerque, searching for emergency veterinary care. Remarkably, the family ended up at the doorstep of Española Humane, the same rescue organization where they had adopted Poncho. The dedicated staff immediately sprang into action, performing extensive surgery to clean and repair Poncho's traumatic neck wound. The brave pup stopped breathing at one point, but the veterinary team successfully revived him.
Despite his severe injuries, Poncho has steadily regained his strength. His tail never stops wagging, and he responds enthusiastically whenever he hears the words "good boy." Poncho's dad promised him a lifetime of rib-eye steaks to reward his heroic actions. Poncho's story is a powerful reminder of the unwavering loyalty and bravery rescue animals can possess. If you're considering adding a furry friend to your family, consider visiting your local animal shelter or rescue organization. You never know — you might just find your very own guardian angel, just like Poncho’s family did.
TAKE A BREAK
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
Ingredients
• 1 1/2 tsp vegetable oil, or as needed • 1/2 cup half-and-half • 1/4 cup canned pumpkin purée • 3 large eggs • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice • 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
• 8 slices day-old bread • Maple syrup, to taste
1. Lightly oil a skillet and heat over medium heat. 2. Whisk half-and-half, pumpkin purée, eggs, cinnamon, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice together in a bowl. Stir in walnuts until evenly distributed. 3. Place 1 slice of bread in the bowl and let it soak briefly to coat both sides. Lift bread to let excess liquid drip back into the bowl, then transfer to the hot skillet. 4. Cook for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side until done. 5. Stir batter to redistribute walnuts and repeat with other slices of bread, cooking in several batches if necessary. 6. Serve warm with maple syrup. Directions
Autumn Boo Candy Coffee
Foliage Ghost Gourd Moon
Spooky Soup Tailgate Touchdown
985-690-4498 • 3
Norton Accounting Services, LLC
THE REAL ESTATE TAX PRO ™
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
NortonAccountingServices.com 985-690-4498 Info@NortonAccountingServices.com
1527 Gause Blvd. Ste. 132 Slidell, LA 70458
INSIDE 1 Why You Should Start
Preparing Your Taxes Now
2
Your Guide to Wildlife Tracking Fun A Neurosurgeon’s 4 Crucial Tips Loyal Pup Risks Life to Protect Loved Ones Pumpkin Pie French Toast
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Fascinating Facts to Make Your Bones Rattle
Exploring the Marvels of Your Skeletal System! ‘BONE’ VOYAGE
Make no bones about it; our skeletons are a real rib-tickler of fascinating facts! From the impressive strength of our thigh bones to the tiny marvels of the inner ear, your bones are the unsung heroes of your body. So, rest your bones in a comfy chair because we are about to dig up some of the most shocking skeletal secrets. Babies have more bones than adults. Although babies are tiny, their bodies have many bones in a pudgy, little package. Human babies have about 300 bones
of our 206 adult bones are in our hands and feet! Each foot has 26 bones, and our hands both have 27 bones, which is 106 bones. Our hands even have a bonus bone called the pisiform, located on the outside edge of our wrists. The funny bone is a nerve. Have you ever hit your funny bone? Well, you are not hitting a bone at all. This area on the body is part of the ulnar nerve, which goes from your neck to your hand. Bone, muscle, and fat
compared to an adult’s 206. Many extra bones are entirely or partly made of cartilage, allowing the baby to stay flexible in the womb. Over time, the bones fuse and decrease in number. Fracture rates are highest when kids are around ages 11– 15, the critical time for significant growth spurts thanks to growth plates that close as we age.
typically protect nerves, but a small portion of this nerve on the back of your elbow is more exposed. So, when you hit your funny bone, named for its location near the humerus bone (a homophone of “humorous”), you’re really bumping into the ulnar nerve. So, now that you’ve “boned up” on the most fascinating fossil facts, give your skeleton a little nod for the incredible things it does to support you and keep you moving!
Half of our bones are in our feet and hands.
Did you know that many of our bones are in the smaller extremities of our body? Nearly half
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