I rarely praise Democrats for legislation, but U.S. Senator Charles Schumer has been doing a great job for New York State. Senator Schumer spearheaded the Federal technology hub program that resulted in Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse joint effort to win $40 million in a competition run by the U.S. EconomicRead More

By Michael S. Gawel, CPA, JD I was at Wilbur’s Friday night enjoying a cold PBR and someone asked me, “Mike, what Income do I have to report on my Tax Return?” My simple answer was ALL. Gross income for Federal Income Tax purposes means all income from whatever source,Read More

By Michael S. Gawel, CPA, JD Dependency? Who can be claimed as a dependent? Who can claim that person as a dependent? A dependent must be a person, not your dog cat or 56 Chevy. A dependent is an individual who is the taxpayer’s qualifying child or qualifying relative forRead More

MICHAEL S. GAWEL, CPA, JD NIAGARA BOOKKEEPING & ACCOUNTING FILING STATUS After entering your Social Security number choosing your filing status is the first thing all taxpayers must do. There are five choices: single, married filing jointly, married filing separate, head of household and surviving spouse. Single is for anRead More

MICHAEL S. GAWEL, CPA, JD My name is Michael S. Gawel and I have been a Certified Public Accountant since 1980. I have a BBA in Accounting and a JD from SUNY @ Buffalo School of Law. I am going to write a weekly tax advice column for the NiagaraRead More