As 2008 comes to a close, I am sure that most are grateful that it is over. It has been a tumultuous twelve months of ups and downs like we have not experienced in generations. When we are faced with challenges like this, there are usually opportunities that are also available to those willing to continue providing outstanding quality and service. We have enjoyed watching many small business clients remain diligent through this past year, and we look forward to their sustained success in the years to come. I look forward to seeing and/or talking with you in the coming months about the effect the economy and the new tax law changes will have on your current tax position as well as your tax planning strategy for 2009 and the future.

Speaking of the future, we have recently expanded our office space to include the suite next to us. We felt it was time to take on this space in order to provide a more professional conference room to meet with clients and move many of our files to a dedicated space. In addition, we now have some room for expansion and we look forward to adding another professional when the time is right. As many of you know, Bruce Steves has been a permanent member of our practice for the last couple of years and we are looking forward to having a celebration early in 2009 when he completes the fourth and last part of the CPA examination.

On the following pages of this newsletter you will find a calendar of important dates relative to accounting and taxes for both individuals and businesses. We have provided a summary of tax law changes that will have an effect on your 2008 return as well as the adjustments that Congress has put in place for 2009. There are a couple of paragraphs provided by Mike Traver, a Certified Financial Planner that we trust and work with to help our clients, and lastly, we have provided a list of small businesses that we have the privilege of working with on a regular basis. Although we try very hard to include every small business in this list, I undoubtedly miss someone each time, so I apologize for any errors or omissions.

As we prepare for the busy months to come with tax season approaching, I want to express how thankful I am. I could not provide the services that are made available without the assistance of Barbara, Susan and Bruce. They help make the office a great place to spend more time than any of us want to admit, working toward our mission of helping others succeed. We appreciate our wonderful clients that are not only loyal to us, but are also committed to our success by consistently referring new clients to us when you have the opportunity. Thank you for your confidence.