(NewsUSA) - Tax policy is set for a pivotal year and while most will focus on potential corporate tax rate changes, a new issue is emerging: the role of AI in tax preparation.

Recently, an influx of AI-driven "pop up" tech firms have entered the market, claiming to be faster and cheaper than traditional tax consulting firms when filing for tax credits. However, these firms lack professional tax and legal expertise required to navigate complex filings.

When filing R&D tax credits, AI-driven tech firms can misinterpret tax laws and make mistakes exposing businesses and CPAs to IRS audits and fines. AI software lacks the judgment required for tax compliance and interpreting the law.

Even on simpler tasks, AI hasn't been accurate. A 2024 Washington Post review found AI chatbots used by major tax preparation firms provided inaccurate responses up to 50 percent of the time, reinforcing IRS's warning against AI reliance for complex tax questions. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) criticized the IRS's own AI-powered audit system, highlighting potential inaccuracies in tax compliance.

Meanwhile, the IRS stands to lose revenue if AI-generated filings result in a large increase in fraudulent or incorrect deductions. This feels eerily similar to the wave of fraudulent Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claims that led the IRS to freeze processing last year after pop-up firms flooded the market with improper filings—many that are now under investigation.

New AI-driven "pop-up" tech firms, like SPRX, market their software as a low-cost alternative to professional tax firms when filing R&D tax credits despite not being around long enough to make it through an audit cycle yet. They also don't disclose how their systems are trained. SPRX claims automation can handle up to 80 percent of the process, but automation cannot make legal and technical expertise required to determine eligibility, including nuanced legal judgments and employee interviews.

These firms try to promote the idea that AI-driven tax services can replace tax firms and CPA's expertise, but human judgment remains essential in ensuring accuracy and compliance. AI should be seen as a tool, not as a replacement for tax professionals.

Without proper safeguards, relying on these "pop-up" AI tech firms to secure your R&D tax credit could result in the IRS denying your submittal, cost your business thousands or even millions of dollars, and it could also land your business in hot water with the IRS incurring fines, audits and potential fraud.

(NewsUSA) - "Conviction Overturned" by Willard Bakeman

A must-read for evangelicals and skeptics alike. “Conviction Overturned” is a forensic review of the Bible’s credibility based on legal principles of proof, written by someone with extensive expertise with the law and scripture. Author Willard Bakeman is a 35-year San Diego trial attorney, but also a seminarian and former evangelist turned skeptic. His background is uniquely fitting to perform an objective, informed, insightful and incisive forensic analysis of the Bible's credibility. In “Conviction Overturned,” he cuts no corners to deliver the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, no matter whom it may antagonize.

“Conviction Overturned” answers such compelling questions as: Is the life of Jesus a miraculous fulfillment of prophecy? Is there evidence that portions of the New Testament are forged? Was Jesus gay? Is Moses the spiritual forebear of Osama bin Laden? What did Jesus think about transgenderism? Purchase at https://amzn.to/40X7sAr.

"The Elderly Gentleman's Ulyssee" by Hans Bodmer

A smarter, older Gentleman makes his way from Zurich to Geneva on hiking trails, wherever they exist. The declared goal is to reach a destination — the Café de la Place in Meyrin — as soon as possible. The adventures and encounters along the way are unforeseen and unexpected, and the experience brings smiles, laughter and a sense of achievement. But there’s also unpleasantness, tooth grinding and suffering.

He has much time to explore his thoughts and follow thought processes put in motion by the events. He inevitably ends up in complex, exuberant pipe dreams and bizarre, surreal spheres. Very often, he is sent into the virtual desert for his thoughts. Which he isn't concerned about. He wanders, ponders and continues to provoke, undeterred.

He meets different types of men, friendly ones and also disgusting ones. Not only that, he encounters many charming ladies and often risks falling in love. Join the journey. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3CRXcl9.

"Your Home Remedy for Acid Reflux Disease" by Dr. Howard Christian

Tired of struggling with acid reflux disease? Looking for an authentic remedy that allows you to keep eating the foods you love? This self-help book reveals a no-diet, alternative healing approach to transform your life and relieve your GERD. However you define your struggle, your unbridled well-being is within reach. Dr. Howard Christian offers this essential guide to help you break free from the cycle of symptoms, medications and dietary restrictions.

Drawing from his personal battle with GERD and his background in immunology, Dr. Christian emphasizes understanding GERD not as an adversary but as a messenger signaling the need for growth and self-awareness. He uses a unique, non-dietary remedy rooted in ageless wisdom to promote emotional, psychological and physical transformation.

Imagine the lasting benefits! Start feeling better today. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4kukfmN.

"Soul Flowers" by Cynthia Schumaker

“Soul Flowers” is Schumaker’s seventh poetry collection, delving into universal human emotions and experiences that connect us all. The collection provides enjoyable and accessible "word music" designed to appeal to dedicated poetry lovers and to others who might like to be. Employing both rhymed and unrhymed formats, Schumacher's work spans a wide array of subjects, often drawing inspiration from the natural world. Her poems touch on themes of hope and resilience, and offer comforting wisdom. Seamlessly blending new works with selections from previous publications, “Soul Flowers” invites readers to find solace and connection through shared human experiences.

Pacific Book Review says, “Schumacher's poems are seeds of wisdom, nurturing a sense of peace and connection to the cycles of life … ideal for anyone seeking solace, inspiration, and the gentle reminder that like flowers, the soul has its own seasons of blooming and renewal.” Purchase at https://amzn.to/3OUflRz.

(NewsUSA) - Trying to be better organized and looking to overcome your storage dilemma with more than a dull metal rack or a makeshift cubby? Take your cue from these design pros. Throughout the home, they’re creating functional and beautiful storage solutions. How? They’re doing it with all-natural cypress. And you can, too!

Starting at the Entryway

A well-designed mudroom—crafted to handle the mess of rain, mud, snow, and sand—can be warm, welcoming, and functional, as well. Ian Faight of the Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association, www.CypressInfo.org, suggests using cypress to dress up that high-traffic space. “Cypress is a beautiful wood, perfect for cabinets and cubbies, flooring, paneling, and ceilings,” he explains. “And it’s a durable material that can stand up to everyday use—and look good doing it.” Photo courtesy of Bob Gothard

Cypress in the Kitchen

At the heart of it all, and integral to any practical kitchen layout, is the island—that all-encompassing oasis used for storing pots and pans, preparing meals, and working on homework. “In the kitchen, homeowners are looking for functional design with as much storage space as possible,” says Ellie Schroder from Maison de Reve Buildings, Abita Springs, Louisiana. “If you have modern, painted cabinets, set off the island in a complementary color and a textured wood like pecky cypress, so that the island is like a piece of fine furniture that’s different from the rest of the kitchen.” Photo courtesy Julie D. Philippus

In the Bedroom

Closets and dressers are great for keeping clothes out of sight, but they don’t offer much storage for knickknacks, picture frames, and other personal items. Woodworker Julie Philippus from Mandeville, Louisiana, suggests building into the walls for rooms lacking storage. “Built-ins can be an inexpensive way to add extra storage and a custom look to bedrooms—or any rooms—that are short on space,” she says. “To dress up basic shelving, I like adding pecky cypress backboards to create a one-of-a-kind look.” Photo courtesy Julie D. Philippus

For the (Home) Spa

Whether outfitting a guest bath—or splurging on your master—creating a luxurious, spa-like sanctuary involves more than fancy faucets and fixtures! Enhance your space with a custom vanity that provides aesthetic warmth, as well as plenty of storage. “Vanities serve a utilitarian purpose,” says woodworker Jason Straw of Gainesville, Florida. “But a custom, modern vanity crafted from real wood is similar to art. When relaxing in the tub, you can sit back and enjoy its presence.”

 

And no worries about crafting cabinetry for wet zones. Straw believes cypress is the best choice. “It’s not only beautiful,” Straw says, “but the cypressene oil found in its heartwood naturally protects it from water damage and mildew.”

For the Finishing Touch

If you work from home or need to put in extra hours, a home office is a must-have—offering a quiet space to stay on task and organized. According to Jane Frederick of Frederick + Frederick Architects in Beaufort, South Carolina—and a past president of the American Institute of Architects—design and comfort are two primary considerations when it comes to picking out a high-quality desk.

 

“Touching a solid surface speaks to the quality of construction,” Frederick says. “And the finishes make a big difference. I once designed a desk made out of solid, river-recovered cypress, with a live-edge walnut top. In addition to being built to last, it’s stunningly beautiful.”

 

Whether building a dream home, renovating an existing one, or simply trying to be better organized, look to cypress for creating functional and beautiful storage stunners. Visit www.CypressInfo.org to see how.

(NewsUSA) -

(NewsUSA) - Expanded Screening Coverage Can Reduce Needless Deaths

Colorectal cancer deaths are declining, but shocking regional, racial and ethnic disparities remain. According to the American Cancer Society, Latinos in the United States are more likely to die from colorectal cancer than those in many Central and South American countries, and death rates among Black men and women are 40% higher than their white counterparts. Rural residents are also far more likely to die from this often-preventable disease than those in urban areas. Much of this is due to lack of screening.

Colorectal cancer care groups, minority healthcare advocates and doctors have long held that virtual colonoscopy, or CT Colonography, can overcome cultural stigmas and anxiety associated with this screening. In January, Medicare began covering virtual colonoscopy – which uses a CT scanner to generate 3D, moving images of the colon that doctors examine for signs of cancer and for precancerous polyps, which can be removed before they become cancers.  

“Patients should have a choice in their screening options,” said Anjee Davis, MPPA, CEO of Fight Colorectal Cancer. “It’s important to consider the whole patient—their preferences, comfort, and what they feel is the best fit for them. For some, it might be a virtual colonoscopy or another less-invasive screening option.”

At least 53,000 people in the U.S. still die from colorectal cancer each year. Virtual colonoscopy use is growing most quickly among Black Americans and Latinos. Many experts think more covered exams can convince the 30% of US residents who should be screened, but choose not to, to get tested.

“Affordability and accessibility are critical factors in determining whether a person will get screened for colorectal cancer. Improving access and choice for more people can help save lives and bring us closer to ending the disease in our lifetime," said Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.

The Affordable Care Act requires private insurers to cover the exam. CIGNA, UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna and other large insurers have covered these tests for years.

Preparation for virtual and standard colonoscopies is the same, but the virtual test is far less invasive and does not require sedation. It is over in minutes. A person does not need to get a ride to or from the exam and can return to daily activities.

“Many in low-income communities, including single parents, can’t afford to take a day off work, and may not have reliable transportation or childcare,” said Cecelia Brewington, MD, Chair of Medical Imaging at Ochsner Health System, New Orleans. “Being able to go back to work afterward may determine whether that person gets tested – which can ultimately save their life.

Virtual colonoscopy is recommended by the American Cancer Society for those at average colorectal cancer risk, with no family history of the disease or other major gastrointestinal issues. President Obama had a virtual colonoscopy while in office.

“Medicare covering virtual colonoscopies enables more people to be screened, allows doctors to remove more polyps before they become cancers and helps people avoid getting this disease altogether. This will save lives,” said Judy Yee, MD, chair of the American College of Radiology Colon Cancer Committee, and Professor and Chair of Radiology at Montefiore Health System and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY.

Those ages 45 and older should talk to their doctor about which exam works best for them.

More information is available at RadiologyInfo.org/virtualct.

(NewsUSA) - Many small, family-owned farms in America are struggling to make ends meet. But some farmers like Byron Kominek are discovering how renewable energy can help them keep their land and their way of life.

Byron’s 24-acre farm in Longmont, Colorado, has been in his family for 50 years. His family’s hay-growing business was no longer paying the bills, and Byron needed to find a new way to sustain the land that honored the hard work put in over multiple generations.

After exploring several land management options, Byron decided to build a solar farm on four acres of land, which generates land lease revenue for his family and power for more than 300 homes each year.

Byron is also exploring the emerging farming technique of agrivoltaics, which involves growing crops under solar panels. The microclimates created beneath the solar panels open the door for farmers to grow different varieties of crops. It’s a win-win for forward-thinking farmers like Byron, who are re-purposing their land to grow new crops and produce clean energy.

Byron is not alone in his adoption of American-made energy on the family farm. Approximately one-third of Colorado’s electricity is currently generated by wind or solar power, including from family farms like Byron’s, according to the American Clean Power Association (ACP).

ACP represents the clean energy industry, including companies developing wind, solar, and clean hydrogen power. Visit cleanpower.org to learn more about how renewable energy sources can help family farms thrive in the future.

 

(NewsUSA) - Aunque las enfermedades del corazón se pueden prevenir en gran medida, aun así, siguen siendo la principal causa de muerte en los Estados Unidos. Las enfermedades cardíacas afectan a millones de personas y su impacto no es igual en todas las comunidades.

Las comunidades de afroamericanos, hispanos/latinos, asiáticos/isleños del Pacífico e indios americanos/nativos de Alaska presentan tasas más altas tanto de enfermedades del corazón como de factores de riesgo como presión arterial alta, colesterol alto, obesidad, diabetes y fumar. Las investigaciones respaldadas por el Instituto Nacional del Corazón, los Pulmones y la Sangre (NHLBI, por sus siglas en inglés) han demostrado que usted puede reducir su riesgo individual de padecer de enfermedades del corazón al tomar pasos preventivos: mantenerse activo físicamente, seguir una alimentación saludable, manejar el estrés, no fumar, dormir lo suficiente y controlar la presión arterial, el colesterol y la diabetes. Todo esto puede mejorar la salud de su corazón, pero el impacto puede ser aún mayor si une fuerzas con sus amigos y familiares para juntos llevar vidas más saludables. 

Los estudios han demostrado que tener relaciones positivas y cercanas y sentirse conectado con otras personas es beneficioso para su presión arterial, peso y salud en general, entre otras cosas. El programa The Heart Truth® del NHLBI sugiere algunas maneras en las que puede conectarse con sus amigos, vecinos y compañeros de trabajo para promover la salud del corazón en su propia comunidad: 

1. Organice un grupo de apoyo en línea para motivarse unos a otros mientras trabajan para alcanzar sus objetivos de salud.
    
2. Haga un tablero de anuncios virtual donde su comunidad pueda publicar mensajes de motivación y compartir recetas saludables para el corazón, junto con otros consejos.
    
3. Coordine caminatas en la comunidad para mantenerse activos juntos.
    
4. Pida a un proveedor de cuidados de salud de su área, a un trabajador de salud de la comunidad o a un educador de salud que organice sesiones educativas sobre la salud del corazón o para medir la presión arterial.

Compartir con otras personas en el lugar donde vive, trabaja y disfruta su tiempo libre puede ayudar a fomentar estilos de vida saludables para el corazón y a construir comunidades más saludables. Aprenda más sobre la salud del corazón y encuentre recursos para compartir en su comunidad en www.hearttruth.gov (en inglés). 

(NewsUSA) - Heart disease is largely preventable, yet it’s still the leading cause of death in the United States. It affects millions of people, and its impact is not shared equally among all communities.

African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native communities have higher rates of both heart disease and risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, and smoking. Research supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has shown that you can lower your individual risk for heart disease by taking preventive steps: being physically active, eating a healthy diet, managing stress, not smoking, getting enough sleep, and controlling your blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. All this can give your heart health a big boost, but the impact is greater when you join forces with friends and family members to be healthier – together.   

Studies have shown that having positive, close relationships and feeling connected to others benefits your overall health, blood pressure, weight, and more. NHLBI’s The Heart Truth® program suggests a few ways you can connect with friends, neighbors and colleagues to promote heart health in your own community: 

Set up an online support group to motivate each other as you work to meet your health goals.

Create a virtual bulletin board where your community can post encouraging comments and share heart-healthy recipes and other tips.

Schedule community walks to get your hearts pumping together.

Ask a local healthcare provider, community health worker, or health educator to host heart health education sessions or blood pressure screenings.

Connecting with others where you live, work, and play can help foster heart-healthy lifestyles and build healthier communities. Learn more about heart health and find resources to share in your community at www.hearttruth.gov. 

 

(NewsUSA) - From charging our phones to fueling up for family road trips and heating our homes, nearly      everything we do uses energy. It’s critical to daily life and a prosperous future. With that in mind, Congress created new energy tax credits in 2022 that lay the foundation for generational investments in all energy to meet growing demand.

These federal energy tax credits are boosting all homegrown energy, including renewables, which has created new jobs, saved consumers money, shored up our energy security and made our electric grid more reliable when extreme weather hits.

And the numbers are significant. These tax credits will create nearly 14 million jobs over the next decade, including doubling the number of clean energy jobs—long lasting careers—from roughly 3 million today to more than 6.5 million. Right now, the credits have already delivered 1.2 million annual jobs while providing new opportunities across multiple sectors, including construction and manufacturing.

The bottom line is that energy tax credits, are and will continue to produce massive dividends for all Americans, delivering a 4x return on taxpayer investment. Here are some eye-popping stats:

Approximately $740 billion in tax credits are estimated to deliver over $3 trillion in net benefits, including $1.88 trillion in economic benefits and over $1 trillion in environmental benefits

These credits boost household income through wages and savings on energy costs while reducing air pollution and providing enhanced energy security for American-made power.

Considering the growing demand, we need all the power we can to produce here at home. The good news is that clean power capacity is growing and is expected to supply enough energy to power every home in the U.S. three times over by 2035 with the help of these energy tax credits.

Now is the time to embrace and foster innovation in homegrown power. Lawmakers in Washington should protect energy tax credits so we can continue to invest in all forms of energy to power our daily lives today and in the future.

 

 

 

(NewsUSA) - Every Fall by Angela Douglas

A chilling thriller, perfect for fans of Karin Slaughter and Lisa Gardner, exploring the dark side of police culture and family trauma.

Bree knew life married to a beat cop would be tough, but she believes their family will be fine living in the crime-infested city of East Bernheim — that is, until one day crime follows them home. Jake then agrees to stretch their finances and move to a bigger house in a better neighborhood. But Bree, now pregnant with their second child, begins to hear voices and suffer strange dreams. Then when tragedy strikes on the job, Jake enters a spiral of guilt and grief that degrades his grip on reality.

Bree, isolated and struggling, must protect her children from the one person she thought would always keep them safe. A thriller that tackles toxic masculinity in police culture and trauma, you’ll be on the edge of your seat. Purchase at https://bit.ly/400i0PY.

Dear God, My Life Is in Jeopardy by Tom Covino

When you read the story of Evelyn Dawson, you'll never quite be the same again.

The beginning will make you wonder, the middle will shock you, and the ending may cause you to re-evaluate what you thought were the right answers to some of life's deepest questions.

This book answers the greatest fear that man has … why am I afraid to die? The first half is written as fiction, and then tied up through facts and truth. In the story, Evelyn finds herself on the game show Jeopardy. No Alex Trebek or other players, just her, the host, and an audience made up of all the best professional actors, athletes and singers. Says one reviewer,  “I can’t recall a book that affected me so much. From suspenseful and gripping, from Jeopardy to the final courtroom, this book shook me to the core.”  Purchase at https://bit.ly/4g003qA.

Our Best Selves by David Torne

Wisdom for our souls' growth. As part of our human nature, we yearn for the compelling desire to grow and evolve as individuals, even without being fully aware of this fact. Our soul yearns to reach that version of ourselves that best defines us and to overcome those limitations that distance us from our purest essence.

This book is a guide with a great transforming power that, in a simple and entertaining way, will provide readers with essential tools for the ultimate purpose of helping them in their personal and vital development.

Embark on a journey of self-discovery to unlearn what no longer serves us and at the same time help us to establish new guidelines that favor our well-being and pave the way to a full and authentic life. Achieving the best version of ourselves becomes a commitment that, at a collective level, can potentially transform all of humanity. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4j0e4Gi.

Race to Cable Town (Book 1) by Edward Penner

Tom finds an old letter in his attic addressed to his great-grandfather, and the letter is signed by a man named Clayton. Who is he and why was he sent to jail? Tom and Andy ride to Cable Field in search of clues. But when they get there, Andy is challenged to a bike race, and it’s sure to be his toughest race ever.

Can Andy win or has he finally met someone faster? And, when the race is over, can the boys learn more about the mysterious man named Clayton? It’s the start of a bold new adventure for Tom and Andy.

This first book in the series is an action-packed story that will keep young readers turning the pages and help them discover that reading adventure stories can be just as much fun as cell phones, video games and other distractions. Learn more at www.edwardpenner.com.