Category: Firm Updates

Robert Mauro Joins Sanders Thaler Viola & Katz, LLP as Its New Audit Director

Sanders Thaler Viola & Katz, LLP has announced that Robert Mauro has joined the firm as its new Audit Director. In his new position, Mr. Mauro will be managing clients’ financial accounts within various industries and professions.

Before joining the firm, Mr. Mauro was an Audit Principal at Berdon LLP in Jericho for 13 years. During his time there, he advised clients in real estate organizations, government-assisted housing projects, wholesalers, advertising agencies, medical organizations, hotels, broker/dealers, and investment companies. In addition, Mr. Mauro has shared his expertise through in-house training programs such as accounts receivable, cash management, and inventory control. He also frequently presents seminars on preparing financial statements.

Mr. Mauro graduated magna cum laude from St. John’s University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. In 1999, he received his license in certified public accounting from the state of New York. Mr. Mauro is also a longtime member of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants. He currently resides in Levittown.

“I am excited to take on this new role at my new firm,” Mr. Mauro says. “I am honored to join a great company with a remarkable reputation.”

“We are excited to have Robert on our team. He is a very talented individual with an extensive auditing background,” says Scott Sanders, Managing Partner, Sanders Thaler Viola & Katz, LLP. “I know he will help our business grow and have a successful career with our company.”

Sanders Thaler Viola & Katz, LLP Offers Tax Tips for Those Affected by Hurricane Sandy

With Long Island homeowners still feeling the effects of Hurricane Sandy, they are wondering how they will survive financially after losing everything. Elliot Lavietes, CPA, Tax Director, Sanders Thaler Viola & Katz LLP, says those who have yet to receive a check from their insurance companies should file for casualty losses on their tax returns. He also said that, once they get their federal and state tax refunds, they should set aside some money to pay for any extra money they received to cover their losses during the storm.

According to local government officials, Hurricane Sandy severely damaged or destroyed 100,000 homes on Long Island. Mr. Lavietes says he has seen an increase in casualty loss filings this tax season — even greater than when Hurricane Irene hit in 2011. “Usually, when there is a natural disaster, there is a special rule for itemized deductions regarding casualty loss,” he said. “If you are being delayed by the insurance companies and you have yet to file your taxes, please file as soon as possible and claim the casualty loss on your returns.”

If someone files for a casualty loss on their taxes and receive a check from their insurance company in the meantime, Mr. Lavietes says, the insurance money counts as income. He adds that the amount being claimed should not exceed 10% of the claimant’s adjusted gross income. This requirement was waived for those affected by Hurricane Irene but it has yet to be waived for Sandy claimants.

“Once you receive your refunds from the federal government and New York State, do not spend it all at once,” Mr. Lavietes said. “You will need to pay taxes on any additional monies you receive from the insurance company. Keep that in mind when you get your refund checks.”

Accounting Firm Changes Name to Sanders Thaler Viola & Katz, LLP

Sanders Thaler & Associates, LLP has announced that the firm has officially changed its name to Sanders Thaler Viola & Katz, LLP to reflect the names of all of the firm’s partners.

Scott Sanders was a Partner in Lazar Sanders LLP and Lazar Sanders Thaler & Associates, LLP before forming Sanders Thaler & Associates. He specializes in tax planning, trust and estate planning and compliance and surrogate accounting for the Court. His industry experience is in the fields of manufacturing, public relations, real estate, restaurants and jewelry.

Michael Thaler was a tax and personal financial planning partner at Berdon LLP before merging into Lazar Sanders Thaler & Associates, LLP and he also formed Sanders Thaler & Associates, LLP. He was also a co-owner of a mid-sized regional accounting firm. He advises clients on personal and business financial planning, investment analysis, cash flow analysis and estate and gift tax planning. He also specializes in designing and reviewing employee benefit plans.

Prior to joining the firm, Anthony Viola was Managing Partner of Geller Marzano & Company CPAs PC, where he was responsible for making all final financial, technical and personnel decisions. He specializes in all facets of taxation and estate planning, especially tax planning and business consulting.

Michael Katz was also a partner at Geller Marzano, where he made all administrative decisions as the company’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer. His clients include music recording artists and corporate executives for regional and national companies. He specializes in tax planning, projections and business planning, audit representation for federal and state tax problems, insurance company audits and federal and state Departments of Labor audits.

Mr. Sanders was partners in Lazar Sanders LLP since 1995. In 2006, it merged to form Lazar Sanders Thaler & Associates, LLP. In 2009, Mr. Sanders and Mr. Thaler started Sanders Thaler & Associates LLP. In August 2010, it merged again with Geller, Marzano & Company CPAs PC, which was owned by Mr. Viola and Mr. Katz, and the merged firm is now known as Sanders Thaler Viola & Katz, LLP.

“We are proud to announce our new name and the creation of our new logo to reflect the names of all of our partners,” Mr. Sanders said. “We are changing our name, but we are still providing our clients the same level of service that they have come to expect from all of us.”

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