http://www.isifresno.com/blog/rss/feedsIndustry Standard is a full-service company providing accounting, bookkeeping, tax and payroll services to organizations across the Central Valley.Wed, 29 Apr 2026 01:27:47 -0700http://www.isifresno.com/blog/post/tax-season-is-openhttp://www.isifresno.com/blog/post/tax-season-is-open For 2018 we offer the following additional benefits with every return we file: Virtual Tax Preparation: If your busy schedule makes it hard to keep an appointment, simply upload your tax documents to your Secure Client Portal and we do the rest!Secure Client Portal: Our web-based client portal offers convenient, safe and effective account access and is also accessible on-the-go through our apps. Securely store all your important tax documents and send/receive files with us with bank-level security and encryption.E-File*: It’s faster, easier and more accurate than filing a paper return. For comparison, the IRS site for refund updates typically shows the status of your tax return within 24 hours if you e-file your tax return. However, if you file a paper return, it can take four weeks or more. E-filing also allows the IRS to process returns more quickly, and, in turn, issue refunds more quickly.E-Signature: We know your time is valuable! With e-signature, you don’t have to come back in to sign your tax returns. E-signature works using your mouse or keyboard on your computer or using your finger on your mobile device!Pay-by-Refund*: If you’re expecting a refund, you can have your return prepared with no up-front fees. Receive your refund as a check, by direct deposit or on a prepaid bank card.Identity-Theft Protection*: 12-months of Full Identity Restoration, Identity Theft Insurance, and a Dedicated Fraud Resolution Support Specialist to help you resolve issues if you experience tax fraud, bank fraud or identity theft.Express Extensions: Taxes are due on April 15! If you need more time to file, we’ll gladly file a 6-month extension for you and work with you to gather any tax information you’re missing. Get your Refund Fast! We offer Direct Deposit, Walmart MoneyCard, Cashier's ChecksSign up for an appointment by clicking on the link: Tax Appointment Signup!Tue, 22 Jan 2019 06:15:00 -0700http://www.isifresno.com/blog/post/social-media-trends-for-2018http://www.isifresno.com/blog/post/social-media-trends-for-2018When Twitter decided to expand its character limit from 140 to 280 last year I think we all got a little excited. What we quickly remembered shortly after however is that but more is not always better. One of the most difficult things to do is to get your point across with the least amount of words possible. It's an art form. Take all that word jumble and filter it all down to one sentence that makes a valid point. That’s why it’s such a difficult task for grant writers to play within the funder’s word or page limits when putting a proposal together.I took a grant writing course in grad school and one of the hardest things was putting a project proposal together and trying to narrow down your project’s purpose in a few lines. Or in our case, one sentence.The same thing goes applies to social media posts, on all platforms. Look at how increasingly popular 5 second videos are becoming. If it’s any longer than that, the“swipe right” ratio is way higher. Attention spans are far shorter. Therefore out content must be as well. Here are some social media trends to be aware of for 2018:-There is a rise in augmented reality-Huge increase in Instagram stories-Continued investment in influencer marketing-Live streaming is expanding-Social media platforms are becoming more strict on governing content-Keep it SHORT“It doesn’t matter if you jave 50,000 followers, 100,000, or several million. It’s more how well your message resonates with your audience and whether your audience will take action” –Matthias Lufkens, managing director at Burson-Marsteller Mon, 29 Jan 2018 10:00:00 -0700http://www.isifresno.com/blog/post/cover-letter-dos--dontshttp://www.isifresno.com/blog/post/cover-letter-dos--dontsHey there folks. I know, I know…it’s been a MINUTE since I’ve posted and I’m sure you’ve all been chomping at the bit. Not to worry. I’ve got some fresh words to lay down for this New Year.Speaking of new things, I went through some old files the other day and double clicked on my cover letter from 2016. Let’s just say it needed some re-vamping. I’ve gone back and forth with cover letters. Are they THAT important? Does anyone actually read them? Truth is, it doesn’t really matter what I think. If a prospective employer is asking for a cover letter (regardless if they read it or not) then you better add a cover letter to your application submission.I asked a business consultant once if they ever read cover letters. He said they will always read someone’s CV first to assess experience but the cover letter expresses more individuality and can usually land that person the interview or not. Here are a few do’s and don’ts for your cover letters:Don’t use a salutation like “gentleman” “lady” (particularly in today’s society)Do send an original cover letter to each employerDon’t waste space on wordy phrases.Don’t depend on them to take action. ASK FOR THE POSITIONDo speak to the requirements of the job and how your experience matches up or exceedsDo keep your cover letter brief. NEVER go more than one page!There are plenty more of do’s and don’ts when it comes to how to land an interview. One of the worst things when trying to sell yourself through a piece of paper (so to speak) is to be unoriginal, in my humble opinion.Fri, 26 Jan 2018 12:25:00 -0700http://www.isifresno.com/blog/post/how-to-stay-organized-in-the-officehttp://www.isifresno.com/blog/post/how-to-stay-organized-in-the-officeEvery Monday morning your mind inevitably drifts off to some far off place at least once while at work: Bahamas perhaps? It helps if you streamline your daily duties and make your workspace a positive place to spend a huge chunk of your day. Here are a few tips that may help you stay more organized at your desk, or wherever you call work:Add some life: This is so “hippy” of me to say this but add a damn plant to your desk! It’s so weird how having a little lively thing to take care of can actually make your desk space better. Like Alec Baldwin said in some movie: “People with plants live longer, than people without plants”. That’s good enough for me.Snack Regularly: I mean, this one may seem obvious but so many of us forget to eat and drink water while working. If you’re only eating once at lunch in eight hours, that’s a problem. Try packing some plant based snacks to eat several times throughout the day if you can. Hummus and sliced veggies w/ lemon, fresh berries, nuts, a yogurt and spruce up your water with some zero sugar electrolytes and fresh lime. Being more alert will inevitably help to keep you on target and organized.Know what to throw away and when: I am so guilty of keeping all papers for like, ever. Here’s a general cheat sheet on what to keep and for how long:One month: credit card receipts, withdrawal and deposit slips. Toss after you’ve checked bank statement at the end of the month.One year: Paycheck stubs, monthly bank, credit card, brokerage, mutual-fund and retirement account statements.Six years: W-2’s, 1099’s and other tax stuff, year-end credit card, brokerage and mutual-fund statements.Keep for friggin ever: Tax returns, receipts for major stuff, real-estate records, licenses The last one especially makes a big difference for me. I instantly feel better once I've tossed all unnecessary papers. Like I don't have it there to remind me anymore;) Wed, 01 Nov 2017 13:00:00 -0700http://www.isifresno.com/blog/post/how-to-support-mental-wellness-at-workhttp://www.isifresno.com/blog/post/how-to-support-mental-wellness-at-workIt’s tough to always be on your game at work. From performance reviews, interviews and deadlines, the workplace can be a bit daunting at times.Our country is starting to open the floor to conversations about metal illness which is allowing the stigma surrounding it to slowly diminish. More people are starting to talk about their workplace anxiety or other anxiety disorders which calls for action at the office.Health and wellness are finally beginning to take a more prominent role in company culture, and mental wellness is now a key part. So, how does a workplace get started? Here are three tips to promote mental health in your office:Leadership SupportA team that cares about mental wellness will inevitably positively impact the culture of the workplace and also its productivity. Work together with your leadership team to keep them informed on the types of challenges employees may face, like anxiety, OCD, or depression. Mental health days are important to take sometimes.Educate EmployeesLet’s be real, most of us spend way more time with our colleagues than with our family or friends. Sometimes you get SUPER lucky and get along with everyone at the office and sometimes there’s just too many cooks in the kitchen. It’s impossible to be at 100% 5 days a week. The culture between staff is crucial for a healthy work environment. Informational sessions and creating awareness around common issues like this can help reduce the fear of a staff member bringing it up.Have Resources AvailableMental health services are listed among ten essential health benefits required under the Affordable Care Act. There are other in-office wellness tips that can seriously improve a staff’s overall mood.Yoga sessions offered at lunch or before work, on-site massage, In-office acupuncture, financial training, healthy eating classes, etc. Small steps like these can not only benefit your entire staff but it will benefit your company culture as well as overall production. Mon, 30 Oct 2017 19:03:00 -0700http://www.isifresno.com/blog/post/4-foolproof-wardrobe-fixeshttp://www.isifresno.com/blog/post/4-foolproof-wardrobe-fixesWe’ve all had those busy mornings when you’re already running late for work and then, BAM. Wardrobe malfunction. Whether you can’t find your missing sock (or in my case any matching sock, ever) or there’s lint or you dog’s hair all over your suite, here are 4 easy fixes for some common clothing problems.Problem: Lint or animal hair on clothingSolution: Obviously, a lint roller is the clear fix here. However if you’re like me and can’t even find your lint roller, you can use a mailing label, the sticky back of a FedEx window envelope or packing tape.Problem: Stupid stuck zipperSolution: This has happened to me A LOT. It’s always my coat before I leave and it’s freezing outside. I would usually bust out some WD40 but you don’t want that smell on yo fancy work clothes now do ya? You can also rub the trouble spot with a waxy substance like lip balm or candle wax. Now don’t get any on the fabric because it can leave a residue.Problem: Mildew smellSolution: Alright, if my sister was reading this she’d be laughing her butt off. I used to live in a REALLY mildew-y flat in London. Pretty much all of my clothing came back to the States smelling like a damp moldy wet towel. Ew. I tried washing them in a usual cycle but to no avail. Finally, I took my colored washables and soaked them overnight in a solution of two ounces of detergent with color-safe bleach to every gallon of warm water and then throw them in a normal cycle. For whites, I did the same thing but with straight bleach. Then I laid my whites in the sun for a FULL day. The sun is a natural deodorizer anyways.Problem: Perspiration StainsSolution: This one is a little embarrassing to admit but I sweat a sh*t ton. I think it's partially because I drink so much damn water throughout the day but whatever. I sweat a lot. Naturally, I get some perspiration stains on some of my shirts. Esssppppecially my workout clothes. I refuse to go through shirts every month so if I have any armpit stains, I'll apply a 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution to the stain and then machine wash them in warm water. It's easy if you put it in a spray bottle and just go to town. You. are. welcome.Wed, 04 Oct 2017 10:00:00 -0700http://www.isifresno.com/blog/post/two-30min-weeknight-dinnershttp://www.isifresno.com/blog/post/two-30min-weeknight-dinnersMost of us save the really tricky dinners with long prep times for the weekends. I know that quick and easy weeknight dinners (particularly for the working parents) are the “bread and butter” to your week. Here are two easy weeknight dinners that probably won’t take you more than 30 minutes, no matter your skill level.Crispy Salmon & PotatoesServes 4Ingredients:¼ cup fresh lemon juice2tbsp olive oil2 cloves garlic2 tbsp finely chopped parsley1 pound small red potatoes (cut into ¼ inch slices) *I love using my mandolin1 bunch of asparagus4 (6 oz) skin-on salmon½ tsp salt and pepper*Add lemon juice, oil, garlic and parsley in a large container so it can also hold all the salmon. Whisk all ingredients then place salmon in the marinade skin side up. Cover and refrigerate for about 10 minutes while you heat up your oven.Move your oven rack so it’s about 6 inches below the broiler and then set your over to broil.Line your baking sheet with foil, place potatoes and asparagus on sheet and drizzle with remaining oil, salt and pepper. Try placing veggies on the outer edges of the baking sheet. Now add the marinated salmon skin side down onto the sheet and dash a bit more salt a pepper on top.Broil until the salmon is cooked through completely and flakes. This will probably take 6-10 minutes. If you have a thermometer, the center of the salmon should read 125degrees F.20-minute Tortellini SoupTalk about comfort food. Little pastas filled with cheese and surrounded by warm tomato broth? Yes,Serves 4-62 tbsp butter1 medium onion2 cloves garlic½ tsp salt½ tsp black pepper1tbsp balsamic vinegar4 cups veggie or chicken broth (I always use veggie broth. Shocking, I know)1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)½ cup heavy cream (or I use a non-dairy milk)2 bay leaves1 package tortellini (about 14oz package)½ cup fresh basil leaves, sliced thin (save some for the garnish)*Optional grated parmesan cheese for additional garnish**Grab your Dutch oven or big soup pot. Melt the butter and add you garlic, onions, salt and pepper and cook until tender (when the onions are translucent). Stir in the vinegar. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, cream (or non-dairy milk) and simmer for about 5 minutes. Add the tortellini and cook until tender (about 5-6 minutes) Remove from heat and be sure to remove the bay leaves! Dish immediately and add your basil. Optional to top with grated parmesan. *One think about tortellini is it will get mushy if cooked too long or if it sits too long. This recipe is best served fresh and eaten the same day. Enjoy!Mon, 02 Oct 2017 13:00:00 -0700http://www.isifresno.com/blog/post/a-work-week-detox-revisitedhttp://www.isifresno.com/blog/post/a-work-week-detox-revisitedSound familiar? We’ve briefly discussed a few ways to detox from your work week before but I figure we should revisit this topic at least once a year. Lately I’ve found this more challenging, I aint gonna lie to ya. With so many tasks at hand, it’s friggin difficult to find the fortitude to allow yourself…time FOR yourself. I tend to think about all the tasks I haven’t completed and then it’s so easy to get caught up in the “social media twilight zone” (that weird zoned out state where all you do is scroll through your feed for like an hour without even blinking). Here are a few more tips I’ve found help to avoid getting lost in the proverbial social media black hole and taking BACK your free time.1) Call an old friend: This sounds kind of corny but I find that when I get super distracted during the week and throughout the month, I get more and more selfish. Those closest to us tend to get the least amount of attention at times. I think it has something to do with knowing they'll always be there. Like, your family will always be your family and your best buds should always be there, right? It's these comforting thoughts that make it easier to put off paying those we love the most, the most attention. It's because we know they'll always be there that we should take the time to see, chat and laugh with them. Even if it's only for an hour at a coffee shop or simply stopping by their work during lunch. I am going to try and take my own advice with this one this week. 2) Try a new recipe: Okay, so even if you don't like to cook, just give it a go. There's a small (or sometimes large) sense of accomplishment when you cook for yourself and for others. After all, food brings people together in pretty much every culture. Take the time to pick out your ingredients, read or don't read a recipe, YouTube how to do stuff (like when I had to look up how to braise, julienne and all those other fancy words). Most of the time, it won't be as difficult as it looks.3) Do something nice for someone else: Tis the season to pay it forward guys. Well in reality it should always be the season but let's be real, the holiday season brings out the best and the worst in people. It's weird. Whether it brings out your best or not, take 30 seconds out of your day to give a compliment to a stranger. Buy someone behind you that coffee, send out a thinking of you card (those paper things that fold and have funny notes in them) or simply give someone a nice phone call. I was out with my dad the other day and some random girl about my age came up to me and complimented my outfit. I felt like absolute crap that day and her choosing to say that to me, literally made my day turn right around.So in short, be nice to one another friends. Most importantly, like Tom Hatherford would say, “treat yo self”.Fri, 29 Sep 2017 11:31:00 -0700http://www.isifresno.com/blog/post/4-things-that-make-wellness-at-workworkhttp://www.isifresno.com/blog/post/4-things-that-make-wellness-at-workworkI feel like a lot of employers don’t know or perhaps don’t think about little ways to make the workplace a better environment for their staff. For me, if there’s a toaster oven and an electric kettle to fuel my addiction to hot beverages and toasting things I am beyond stoked. It's tiny silly little things like that, that make me happy.We don’t all have the luxury of working by a nice park to go for a lunchtime stroll or have a fancy on-site gym or personal chef. Little changes can make a huge difference for the overall well-being of your team.1) Easy access to healthy meals and snacks: I used to work for a nonprofit in London (it was a HUGE office). In the breakroom they always had a fruit platter and simple kitchen ware that made it easy to cook or prepare food yourself during your break. They also had a board full of healthy options nearby that either delivered or were walkable. Every Friday they had a “healthy” potluck which was fantastic because it challenged people to step outside of their comfort zone.2) Stop weight loss competitions: I have never agreed with this. Sure, a lot of people do need to loose pounds but that doesn’t do anything to help staff that doesn’t need to lose weight and some people suffer from eating disorders so fueling competition to lose weight may not always benefit your staff. Instead, focus on educating your team on fitness, injury prevention and healthy eating. A lot of the time, Universities have students that need volunteer hours and are well trained in presenting on health and wellness (and it’s FREE for you).3) Install showers: Another benefit we had in the office were showers. This encouraged staff to bike, walk or run to work. If they lived too far it also encourages lunchtime exercise and group workouts.4) Encourage vacation time: People need to clear their heads and have family time. Encourage your staff to spend time with family and use their vacation days. You’ll have a much happier work environment!Fri, 08 Sep 2017 10:00:00 -0700http://www.isifresno.com/blog/post/how-to-answer-the-dreaded-interview-question%E2%80%A6http://www.isifresno.com/blog/post/how-to-answer-the-dreaded-interview-question%E2%80%A6We’ve all been in an interview when the dreaded question “What is your biggest weakness?” is thrown out there. First of all, it’s such an annoying question. I mean, everyone has weaknesses and if you say “perfectionist” they’ll probably roll their eyes (at least in their minds).If you find a way to answer this question strategically, it can have the interviewer focused on your strengths rather than your weaknesses which is the whole point of this question anyway. Try picking an actual weakness that you have noticed about yourself or that has been pointed out to you. Be careful of course to not focus on it too much as to present a red flag to the interviewer and spin the question around to share the steps you have taken to improve or the steps you plan on taking.Be sure you really think hard about this response before your interview. The last thing you want is for this question to pop up and give an off the cusp response without offering resolutions. Also really make sure you read the job description thoroughly. If a big part of the job is cold calling clients, don’t say “I have a hard time trying to sell things over the phone sometimes”. You get the jist. If you list a weakness like, "I used to have a hard time staying organized with so many tasks at hand..." Try answering with something like: "Now I have found these 3 solutions that have really impacted the way I handle multiple tasks."It's a common interview question, so if you prep beforehand and twist the question into your favor...it'll probably land in your favor!Thu, 07 Sep 2017 10:00:00 -0700