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Rodman & Rodman’s Community Outreach Team Caters Meals for Rosie’s Place

Rodman and Rodman Team at Rosies Place
Rodman & Rodman’s Community Outreach Team serves up meals at Rosie’s Place – Front row: Janine O’Connor, Leah Shanahan, Kate Doherty, Caroline Gosselin, Elysha Sturm. Back row: Tom Astore, Syed Ahmed, Jeremy Eckmair, Marc Scribi

The Community Outreach team at Rodman & Rodman, P.C., an independent accounting and tax firm in Newton, MA, recently catered meals for three days at Rosie’s Place, the Boston based women’s shelter that provides housing, meals, education and support services.

Working under the supervision of Rosie’s Place Dining Room staff, Rodman’s Community Outreach team of nine prepared and served meals to approximately 150 women in need on each of the three days. Rodman also financially underwrote the cost of the nutritious meals.

“Catering and serving meals is their greatest volunteer need. A large part of Rodman & Rodman’s company culture revolves around our Community Outreach Program, which encourages staff to give back and get involved by helping others,” noted Steve Rodman, president.

He continued, “We were honored to be able to help out at Rosie’s Place.”

About Rodman & Rodman P.C.

Founded in 1961 and listed in the Boston Business Journal’s “Top 50 Firms” and named Accounting Today’s Best Accounting Firms to Work for, Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies. The Rodman & Rodman “Green Team” is a specialized green energy and clean technology accounting and tax services practice within Rodman & Rodman, P.C. that serves clients throughout the U.S.  The company is Green Business Certified. For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

 

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Rodman & Rodman Partner Serves as Panelist at MA Energy Summit

Kathy Parker, CPA, MST
Kathy Parker, CPA, MST

Kathy Parker, CPA, MST, a Partner at Rodman & Rodman, P.C. a full service CPA firm with a Renewable Energy and Cleantech specialty practice serving “green” clients throughout the U.S., served as a panelist at the 8th Annual Massachusetts Energy Summit on October 21, 2014 which was held at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA.

“Although 1603 cash grants have expired, Investment Tax credits, Solar Renewable Energy Credits, and other state and local incentives will continue to drive the growth of renewable energy in Massachusetts,” said Parker.

The Mass Energy Summit brought together leaders from the energy sector and leading business executives from throughout the state. Ms. Parker, along with Craig W. Huntley, Founding Principal of Solect Energy and Briony Angus, Project Manager, Tighe and Bond served on the “Solar for the Commercial Customer” panel. Ms. Parker shared her expertise in renewable energy accounting and state and federal incentives with companies looking to implement solar to reduce energy expenditures. Topics of the discussion included financing options, lenders and investors, tax issues, and federal and state qualifications.

Keynote speakers at the event were Maeve Vallely Bartlett, Secretary, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Marcy L. Reed, President of National Grid, Massachusetts. The event featured six panels: Case Studies; Municipal Focus; Careers in Energy; State of the State; Solar for the Commercial Customer and National Grid, Smart Energy Solutions Program.

“We can assist companies that are looking to introduce solar to reduce their energy expenditures by providing sound strategies for the project, which include financing, federal and state incentives, renewable energy credits, entity/partnership structuring, and more,” noted Parker.

Speaker’s Bureau

Ms. Parker, along with Thomas Astore, CPA, JD, are recognized experts in renewable energy accounting and are available for speaking engagements. Mr. Astore and Ms. Parker have been guest speakers at numerous Cleantech industry conferences and forums. Most recently, Mr. Astore spoke about green market incentives on New England Real Estate Journal Radio with host Rick Kaplan and Eric Wilson. In addition to serving as a panelist at the 8th Annual Massachusetts Energy Summit, Ms. Parker spoke at “Banker & Tradesman’s Renewable Energy Real Estate Conference” as well as at the “Renewable Energy Development Incentives and Financing Seminar” hosted by the Environmental Business Council of New England.

For more information about Rodman & Rodman, visit rodmancpa.com.

About Rodman & Rodman P.C.

Founded in 1961 and listed in the Boston Business Journal’s “Top 50 Firms,” Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies. Rodman & Rodman has been named one of the “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” in Accounting Today. The Rodman & Rodman “Green Team” is a specialized green energy and clean technology accounting and tax services practice within Rodman & Rodman, P.C. that serves “green” clients throughout the U.S.  The company is Green Business Certified. For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

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Rodman & Rodman P.C. of Newton Honored as 2014 Accounting Today’s Best Accounting Firms to Work For

Steve Rodman, CPA, MST, president
Steve Rodman, CPA, MST, president

Rodman & Rodman, P.C. , an independent accounting and tax firm based in Newton, MA with a Renewable Energy and Cleantech specialty practice serving clients throughout the U.S., has recently been honored as one of the 2014 Accounting Today’s Best Accounting Firms to Work for. This is the fourth year that Rodman & Rodman has received this distinction.

The 2014 Accounting Today’s Best Accounting Firms to Work for annual list was created by Accounting Today and Best Companies Group to identify, recognize and honor the best employers in the accounting industry, benefiting the industry’s economy, workforce and businesses. The list is made up of 100 companies.

Companies from across the United States entered the two-part survey process to determine Accounting Today’s Best Accounting Firms to Work for. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. This part of the process was worth approximately 25 percent of the total evaluation. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. This part of the process was worth approximately 75 percent of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process, analyzed the data and determined the final ranking.

Rodman & Rodman’s growing team is led by three partners: Steven P. Rodman CPA, MST, president; Kathy Parker CPA, MST and Thomas Astore CPA, JD.

“We are committed to providing our staff of dedicated professionals with a very positive and engaging working environment along with many opportunities for career advancement. We’re delighted to receive this honor,” noted Rodman.

For more information on Accounting Today’s Best Accounting Firms to Work for program, visitwww.BestAccountingFirmsToWorkFor.com.

About Rodman & Rodman P.C.

Founded in 1961 and listed in the Boston Business Journal’s “Top 50 Firms,” Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies. The Rodman & Rodman “Green Team” is a specialized green energy and clean technology accounting and tax services practice within Rodman & Rodman, P.C. that serves clients throughout the U.S.  The company is Green Business Certified. For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

 

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Rodman & Rodman’s Kathy Parker Outlines Subtleties of Clean Energy Tax Incentives at Environmental Business Council Conference in Boston

Kathy Parker, CPA, MST
Kathy Parker, CPA, MST

“With the elimination of the 1603 cash grant, the primary tax incentive driving renewable energy investment will be the Investment Tax Credit or ITC,” said Kathy Parker, speaking last week in Boston at the Renewable Energy Development Incentives and Financing Seminar, hosted by the Environmental Business Council of New England. Kathy Parker, CPA, MST is a partner at CPA firm, Rodman & Rodman, P.C., and a leader at the firm’s “Green Team” renewable energy practice.

The ITC is not simply a deduction, explained Parker. It is a tax credit good for up to 30% of the cost of the project, and is often an incentive that can only be enjoyed by entities with substantial passive income and a large tax appetite. Passive losses can only be offset by passive income. “C corporations with large income are great candidates to take losses, but sometimes these investors are hard to find or the deals are too small for larger investors to take an interest,” noted Parker. The credit can also be used to offset the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT).

Parker went on to say that passive investors are individuals or entities participating in management activities less than 500 hours per year. Losses and credits are limited through what the IRS defines as Passive Activity Loss (PAL).  PAL can offset other passive income not related to the renewable energy project. Losses can be carried forward, while credits can be carried back one year and carried forward 20 years.

Tax equity can be structured several different ways for maximum return and minimum risk for the developer and tax equity investor, said Parker. Some of these options include Partnership Flips, and Sales – Leasebacks. “The choice of transaction type depends on the investor’s capital, liquidity, and need for return,” said Parker. “The flip affords the investor more flexibility while the leaseback does not require a substantial infusion of initial capital.”

About Rodman & Rodman P.C.

Founded in 1961 and listed in the Boston Business Journal’s “Top 50 Firms,” Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies. For three consecutive years, Rodman & Rodman has been named one of the “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” in Accounting Today. Rodman & Rodman is one of the only providers in New England with a specialized “Green Team”, a green energy and clean technology accounting and tax practice that serves “green” clients throughout the U.S.  The company is Green Business Certified. The firm has locations in Newton and Braintree, MA.  For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

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Rodman & Rodman CPAs Establish “Green Energy” Speaker’s Bureau

The Green Team
The Green Team

Rodman & Rodman, a full service CPA firm with a Renewable Energy and Cleantech specialty practice serving “green” clients throughout the U.S., has recently established a Green Energy Speaker’s Bureau.

Thomas Astore, CPA, JD and Kathy Parker, CPA, MST, who are partners at Rodman & Rodman and active leaders of the company’s Renewable Energy and Cleantech specialty practice known as the “Green Team”, are available to speak to alternative energy producers, businesses and other audiences that pursue energy efficiency initiatives.

Potential topics include (but are not limited to): Green energy tax and business strategies for solar, wind, biomass, and cleantech companies; commercial and residential energy efficiency investments; the types of state and federal tax rebates available for various green energy initiatives; and the newly developed incentives and assistance programs geared towards accelerating the growth of solar energy infrastructure to mitigate climate change.

Mr. Astore and Ms. Parker are recognized experts in renewable energy accounting and have been guest speakers at numerous Cleantech industry conferences and forums. Mr. Astore graduated from Hofstra University and Fordham Law School, where he was a member of the law review. Ms. Parker graduated from University of Texas at Austin and Bentley University. She is the recipient of the Massachusetts Society of CPAs’ (MSCPA) 5th Annual Women to Watch Awards. Most recently, Ms. Parker spoke at “Banker & Tradesman’s Renewable Energy Real Estate Conference” which was attended by more than 120 renewable energy project developers, property owners, investors and commercial lenders in the greater Boston area.

Speaking engagements featuring Thomas Astore or Kathy Parker may be arranged by contacting Kathy Bautze at Rodman & Rodman (617) 965-5959.

About Rodman & Rodman P.C. CPAs

Founded in 1961 and listed in the Boston Business Journal’s “Top 50 Firms,” Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies. The Rodman & Rodman “Green Team” is a specialized green energy and clean technology accounting and tax services practice within Rodman & Rodman, P.C. that serves “green” clients throughout the U.S.  The company is Green Business Certified and has been named by “Accounting Today” as one of the “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” in 2010, 2011, and 2012. For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

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Kathy Parker of Rodman & Rodman CPAs Explains Renewable Energy Project Tax Incentives at Banker & Tradesman’s Renewable Energy Real Estate Conference

Kathy Parker, CPA, MST
Kathy Parker, CPA, MST

“Despite the expiration of the ‘1603 Cash Grant Program’, green energy developers and investors still have a variety of attractive tax incentives to encourage new investment,” said Rodman & Rodman CPAs’ Kathy Parker, at the “Banker & Tradesman’s Renewable Energy Real Estate Conference” last week in Boston. Rodman & Rodman is a full service CPA firm where Ms. Parker serves as a partner, and an active leader in the firm’s Renewable Energy and Cleantech specialty practice. The Conference was attended by more than 120 renewable energy project developers, property owners, investors and commercial lenders in the greater Boston area.

According to Parker, qualified solar, landfill gas, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, geothermal electric, fuel cells, geothermal heat pumps, municipal solid waste, CHP/cogeneration, hydrokinetic power, anaerobic digestion, small hydroelectric, tidal energy, wave energy, ocean thermal, fuel cells (using renewable fuels), and microturbines, are eligible for a 30 percent investment tax credit. Although the credit will not be in cash, it can be used to reduce tax liability for one year back and 20 years forward, said Parker. After 2016, the investment Tax credit on Solar is scheduled to drop to 10 percent. In addition, 100 percent of the tax credits can also be used to offset the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT).

Parker pointed out that bonus depreciation on renewable energy projects also ended in 2013. However, solar projects are still eligible for accelerated depreciation over five years.

About Rodman & Rodman P.C. CPAs

Founded in 1961 and listed in the Boston Business Journal’s “Top 50 Firms,” Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies. The Rodman & Rodman “Green Team” is a specialized green energy and clean technology accounting and tax services practice within Rodman & Rodman, P.C. that serves “green” clients throughout the U.S. The company is Green Business Certified and has been named by “Accounting Today” as one of the “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” in 2010, 2011, and 2012. For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

Kathy Parker of Rodman & Rodman CPAs Explains Renewable Energy Project Tax Incentives at Banker & Tradesman’s Renewable Energy Real Estate ConferenceRead More

Rodman & Rodman Kicks Off New LinkedIn® Group to Aid Cleantech Entrepreneurs with Energy Accounting

Rodman & Rodman CPAs “Green Team” has announced that it has started a new LinkedIn® Group, entitled “Green Energy Accounting & Tax Strategies.”

The new LinkedIn group is intended to provide small to midsize renewable energy and cleantech (e.g. solar, wind, biogas, biomass, geothermal, energy efficiency) companies and entrepreneurs with a networking forum for discussions and guidance on relevant tax issues, best accounting practices, QuickBooks and other accounting software tips, and company/partnership financial structuring to optimize success and achieve financial goals.

“The survival of many green energy and cleantech companies can depend on understanding new and proposed energy tax laws, subsidies and grants,” said Steve Rodman, president of CPA firm Rodman & Rodman, P.C. “A green energy company has to be structured properly to take advantage of the optimal allocations of income and deductions. Even something as simple as setting up an entity’s accounting systems can be crucial to qualify for financing or for investment tax credits against future income.”

The Rodman & Rodman “Green Team” is a specialty accounting practice dedicated to providing alternative energy producers, and other businesses that pursue energy efficiency initiatives, with expert counsel and services in green energy tax accounting and business strategy. The team consists of experienced CPAs who are domain experts in alternative energy accounting and finances.

“We invite green energy and cleantech stakeholders to join the group and participate in productive discussions that will contribute to the success this growing industry,” said Rodman.

About Rodman & Rodman P.C.

Founded in 1961 and listed in the Boston Business Journal’s “Top 50 Firms,” Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies. The Rodman & Rodman “Green Team” is a specialized green energy and clean technology accounting and tax services practice within Rodman & Rodman, P.C. that serves “green” clients throughout the U.S. The company is Green Business Certified and has been named by “Accounting Today” as one of the “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” in 2010, 2011, and 2012. For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

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Rodman & Rodman Recognized as the “Go To” Alternative Energy CPA Practice by Accounting Today Magazine

Rodman & Rodman, P.C., an independent accounting and tax firm with a specialized green energy and clean technology practice known as the “Green Team”, has been featured in Accounting Today in recognition of their work with alternative energy producers.

Accounting Today featured Rodman & Rodman in a “Practice Profile: Meet the Green Team” article. Named as one of the 100 “Best Accounting Firms to Work for” by Accounting Today for the third consecutive year, Rodman & Rodman garnered further attention from the publication for their unique alternative energy niche.

“We’re honored to be featured in Accounting Today for our work with biomass, wind and solar farm developers and clean tech companies in New England and across the country,” noted Steven P. Rodman CPA, MST, the firm’s president.

The Rodman & Rodman team is led by four partners: Steven P. Rodman CPA, MST, president; Kathy Parker CPA, MST; John P. McGovern CPA, ABV, CVA and Thomas Astore CPA, JD.

Astore, who leads the firm’s Green Team, talked about the complexities and commitment involved in serving renewable energy clients. “You have to be knowledgeable about the electric industry and the technology,” said Astore. “You also have to be ready to reach into your pocketbook for traveling to conferences and becoming a member of one or more renewable energy associations.”

Parker spoke about her Green Team role ensuring that renewable energy clients stay the course on grant application guidelines and processes (in particular, the 1603 Grant Program) and conducting complex audits reports for them.

To read the full article, visit:

http://www.accountingtoday.com/ato_issues/27_2/practice-profile-Meet-the-Green-Team-65549-1.html.

About Rodman & Rodman P.C.

Founded in 1961 and listed in the Boston Business Journal’s “Top 50 Firms,” Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies. The Rodman & Rodman “Green Team” is a specialized green energy and clean technology accounting and tax services practice within Rodman & Rodman, P.C. that serves “green” clients throughout the U.S. The company is Green Business Certified and has been named by “Accounting Today” as one of the “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” in 2010, 2011, and 2012. For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

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Rodman & Rodman CPAs Outline Proposed Changes in Biomass Efficiency Rates for Renewable Energy Credits Qualification

The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) recently sent a finalized proposal of changes to the standards for biomass efficiency in the state. Rodman & Rodman, P.C. an independent accounting firm specializing in renewable energy projects with offices in Braintree and Newton, MA, outlines the proposed changes in biomass efficiency rates for REC qualification.

The original proposal called for a reduction in Renewable Energy Credits to be awarded by half for systems that were operating between 40 percent and 60 percent efficiency. The finalized proposal calls for a half credit to be awarded for systems operating between 50 percent and 60 percent efficiency. Systems operating below 50 percent would not qualify for the credit.

According to Steve Rodman, CPA, MST, President of Rodman & Rodman, “Biomass systems have been highly discussed since their initial use as to whether or not they are actually ‘renewable’. Some argue that the carbon released when burning woody materials in the system is the same as the carbon released when burning coal or other fossil fuels. Others argue that the carbon is being recaptured by the existing forests, and that the trees that are burned are replaced much faster than sources of coal and fossil fuels, making them a renewable source.”

He continued, “This is a major statement by the MA DOER. By requiring biomass systems to operate at 60 percent efficiency in order to qualify for the full credit, the DOER is establishing the need for these systems to be able to operate at a level that will hopefully reduce the amount of carbon that is re-released back into the atmosphere.”

Rodman stated that it would be a challenge for biomass projects that are getting started. They will need to get to at least 50 percent efficiency right away in order to see any credits. This will require biomass projects to take more time in the design and testing stages to ensure they comply with the efficiency requirements before going live.

The MA DOER is taking comments on this finalized proposal until mid-June, so there is a chance that these regulations may still be subject to change until they are fully enacted.

For more information, contact the Green Team, which is a specialized green energy and clean technology accounting and tax services practice within Rodman & Rodman at (617) 965-5959.

About Rodman & Rodman P.C.

Founded in 1961 and listed in the Boston Business Journal’s “Top 50 Firms”, Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies. With a focus on strategic planning, Rodman & Rodman goes beyond traditional accounting services and takes a proactive approach when serving clients to increase, preserve and sustain clients’ financial net worth. The Rodman & Rodman Green Team is a specialized green energy and clean technology accounting and tax services practice within Rodman & Rodman, P.C. that serves “green” clients throughout the U.S. The company is Green Business Certified and in 2010 and 2011 was named one of the “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” in Accounting Today.

From business valuations, taxation, audits, fraud detection and prevention services and succession planning to a variety of accounting IT services including software selection, implementation and training, the team at Rodman & Rodman serves as comprehensive advisors to clients. For individual clients, the company offers personal advisory services such as planning for real estate transactions, obtaining financing, estate planning and retirement planning as well as planning for college education.

Rodman & Rodman, P.C. are located at 3 Newton Executive Park in Newton and 25 Braintree Hill Office Park in Braintree, MA. For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

Rodman & Rodman CPAs Outline Proposed Changes in Biomass Efficiency Rates for Renewable Energy Credits QualificationRead More