Welcome to CVW News, your trusted source for the latest updates in the realms of accounting, software, and design. In this quarterly newsletter, we bring you a curated selection of valuable insights, trends, and news that matter most to professionals in these dynamic industries. Our mission is to keep you informed, inspired, and ahead of the curve, ensuring you have the knowledge you need to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.
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Set up 2026 for Success: The Systems & Practices to Put in Place Now
If you weren't able to tune in to Studio Designer's latest webinar "Set Up 2026 for Success: The Systems and Practices to Put in Place Now" with CVW's Caroline Van Wassenhove, CPA, the recording is now available!
You'll learn how to:
- Analyze your 2025 financials and identify what worked (and what didn't)
- Build a smart budget and forecast aligned with your growth goals
- Optimize cash-flow and protect your business through project cycles
- Leverage systems and team structure so your business supports your creative vision
Take the time now to look ahead and lay the groundwork for a strong and successful 2026!
Congratulations, Stefanie Herbert! | 2025 Sales Tax Nerd Finalist
We are thrilled and incredibly proud to share that CVW’s own Stefanie Herbert, CPA, was recently selected as a finalist for the 2025 Sales Tax Nerd Award by the Sales Tax Institute. The Sales Tax Nerd Award celebrates Sales Tax Institute alumni professionals that are dedicated to the study and practice of sales tax.
As an Accounting Manager, Stefanie Herbert has become a rising voice in sales tax for the interior design industry. With over 20 years in accounting, Stefanie transitioned from healthcare finance to supporting interior design firms with CVW, where she quickly recognized the complexity and risk surrounding multi-state sales tax. Her clients often operate across jurisdictions, and Stefanie stepped up to fill a critical gap—educating her team and clients on taxability, nexus, and compliance.
Stefanie’s initiative led her to the Basics course in Chicago, where she deepened her expertise and returned ready to lead internal trainings. She shared key takeaways from the education she received and also highlighted important topics for group discussion, helping identify opportunities to strengthen processes and improve consistency in client work. Based on team feedback, she is exploring ways to enhance internal sales tax resources and establish more consistent standards for areas such as nexus evaluations.
The Sales Tax Nerd in Stefanie thrives on uncovering the “why” behind the rules. Her curiosity, drive, and commitment to learning make her a standout in a field where clarity and confidence are hard-won and deeply needed.
Congratulations, Stefanie!
Year-End Tips & Checklist
To ensure a smooth year-end close and timely financial reporting, we recommend completing the following by early January:
*Year-End Payroll Review Includes the Following:
- Verify business & employee information
- Ensure 2025 compensation meets the "reasonable compensation" requirement for S Corporation officers (if applicable)
- Set year-end bonuses and any additional officer salary, as applicable
- Inform employees about unused benefits (PTO, flex spending, etc)
- Provide payroll company with any health insurance premiums paid on behalf of 2% shareholder-employees for W2 reporting purposes (if applicable)
- Set compensation and benefits/deductions for next year
- Initiate next year's payroll schedule
In addition to the list above, we also recommend reviewing your current year performance and identifying a plan for next year (i.e. budget, forecast, cashflow projections).
If you have any questions on what you need to complete or submit for year-end reporting, please check in with your Accounting Manager.
ShareFile - Client Portal Guide
ShareFile is designed to make accessing and managing our shared files more seamless and secure. As we continue to expand our use of ShareFile, we’ve prepared a ShareFile Client Portal Guide to assist you. This comprehensive guide includes bookmarks for easy navigation, allowing you to quickly find the information you need.
Client Portal Login: https://cvwaccountinginc.sharefile.com/
Subdomain: cvwaccountinginc
2025 Client & Partner Acknowledgement
As we bid farewell to an amazing year, we’d like to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude to each of our clients, along with the partners listed below, for the support and collaboration that helped drive the success and growth that defined 2025:
- Powers Purchasing
- Studio Designer
- Houzz Pro
- Birds on a Cable
- Focus HR
- Assured Partners
- GO-SEO
- Ignition
- Paychex
- Gusto
Your support, collaboration, and commitment have been key to making this year a great one. As we reflect on the past, we eagerly anticipate the opportunities ahead. With partners like you, we are confident that the coming year will bring even greater accomplishments and shared success.
Upcoming Office Closure Dates
New Year's Eve ~ Wednesday, December 31st
New Year's Day ~ Thursday, January 1st
Martin Luther King Jr. Day ~ Monday, January 19th
President's Day ~ Monday, February 16th