Sterck Kulik O'Neill is the only accounting firm in San Francisco which has earned the prestigious Diamond Certified Award for Quality. We are proud that an independent organization has checked our credentials, insurance, and customer satisfaction and determined that we rate high in all areas.

In May and June, American Ratings Corporation will again talk with our clients to discuss our service. We do not cherry pick one or two clients for them to call. Instead we provide them a comprehensive list from which they choose a random sample.

We respect your privacy. If you would NOT like us to share your contact information, please let us know your preference by phone or by email by May 15th. (If you have asked us not to give your information in previous years, we will continue to honor your decision and you do not have to tell us again.)

We hope that our service has pleased you in the past year and look forward to reading your ratings and comments in this year's independent survey.

Layoffs and disruptions have spurred many couples to start business together. Combining necessity and the allure of sharing more time with each other, family businesses offer both financial and emotional benefits.

There are ground rules for successful family operations. #1: "Both partners need to bring significant value to the business-experience, talent, or skill."

Before opening the doors to your dream, make sure its foundations are solid and that you've thought through the 8 potential pitfalls Inc.com lists for family businesses. For extra security, read some of the excellent books and articles in their bibliography, too!

Both home owners and businesses who take energy-saving steps in 2009 may receive significant tax credits authorized by the recently enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Homeowners can get bigger tax credits for making energy efficiency improvements or installing alternative energy equipment. Business taxpayers who place in service facilities that produce electricity from wind and some other renewable resources can choose one of three options to fund the project: a tax credit based on the amount invested, a tax credit based on the energy produced, or a grant.

You can get tax credits from the government for taking actions that also save you money on your energy bills. Learn more on this win-win opportunity.

Don't forget to visit our news page for regularly updated articles for your financial success.

Today the news page talks about:

• FAQ on how the new vehicle sales tax deduction works
• Information from the IRS on their examination and collection statistics
• The end to third-parties collected taxes for the Feds
• More details on the President's tax proposals