Beacon of Light Financial Services, Inc. - A Gregory L. Schaffer Company

As we start a New Year today and I reflect on what is important in life; it is relationships, and we are grateful for all of ours.

39 years has been successful only because you joined us for the ride and a ride it has been. We look forward to many more years together and thank you for trusting us on this journey called "life".

Blessings to you and your family and may God Bless you in all you do!

We are grateful for you and we give thanks for our relationships!

Many blessings to you and your families and may you have a wonderful holiday season!

Have a Blessed 4th and give thanks!

Come celebrate with us!

I am pleased to share another milestone in the history of The Gregory L. Schaffer Companies; our 39th anniversary.

As I reflect on writing this, what do I say after 38 times? I am grateful, humbled, blessed and have to say we have the best clients we could ask for.

Our clients are like family and that is what is maybe different between us and many of our colleagues. Our relationships go way beyond in my opinion and if you ask our clients, they know we have their back, their best interest and our dedication at all times.

We are "Fiduciaries" for our clients and have become one of the most comprehensive financial service companies in the country offering, Investment Advisory & Portfolio Management Services, Accounting & Taxation Services, Full Real Estate Services, Trust Planning, Trustee and Executor Services, and all forms of Insurances.

Our staff have been a key part of our journey and their dedication, devotion, enthusiasm, loyalty and hard work has been valuable to our ongoing success. I am proud to have them as part of our work "extended" family.

We can’t thank our clients enough for allowing us to serve as their trusted advisors and allowing us to be part of their lives. We are blessed for your trust and confidence, and we will do all we can to edify your financial stewardship and protect your families for many more years to come.

May God Bless you and your families always!

Gregory Lee Schaffer, Founder, CEO, President

Tax Season is upon us!

First, I pray that you and your family have enjoyed a healthy and happy Holiday season.

This is our 39th year in business and we thank you for being part of our journey, we are grateful and blessed.

As we prepare for this tax year, I wanted to give you some important information; the IRS has announced that it will start processing tax returns on Monday, January 23rd this year and thus our office will begin taking income tax appointments on Monday, January 23rd.

Going into this season, many of the special pandemic related relief provisions such as the increased child tax credit, increased dependent credit and economic impact payment (stimulus) related credits have expired, so this year marks a major change from the last few tax seasons. We are extremely prepared to handle this situation. Our goal as always is to operate with extreme diligence in reviewing the tax code and any applicable changes so that we can capably answer all questions and give you the best counsel possible. It is critical to seek professional expertise as the IRS presents us with an ever-changing tax landscape.

Though it has improved a small degree, we do want to bring to your attention the backlog at the Internal Revenue Service that again threatens to make this tax season a difficult one for us tax professionals and our clients. The IRS’s level of service was not great pre-COVID and it has certainly gotten worse during the COVID environment. There is not a lot of light at the end of the tunnel either. It is still extremely difficult for taxpayers and preparers alike to receive telephone assistance currently. The IRS expects that most taxpayers will receive their refund within 21 days of when they file electronically unless there’s an issue with processing their tax return. The IRS is urging taxpayers to use electronic filing to avoid delays in processing and to use the information letters provided by the agency when filing their tax returns to avoid errors that can lead to delays. We want to stress that a mistake on your return will potentially create a very undesirable experience and a major delay so our advice, don’t try and do your own. The tax laws were supposed to be made “more simple” and this is the farthest from the truth this year.

We will be available Monday through Saturday for in-person, video, or phone appointments, with later evening appointments available for convenience as well. For the healthy and safety of our staff, please reschedule if you are feeling ill. As usual, you always have the option of dropping off your taxes as well.

We have a personalized, secure portal that you can use to upload your documents for preparation. You can also use the camera on your mobile device to get documents to us securely as well by downloading the free app “Adobe Scan.” Please see below for instructions for downloading and using “Adobe Scan.” If you need an invitation to the secure portal, or further assistance with either of these methods, please contact David Cocuzzi at 585-563-8536 or via email at [email protected]

You can also mail in your tax documents as well. No matter how you get your documents to us, you may request a scheduled timeslot for to discuss and finalize your return if you wish. We will still reach out to you before completing the return even if you do not have a scheduled time to ensure we have all your information to help minimize your taxes.

As one of our valued clients, it is often necessary for you to provide us with forms and documentation that allows us to serve your needs. For your convenience, there are many methods at your disposal to get this information to us. The list below provides several options, some of these common, and some that you may not have thought of, all with the goal in mind of making your business experience with us as easy and hassle-free as possible. We can also remote control into your computer to help you if you need assistance while you watch. For our disabled or elder clients that don't drive, we can make arrangements to collect your documents.

METHODS OF DELIVERY

• Dropped off in person at the office.
• Fax Machine
• U.S. Mail
• Adobe Scan (App)
• E-mail - Documents can be scanned and attached (Blot out ANY personal information or Password Protect the pdf)
• Schaffer & Company Online Portal (Vault, Shared Documents). Contact David for an invitation.
• We**am or Skype camera (Video Conference, we can simply take a picture of your document as you hold it up)
• USB Drive
• CD/DVD disc
• Uploaded to your own secure site (if applicable). You would then provide access for us.

ADOBE SCAN: MOBILE PDF INSTRUCTIONS

• Download Adobe Scan: Mobile PDF Scanner from the App Store.
• If you do not already have an account, you can sign in using Google, Facebook, or Apple
• Go through the steps for which platform you chose to sign in with, this may include sending a verification code to your email or phone.
• Once logged in, allow Adobe Scan access to the camera.
• To scan a document, hold the camera above the paper. It will direct if you need to get closer or further away. Tap on the screen to take the picture.
• The scan will come up and you can choose to retake or continue. If you are satisfied with the picture, click continue. This will save the document.
• The camera will come back up and you can choose to take additional pictures, or you can click on the bottom right to view the scans already saved. From here you have various options to edit the document. Once completed, click Save PDF.
• From here, you can choose to keep scanning or Share the PDF.
• To Share, please select email, and send to [email protected]. Please change the Email subject to First, Last Name Income Tax. David will contact you to verify delivery.

If you have not already, please contact our office using 585-621-3300 to make sure you can have a preferred time slot as we book up quickly. Even in these uncertain times we are dedicated to giving you the best experience, high level guidance, and optimal taxation results.

Should you have any questions or concerns prior to your appointment time, please feel free to call David directly at 585-563-8536 or 585-621-3300 extension #181. You may also email him at [email protected]

As social media has become an everyday event for many, I would ask that you visit our business page https://www.facebook.com/bolfinancial and leave a review and hopefully “Like” us on Facebook. If you cannot leave a 5-star review, then I would reach out to me personally as we only want to provide 5-star service and we will do all we can to earn that from you.

Thank you for your trust and confidence, may you and your family have a Blessed & Healthy New Year!

Sincerely,

Gregory L. Schaffer, CEO, President, CIO, CFP, RFC

Beacon of Light Financial Services, Inc. - A Gregory L. Schaffer Company A Gregory L. Schaffer Company-Currently Accepting New Clients

Announcement for our 39th Tax Season!!!

2023 Tax Season | The Gregory L. Schaffer Companies 2023 Tax Season is upon us!

As we start a New Year today and I reflect on what is important in life, it is relationships, and we are grateful for all of ours. The journey of 38+ years has been successful only because you joined us for the ride and a ride it has been. We look forward to many more years together and thank you for trusting us. Blessings to you and your family and may God Bless you in all you do!

Respect to those that gave it all!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our clients and their families!

We have been serving for over 38 years now and so grateful to be part of your lives. We appreciate you, the trust and confidence you have given us along with most importantly, your friendship!

Have a wonderful 4th and give thanks!

I am pleased to share another milestone in the history of The Gregory L. Schaffer Companies; our 38th anniversary.

We are one of the most comprehensive financial service companies in the country offering, Investment Advisory & Portfolio Management Services, Accounting & Taxation Services, Full Real Estate Services, Trust Planning, Trustee and Executor Services, and all forms of Insurances.

Our firm is designed to be a “financial doctor” to our clients and we serve as "fiduciaries" which means we serve in our client's best interest and this has always been our highest priority.

Our success story is our dedication to being trustworthy, highly educated, providing a value to our clients and applying the “Golden Rule”. We have a true passion for helping others and we remain diligent to provide the highest level of service and expertise for many more years to come.

Our staff has been a key part of our journey and their dedication, enthusiasm, loyalty and hard work has been valuable to our continued success. I am proud to have them as part of our work "extended" family.

We can’t thank our clients enough for allowing us to serve as their trusted advisors and allowing us to be part of their lives. We are grateful and blessed for your trust and confidence and we will do all we can to edify your financial stewardship and protect your families for many more years to come.

May God Bless you and your families always!

Gregory Lee Schaffer, Founder, CEO, President

Many died and much blood has been shed for us to have our freedoms and way of life. "Land of the Free" is in serious jeopardy. Do not be quiet and complacent, peacefully speak up of the wrongs you see before your rights disappear. May you have a blessed day!

On Memorial Day, we are reminded of the ultimate sacrifices that our men and women of the Armed Services have made to defend our way of life. May we give honor, respect and thanks to our fallen soldiers and their families always!

Internal Revenue Service will be stepping up tax enforcement.

https://www.natlawreview.com/article/irs-chief-counsel-signals-increased-tax-enforcement

IRS Chief Counsel Signals Increased Tax Enforcement The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Chief Counsel is the chief legal advisor to the Commissioner of Internal Revenue on all matters pertaining to the interpretation, administration and enforcement of t

As we close out another year, we reflect on our relationships and how blessed we are to be a part of our clients lives. Thank you to all of you that have entrusted us, for the confidence to refer us, and for allowing us to serve you, your family and friends.

As we commemorate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Merry Christmas and blessings for a peaceful, healthy and joyous day with your loved ones!

Prayers to any one suffering with illness today and wishing for a speedy recovery.

For all of us that are missing someone that has gone home, celebrate their life today and give thanks and reflect on your fond memories ❤🙏.

Give thanks and have a great holiday!

Happy Thanksgiving to all our clients who have entrusted us with their needs. We are grateful and blessed to have you in our lives. Enjoy your time with your family and friends, be safe and have a blessed day!!!

We respect our history and the one's that have given all for our freedoms. They will never be erased from our hearts and minds.

We pray for the families of the fallen. Let us be diligent to protect our loved ones always as life is fragile and this world is dangerous.

God Bless the responders and the risks they take everyday to save lives.

Social Security COLA Estimate for 2022 Raised to 6.1% | ThinkAdvisor The latest estimated cost-of-living adjustment reflects a 5.4% increase in the consumer price index for the past 12 months.

Keep your credit score as high as possible to save on lower interest rates for mortgages, credit cards, auto loans, etc.

Did you know you will save money on your insurance for your auto, home and other forms of insurance? Indeed you do so protect your credit score and keep more of your hard earned money!

There are many credit card providers that monitor your FICO score for free. Take advantage of this and learn how to raise your score.

https://www.ficoscore.com/coronavirus

Coronavirus – FICO® Score Over 90% of Top US Lenders use FICO® Scores as their credit scores. Learn more about FICO Scores and who is authorized to sell them.

Have a blessed Independence Day-4th of July and thank you all that count on us to serve you!

A little public service announcement to help ward off evil people! https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-report-spam-text-messages

How To Recognize and Report Spam Text Messages Find out what you can do about unwanted text messages and how to report them.

I am grateful to announce another milestone in the history of The Gregory L. Schaffer Companies; our 37th anniversary.

We stand today as one of the most comprehensive financial service companies in the country offering, Investment Advisory & Portfolio Management Services, Accounting & Taxation Services, Full Real Estate Services, Trust Planning, Trustee and Executor Services, and all forms of Insurances.

Our firm is designed to be a “financial doctor” to our clients and their best interest is our highest priority.

Our success story is our dedication to being trustworthy, highly educated, providing a value to our clients and applying the “Golden Rule”. We have a true passion for helping others and we remain diligent to provide the highest level of service and expertise for many more years to come.

Our staff has been a key part of our journey and their dedication, enthusiasm, loyalty and hard work has been valuable to our continued success. I am proud to have them as part of our work family.

We can’t thank our clients enough for allowing us to serve as their trusted advisors and allowing us to be part of their lives. We are grateful and blessed for your trust and confidence and we will do all we can to edify your financial stewardship and protect your families for many more years to come.

May God Bless you and your families always!
Gregory Lee Schaffer, Founder, CEO, President

Help Families Affected By COVID-19 Help provide food, medical care and support.

And as expected, New York State announced extension to May 17th to match the IRS.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/NYTAX/bulletins/2c82225

NYS Tax Department issues guidance extending the 2020 personal income tax April 15th due date The Commissioner of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance has extended the due date for personal income tax returns, and related tax payments, for the 2020 tax year from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021.

Internal Revenue Service has extended tax deadline to May 17th. https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-day-for-individuals-extended-to-may-17-treasury-irs-extend-filing-and-payment-deadline

Tax Day for individuals extended to May 17: Treasury, IRS extend filing and payment deadline | Internal Revenue Service IR-2021-59, March 17, 2021 — The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced today that the federal income tax filing due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year will be automatically extended from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021.

Urgent Alert!

IRS warns of coronavirus relief payment scam.

The Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division issued a warning Thursday about a new attempt of COVID-19 scams tied to the latest round of stimulus payments.

Never give any information over the phone and the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information. Recognize the telltale signs of a scam.

If you need assistance with your taxation or any other finance matter, please feel free to reach out to us!

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-scams-consumer-alerts

Tax Scams / Consumer Alerts | Internal Revenue Service Don't fall victim to tax scams. Learn how to spot a scam and what to do.