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2021 November-October BUZZ

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THE BUZZ


MESSAGE FROM JOE DAMIANO

Team, I’d like to again say WELCOME to our November class of new hires, and a THANK YOU to all those responsible for getting them set-up, trained, and acclimated to the firm. Within this BUZZ we’ve included everyone’s headshots and a little blurb about each new team member so you can get to know them better. It’s always exciting to introduce new talent and watch their responsibilities and careers evolve at the firm. We know our new group will be a great support to Sax and will aid in our productivity moving forward. Thank you also to everyone who attended our Open House / 65th Anniversary event on October 21. It was wonderful to celebrate these significant milestones with our fellow team members, clients and friends of the firm in that way. The feedback from the evening has been great, and we look forward to doing more events like that in our Parsippany Headquarters down the line. Here is the link again to the photo album from the evening for you to check out. As we head towards Thanksgiving, I wish you and your loved ones good health and a very happy holiday. On behalf of all Sax Partners, we are very grateful for you and the time and talents you dedicate to the success of our firm.

All my best, Joseph Damiano


As a THANK YOU to everyone for all your hard work, the firm will close on Wednesday, November 24 and Monday, December 27 so you can get a head start on holiday travel and plans.


HUMAN RESOURCES

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to the newest members of our Sax family. Christine Vasilantone ASG Part-time Parsippany | 10.4.21

Christine graduated from St. Peters college with a degree in accounting. She joins the Sax team as an ASG Part-time team member effective October 4th. Fun fact: Christine loves entertaining her friends, family, her 2 year old Yorkie and 8 year old rescued terrier mix.

Przemyslaw "Preston" Szymanski Jr. Event & Marketing Coordinator Parsippany | 10.11.21 Preston just graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a BS in Marketing. He joins the Sax team as a Jr. Event & Marketing Coordinator effective October 11th. Fun fact: Preston is a licensed real estate agent in New Jersey.

Autumn Konke Accounting Support Associate Parsippany | 10.19.21 Autumn received a degree in accounting and finance after graduating from University of Arizona. She joins the Sax team as an Accounting Support Associate effective October 19th. Fun fact: Autumn is an avid whitewater kayaker of class III rapids, and tamed the mighty Clackamas River in Oregon.

Keith Reich A & A Senior Associate NYC | 10.4.21 Keith graduated from Touro College with a degree in accounting. He joins the Sax team as an A & A Senior Associate effective October 4th at the SAX office in New York City.

James Moore SaxWA Client Service Associate Parsippany | 10.18.21 James graduated from Pillar College with a Degree in business management. He joins the Sax team as a SaxWA Client Service Associate effective October 18th. Fun fact: James is a fan of crime and police drama series. He also loves to listen to, perform, and create music!

Edvin Givargis SALT Partner CA | 11.1.21 Edvin is our newest Partner and Leader of our SALT Practice. He will lead the charge in advising clients in the areas of multistate compliance, controversy, and all other technical matters. Fun fact: When Edvin was 4 years old he took his dad's friend's car keys, got into his truck, turned it on, and started driving. No one saw a driver in the car so they chased after it to get the car to stop. A real mischievous 4 year old!


Jenie Khimthang Tax Manager CA | 11.1.21

Jenie graduated from California State University of Long Beach with a Bachelor of Science in accounting. She joins the Sax team as a Tax Manager effective November 1st. Fun fact: Jenie got engaged earlier this year! Congratulations!

Jia Xiang Wu - Jay A & A Associate Parsippany | 11.9.21 Jia Xiang Wu graduated Baruch College with a BBA in accounting. He continued his education at John Hopkins University with an MS in Applied Economics. He joins the Sax team as an A & A Associate effective November 9th. Fun fact: Jay's favorite comic TV series is Gilligan's Island!

Nicole Sinatra A & A Associate Parsippany | 11.9.21 Nicole graduated from William Paterson University with a Bachelor's in accounting. She is transitioning within the Sax team to an A & A Associate effective November 9th. Fun fact: Nicole was recently engaged and bought a house! Congratulations!

Greg Engemann A & A Associate Parsippany | 11.9.21 Greg recently graduated from Ramapo College with an Associates in business administration and a Bachelor in accounting. He joins the Sax team as an A & A Associate effective November 9th. Fun fact: Greg enjoys the cold weather and skiing down the snowy slopes!

Preeti Manik Senior Tax Associate Parsippany | 11.9.21 Preeti graduated from SUNY Empire State College with a Bachelors in business. She joins the Sax team as a Senior Tax Associate effective November 9th. Fun fact: Preeti loves to travel, especially to any tropical area with a beach!

Vihang Patel Tax Associate Parsippany | 11.9.21 Vihang graduated from Rutgers Business School with a degree in accounting and finance. He joins the Sax team as a Tax Associate effective November 9th. Fun fact: During his free time Vihang loves to play tennis and boxing.

Sheefu Ghay Senior Tax Associate FL | 11.9.21 Sheefu graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science in business administration, accounting, and finance. He joins the Sax team as a Senior Tax Associate effective November 9th. Fun fact: Sheefu has a goal to clear his CPA test next year!

Kelly Behrens A & A Associate Parsippany | 11.9.21 Kelly graduated from Fairfield University with a BS in accounting. She joined the Sax team as an A & A Associate effective November 9th. Fun fact: Kelly Irish danced for 8 years from ages 513!


Dillon Chiuchiolo A & A Associate Parsippany | 11.9.21

Dillon graduated with a degree in accounting from Stockton University. He joins the Sax team as an A & A Associate effective November 9th. Fun Fact: Dillon has plenty of knowledge about Ice cream since it is his "forte".

Blagica Vodenicharovski A & A Associate Parsippany | 11.9.21 Blagica graduated from William Paterson University with a Bachelor's degree in accounting. She also has a Masters in marketing management from a European University. She joins the Sax team as an A & A Associate effective November 9th. Fun fact: Blagica loves to travel, as well as trying new foods!

Jose Colotla A & A Associate Parsippany | 11.9.21 Jose graduated from Mount Saint Mary College with a BS in accounting and a minor in information technology. He joins the Sax team as an A & A Associate effective November 9th. Fun Fact: Jose cooked as a right-hand man to a chef for 6 years, where he learned many different Italian dishes.

Luke Dunn A & A Associate NYC | 11.9.21 Luke graduated from NYU with an economics degree. He joins the Sax team as an A & A Associate effective November 9th. Fun fact: Luke was born and raised in a small town in Texas called Sugarland!

Brandon Chinchilla A & A Associate Parsippany | 11.9.21 Brandon graduated from Rutgers University with a BS in accounting. He joins the Sax team as an A & A Associate effective November 9th. Fun fact: Brandon has a dual citizenship with the United States and Costa Rica!

Carole Datzko A & A Associate Parsippany | 11.9.21 Carole received her MBA in accounting from William Paterson University. She joins the Sax team as an A & A Associate effective November 9th. Fun fact: Carole is a combat veteran. She also enjoys hiking and being outdoors!

Elizabeth Reilly A & A Associate NYC | 11.9.21 Elizabeth graduated from Vanderbilt University with a bachelor's in economics. She joins the Sax team as an A & A Associate effective November 9th. Fun Fact: Elizabeth was recently married, and had an amazing time on their honeymoon in Greece!

Jonathan Yassa A & A Associate Parsippany | 11.9.21 Jonathan graduated from William Paterson University with a Bachelor's in accounting. He is transitioning within the Sax team to an A & A Associate effective November 9th. Fun fact: Jonathan is really into real estate, and recently purchased a second investment home with his wife to fix and flip!


Nicole Tross Tax Associate Parsippany | 11.9.21

Nicole recently graduated from William Paterson University with a Bachelor's in accounting. She is transitioning within the Sax team to a Tax Associate effective November 9th.

Samuel Aghassi Tax Associate Parsippany | 11.9.21 Samuel graduated from SUNY Binghamton with a BS in accounting, BA in economics, and a BA in Philosophy. He joins the Sax team as a Tax Associate effective November 9th. Fun fact: Samuel enjoys playing billiards and stand up comedy!

Hulya Angun Tax Associate Parsippany | 11.9.21 Hulya graduated from Montclair State University with a BS in accounting law & taxation. She joins the Sax team as a Tax Associate effective November 9th. Fun fact: Hulya loves learning and overcoming new challenges, which is why she took on lessons to play the guitar.

Donald Ventriglia Tax Associate Parsippany | 11.9.21 Donald has a degree in accounting after graduating recently from William Paterson University. He joins the Sax team as a Tax Associate effective November 9th. Fun fact: Donald enjoys working out, and competing in sports such as golf!

The following employees are no longer with the firm. We wish them the best in their future endeavors. Amal Shanaa Senior Tax Associate | Parsippany | 9.30.21 Patrick DellaPena A&A Associate | Parsippany | 10.15.21 Mani Gupta Senior Tax Manager | Parsippany | 10.15.21 Agata Majdanska Senior A & A Associate | Parsippany | 11.5.21 John Murphy Chief Marketing Officer | Parsippany | 11.10.21

Jonathan Gonzalez A & A Associate Parsippany | 11.9.21 Jonathan graduated from Caldwell University with an accounting degree. He joins the Sax team as an A & A Associate effective November 9th. Fun Fact: Jonathan enjoys artwork, and he has an adequate memory.

Warren Wu Senior Tax Manager | Parsippany | 11.12.21 Ivonne Rayo Senior Tax Manager | Parsippany | 11.15.21 Angelo Straface Senior Manager | Parsippany | 11.24.21


A Big Thank You We are very grateful for the following team members who put in a lot of time and hard work getting our large class of new hires trained and situated in their roles. Thank you for going above and beyond during this important process:

Virginia Dennerlein Jennifer Tosi Shivaley Shah Freddy Delacruz Nick Kontos Ryan Alexander Adam Carcione Angelo Straface Joe Saverino

Muhammad Khalid Chris Lazzaro John Beckerle Michael Amoresano Breana Maher Victoria Hochman Vinnie Gaspari Rachelle Brown Deb Karascony

Elena Klarberg Jessica Vidal Matt Goldstein Felicia Jackson Barb Pannullo Marketing Team Candace Deosingh Ivonne Rayo Deep Khurana All Niche Reps


Great Cards Mansing Wong has definitely earned a Great Card for his hard work, diligence, and ownership of the Agilis Partners Holding LLC (28458.1) Tax Return. This return has 16 Forms 5471 and 1 Form 8865 with very detailed information reporting for all of the controlled foreign corporations and the foreign partnership. Mansing took ownership of the required CaseWare schedules and constantly updated the return for any changes made in the CaseWare file. Adam Carcione is deserving of a Great Card because of his conscientiousness and dedication. He received a call from a client at 7pm, contacted the responsible CSA, and was able to resend the forms to the client so they could run to the library to print, sign and fax back to us in time for the deadline! This is just one example of his thoroughness and patience with clients and coworkers. He is an excellent addition to the Sax team.

Alexandra Celentano deserves a Great Card for her work with the firm’s Founders’ Award and 4 MILER event. These are two of the largest firm events that have the eyes of the public on them, and not only did she do an outstanding job planning and executing both in her first year taking them on, but they also both fell within two weeks of each other and she was able to manage both without fail. The events take a lot of time and effort on the back-end, and Alex handled them with nothing but a smile on her face!


Great Cards Louis Calamunci has definitely earned a Great Card for his great leadership and poise throughout the busy season and was also able to identify tax-savings opportunities for clients.

Muhammed Khaled is deserving of a Great Card because he helped on a group of related clients the past two busy seasons and did a great job on the engagement going above and beyond, and getting the work done timely!

Michael DeBenedetto is deserving of a Great Card because he went above and beyond normal expectations in order to meet the client’s requirements for being able to perform audit testing on site. He put in extra time out of his day in order to make sure the testing was able to be completed according to the client’s timeline. He has been completing the more difficult sections of our file with minimal assistance and has been a great asset to the team.


Great Cards

Harper Garrett and John King are deserving of Great Cards for their work with a very difficult client and one of the largest not-for-profit clients Sax has. They are both doing a fantastic job holding the client accountable to get us information and working towards getting the job completed.


FIRM ANNOUNCEMENTS

A few Real Estate niche team members attended the BANNJ Beefsteak event on September 23 and came in 2nd place with the rattle snake they built with bread!

Some BNE employees came out to Parsippany to meet with a few Real Estate niche team members and tour our office.

The Cannabis niche sponsored the NJ Cannabis Insider event on September 23 which included Sax's name on all attendee badges!


FIRM ANNOUNCEMENTS

Kathleen Alexander was recently featured in William Paterson University's recent segment of "WP Reflections" which highlights the success of their alumni. Watch the full interview here.

Sax has enhanced the firm’s established State and Local Tax (SALT) Practice with the addition of Partner, Edvin Givargis. Edvin brings nearly 20 years of experience to Sax, effectively managing national state and jurisdictional tax matters. His expertise lies heavily with developing and advising on efficient tax structures and operations within a complex state framework. Read the full press release here

Sax presented to the Institute of Management Accountants Student Chapter at TCNJ on November 4, and received a nice, warm welcome from the IMASC club!


BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT RECENT WINS A/O NOVEMBER 1

SAX YTD WINS

SWA YTD AUM

SCA YTD WINS

S2 YTD WINS

$4,300,700

$120MM

$5,440,400

$254,490

NEW CLIENT WINS Allstate Interior New Jersey Corp Visikol Children's Dental Management LAPA Foundation Roosevelt Warm Springs Foundation Renegade Wire Firland Management, LLC Factor Group Inc FileInvite US Energy Electrical Contractors Mystic Timber Vulcan Construction Dre Health Post BRB, Inc Keystone Global Gutter Labs LLC MERKE Maintenance LLC Liebenzell Mission of USA, Inc. Leema Plumbing & Heating Tiger Infrastructure LAPA Fundraising

ENGAGEMENT TEAM Ermal Luzaj Joshua Chananie Debbie Nappi Joshua Chananie Jeffrey Roude John Murphy John Murphy Eddie Rivera Chris Gaffney Todd Polyniak Mathew Giordano Angelo Straface Todd Polyniak Larry Gradzki Michael Curry Shivani Jain Frank Pawlowski April Kushner Jennifer Moroz Chris Gaffney Joshua Chananie


BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT RECENT WINS

NEW CLIENT WINS

ENGAGEMENT TEAM

Evergreen Theragnostics Orlando Foods Rollo Holdco, Inc Jersey Meds Management LLC Sarkis & Ruth Bedevian Soul Lit LLC Community & Police Partnership Organization (CPPO) Susan Pisaturo Fuel Cycle, Inc. Rollo Holdco, Inc Amaracon Testing & Inspections, LLC New Jersey Respiratory, Inc. - Valuation Pentius Holding, Inc. Doyle Sales North America Zero Studios, Inc Noah Lindenberg MD PC Chictopica dba Creator Deck BVG Ventures Emess Management Sebastian Barbagallo Scotty's Specialties

Michael Curry Elliot Koplitz Stu Berger Todd Polyniak Megan Sartor Todd Polyniak Michael Curry Megan Sartor Edvin Givargis Stuart Berger Michael Curry Megan Sartor Joshua Chananie Chris Gaffney Ken Hofsommer Debbie Nappi Megan Sartor Stephen Ehrenberg Jason Borofsky Christopher Lazzaro Joshua Chananie


2022 BUSY SEASON Guidelines & Reminders

Tax February 7 to February 18 – 50 Charge Hours Per Week February 21 to April 15 – 55 Charge Hours Per Week

A&A Managers/Senior Managers – Busy season goal is 520 chargeable hours for the 13 week season from January 17 to April 15 Associates/Senior Associates – Busy season goal is 650 chargeable hours for the 13 week season from January 17 to April 15 All team members will continue to take a one-hour lunch break during the busy season. The core hours of the office are from 8:30am to 5:30pm, M-F Paid Time Off cannot be scheduled: For the A&A team from January 10 to April 15 For the Tax team from February 7 to April 15

Reminders Knowledge transfer and training (i.e., training so work can be given to seniors and associates) Business Managed and/or Engagements worked on Client service (Client Service Delivery Model) Realization; attainment of budget Technical expertise and growth TEAMS Meetings - Some individuals will be working remotely on engagements. Please set up a Teams Meeting for the days of your engagements, so everyone on the engagement, no matter where they are, can interact like you would if the team were all in the same room. Release Your Time Daily - We can’t stress enough the importance of releasing your time daily so managers can monitor progress on the job


CLIENT INFORMATION UPDATES

Please email client changes to clientinfo@saxllp.com Examples of client changes include: New email address and/or phone number New AP personnel Change in main address or billing address (master and/or engagement) Please don’t assume someone else will make the changes. Be proactive and let the firm know. Please continue to use NLAC@saxllp.com to report clients who are No Longer A Client


Sax's 4th Annual Founders' Award Gifts $15,000 to the Non-Profit, Fighting Children's Cancer Foundation

Sax is proud to announce their winner of its fourth annual Founders’ Award. Fighting Children’s Cancer Foundation was awarded the $15,000 unrestricted gift for best addressing this year’s theme of “Imagination” which will help support their mission of providing needs-based financial assistance to families struggling with pediatric cancer.

To read the full press release and watch the event video which highlights the missions of the Top 75 applicants of the Founders’ Award, click here.


Thank you for coming!

Thank you to everyone who came out to join us for our Open house and 65th Anniversary event! It was a great evening with team members, clients and friends of the firm in honor of these milestones.

For those who want to relive the night or for those who could not make it, pictures can be viewed here.


$90,000 raised!

for St. Joseph's children's Hospital Surpassing our goal of $65,000! Check out this Thank You video from Jacob, a pediatric patient from St. Joseph's Children's Hospital

WE COULD NOT HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU.

THANK YOU!


Beer and Wine Raffle Results Basket #1

Basket #5 Made by: Joe DeBarr Winner: Sandy Tufaro

Basket #2

Made by: Sue Reed Winner: Ryan Fidlow

Basket #6 Made by: Lisa DiNozzi and Michael Amoresano Winner: Chris Lazzaro

Made by: Sue Reed Winner: Debbie Nappi

Basket #3 Basket #7 Made by: Lisa DiNozzi and Michael Amoresano Winner: Debbie Nappi

Basket #4

Made by: Elena Klarberg and Candy GordonGeanoules Winner: Debbie Nappi

Basket #8 Made by: Sandy Tufaro and Laura Splendoria Winner: Joe DeBarr

Made by: Helena Lynch Winner: George Charne

In total, we raised $3,508 for Making Strides Against Cancer!


Beer and Wine Raffle Results Basket #9

Basket #13 Made by: Jenn Moroz Winner: Carolyn Conforti

Basket #10

Made by: Jenn Moroz Winner: Harper Garrett

Basket #14 Made by: Jenn Moroz Winner: Helena Lynch

Basket #11

Made by: Jenn Moroz Winner: Justine Elia

Basket #15 Made by: Jenn Moroz Winner: Nicole Tross

Made by: Jenn Moroz Winner: Jen Tosi

Basket #16

Basket #12 Made by: Jenn Moroz Winner: Jefferson Zotamba

Made by: Alex Celentano Winner: Ryan Fidlow


Beer and Wine Raffle Results Basket #17

Basket #21 Made by: Nicole Tross Winner: Christine Grispart

Basket #18

Made by: Lisa Mela Winner: Frank Pawlowski

Basket #22 Made by: Maria Plucinsky Winner: Chris Lazzaro

Basket #19

Made by: Kathy Rutch Winner: Sandy Tufaro

Basket #23 Made by: Debbie Nappi Winner: Kathleen Rutch

Made by: Jeff Mucha Winner: Sue Reed

Basket #24

Basket #20 Made by: Debbie Nappi Winner: Tetiana Bevza

Made by: Jerome Fusco Winner: Julia Prager

Thank you to all those who donated and participated!


Sax's TAKE 5 with SAX podcast, hosted by Todd Polyniak & Craig Cassano, was created so our clients can press pause on their busy work days and leverage the expertise of our resident experts who provide important things to know NOW.

LISTEN TO OUR MOST RECENT RECORDINGS Topic Focus: Cryptocurrrency Release Date: 10.28.21 Listen Here

Special Guest: Shivani Jain, CPA, MST Head of Sax’s Tax Department and Cryptocurrency Practice

Topic Focus: Cannabis Release Date: 9.29.21 Special Guest: Adam Holzberg, CPA, MBA Senior Manager, Sax Cannabis Advisors

Topic Focus: Tax Controversy Release Date: 8.25.21 Special Guest: Frank Centrella, CPA, MST Head of Tax Controversy, Sax LLP

Listen Here

Listen Here


NEW: Prompt at Login Feature in ADP Workforce Now® Effective October 30, 2021, the new Prompt at Login feature has been added to ADP Workforce Now® for all users to: Improve communication channel coverage Enhance security on your ADP account Prevent account takeovers via email address Update and notify you about your ADP services This additional level of security will be in the form of a prompt after logging into ADP Workforce Now to either add your primary mobile phone number if you don’t have one on record, or to activate your existing mobile phone number on record.

If you’d like to learn more about the Prompt at Login feature, please visit The Bridge: https://thebridge.adp.com/workforce-now/wfnenhancements/w/wiki/6842/prompt-at-login-pal-for-adp-workforce-now If you experience any issues or would like to provide feedback on this feature, please send an email to PALFeedback@adp.com.


NEW: Retirement Plan Announcement

We are excited to announce that the SAX LLP Savings and Investment Plan will be changing service providers from Alerus to Principal. More information will be provided soon. In the meantime, please find the below initial Q&A and check out the link below for a sneak preview into your upcoming retirement savings experience! Award Winning Participant Experience. What does this mean for my existing 401(k) account?

All retirement savings you currently have in the SAX LLP Savings and Investment Plan (the Plan) will be transferred to our new service provider, Principal, in January 2022. Once the transition is complete, you will gain full access to your account information at principal.com. Here, you will find all of your account details that will transfer from the previous plan service provider, including your account balance, investment elections and more. You will be provided additional information once your online account access at principal.com is available. Why did SAX decide to switch to Principal? By selecting Principal as the new service provider for the Plan, we seek to improve the service level, tools and resources provided to employees like you in order to help you better prepare for retirement.

Click Here For More Information


OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS Carolyn Conforti Breana Maher Guy McPhail Nick Kontos Elliott Koplitz Stephen Tellian Michael Doyle Eddie Rivera Elizabeth Dwyer Jakub Cielemecki Jason Battista Sandy Tufaro-Sarapoulos Craig Cassano Michelle Van Soest Michael Mongelli Alexandra Hoff

October 1 October 2 October 2 October 3 October 4 October 6 October 7 October 11 October 12 October 15 October 16 October 18 October 21 October 25 October 28 October 31


NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS Gina Perrone

November 4

Justine Elia

November 5

Tod Christianson

November 11

CJ Kaminski

November 16

Preston Szymanski

November 17

Jeffrey Roude

November 19

Yan Ya Yu

November 22

Christine Vasilantone

November 23

Donna Finale

November 24

John Beckerle

November 28

Frank Pawlowski

November 28


ANYTHING TO ADD? Email marketing@saxllp.com


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