Want to stay informed about what is happening in the world of accounting and tax? Michael J. Yuda, CPA, LLC’s blog is here to help. We understand just how important it is for our clients to not only know what is going on with their finances, accounting and taxes, but also how the constantly changing tax laws, etc. will affect them. That is why we have set up a blog that posts informative articles, tips, and techniques designed to help you stay in charge of your financial life.
Regularly updated, our blog is a great place to learn how to better approach taxes, bookkeeping, and personal finances so that you can give your financial future some direction. If you find an article or piece of information that interests you and want to learn more about what it means then we encourage you to contact us. We always look forward to helping our clients in any way possible when it comes to their financial needs.
Contact our accounting firm in Honolulu, Hawaii, for more information about the different topics we discuss on our blog.
As a CPA in Hawaii, the team here at Michael J. Yuda, CPC, LLC, wants to extend our knowledge and love for this beautiful state to each of you! Whether you are looking to visit The Rainbow State, or just looking to learn more, here are some quick facts about Hawaii that set us apart from the other 49 states!
From east to west, Hawaii is the widest state in the United States.
Hawaii is the only state to grow vanilla beans.
The state capital, Honolulu, is the 11th largest metropolitan area in the country.
Honolulu is also the second most expensive city in the United States. (The first being Anchorage, Alaska.)
Hawaii is home to the world’s largest volcano, Mauna Loa.
Hawaii has the highest life expectancy in the United States. For males, the life expectancy is 75, and for females it is 80 years.
Hawaii is a worldwide leader in harvesting macadamia nuts and orchids.
Park rangers at Hawaii National Park receive packages every year from tourists who took volcanic rocks from Kilauea. The tourists send them back claiming the rocks were bad luck from Pele, the goddess of fire, lightening, dance, volcanoes, and violence.
These are just a few of the unique reasons why we love the state we get to call home! Most of all, they are what makes everyday a great day to be a CPA in Hawaii!
Knowing the perfect time of year to visit Hawaii that will offer the best weather for all of the sights you wish to see, along with navigating when is the most affordable time to visit, can be a bit overwhelming. As a CPA in Hawaii, we’ve got the experience and some inside tips that can aid in your travel plans.
#1 When’s the best time of year to visit? There are many things to consider – the weather, which island(s) you plan to visit, the cost of airfare, where you plan to stay and what you want to do when you arrive.
The weather in Hawaii is consistently good most of the year, but the prices are much higher during the “high” travel season. Deciding what you want to do while in Hawaii and when the best time to do and see those things will help narrow down when you should visit.
#2 Weather in Hawaii Visiting Hawaii during the winter season for mainland America is actually not the ideal time to find the best weather and bargains. The best weather is often found in April, May, September and October. These are also the months when you can find some good travel bargains. Hawaii has a dry season (April to October) and a rainy season (November to March.) The summer months can be hot and humid, especially in Honolulu and Waikiki.
#3 Which island to visit?
There are eight islands in Hawaii, six of which you can visit. The time of year you choose for your trip is a consideration for which island(s) you visit. For example, if you want to see the high waves that make Hawaii a world famous surfing destination, you’ll want to plan your trip for November – January. However, during summer, this same surf is mostly calm and a great place to bring the whole family.
#4 Cost of airfare Airfare tends to be more expensive during the “high” season of mid-December to mid-April. The cost of a round-trip airline ticket to Hawaii has increased substantially over the past 10 years. However, there are a large number of airlines that fly to Hawaii, and the costs due vary from day to day and airline to airline, so the key is to plan ahead and compare prices.
#5 Where to stay?
Like airfare, lodging tends to be more expensive during the “high” season of mid-December to mid-April. There are resorts, standard hotels, condominium hotels, bed & breakfasts and vacation rentals. Cost will vary, often greatly, depending on where you decide to stay. Larger resorts tend to be more expensive than a standard hotel, but they often offer nicer rooms and pools, on-site restaurants and shopping, and more activities. Condominium hotels and vacation rentals are a great alternative for families since most come with a kitchen and you can save significant money on food.
Are you looking for financial stability and guidance? Michael J. Yuda, CPA, LLC in Honolulu, Hawaii can handle your personal or business day-to-day accounting! Why should you choose Michael J. Yuda to help with your finances? Consider these reasons when seeking a CPA in Hawaii:
Michael J. Yuda is a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor.
Michael J. Yuda is a Certified QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor.
With 2 certifications in QuickBooks, Michael J. Yuda is a proven professional at bookkeeping services and can help create a personalized service that is unique to your specific and unique business.
Michael J. Yuda has a proven track record in accounting and taxes. He began his career working for the IRS before starting his own Accountancy Corporation in 1983.
Michael J. Yuda is a licensed CPA in both Hawaii and California.
Michael J. Yuda is a member of the Hawaii Society of Certified Public Accountants, the California Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
At Michael J. Yuda, CPA, LLC, we offer tax consulting services that include the preparation of all personal and business income tax returns. We also prepare all required state tax returns, as well as multi-state returns.
If you’re looking for a CPA that you can trust, choose the best CPA in Hawaii, choose Michael Yuda today!
Being a CPA in Hawaii, we are well acquainted with the history and custom of the lei. But seeing how many of you aren’t lucky enough to call one of our islands home, we thought we’d share some history and etiquette with you! It will come in handy on your next visit!
History of the Hawaiian Lei
The lei custom was introduced to the Hawaiian Islands by early Polynesian voyagers, who took a journey from Tahiti. With these early settlers, the lei tradition in Hawaii was born. The original leis were constructed of flowers, leaves, shells, seeds, nuts, feathers, and even bone and teeth of various animals. In Hawaiian tradition, these garlands were worn to beautify themselves. Among other sacred uses, it was used to signify a peace agreement between opposing chiefs.
An Island Hello! Today, the lei is the symbol of Hawaii for the millions of visitors worldwide. During the “Boat Days” of the early 1900s, travelers were greeted at the pier at Aloha Tower to welcome malihini (visitors) to the islands and kama’aina (locals) back home.
Lei Etiquette There are very few “rules” when it comes to wearing a Hawaiian lei. Anyone can wear one, anytime – no special occasion is necessary.
Unspoken Rules While there aren’t any “formal rules”, there are a couple of “unspoken rules” that should be respected. * A lei should be a welcomed celebration, therefore, always accept a lei, never refuse.
*The proper way to wear a lei is gently draped over the shoulders, hanging down both in front and in back.
*It is considered rude to remove a lei from your neck in the presence of the person who gave it to you, so if you must, be discreet.
Hiring a Certified Public Accountant to help with your taxes is well worth the money spent. If you’re in need of strategic tax planning, which is important for small business owners or individuals with complex returns, someone who pays high income taxes, or have unusual circumstances that warrant the guidance of a professional, then choosing a CPA over another enrolled agent or general tax preparer is highly recommended.
CPAs help provide guidance related to the grey areas of your taxes, whereas anyone can deal with the black and white of filing tax returns. The guidance and strategies provided by a CPA in terms of tax preparation of consulting are based on their interpretation of IRS rulings and past experiences. Michael Yuda previously worked for the IRS as a revenue agent and has unparalleled experience in handling tax preparation.
When you’re in need of tax consulting in Honolulu, Hawaii, choose Michael J. Yuda, CPA, LLC. The tax consulting services with Michael J. Yuda include the preparation of all personal and business income tax returns. This includes and is not limited to partnership, corporation, S-corporation, and limited liability company returns. We also prepare state tax returns, as well as multi-state returns, such as required for entertainment individuals and professional athletes, who work in several states during a calendar year.
Did you know Hawaii is home to over 19 state forests, 52 state parks, and features some of the most beautiful beaches in the entire world? What other facts do you know about Hawaii? Did you know the state motto of Hawaii is “The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness” (Ua mau ke ea o ka aina I ka pono)? Being a CPA in Hawaii allows us to learn more and more about this beautiful state, and at Michael J. Yuda, CPC, LLC., we like to share these wonderful facts with you. Below are some more fun facts about Hawaii:
The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands are home to over 7,000 marine species, most of which are found nowhere else in the world.
The island of Kauai is home to the wettest spot on Earth. With an average yearly rainfall on Mt. Waialeale of 397 inches.
Hawaii has the highest life expectancy for residents than anywhere else in the U.S.
The ocean temperature in Hawaii varies from 72 degrees in the winter to a bathtub-esque 82 degrees in the summer.
Hawaii is known as the “Aloha State” and also the “Paradise of the Pacific”.
Famous Hawaiians include Bette Midler, Don Stroud, Don Ho, Jack Johnson, and Barack Obama.
Hawaii is a fascinating state with an interesting history, and wide array of colorful people and culture. Being a CPA in Hawaii is a joy every day, and learning the rich history of this beautiful island is an absolute pleasure. Every now and then, we like to have a little fun over at Yuda.com! The following are a few interesting facts about Hawaii:
The Hawaiian Islands were originally settled by Polynesian immigrants, but was unknown to the Europeans until James Cook landed here in 1778.
Hawaii officially became known as the “Aloha State” in 1959.
Hawaii is home to the only royal residence in the United States, the Iolani Palace.
Hawaii is home to the largest number of endangered species in the USA.
The Kilauea Volcano, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is one of the largest and most active volcanos on Earth.
The Big Island is home to one of the world’s biggest telescopes, and has more observatories in one location than anywhere else in the world.
Hawaii is the only state that grows and harvests coffee!
Hawaii is the only U.S. state whose land area is increasing (from volcanic eruptions.)
Would you believe that being a CPA might be one of the most important jobs today? It’s no secret that the world is always getting more and more complicated, and financial concerns are the driving backbone of these complications. Over the last few decades, CPA’s have been responsible for handling many major issues for the government and even some of the world’s biggest corporations and organizations. A CPA knows the inner workings of the companies and clients they work for, and can effectively create and analyze financial information to see where a company or client is and where they need to go. A CPA is almost like a financial James Bond, always on top of the situation and an expert in the field. Without CPA’s, the business world would crumble.
Many businesses rely on a CPA to help guide them with investments, budget and even decide on expanding a company or waiting until more fiscally strong. It’s undeniable that a CPA may be one of the most important components of any business. Regardless of whether you’re part of a giant corporation, or just a small start-up company, it’s essential to hire a CPA that will help make important and often crucial decisions involving your finances. Skimping accounting can affect an entire business sector, and cause major problems. Finances and accounting are crucial to the success and stability of the business world, and a CPA is the nucleus of any business, as they can help control a businesses’ growth much like a cell.
Being a CPA in Hawaii has its advantages! Being able to enjoy the beautiful Hawaiian Islands on a daily basis is a dream come true. It seems that some people know very little about Hawaii besides what they see on TV, but Hawaii is a state that is rich with history and wonderment. Here are some more amazing facts about Hawaii:
Honulu is the nations 11th largest metropolitan area.
Hawaii is home to the world’s tallest mountain. When measured from its base at the ocean floor, Mauna Kea is the world’s tallest mountain.
There are 5 navigable rivers in Hawaii: Waialua, Waimea, Hanape’pe, Lumahai and Hanalei.
The Island of Maui is home to the world’s largest dormant volcano, Haleakala Crater.
The world’s most active volcano, the Kilauea volcano, is the most active volcano in the world.
Hawaii is the world’s leading producing of macadamia nuts.
From east to west, Hawaii is the widest state.
Honolulu is around 1,500 miles long.
Hawaii is the 42nd most populous state.
Hawaii is the only state in the entire United States that has continuously growing borders. The regular eruption of Mt. Kilauea is the contributing force behind the states growing borders.
Being a Honolulu CPA firm, Michael J.Yuda CPA, LLC gets to enjoy the beauty of Hawaii on a daily basis. If you’ve never been to Hawaii, you more than likely envision it as it’s portrayed in movies and television shows. It really is just as magical as you’ve imagined. When we’re not busy doing tax return preparation in Hawaii, we’re enjoying the beautiful sun and beaches of the most magical place on Earth. Here are some amazing facts about Hawaii!
Hawaii is so unique that it actually has its own time zone, Hawaiian Standard Time. Hawaiian Standard Time is two hours behind Pacific Standard Time, and five hours behind Eastern Standard Time.
Almost one-third of the world’s pineapples come from Hawaii.
Hawaii has eight main islands: Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, and the Big Island of Hawaii.
Hawaii has two official languages.
Hawaii is America’s youngest state, entering the nation on August 21, 1959.
Hawaii is the only state in the United States that grows coffee.
There are only 12 letters in the Hawaiian alphabet.
The islands of Hawaii were formed from erupted under-sea volcanoes.
Lolani Palace is the only royal palace in the United States.
As a CPA in Hawaii, the team here at Michael J. Yuda, CPC, LLC, wants to extend our knowledge and love for this beautiful state to each of you! Whether you are looking to visit The Rainbow State, or just looking to learn more, here are some quick facts about Hawaii that set us apart from the other 49 states!
Being a