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Governmental Services

Local governmental organizations operate in a highly regulated and heavily scrutinized environment. Partnering with an audit, accounting, and advisory firm with the specialized knowledge and experience necessary to help navigate the challenges of this industry is essential. LB Carlson’s governmental services team offers a full menu of expert services to assist our clients in meeting and exceeding reporting and compliance requirements, maximizing efficiencies, and maintaining the public trust.

Assurance and Attestation Services

In the public sector, nothing is more important to the credibility of local governmental organizations than exhibiting sound financial management and regulatory compliance over the use of the public funds with which they are entrusted. LB Carlson annually provides assurance and attestation services to approximately 100 such organizations, including: cities and townships, school districts and cooperatives, charter schools, police and fire relief (pension) associations, and numerous other joint ventures and commissions. Our assurance and attest services include:

  • Audit and attest services in accordance with U.S. GAAP and governmental auditing standards
  • Single Audits of federal awards expenditures, including compliance with the Uniform Guidance
  • Audits of compliance with Minnesota laws and regulations
  • Examinations of forecasts and other agreed-upon procedures engagements
  • Management reports that provide concise summaries of audit results, insightful observations and recommendations for internal control or operational efficiency improvements, and contextual analysis of operating results for management and governance.
  • Effective presentations of audit results at public meetings

Advisory services

We offer a wide range of customized advisory services specifically tailored to meet the needs of our governmental clients, including:

  • Revenue projections
  • Budget development and review
  • Implementation of governmental accounting pronouncements
  • Grant compliance and reporting
  • Internal control evaluations
  • State regulatory reporting and statutory compliance requirements
  • Debt service funding plans
  • Investigations of fraud or misuse of public funds
  • Construction project analysis
  • Special legislation consulting and support

Tax Services

  • Preparation of federal tax returns, including federal Forms 990, 5500, 1096, and 1099
  • Assistance with payroll and benefit tax requirements

These are only some of the services we offer. Please contact LB Carlson’s governmental services team to see what we can do for you!

Practice Leader
Aaron Nielsen
Contact Aaron

Your Local Governmental Organizations Team Leaders

Jim Eichten,
Principal

Jaclyn Huegel,
Principal

William Lauer,
Principal

Jennifer Dickman,
Client Manager

Zekeill Johnson,
Client Manager

Blog Posts

What You Need to Know About the Paid Sick and Family Leave Tax Credits

March 31, 2020

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) signed on March 18, 2020, made unprecedented expansions to paid sick and family (childcare) leave provisions in light of the challenges for the American workforce due to COVID-19. The expansions to paid sick and family leave cover employers with up to 500 employees, and tax credits are available for up to 100% of qualifying wages paid. Eligible employers are granted a grace period by the DOL to come into compliance with the Act as long as employers act reasonably and in good faith during the grace period.

Financial Relief for Families Tax Credit – What to Expect with Your Check

March 31, 2020

The distribution of economic impact payments is expected to begin in the next three weeks and be available throughout the rest of 2020. With so much news circulating, it can be difficult to keep tabs on the latest updates. We also recognize it can be challenging to separate the legitimate updates from speculation. Below we have put together a summary of what we know so far about the economic impact payments.

Retirement Plan Distributions Relief Available to Individuals Under the CARES Act

March 30, 2020

To aid individuals during this time of economic uncertainty, the CARES Act has a few provisions that change some of the rules for retirement plan distribution rules, allowing qualified individuals access to their retirement funds. Below we have summarized what you need to know about retirement plan relief under the CARES Act.

CARES Act Overview: The Impact on Taxpayers and Businesses

March 30, 2020

The President signed the latest COVID-19 relief bill on March 27: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The bill brings with it several elements of relief for businesses, employees and families, in an effort to maintain livelihoods throughout the crisis and after. The expected cost of the bill is nearly $2 trillion and includes nearly $500 billion for in economic distress relief for businesses, states and municipalities.

IRS’ Employer COVID-19-Related Credits

March 24, 2020

The IRS has announced that employers required to provide emergency paid sick leave and emergency paid family and medical leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the Act) can begin taking advantage of two new refundable payroll tax credits. Equivalent credits are available to self-employed individuals based on similar circumstances.