Broker Check

Relevant Websites & Logins

Click any of the topics below to drop down to that section:

Client Logins

These logins are applicable to our tax and investment clients:

GCD Secure Client Portal (SCP)
A link to the portal to be used by all GCD clients to view, save or print all documents retained by GCD, or to retrieve a forgotten password.

Assetmark
Clients that have opened managed investment accounts with GCD can use this link to see complete information about their accounts. Learn more about our Investment Process and Philosophy here.

Prudential Annuities
This link provides clients that previously purchased Prudential variable annuities with viewing access to all information about their contracts. 

Paclife
Clients that purchase Paclife variable annuities, long term care insurance policies or life insurance policies, can use this link to see all the information about their contracts and policies. 

Pay GCD for Tax Services
Provides the 3 different ways to pay GCD for invoices related to tax services.  

Income Tax Information

Tax Brackets and Rates
Current and prior year federal income tax brackets, rates and other tax information and limits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Some of the questions we are asked most often, with our answer in simple English instead of tax code language. Read the sections that interest you but contact us if you need a more tailored explanation.

Pay Taxes Electronically
Paying your federal and state estimated taxes online is the best way to ensure the agency receives your money in a timely and traceable manner. Our list provides links to the most frequently used state and federal sites.

K-1s for Publicly Traded Entities
Download K-1s for certain publicly traded utilities and then forward them to GCD when preparing your tax returns.

Valuing Non Cash Donations
If you are having a difficult time valuing your non-cash donations when preparing your taxes, this site will provide acceptable values. Note that these are NOT the only values allowed by the IRS.

Identity Theft
Could you be a victim of identity theft? The IRS Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft can help you learn more.

IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)
This 6-digit number assigned to eligible taxpayers helps prevent the misuse of their Social Security number on fraudulent federal income tax returns.

Free Donation Pickup
Local charities that will pick up various items from your home for donation.

Track Your Refund
Track your federal personal income tax refund, as indicated on your last filed return.

Record Retention Guide
Answers to your questions about how long you should retain key tax documents for both personal and business uses.

Prepare Your Own 1040
If your return is very simple and you don't need any professional guidance, we have found this site to provide a reasonably priced do-it-yourself alternative.

Real Estate Tax Lookup

Use the websites below to look up Illinois real estate taxes you paid and obtain a receipt for your tax documents. Other states and counties can be found using Google.

Cook County

Dupage County

Lake County

Investing & Finance

FAQs for Investors Working With GCD
Investors that work with GCD to have their assets managed through our affiliation with Assetmark, can view many frequently asked questions.

Social Security Information
Official Social Security website providing all the information you need to make informed decisions.

Bankrate.com
One of the best sources for up-to-date information on the interest rates for certificate of deposits (CDs), mortgages, credit cards and other types of loans.

Mint.com
One of our favorite free online sources that automatically aggregates and catalogs information from all your bank accounts, credit cards, investments and more. It is easy to set up and navigate.

PersonalFund.Com
Want to really know the "true" cost of ownership of some of the mutual funds you may hold? Registration is free.

Retirement Plans (401k) for One Participant Entities
Provides parameters, requirements, and information about opening a retirement plan for a one-participant entity.


Consumer Issues

Notarizing Documents
We offer complimentary notary services to our clients. Lynn Schwartz, our senior operations manager, is a Notary Public registered in Illinois. If you need a document notarized, contact her directly to schedule a time to meet in our office, as the State of Illinois requires the signer and Notary to meet in person. If desired, we can also scan, copy or mail the notarized documents for you. If Lynn does not know you personally, make sure to have a valid proof of identity, with picture, when meeting. Lynn can also meet you outside our office, if desired. 

Lifelock
Industry leader in proactive identity theft protection, LifeLock’s proven solution prevents your identity from being stolen. They also offer the only identity theft child protection program available in the market.

Preventing Cybercrime and Identity Theft
Assetmark retained a retired FBI Special Agent to provide current information about cybercrime and identity theft with tips and things to look out for. Watch his video presentation and view PDFs with information to review.

Credit Karma
Check your credit scores and reports without getting spammed.

Inflation Data
Website is dedicated to providing you with the most current Inflation Rate Data on the web.

Charity Navigator
Essentially everything you always wanted to know about a charity. From its organizational efficiency to capacity to even comparisons to their peers. We are big believers in charitable giving but believe it's better when your money gets directly to the charitable purpose, not overhead.

Small Business Retirement Plan Setup
This company, Ubiquity, is a great inexpensive source to set up a small business retirement plan such as a 401k, SEP or Keogh.

College Information

Bright Directions College Savings Program
This plan enables you to create a diversified investment portfolio for your future college costs in such a way that all of the growth will be exempt from both federal and Illinois state tax, provided the money is withdrawn for educational purposes only. In addition. Illinois will give you a deduction on your taxes for contributions made, up to $20,000 (if filing joint) in a tax year. You will have your choice of investments from several different fund families. Contact us if you have any questions about this program or would like to determine how this can work for you and your family.

Bright Start College Savings Program
This program is essentially the same as Bright Directions except the investments are managed by a different group of managers. Contact us if you have any questions about this program or would like to determine how this can work for you and your family.

College Board
A not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the association is composed of more than 5,200 schools, colleges, universities, and other educational organizations. Each year, the College Board serves seven million students and their parents, 23,000 high schools, and 3,500 colleges through major programs and services in college admissions, guidance, assessment, financial aid, enrollment, and teaching and learning. Among its best-known programs are the SAT, the PSAT/NMSQT, and the Advanced Placement Program (AP). The College Board is committed to the principles of excellence and equity, and that commitment is embodied in all of its programs, services, activities, and concerns.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education, ensures that all eligible individuals can benefit from federally funded or federally guaranteed financial assistance for education beyond high school. In many cases, the financial aid available is not solely based on your family's income.

Saving For College
Saving for college education is one of the top priorities for most people. This site helps you to learn more about the available options.

Section 529 Plans - Financial Education Center
Contains all the plans listed by plan and by state and the ability to compare side by side and other in-depth information.

Phone Resources

Google Drive
Google provides this free service for online backup of anything you choose from your computer. This fully integrates with all Apple Iphones and Androids.

Phone Apps for Scanning Documents
GCD prefers to receive PDFs instead of pictures of documents to help with legibility and clarity of documents. There are many phone apps available on both IOS and Android, that allow for scanning documents into PDF pages, and most are free. Our best success has been with Swiftscan but feel free to try any of the others we see listed in Google, such as Adobe Scan, Genius Scan, PDF Scanner, CamScanner, etc. 

Roboform
Probably the best password keeper that syncs between your computer, phone, tablet and anything else internet based. GCD uses this on all of its devices.