The Value of Good Bookkeeping
Small businesses are constantly faced with decisions of when to bring in outside experts to help with operational functions that go into running a business. One of those functions almost certainly includes the financial aspect of a business. And while some business may not need – or want – a full-time accountant, a bookkeeper is…
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Payroll Fraud Schemes Every Business Should Know
According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, nearly 30 percent of businesses are victims of payroll malfeasance, with small businesses twice as likely to be affected than large businesses. Here are four scary payroll fraud schemes you need to know: Ghost employees. A ghost employee does not exist anywhere except in your payroll system. Typically,…
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Manage Capital Gains Tax Tips
If not tracked and managed properly, capital gains tax can come as a large surprise at tax-filing time. In fact, many taxpayers don’t realize they have a capital gain until they get their 1099 form in January and see a capital gain distribution. Here’s what you need to know. Understand capital gains and their taxability…
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Dramatic Sales Tax Change
The U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling in the South Dakota vs Wayfair case that opens the door for states to impose sales tax on sellers outside their borders. The case highlights a new standard of business presence called “economic nexus” that may have major implications for businesses and consumers alike. Economic nexus explained The…
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Five Tax Breaks for New Parents
New parents have their work cut out for them. Not only are they dealing with lost sleep, they also face the extra cost of raising a child. At least there are a lot of potential tax breaks available to them. Check out this list and share it with any new parents you know. Child Tax…
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Is It Worth It to Amend Your Return?
Whether it makes sense to amend your return depends on which of these situations you’re in: If you owe the IRS If you discover an omission on your tax return that results in you owing additional tax, you need to correct it with an amendment and provide the tax due. Don’t delay if this is…
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Elements of a Good Business Partnership
Like a bundle of sticks, good business partners support each other and are less likely to crack under strain together than on their own. In fact, companies with multiple owners have a stronger chance of surviving their first five years than sole proprietorships, according to U.S. Small Business Administration data. Yet sole proprietorships are more…
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Useful Online Productivity and Security Tools
Here are several popular free or inexpensive online tools that can help manage and protect your online activities. They range from password management tools to security protection services. Password Managers A decade-old study by Microsoft estimates that the average person memorizes about six passwords and reuses them over and over. Today most people use dozens…
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Tax Planning Time
Now is the ideal time to schedule a tax planning session. Your 2017 tax return outcome is still fresh, and it’s early enough in the year to take advantage of the numerous tax law changes taking place in 2018. Here’s a brief overview of some of the new tax issues that you need to plan…
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Overlooked Business Metrics
Revenue, gross margin, net profit — these are the basic metrics every small business owner watches closely. But there are also some often-overlooked metrics that can deepen your insight into your business and inform your decision-making. Here are a few: Check Customer acquisition cost. Divide the total amount of money you’ve spent on marketing over…
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