Running a business requires juggling countless responsibilities. Not surprisingly, bookkeeping tasks often end up on the bottom of to-do lists. The good news is that falling behind doesn’t necessarily mean your financial records are beyond repair. With a disciplined approach and the right support, you can regain control. Recognize the issue Many business owners don’t […]
Even with a relatively low unemployment rate (averaging around 4.4% over the past year), layoffs and terminations continue to affect workers across many industries. If you’ve recently lost your job, you’re likely focused on replacing income and evaluating your next steps. But some tax implications related to a job loss also may require attention. Here […]
If you’re a real estate developer or a small business owner who owns commercial real estate, you might be thinking about selling a property. If it has appreciated significantly, a Section 1031 like-kind exchange may allow you to defer tax on some or all of the gain. With this transaction, you exchange one property for […]
Strategic planning isn’t meant to be a one-time exercise. Your plan should evolve with your business — and the environment in which it operates. Regular reviews help ensure your business remains focused on the right priorities and positioned to take advantage of new opportunities. Even if you can’t find time for extensive “big picture” thinking, […]
Many parents don’t know that the so-called “kiddie tax” exists. Others assume it affects only minor children. But it also can apply to full-time students through age 23 and 18-year-olds even if they aren’t full-time students. When it applies, most of the child’s unearned income may be taxed at the parent’s higher tax rate. The purpose of […]
If you’re self-employed, you probably have questions about deducting business expenses on your federal income tax return. Here’s a quick overview of the filing requirements for sole proprietors and independent contractors, and five examples of expense deductions that are commonly overlooked or misunderstood. Filing basics Sole proprietors and independent contractors must report their business activity […]
Ahh, summer! You’re probably looking forward to time off from work — anything from a long-anticipated trip abroad to a U.S. road trip to a “staycation,” where you might enjoy reading a good book with an iced drink in your own backyard. But not everyone takes a summer vacation. In fact, several studies say that […]
If you participate in a company 401(k) plan, you already know that you can make pre-tax contributions up to the annual elective deferral limit to a traditional, tax-deferred account. If your 401(k) plan offers a Roth option, you can use part or all of your limit to make after-tax contributions to a Roth account instead. […]
Many modern businesses rely on intangible assets, such as goodwill, trademarks and customer lists. But the IRS doesn’t treat all intangibles the same way. Questions about how these assets are taxed often arise when a business is sold, ownership changes hands, or intellectual property is licensed or transferred. Generally, intangibles qualify as capital assets that generate capital […]
If you’re seeking financing to start or grow a small business, don’t forget to look at loan programs through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Down payments, interest rates and borrowing fees are typically lower, and application requirements may be more flexible than you’d find elsewhere. Some SBA loans also come with counseling and education, […]









