Taxes are an integral part of running a business, and they often represent a substantial portion of your expenses. However, there’s good news for businesses looking to reduce their tax burden and stimulate growth – business tax credits. These credits provide financial incentives for companies to invest in various activities, from research and development to promoting renewable energy. In this article, we’ll explore what business tax credits are, how they work, and how they can benefit your company. What Are Business Tax Credits? Business tax credits are financial incentives offered by governme ..read more

It’s reassuring to remember that downturns are a normal part of the business cycle. And, just as there are strategies that help businesses thrive during profitable times, there are basic survival tactics that businesses can employ when the outlook is less than rosy. Control Spending Finances should be your fundamental concern when economic conditions are unsettled. When sales are slow, it’s time to preserve your cash. Look closely at how you can reduce overhead. Make certain that all your operating expenses are necessary. Even if you’ve recently made cuts, see if there are other measures you c ..read more

Running a small business comes with a multitude of responsibilities, and one crucial aspect is managing taxes. Small business owners often find themselves grappling with the complexities of the tax system, from understanding different tax obligations to maximizing deductions. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of small business taxes, offering insights and tips to help entrepreneurs navigate the tax landscape more effectively. Different Types of Small Business Taxes Small businesses are subject to various types of taxes, each with its own rules and regulations. Some common types of ta ..read more

Before launching a new product or service, expanding into a new geographical area, or making significant business decisions, it’s crucial to thoroughly evaluate the target market. Market evaluation helps businesses understand customer needs, competition, and the potential for success. In this article, we will explore seven effective ways to evaluate a market. 1. Conduct Market Research Comprehensive market research is the cornerstone of market evaluation. Start by gathering data on your target market, including demographics, psychographics, purchasing behaviors, and market size. This research ..read more

What is Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting? Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting is a federal requirement by the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). BOI reports include information about all the company’s beneficial owners. Who is considered a Beneficial Owner? A beneficial owner is any individual who, directly or indirectly, exercises substantial control over a reporting company or owns or controls at least 25 percent of the company’s ownership interests. What is the Corporate Transparency Act? The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is a United States federal law that aims to ..read more

It’s smart to make a point of reviewing your retirement plan account statement in detail at least once a year. You’ll want to ensure that the information in your statement is accurate and assess whether you should make any changes in your contribution level or investments going forward. Ensure Personal Details Are Correct To start your review, check the following for accuracy: Personal information (e.g., name, address, phone, etc.) Hire date (since it can affect vesting) Contribution amounts (yours and your employer’s, if applicable) Investment instructions Beneficiary designation Review You ..read more

Business owners should recognize the warning signs that their businesses are in trouble and understand the steps they must take to stabilize and revive their companies. Businesses that end up on the critical list usually show signs that they are ailing long before they need intensive care. By recognizing these signs and making a concerted effort to tackle the underlying problems early on, owners can often turn their troubled businesses around and return them to good health. Warning Signs Signs of distress may include: Several quarters of declining sales and lower profit margins Persistent cas ..read more

As a business owner, you should familiarize yourself with your federal, state, and local tax requirements. Understanding what your obligations are will assist you in filing returns and paying taxes accurately and on time. Whatever taxes you are required to pay, you have to be very aware that there are deadlines for remitting them and any delays on your part could result in penalties. Here are some tips that can help you avoid tax trouble with the IRS. Employment Taxes The IRS requires employers to withhold federal income tax and FICA (Social Security and Medicare) taxes from their employees’ w ..read more

Your most valuable asset isn’t your real estate or the tech stocks you bought in the 90s that have done well. It isn’t even your business per se. Your most valuable asset is you — specifically your ability to run a profitable company and make money. Are you protecting that asset from the risk that a disabling illness or accident might prevent you from working? If you don’t have disability income insurance, you’re not protected. What Are the Odds? People generally think the odds of becoming disabled are low. But the numbers say otherwise: More than one in four 20-year-old workers become disable ..read more

A SIMPLE IRA is an option for small business owners who do not currently have a retirement plan in place but would like to have one. This particular type of retirement plan has several attractive features that deliver significant benefits to both employers and their employees. What It Is The Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) is a retirement savings plan targeted at employers with 100 or fewer employees who earn $5,000 or more in compensation. With fewer reporting and administrative requirements than other retirement plans, the SIMPLE plan is designed to appeal to employers wi ..read more