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Small Business Finances,
Cash Flow and Taxes
Look here for tips on managing your
small business
finances, cash flow, and taxes.
Note: If you're looking for information
about financing your business see our
business loans
section. For information on accepting credit cards, see our
merchant account section.
3 Reasons to Love a Bad Economy
The recession is bad for a lot of reasons, but there are some really good things
that can come out of it too - especially if you're in business.
Here's how Jay Abraham, author of The Sticking
Point Solution, says you can increase your success right now.
401(k) Strategies for Lean Times
While the financial crisis certainly proves that you can't rely on a 401(k) to
make all your dreams come true, it is still a solid, flexible way to maximize
the value of your savings. And a little rethinking can make it a more reliable
foundation for retirement. Read these tips on
how to invest your 401(k) in an excerpt from Where to Put Your Money NOW.
Interest Free Loans from the Government
Do you have an existing, viable small business that's suffering
financial hardships as a result of the recession? If you are based in the US and
can show evidence of profitability or positive cash flow in one of the last two
years, you could be eligible for an interest-free, no-fee loan of up to $35,000
through the America's Recovery Loan (ARC) program. The program goes into effect
on June 15, 2009 and runs "as long as funding is available or until September
30, 2010, whichever comes first."
Read
more >>
Ten Tips on Where to Put Your Money NOW
Now that the panic is over, and a nice chunk of your savings likely depleted by
the economic woes of the past year, figuring out just where to invest what's
left is the big question. Here are ten tips on
how to handle your investments from this point forward.
Cost-Cutting Ways for
Your Business to Survive and Thrive
Whether your business is facing challenges during this tough economy or is doing
just fine, the more you can trim off your business expenses, the better off
you’ll be. Here are some easy, simple ways
to save money in today’s economic environment. The Small Business Outlook for 2009
To gain better insight into the effects of the recession on small and home
businesses, we ran a survey last month to find out how business owners think
their businesses will do this year compared to last year.
Here's what we learned about about how small
businesses view the recession, how they are coping with it, and how they think
the government should help.
Very Last Minute Tax Tips for Small Business Owners
The April 15th deadline for sole proprietors, as well as calendar-year partnerships and limited liability companies (LLCs),
to file their 2008 income tax returns is fast approaching.
Use these tips to avoid penalties and save tax
dollars. Estimating Capital Needs for a New Start-Up
Planning to start a business? You're probably wondering just how much money
you're going to need to get it off the ground. The simple answer is - well, it's
not simple. You can, however, get an estimate of what you'll need.
Here's how >>
7 Tax Tips for the Self-Employed
Tax filing season is here, and there are still several things you can do to reduce your taxes for 2008.
Here are seven tax tips that can possibly save
you a lot of money on your 2008 taxes. Just Say No to Hourly
Rates
The majority of people in service businesses - and especially people who
work independently - establish an hourly rate. But this is rarely the best
way to position yourself in the market or the best way to get paid what
you're worth. Read more >>
Why Higher Prices Won't
Cost You Customers
Price increases are a fact of life in today's economy. Unfortunately, as a
salesperson or business owner, you know your customers are going to be less
than thrilled with paying more for your product or service.
Here's how you can keep your customer's focus
off of price and on the value of what your business offers them.
Why IBM Profits Rose 20% While
World Markets Fell 20%
There's no question that we are in the midst of an economic crisis. However,
some companies will use this incredible period to rise to the top, gaining
market share and profitability, despite adjustments in overall revenue. What
can be learned from those that survive and thrive during a time of economic
crises? Find out here >>
QuickBooks 2009 Saves Time,
Provides Better Insights
Small business owners and accountants who have wished for ways to save time and
gain quick insights into their businesses are in for a treat with the new
version of QuickBooks. Find out all about the new
features here.
10 Tips for Trimming Your Small Business IT Budget
Most small businesses spend a significant amount of money on technology covering
everything from printers to phone lines and web site fees.
Here are 10 ways you can reduce those expenses while
actually improving the quality of your IT services and equipment.
9 Ways to Keep Cash Flowing in Your Business
Cash flow is a problem that plagues every small office from time to time. On
paper you look like you're doing very well. But your creditors are breathing
down your neck and you're always playing catch up. What can you do about it?
Here are some tips help keep
your cash flow in the positive.
Recession Pricing Do's and
Don'ts
Pricing during an economic downturn or recession is tricky. Too often, companies
simply cut prices to attract more sales. The right pricing, however, can help a
company compete and even thrive during difficult economic times.
Here are some pricing do's and don'ts for a
recession.
Stress-free
accounting
QuickBooks has an easy way for simple businesses to do their accounting. It's
called aptly enough QuickBooks Simple Start, and it's a free download.
Read more.>>
End the Discounting Habit
Do you believe you have to discount your product or service to get sales,
especially from big customers? Before you slash
your prices, consider the real reason your customer may be asking for a
discount.
10 Rules to Achieve Pricing Confidence
Setting prices is a complicated process. Do you dare price yourself above your
competition? What about offering extras to increase your offer's value? And
then there's the whole issue of discounting. It's no wonder salespeople and
business owners waiver when challenged by cost conscious customers.
Here are 10 rules that will give you and
all your employees confidence in your prices.
4 Common Pricing Strategies
and Why They Fail
Businesses set their prices based on a variety of criteria, but even the most
carefully thought out pricing strategy may still leave money on the table.
Here are four common pricing strategies and the
reasons why they don't work.
QuickBooks - Accounting Software
Made Easy
If you haven't looked at QuickBooks in a few years, it's time to look at it
now. Easy setup and many other features make QuickBooks the right accounting
software for most small businesses.
Here's why you need to consider upgrading now >>
Why Aren't You Earning More?
Your business is profitable -- you get your bills paid on time and have enough
cash to buy the supplies you need. But at the end of the month, you've barely
got enough left to pay yourself. It's a common problem among independent
professionals. Here are several things you can do
to increase your income without putting even more hours into your business.
The Last Chance Millionaire Book Excerpt
As baby boomers begin to approach retirement, many are panicking that their nest
egg just isn't going to see them through their golden years. But it's not too
late to secure your future, says author of The Last Chance Millionaire.
Read an excerpt from the book here.
16 Money Saving Tips to Improve Your Bottom Line
It's the little things that count: a 10 percent increase in profit is more
likely to come from 20 things that contribute a half a percent each than from
one thing that gives you the full 10 percent.
Here are 16 easy tips to help you cut costs and increase your bottom line.
Rising Prices at the Pump
Small business owners have been struggling with record high gas prices
for nearly years now. Find out why gas prices have continued to rise and get
ideas about how small businesses can cope with the added expense that seems
to be here to stay. Details >>
Protect Your Business Against Credit Card Fraud
If you sell online or over the telephone, most of your sales are probably credit
card transactions. Don't let credit card fraud turn your holiday sales season
into a nightmare. Use these tips to spot fraudulent orders
before it's too late >>
The Best
Investment Advice I Ever Received (Book Excerpt)
Have you ever wondered how Warren Buffett made so much money in
the stock market? Find out in
this excerpt from The Best Investment Advice I Ever Received,
a collection of quick and practical tips and sound financial
strategies from America’s most successful investors and business
leaders.
5 Clues That You Should Raise
Your Rates
Under charging is chronic among professional service business owners,
particularly women. But how do you know for sure if you can raise your fees?
Here are five clues that you can charge more starting
right now >>
Money Sense for the Home Business
Owner
The first years as a business owner can be a struggle, particularly in the area
of finance and cash flow. By gaining knowledge and mastery in the following five
areas, you will position yourself to not only survive, but thrive as an
entrepreneur. Read more >>
Hybrids: There's Still Time to Go Green
The hybrid world's been abuzz with increased production, sales, and
incentives. The good news is that there’s still time in 2006 to get that new
hybrid tax credit of up to $3400 for qualifying vehicles.
Read our update on which vehicles
are still eligible for the full credit, the seven Honda vehicles now
certified for the credit, and much more.
Selling Your Business
You've built your business from a small operation to a thriving success. But now
that you're nearing retirement age, you're ready to turn the reins over to
someone else. What if you don't have a family member to transfer the business to?
How are current and future economic conditions going to affect your ability
to sell? Find out here >>
The Ten Tools of Profitable Revenue Growth
Make revenue growth everyone's business! Lead your company to profitable
revenue growth with these tools, reprinted from Profitable Growth Is
Everyone's Business by Ram Charan.
Read more >>
How to Make Money in
Commercial Real Estate
You want to start investing in commercial real estate. But how do you avoid
the money pits and find the true gems?
In this article from the author of
Confessions of a Real Estate Entrepreneur, get advice on what to do
before you make your first purchase.
How To Raise Your Fees
You can't absorb rising business costs forever; eventually you'll need to
increase your prices to stay profitable. Here
are some tips for making a rate increase go smoothly with your customers.
Tax Credits Offer
Incentives to Go Green
If you like the idea of driving a hybrid car, but don't like the price
tag, then new, higher tax credits for 2006 might be just the incentive you
need. Read more >>
Raising Capital for Your Business
Are you planning to seek investors or bank loans to finance your new business?
Look here to find out what to expect from the
capital-raising process.
Selling Your Business?
Are you planning to sell your business? Business brokers can help you set
the right selling price for your business and help you find a buyer.
Read more about how business brokers can help
you.
Finding The Right VC For Your
Company
Where do do you find the right venture capital to invest in your company?
Here's what a VC from Oregon has to say.
Profile of a Venture Capitalist
If there is a prototypical background designed for a venture capitalist, Win
Churchill of SCP Private Equity possesses an idealistic one. From Fordham to
Oxford as a Rhoades Scholar and back to Yale for law school, Churchill's initial
path landed him a 16 year career with a Philadelphia law firm.
Read more >>
How Much Should You Charge?
When a client asks how much you charge for a particular service, the natural
response is to offer them a quote. But quoting prices doesn't always pay off.
Here's a different way to answer that question that will likely result in a
better rate for you. Details >>
What's Your Business Model?
If you have enough clients to keep you busy, you must be making a good
living, right? Well, not necessarily. Some of the busiest professionals around
aren't earning enough to pay their bills. On the other hand, there are some
who have plenty of time on
their hands but also earn quite a bit of money.
The
difference in the two groups is their business models. Read more >>
Should You Raise Your Prices?
If you read Part 1 of this article series, you
already understand how adjusting your prices up or down can dramatically affect
your bottom line - and not always in ways you expect. But before you start
changing your prices, you need to develop a
pricing strategy. Here's how >>
 Are
Your Prices High Enough?
How much should you charge for your products? Are your prices high enough?
Should you lower them? Find out what really
happens when you raise or lower your prices.
What to Do When the Money Stops Flowing
Right now, buyers are looking for your product or service. Are you making it
easy for them to find you? To understand what you're selling? To buy from you?
Or, are you fighting their buying process with your selling process?
Read more in this excerpt from Rivers of Revenue.
7 Cash Flow Secrets Your Accountant
Never Told You
Looking for ways to boost your cash flow? Here are seven
recommendations for cash strapped small businesses.
Are Rising Gas Prices Hurting Your
Business?
Fuel prices affect both individual consumers and businesses, but small
businesses often get hit hardest. Read about how some
small businesses are reacting to rising gas prices and get tips for dealing
with the problem in your own business.
How To Sell A Business For All Its Worth
Business owners work hard for many years building a successful business.
To sell a business for all it's worth, business brokers
commonly recommend these 10 steps.
Book Excerpt: Nice Girls Don't Get Rich
Without your awareness, behaviors learned as a girl are preventing you from
becoming a woman who is financially independent and free to follow her dreams.
Click here to read "Women and Wealth," from chapter one of Nice Girls Don't
Get Rich.
How to Get Paid What You're Worth
Clients and consultants alike usually dread fee discussions. Here are six strategies to help you preserve your profit margins and your client relationships as you work through pricing discussions.
Read more >>
Study Shows Small Business Lending
on the Rise
Lending by the most important institutional supplier of credit to small
firms--commercial banks--increased in 2002-2003, according to a report released
by the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Read more >>
Lower Marginal Tax Rates Increase
Entrepreneurship
Reducing marginal income tax rates on entrepreneurs increases entrepreneurial
entry, decreases exit from entrepreneurship, and lengthens the duration of
entrepreneurial ventures, according to a new study.
Read more >>
Get Paid Sooner
Are you having trouble collecting from your customers? This list of best
practices will help you collect money that's owed to
you.
The "New" New Economy
In the late 90s, economists coined the phrase "the New Economy" to describe
how the economy was changed by computers to boost productivity and, in the
end, employees' standard of living. Now, 10 years and a stock market bust
later, it looks like "the New Economy" never quite panned out.
Read more >>
IRS Extends Tip Compliance Agreement
Program
The Internal Revenue Service announced that it is indefinitely extending its Tip
Rate Determination and Education Program, a voluntary compliance tool that has
helped nearly double the reporting of tip income. Read more >>
New E-Service Revolutionizes
Transcript Delivery
Tax practitioners can now request transcripts of their client’s tax records and
receive them within minutes instead of days or weeks using a new online tool
delivered through the IRS Business Systems Modernization program.
Details >>
Financial Intelligence: A New Way of
Learning
"We all learn differently. The trick is to find the way you
learn best. When you do that, you’ll discover your own personal genius." So says
Robert Kiyosaki in Rich Dad Poor Dad for Teens.
Read more in this excerpt from Chapter 1 >>
Should You Pass Down the Family
Business?
Although it is a noble gesture, passing a business down to the next generation
is more often than not, unsuccessful. In fact, statistics show that only
one-third of all family businesses are successfully transferred to the next
generation and only 13% are transferred onto the third generation.
Consider these points before passing your business down to
your heirs.
Deadline Approaches for Extension
Filers
Most taxpayers already have filed their tax year 2003 federal income tax
returns. But for almost 8.5 million taxpayers who opted for the automatic
extension of time to file, the deadline is fast
approaching.
Economic Report: Gas Pains
The sharp rise in gasoline prices to record levels in most parts of the country
has brought with it a number of concerns for the longevity of the economic
recovery. Find out why and what kind of impact it
could have on the economy.
Business Owners and Divorce: a Painful Combination
Business owners are often in for a double whammy when going through a divorce,
finding both themselves, and their business, on the hook financially. This
article provides an introduction to some of the issues, along with some food for
thought about what to do if you own a business and find yourself facing a
divorce.
Details >>
New Push to Create Rural Jobs
A new Bush Administration effort to stimulate rural business development and
jobs by providing greater access to venture capital investment funds was
recently announced. The SBA, on behalf of USDA, will enable venture capital
companies to offer access to capital to rural enterprises under a newly created
business and jobs initiative. Read more >>
10 Mistakes That Reduce Profitability
Are you finding it hard to keep your business in the black? Then you might be
making one or more of these 10 mistakes that have a negative impact on your
bottom line. Find out what they are and get the
solutions >>
IRS Offers Penalty Refund for EFTPS Enrollment
The Internal Revenue Service has announced an incentive to encourage enrollment
in and use of the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS). Approximately 1
million employers could qualify for a refund of a previously paid federal tax
deposit (FTD) penalty. Read more >>
A Marine for Life
Robert T. Kiyosaki, best-selling author of the "Rich Dad"
series, and former Marine gunship pilot during the Vietnam War, explained how
his worldwide success as a financial leader stemmed from his Marine Corps
experience in a recent interview. Read it here >>
IRS Tax Forums Planned for This Summer
The Internal Revenue Service will host a series of six Tax Forums this summer to
help educate and serve the tax practitioner community. The three-day Forums are
offered in July, August and September. Read more >>
Tips for Last-Minute Filers
The Internal Revenue Service has some tips for those hurrying to finish
their tax forms: double-check your return for accuracy, use the free IRS
resources if you need tax help, consider electronic options for filing and
paying, and don't miss Thursday's filing deadline.
Read more >>
Tips for Accurate Schedule K-1 Filing
The Internal Revenue Service has provided tips to businesses, individuals and
tax professionals to avoid errors on Schedules K-1. The Schedule K-1 is used to
report income from partnerships, S corporations and some trusts.
Read more >>
Watch Out for "Corporation Sole" Tax Scam
The Internal Revenue Service has issued a consumer alert advising taxpayers to
be wary of promoters offering a tax evasion scheme that misuses "Corporation
Sole" laws. Promoters of the scheme misrepresent state and federal laws intended
only for bona-fide churches, religious institutions and church leaders.
Read more >>
10 Ideas to Keep Cash Flowing
How do you keep the cash flowing on an even keel through your business? How can
you get cash sooner and keep more of it longer? Here are
10 ways you can keep more cash available for a longer time.
IRS Warns of New Tax Scams
In an update of an annual consumer alert, the Internal Revenue Service urges
taxpayers to avoid falling victim to one of the "Dirty Dozen" tax scams and a
variety of other schemes. Details >>
Facts About Tax Debt Schemes
The IRS has issued a consumer alert advising taxpayers to beware of
promoters' claims that tax debts can be settled for "pennies on the dollar"
through the Offer in Compromise Program. Read more >>
Two Million New US Jobs in 2004
Far from being a jobless recovery, the U.S. economy will generate over 2 million
new jobs during 2004, according to predictions made by economist Mitchell J.
Held at a recent Long Island Capital Alliance meeting.
Read why employers around the country will be hiring again.
Selling Your Business: Tax Impact
As the seller of a business, you are likely at a disadvantage. The buyer has
probably bought several businesses before and knows a great deal about the
process, while this may be the first time you've sold a business.
Before you sign on the dotted line, be sure you've considered
these tax implications.
Maximize Your Business's Value
If you are planning to sell your business you need to evaluate your company as a
potential buyer might. Consider these 10 critical areas of value creation.
The Lazy Person's Guide to Investing
In this straightforward and easy-to-follow guide, nationally known columnist
and stock market commentator Dr. Paul Farrell shows you exactly how to build
wealth with your personal portfolio or 401(k)-even if you hate numbers and
finance.
Read an excerpt here >>
Countdown to Crisis
The beginning of the greatest depression in American history is now just a
few short years away according to Dan Arnold, author of The Great
Bust Ahead. Read an excerpt from his
book and discuss it here.
Economic Report: How to Create Jobs
Although the economic recovery is two years old, for many it seems as though the
country is still mired in a recession. This is because the unemployed are having
an extremely difficult time finding new jobs. Read
more >>
What's Your Time Really Worth?
You know your time is valuable, but do you know what it's actually
worth? Just how much does a 5 minute interruption or a 3 minute phone
call cost you? Find out with this
calculator.
Money Saving Tips for Print Managers
Many print managers neglect to do some of the easy things that can add up to
significant cost savings annually. Below are a few tips for saving money on
print jobs, which might be old hat to some, but vital to remember.
Read more >>
Small Business Collection Strategies That Work
Coping with ever-increasing costs is one thing--making sure you get all the
money that's due you from customers or clients is another.
Here are a few tried and true collection strategies,
straight from the businesses that use them.
Book Excerpt: The Faber Report
David Faber's new book explains not just how to pick the stocks you want to
invest in but how to avoid joining the "penguins" lining up for big losses.
The Faber Report combines practical, down-to-earth investment advice with
wild accounts of investor fraud, company misdeeds, corruption, and greed.
Read an excerpt here >>
Excerpt: Rich Dad's Success Stories
Thousands of readers have gone on to greater wealth by applying the Rich Dad
philosophy. Read an excerpt from the latest
in the series, Rich Dad's Success Stories.
Economic Report
How strong is the economic recovery? What's leading it? What are the high spots?
And where is there still weakness?
Get the latest details >>
Economic Recovery on the Horizon
Things have been tough for small businesses the last few years. But now, the
dark clouds that have enveloped much of U.S. business appear to be lifting. Find
out why in this newly released economic report by Dr. Irwin Kellner, Weller
Professor of Economics, Hofstra University and Chief Economist, North Fork Bank
and CBS MarketWatch.
Details >>
Watch Out for Lumpy Money
One month you bring in thousands in revenue... the next you're in the red. That's
called lumpy money, and it's something all new small businesses have to face.
Read more >>
Avoiding a Retirement Crisis
In the last three years, retirement nest eggs have declined sharply in
value. However, you can still achieve retirement security.
Here are some
important steps you should start taking now.
Internet Sales Tax
States across the nation are seeking ways to reclaim sales tax revenues lost to
Internet sales. Unfortunately, laws requiring businesses to collect sales tax on
all internet sales could put undue strains on many small businesses. So what's
the answer? Here's what you had to say >>
Rich Dad's Prophecy
Rich Dad thinks the biggest stock market crash ever is still to
come. Read an excerpt from the book that tells why - and what to do about
it. Click here >>
The Art of Profitability
Learn which business model can help your company succeed today and
grow tomorrow. Click here to read an excerpt from The Art of Profitability.Lease or Buy?
Computers, fax machines, copiers... equipment costs can quickly blow a
small business' budget. Financing those purchases helps keep cash
available for other expenses. But which is better, leasing or buying?
Read more >>
Do
you really need an accountant?
When does it make sense to hire an accountant to help with your taxes or
with your business year-round? Does every small business need one? Or can you
save money by doing your own accounting and tax work? Here's
what you need to know.
Transaction Handling
No matter how attractive the price or persuasive the advertising, if
people are not comfortable with the way you handle their transactions,
or the payment options you offer, they'll go elsewhere.
Read more >>
 New
Economic Disaster Loans
Due to the extent of economic injury nationwide, SBA has introduced
two additional Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs to help
small businesses across the country. Details
>>
Living
Wage?
Some localities are starting to implement "living
wage" rules. These living wages are rates far above the current
minimum wage. What will be their impact? Take
our poll then talk
about the issue in the message board.
Getting a Merchant
Account
If you're hoping to establish a merchant account so you can accept credit card
sales, you may be concerned about the application and approval process. Learn
what constitutes credit card risk and what other factors merchant companies take
into consideration.
Venture Capital
What do VCs look for? What do they want out of a deal? Here's what
one venture capitalist has to say. Details >>
Don't Wait for Tax Time
Business coach C.J. Hayden advises those with a small business have a financial plan that is checked on a monthly
basis, problems corrected immediately. Entrepreneurs tend to take risks and be optimistic, keeping them from looking at their financials until tax time.
e-Commerce Best Practices
Does your business accept credit cards over the internet? Find out
how you can avoid fraud and charge backs.
Achieve Your Goals
Have you ever
wondered why some people accomplish far more than others in life? Here's what they do, and how you
can achieve your dreams, too.
WebCheckCollect Tracks Down Your Bounced Checks
You are an extremely busy business person. If you find yourself spending
too much time trying to track down those non-sufficient-funds (NSF) checks, then a solution may be at your finger tips -
Click Here to learn about an
exciting new technology!
E-payment Systems Offer Secure Convenience
Net savvy small businesses and consumers are turning to
a unique on-line service for simplifying their busy lives - e-payment programs.
Find out more about this
growing trend in small business!
Beware
of Office Supply Scams!
You've been around the block too many times to fall for the old story
about how you can beat the price increases by buying now. But what about
your staff? Here's what you need to tell them about office
supply scams.
Are
You Profitable?
How do you determine on a regular basis whether or not you're
showing a profit? Learn how to figure your break-even
point and break-even margins so you know where you stand!
Cash
Flow Drought
Every business hits slow spells once in a while that take a toll
on cash flow. Find out how to survive the
drought without killing your credit!
Legal Reach
The long arm of the law got a little longer this spring for people who participate in
Internet discussion groups. Find out why speaking your mind on the Internet could be very
costly. Click here.
Lower Phone Costs
Tired of paying expensive long distance rates when you travel? Give prepaid phone
cards a try!
Minimize Law
Suits and Legal Fees
Just because you're right doesn't mean you won't get sued. You can,
however, minimize the financial impact.
Web Site Phone Scam
Yet another phone scam hits small businesses.
This time, charges for unauthorized web sites are being crammed onto phone bills.
Read about it here.
Save on
Travel Expenses
If cab fares are breaking your budget, a little advance planning could save you
big money.
Locate
Investors Easily!
If you're searching for business financing sources, then look no further than
your own computer! Here's how you can find investors on the web.
When the
Customer Won't Pay
What can you do when a customer refuses to pay? First, learn what not to do, then
read these tips on how to collect that bill legally and as quickly as possible.
Cut Corporate
Telephone Bills
Surprising fax about your phone bills.
Seller Beware
Learn how to avoid collection problems before they come up.
Bartering is
Back!
Bartering has seen a resurgence through the use of the Internet.
Learn to use it to conserve cash and build
your market!
Elevator
Speeches That Get Attention
Raising money? Raise interest from investors by perfecting your
elevator speech. Here's
how.
IRS May Owe
Small Corporations
Thousands Of Dollars
If you are a small corporation and have paid alternative minimum taxes
in recent years, you may have paid the government many thousands of
dollars more in taxes than was necessary. Here's why.
50 Overlooked Deductions
It's that dreaded time of year again... Tax Time! Before you make
out your check to Uncle Sam, read this
excerpt from the Ernst & Young Tax Guide 2000 to make sure you
aren't missing out on these easily overlooked deductions!
Business
Plan Mistakes
Looking for investment money? Don't undermine yourself right
from the start! Watch out for these
common business plan mistakes to increase your chances of success!
Sales Tax Nightmare
You're business is growing nicely. You think you're doing everything by the books. But then the state tax auditors stop by. Could they take a club to your business' knees? Don't be too quick to say "no."
Read this story by George Giokas in Long Island
Newsday.
Loans To Prevent Disaster
Damage
A new low-interest loan program
designed to help small businesses protect against disaster has been
signed into law. Read about it here.
Are State and Local
Governments Really Losing Sales Tax Dollars?
As ecommerce increases, some state and local tax officials are
complaining that Internet sales could drain their coffers of important
sales tax dollars. But are the state and local governments
really losing significant revenues as the result of tax-free sales on
the Internet? Not so says a study from Ernst and Young. Read a summary here.
Internet Sales Tax Bill
If you thought the Internet Tax Freedom Act signed last year would
stop legislators from trying to impose taxes on ecommerce, it's time to
think again. Click
here to read about it.
Avoid
the hobby trap
Are you really in business or is it a hobby? The answer affects the
deductibility of expenses
Tax-deductible
Vacation?
Well, it's the next best thing. Find out how to get Uncle Sam to foot part of the bill for
a mini-vacation.
Start-Up
Cost Pitfall
Important tax tip: start the business before you spend a lot for equipment and supplies.
Here's why.
Evaluating
Credit Card Processing Companies
Third-party credit card processing providers will accept even homebased and mail order
businesses. But their fees vary widely. Here's how to evaluate the third party providers.
Changes
In The Tax Law You Should Know About
Keeping up with tax changes can effect your bottom line. Read this
informative summary of changes that can effect you.
How
to Avoid 25 Common Errors
No one wants to make mistakes on their tax returns. Mistakes can be
costly and frustrating. Be sure to read these common errors.
Accounting for Revenues
You've just sealed a sweet deal with a new partner. It will bring you added revenues over the next several years. How do you account for the deal? How creative can you be? Find out
here.
Get Paid Sooner
It doesn't matter how much money you make on paper. What matters is what you collect. Here
are tips to smooth your cash flow.
Why Automate?
Save your company time and money with scheduling and routing distributions!
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