It can be shocking to realize that our biggest personal and business expense, bar none, is taxes. The good news is that just a little time and effort focused on strategically reducing your taxes can pay big dividends. The first thing to know about taxes is that it is not illegal to strategize to save […]
Read MoreRidesharing companies like Uber and Lyft have been front and center in recent media stories and court decisions. All across the country, drivers have brought lawsuits arguing that they are employees of these companies, rather than independent contractors. If you own a business and think these stories have no relevance to you, think again. What […]
Read MoreBefore you consider in a new startup, you should understand that there is quite some distance between a great idea and a great company. As part of your due diligence, perform these reality checks before you spend your savings on starting something new: Are you ready for the entrepreneurial lifestyle? Entrepreneurship is not a get-rich-quick […]
Read MoreOne of the biggest risks small business owners take is not properly protecting their personal assets from business liabilities or judgments. In a recent Entrepreneur.com article, Mark Kohler, author of The Tax & Legal Playbook, offered these 8 asset protection strategies for business owners: Choose the right business structure. Operating as a sole proprietorship offers […]
Read MoreAs lenders ease credit conditions following the Great Recession, new business formation in the U.S. is on the rise. If you are starting a business in 2015, be sure you pay attention to the following prerequisites: Discuss with legal counsel which corporate structure is best for your business: sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation (C or S), […]
Read MoreCompleting your small business taxes for 2014 may already be in your rear view mirror, but the stress of taking time out of your business to do them may be lingering. Even if you have filed an extension, there’s always next year. And, you may be surprised to hear this, but this is the time […]
Read MoreThese days, many people are reinventing their work lives by investing in a franchise. Franchises offer the benefit of a proven business model, making them attractive to new business owners who seek to manage risk and protect their investment. However, franchise agreements are not forever and there are circumstances when a franchise owner chooses — […]
Read MoreWhether you are creating a written contract or letter of agreement to formalize a business deal, there are certain items that must be included in order to minimize risk in case of litigation as well as clarify the terms of the business relationship. These include: Official Names of the Parties – Be sure to sign […]
Read MoreOne of the most impactful decisions business owners will make is their selection of business entity – sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC) or corporation – for their company. This decision has important tax, legal and operational implications, so choosing the right entity is vital. Business owners have several choices when it comes to […]
Read MoreWe know that building a thriving family business takes a lot of hard work, and to ensure the business continues to thrive, it takes foresight and planning. When business owners are preparing to transition the business to the next generation of leadership, it is critical to have a well-considered succession plan to guide them. To […]
Read MoreMany business owners encounter cash flow problems at one time or another, primarily due to slow collection on past due invoices. However, the way you invoice can help you avoid late payments. Here are six tips to good billing practices: Identify each service or good being provided along with its cost. Be sure to include […]
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