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6 Last-Second Money-Saving Tax Moves
As 2018 winds down, there is still time to reduce your potential tax obligation. Here are some ideas to make your 2018 tax return less of a burden on your wallet:
The IRS Loves Your Business ... and That is NOT Good
The IRS continues to focus their audit activities in key small business areas. The wise business owner is well advised to be able to defend the following five areas to keep the IRS at a comfortable distance:
How to Survive 3 Unavoidable Banking Trends
Smartphones and other technological advances enable banks to create products and services that dramatically change the way you bank. Here is a primer on three of the biggest banking trends and tips to protect your money:
Retirees Should Check Withholdings...or Else...
According to a recent announcement by the IRS, retirees might not be withholding enough for taxes this year. This is due to vast tax changes in 2018, making old withholding levels obsolete. The IRS is urging retirees to check their withholdings now a
Don't Let a Disaster Derail Your Business
With the recent frequency of hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods and wildfires, it's worth reviewing ideas to ensure your business can survive if it faces its own disaster. Here are some steps you can take to create a disaster plan for your bu
5 Annual Tax Essentials
The more things change the more they stay the same. This is especially true when it comes to reviewing your tax situation. Mark your calendar to review these essential items each year to ensure you are not missing something that could cause tax troub
Hustling for Extra Income
Conduct an online search of the phrase "side hustle" and you will find websites with countless ideas on how you can make some money on the side. The ideas range from carpet cleaning to podcasting.
Six Ideas to Help Your Business Survive AND Thrive
If you are like millions of taxpayers trying to make a living running a small business, you know it is tough out there. Here are six ideas to help your business survive and thrive
Day of Caring 2018
Yesterday afternoon, almost half of the Whitcomb & Hess crew (and even some of their spouses!) headed out of the office to join over 300 volunteers at the United Way's annual Day of Caring. It's a cause that we strongly believe in, and the staff
Fraud? Negligence? Know the Difference!
While the IRS takes tax fraud seriously, they also understand that mistakes happen. Here is what you need to know.
Keys to Creating a Satisfying Retirement
You've done your retirement homework. Your assets are reviewed, you know your financial needs, and your retirement tax plan is in place. Are you ready to enjoy retirement? Probably, but not without a plan to address what happens to many after they re
Time to Launch Your Tax Strategy
Consider conducting a final tax planning review now to see if you can still take actions to minimize your taxes this year. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Hedging Against a Trade War
As a small business owner, the words “trade war” and “tariff” can be unsettling. When cost uncertainty is on the horizon, you will want to be prepared as much as possible. Here are some ideas to help you navigate your business
Give your Credit Score a Boost
Your credit score is one of the most important aspects of your financial health. It is used by potential lenders, landlords and even employers to analyze your financial situation in one way or another. Here are some tips that might help you improve
Combat Employee Turnover
With unemployment at historically low rates, retaining employees is harder than ever. Here are some tips to help your business maintain a thriving workforce:Invest in current employees.
Education: Tax Changes You Need to Know
As students gear up to head back to school, there are some changes to education deductions that could save or cost you more in taxes and even raise college tuition costs.
Is a Tax Surprise Waiting for You?
Often lost in the excitement of large-scale tax change is how they can negatively impact some individual situations. Check out the questions below to see if you might be in for a tax surprise this year.
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.
Setting up Your Business Accounting System
You've done the hard work. You have a new business idea or you've found an existing business to purchase. Want to help ensure your business success? Pay attention to correctly setting up your business' accounting system. Here's how:
Are you Sharing Too Much Information Online?
In today's digital age, it is impossible to avoid the internet. Even if you don't have a computer and actively avoid social media, there is information about you in some corner of the web. Here are some tips to help you manage your digital footprint:
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 h
Cloud Accounting with QuickBooks Online – What are the benefits for my business?
In our current world, most business owners are looking for flexible solutions to meet their accounting needs. They want mobile access to get the data that they need when they need it and automated processes to save them time. In response to this need
Ideas to Improve Your Financial Health
No-one likes to be blindsided by financial hardship. Listed here are 10 ideas to help ensure your financial situation stays healthy.
Student Loan Forgiveness Creates New Tax Trap
There's a new student loan repayment program that forgives some student loan debt if other payments are made. This new debt forgiveness is creating a tax surprise for the unsuspecting student. Here is what you need to know.
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.
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.
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
Become Debt-Free
The average household carries $137,063 in debt, while the median household income is less than $60,000, according to data from the Federal Reserve and U.S. Labor Department. While it's easy to get into debt, it can be hard to get out. Here are five t
How Long Will It Last?
Part of financial planning is having a sense of how much it will cost to replace your possessions when they break down or wear out. Many of the big-ticket consumer products may cost more to replace and wear out sooner than you think.
June Market Insight: Tariff Tantrums
2018 continues to be a bumpy ride as President Trump moves on with his “Make America Great Again” agenda. The president broadcasted his intentions throughout his presidential campaign...
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