RESOURCES

For decades, a college degree has been a signal of qualification for hiring managers, immediately connoting a baseline of knowledge, discipline, and capability on the part of the applicant. But as labor markets tighten, technology evolves, and workforce expectations shift, that indicator is increasingly fading in relevance. Forward-thinking employers are beginning to see value in embracing a different approach to hiring, prioritizing skills over degrees.

If you’re planning to seek financing, attract investors or expand your operations, after tax season is the ideal time to prepare financial statements that present a clear picture of your business’s performance. Here are some tips from our team on how to compile reports to offer you and your financial partners a solid basis for business assessment as you plan your next growth cycle:

Most people use their HSA like a medical debit card, but the account is capable of much more. With a rare triple tax advantage and flexible reimbursement rules, the HSA can serve as a powerful long-term healthcare reserve. Read on to learn how to make the most of it.

Estate planning discussions often focus on the federal estate tax exemption, but most families face different challenges when transferring wealth. Probate fees, state-level taxes, capital gains exposure, and administrative complexity can all erode inheritances – even for estates well below the federal threshold. A comprehensive estate plan addresses these hidden costs, not just headline tax numbers.

Disproportionate distributions in S corporations can trigger unintended tax consequences and even loss of S status. Learn where the risks arise and how strategic planning can preserve compliance while achieving unequal economic outcomes.

With the expiration of expanded ACA subsidies in 2026, self-employed professionals are facing significant premium increases with no employer to share the burden. While healthcare costs are rising, strategic planning can help reduce your total cost. The key is treating healthcare like any other business expense – strategically, proactively, and with tax efficiency in mind.

This month’s issue covers key topics for individuals and business owners alike, including innocent spouse relief, common living trust misconceptions, S-corporation basics, and the IRS’s new deduction for qualified overtime compensation. Each article is designed to provide practical insights to support informed financial and tax decisions.

Remote staff have created a shift for employers that has created a complex web of tax and regulatory obligations. Learn how employees who work in different states than your company’s primary location create nexus and what you as an employer are responsible for doing to stay compliant.

Spring is a natural checkpoint for payroll tax compliance. Overlooking key considerations can create mistakes that compound through the year and potentially result in penalties, interest, or administrative headaches that can divert your energy from running your business.

Innocent spouse relief can protect you from being held responsible for a tax bill caused by your spouse’s or ex-spouse’s mistakes. This article explains how the IRS evaluates these claims, the types of relief available, and what to expect if you apply. If you’ve received a notice or suspect something was wrong with past returns, it may be time to talk to a CPA.

The IRS has introduced a new federal income tax deduction for qualified overtime compensation, effective for tax years 2025 through 2028. Eligible workers can deduct up to $12,500 (or $25,000 on joint returns) of the overtime premium they earn above their regular rate of pay. This deduction reduces is available to FLSA-covered employees who meet specific eligibility requirements, including valid Social Security numbers and certain filing status conditions.

Revocable living trusts are widely used and widely misunderstood. This article explains what revocable trusts actually do, what they don’t do, and why proper design, funding, and coordination matter. Understanding these nuances can help prevent surprises and improve estate planning outcomes.

S-corporations are one of the most frequently discussed (but often misunderstood) tax structures for small business owners. While they can offer real savings on self-employment taxes, the benefits aren’t automatic – they depend on your income level, involvement in the business, and whether you’re ready to manage the added compliance responsibilities. Here’s what you need to know about how S-corps work, who they’re right for, and what’s required to maintain one.

From helping parents understand new savings tools for children to exploring tax-smart gifting and retirement strategies, we’re covering topics that can make a meaningful difference over time. Whether you’re laying a financial foundation for the next generation or fine-tuning your own plans, these insights are designed to help you move forward with purpose and confidence.

When we talk about gifting as part of a tax strategy, many people assume it’s something only the ultra-wealthy need to worry about. But gifting is actually one of the simplest and most powerful financial planning tools available – and a thoughtful gifting strategy can make a meaningful difference for your family, both now and in the long run.

For many parents, providing financial security for their children is a top priority. But building that security involves more than funding college or opening a savings account. The real goal isn’t just to transfer wealth – it’s to prepare the next generation to manage, grow, and protect it.

For high-income professionals locked out of traditional Roth contributions, mega Roth conversions offer a powerful alternative. By contributing after-tax dollars to fill unused space under the $72,000 annual 401(k) limit and immediately converting them to Roth, eligible savers can funnel tens of thousands annually into tax-free growth.

Trump Accounts are a new type of tax-advantaged retirement account for children, created under 2025 legislation and clarified by recent IRS guidance. While contributions can’t begin until mid-2026, families can begin preparing now. This article explains what is currently known, what remains uncertain, and how Trump Accounts compare to other common savings tools like Roth IRAs and 529 plans.

Every year, accountants see the same do-it-yourself mistakes that lead to missed deductions, IRS notices, penalties, or even audits. While DIY filing works well in straightforward situations, understanding where things commonly go wrong can help you avoid costly surprises.

For many business owners, tax deadlines arrive at the worst possible time, right in the middle of managing employees, serving customers, and keeping cash flowing. When the deadline rolls around, it’s common to wonder, “Should I file now, or should I extend?”

It’s a new year, and we have new information for you to kick off 2026! With practical strategies for managing sudden financial gain and updates about penalty relief for 2025 tips and overtime reporting to the rise of concierge medicine and outsourcing to buy back your time, we’ve gathered some great news for you to begin this year’s journey.

The IRS and Congress have enacted tax law changes and regulatory updates that take effect this month and will impact individual taxpayers, employers, retirement plan sponsors, and businesses of all sizes. From tax filing to retirement planning, here are a few key things you should know about what’s new this year.

Whether you’re an individual taxpayer or business owner, preparing early for tax time can reduce delays, minimize errors, and help your tax pros do their best work on your behalf. Our team has put together a practical guide to get you started on the right foot this tax season, including key deadlines, commonly required documents, and planning considerations.

Smart outsourcing isn’t about luxury – it’s strategically identifying tasks that drain mental bandwidth without delivering value, from meal prep and household management to admin work and scheduling. The key is starting small with fractional support, establishing clear systems, and focusing delegation on areas where you procrastinate or that create decision fatigue. By protecting what only you can do and handling the rest, you create more space for higher-impact work and reduce daily friction.

The IRS is offering penalty relief for 2025 as employers struggle to comply with new reporting requirements for tips and overtime pay under the OBBBA. While businesses won’t face penalties this year for failing to separately report qualified tips, overtime compensation, and occupation codes, this transition period is explicitly temporary—and smart employers will use it to prepare for full compliance in 2026.

Concierge medicine offers a more personalized healthcare experience with longer visits, faster access, and fewer patients per doctor, but it comes at a premium. For busy professionals and families, the real question is whether it aligns with your health goals and lifestyle. Here’s what to consider before making the switch.

Are you equipped to handle a sudden financial gain? Learn four steps you can take to navigate tax planning and potential tax burdens associated with a financial windfall.

Year-end is near, and this issue of SmartTips is our gift to business owners. With tips on how to turn seasonal shoppers into loyal customers and lessons for structuring your workday to raising financially savvy kids and the tax perks of hiring your child, we’ve gathered some great information for you and tied it up with a bow.

For small businesses using cash-based accounting, the next few weeks present valuable opportunities to manage taxable income and reduce 2025 tax liability.

Thoughtful financial resolutions can help businesses improve cash flow, boost profitability, and weather unexpected headwinds. Here are some New Year’s financial resolutions to guide small business owners into 2026 with confidence.

Financial literacy starts early, and families that treat money as a life skill, not a taboo topic, often raise more confident, capable decision-makers. From introducing real responsibility to modeling values-based spending, here’s how parents are helping their kids build lasting financial judgment.

Hiring your child in your business can offer powerful tax advantages while teaching financial responsibility and supporting long-term wealth planning. Learn how to structure it properly, avoid IRS pitfalls, and make the most of this overlooked family strategy.

The holiday season offers more than a revenue spike for business owners; it’s a unique window to build lasting customer relationships. Let’s explore how to align your messaging with the shopper mindset, position your offers, leverage multi-channel reach, and convert one-time buyers into loyal customers while keeping your operations strong.

Ultra-productive CEOs structure their days to protect focus, reduce decision fatigue, and create time for what matters most. Their routines aren’t one-size-fits-all, but they do reveal patterns worth borrowing. A small shift in your day might lead to a big difference in how you lead.

Getting your small business off the ground? A strong launch sets the tone for your business’s future, building fledgling relationships with early customers, establishing financial momentum, and earning credibility with lenders and future strategic partners.

Is a small business startup in your future for 2026? If so, you have a wide range of funding options, combining traditional methods with newer, tech-driven approaches.

Take a short break from pumpkin-spiced lattes and raking leaves, and let’s get warmed up with some November trivia!

When winter days grow short and the world feels a little too fast, the Danish concept of hygge (pronounced “HYOO-gah”) offers a gentle reminder: Happiness often hides in simplicity.

Starting a business isn’t for the faint of heart. Entrepreneurs are, by definition, bold. If you’re on the verge of starting your own enterprise in 2026, count yourself among the very bold, indeed.

This is the time of year when our thoughts collectively turn to thanksgiving (the holiday and the state of mind). But maintaining an attitude of gratitude should be a year-round habit.

It’s the time of year when we all pause to count our blessings, and this issue of SmartTips is all about finding fulfillment in our personal and professional lives. Our team shares a reflection on gratitude and its healthful benefits, and we offer a lifestyle feature presenting the Danish spin on contentment, known as “hygge.” Tease your brain with November trivia and sink your teeth into our main story about the outlook for starting a small business in the coming year. Enjoy, and thank you for spending time with us.

Time for the final sprint of 2025 to begin. This month, SmartTips takes a look at all things autumn, from scary to sweet. Our team has content to help you tackle bloodsucking subscription fees and other hidden costs, as well as the monster hiding in everyone’s closet: cybersecurity anxiety. Don’t worry, we take the edge off with a salute to International Coffee Day and a fun roundup of horror movie trivia. Enjoy our first issue of Q4, and get ready to make a run for the holidays.

It’s the time of year when we think about things that go bump in the night. Test your A-lister aptitude by identifying the most notorious dramatis personae in the motion picture horror genre—we dare you!

International Coffee Day, celebrated every year on October 1, is a glorious global tribute to one of humanity’s most cherished beverages and the rich traditions that surround it. Officially established in 2015 by the International Coffee Organization, the day not only honors the love of coffee but also raises awareness about the entire coffee journey.

Running a small business is rewarding, exciting, and, of course, often overwhelming. But sometimes, the scariest threats aren’t competitors or economic downturn; they’re the hidden costs lurking in your books.

Every October, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month reminds us that digital safety is no longer optional. With thoughtful planning, consistent staff training, and a disaster recovery strategy, even the leanest organizations can build strong defenses.

One of the most important foundations for entrepreneurial success is building a business aligned with your skills and personal passion. When your interests and talents intersect with a viable business idea, you’ll find motivation to sustain you through the inevitable ups and downs.

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month—the perfect time to give your business a digital checkup. A few simple habits can make a huge difference.

Key items were adjusted for inflation. Here’s a quick summary: The IRS regularly updates rules and guidance that impact individuals […]

Time to start the process—tax time has begun! After celebrating—and hopefully recovering from—the arrival of the new year, it’s time […]

Charitable Giving Tax Deductions: Maximizing Your Generosity and Your Tax Savings Charitable giving is a powerful way to make a […]

Building a Secure Future for Your Loved Ones Estate planning is a critical step in ensuring your assets are distributed […]

Reflections from Our Team As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us are naturally drawn to reflect on the year with a […]

As we begin the final sprint to the end of the fiscal year, it’s important to have a clear understanding […]

Unless you’ve been living under a rock—and believe us, we’d understand if you chose to do so—you’re aware that we’re […]

While the end of the year might seem far off, September is actually a great time for small business owners […]

As we round the turn into autumn, tax deadlines come into view. (Exciting, right?) Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a freelancer, […]

As college students prepare to head back to school, it’s important to focus not only on academic success but also […]

Each of life’s major milestones brings unique joys and challenges. In addition to profound personal impact, events such as marriage, […]

Buying vs leasing equipment: Tax implications for business owners When it comes to acquiring equipment for your business, deciding whether […]

Picking up the check? Here are some tips! An entrepreneur’s guide to business entertainment and travel deductions One category of […]

Strategically Balancing Your Investment Portfolio: A Guide to Financial Success Investing is a critical component of building long-term wealth, but […]

Can I Claim Deductions for Dog Care Expenses? Owning a dog brings joy and companionship, but it also comes with […]

Long-term Care: Options and Safety Nets Aging is inevitable, and with aging comes the possibility of needing long-term care. Long-term […]

Owning a Second Home: Does It Make Sense for You? Dreaming of a second home nestled in the mountains, by […]

Insurance Basics: What Kind and How Much Do I Need? When it comes to managing your finances, insurance plays a […]

Home Ownership vs. Renting: Which Is Right for You? Deciding whether to buy a home or rent is one of […]

Plugging the Money Leak: Getting a Handle on Subscription Services Subscription services have become commonplace in our daily lives. From […]

Points Pointers: Navigating Credit Card Rewards Programs Credit card rewards programs—they’re more competitive than ever and designed to suit virtually […]

Self-Care for Small Business Owners: A Guide to Thriving, Not Just Surviving Running a small business isn’t for the faint […]

Claiming Tax Deductions for Volunteer Work: A Comprehensive Guide Americans are a generous people, and it shows in the amount […]

Coping with Unexpected Medical Expenses: Strategies for Financial Stability Unexpected medical expenses can be a significant financial burden, disrupting even […]

Auto Leasing vs. Buying: Which Makes More Sense? Got a craving for that new car smell? Before you indulge your […]