Douglas Freeman

Considering layoffs? Try these alternatives first

It’s every business owner’s least-favorite task: laying off staff. But sometimes, layoffs are unavoidable. Labor costs are a significant line item on most companies’ income statements, and reducing your workforce can potentially help restore stability if your business hits choppy waters. On the other hand, many costs are associated with staff reductions. These include severance […]

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What you need to know about filing an extension — and minimizing penalties

If you don’t have everything ready to complete your 2025 federal individual income tax return by the April 15 deadline, you can request an automatic extension. Filing Form 4868, “Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return,” by April 15 can give you breathing room to file accurately and protect

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FAQs about the research credit

Companies that engage in research and development activities may qualify for a federal tax credit for some of those expenses. The credit is complicated to calculate, and not all research activities are eligible — but the tax savings can be significant. Here are answers to questions you might have about this potentially lucrative tax break.

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Benefits that help you care for your company’s caregivers

With caregiving costs rising faster than inflation, it’s harder than ever to juggle parenting young children or caring for elderly relatives while also working nine to five. Your business can help support caregiving employees and boost productivity by offering dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs). This benefit provides a tax-advantaged method to pay for eligible

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Are you eligible for mileage deductions?

Whether you’re filing your 2025 individual income tax return or planning for 2026, it’s important to know if you can deduct vehicle-related expenses. A change that was made permanent by last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) limits who can claim a deduction for business mileage. But you might still be eligible, and deductions

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Debt vs. equity: Classification counts when shareholders put money into their corporations

If you operate your business as a C corporation, how you put money into your company — and how you take it back out — can have a major impact on your tax bill. Payments from shareholders to fund the business can either be classified as capital contributions (equity) or shareholder loans (debt). That might sound

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Don’t miss your opportunity to make a 2025 IRA contribution — whether you can deduct it or not

Generally, each year you can contribute up to the annual limit to a traditional or Roth IRA (or a combination of the two). But once the contribution deadline has passed, the opportunity to contribute for that year is lost forever. The deadline for 2025 IRA contributions is April 15, 2026. You may be eligible to

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Should your business consider a fiscal year end?

Most businesses close their books for tax and accounting purposes on December 31 because it aligns with the calendar year. But a calendar year isn’t always the best option. For some companies, choosing a fiscal year-end that better reflects their business cycle can improve financial reporting and simplify year-end procedures and tax filing. Here’s what

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Why you might want to build a wall between your business and its real estate

Does your business own its real estate in a separate holding company, such as a limited liability company (LLC) or limited partnership? This practice can provide several advantages, including shielding property from your company’s creditors. It can also ease estate planning if, for example, you want to transfer business interests to your children while retaining

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It’s your last chance to claim these clean energy tax breaks

Last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) terminated several clean energy tax incentives earlier than previously scheduled. But if you bought an electric vehicle or made certain green home improvements last year, you might be eligible for a tax credit on your 2025 individual income tax return. Remember, tax credits reduce your tax liability

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