So you’ve decided to start your own business — congratulations! Many new owners open a business to be their own boss and chart their own course. However, along with those benefits come some complications compared to being someone else’s employee. Planning and budgeting are critical, and you’ll have plenty of new tax compliance responsibilities. 1. […]
Starting a business? 5 things you need to know Read More »
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
Considering layoffs? Try these alternatives first Read More »
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
Benefits that help you care for your company’s caregivers Read More »
Pay equity is the philosophy and practice of “equal pay for equal work.” Employers known for fair pay practices stand out in today’s competitive labor market. Fostering pay equity can also help reduce the risk of employment law litigation. But what does pay equity mean in practice? What it does and doesn’t mean First and
Pay equity can benefit employees and businesses Read More »
Normally businesses must furnish certain information returns to workers and submit them to the federal government by January 31. But this year, that date falls on a Saturday. So the deadline is the next business day, which happens to be Groundhog Day: February 2, 2026. W-2s for employees By February 2, employers must furnish and/or file these
Is your business ready for the tax deadline that’s on Groundhog Day this year? Read More »
For many employees, mobile phones are no longer a perk — they’re an essential business tool. However, issuing company phones or reimbursing employees for use of their personal devices can create hidden security risks, unexpected tax consequences and productivity concerns for business owners. Here are some key issues to consider before rolling out or revising
Consider these issues before providing (or reimbursing) mobile phones Read More »
If your business has employees or uses independent contractors, you have associated annual information reporting obligations. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) makes changes impacting these rules, but not for the 2025 tax year. Tips and overtime income For 2025 through 2028, the OBBBA creates new deductions for employees who receive qualified tips income
Significant changes to information reporting go into effect for the 2026 tax year Read More »
If you have a flexible spending account (FSA) through your employer to help pay for health or dependent care expenses, now’s a good time to check your balance. FSAs save taxes, but they generally require you to incur expenses to use the funds by year end or forfeit them. Here’s a refresher on the rules
Have you used up your 2025 FSA funds? Read More »
The 2026 Social Security wage base has been released. What’s the tax impact on employees and the self-employed? Let’s take a look. FICA tax 101 The Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) imposes two payroll taxes on wages and self-employment income — one for Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance, commonly known as the Social Security tax,
How the Social Security wage base will affect your payroll taxes in 2026 Read More »
Today’s employees have a wealth of information at their fingertips and many distractions competing for their attention. Maintaining focus and productivity can be challenging. One proven lever for promoting engagement is a performance-based bonus plan. When carefully structured, these plans acknowledge individual contributions while accelerating the company toward its strategic goals. However, if not optimally
Designing the right bonus plan for your business Read More »