Thursday September 2, 2010

smSmallBiz.com - SmartMoney's Small Business Site



Midyear Tax Check: Organize Now, Save Later

Don't let tax season catch you off guard.

Hire Now, Save Later

How you can save thousands in taxes by giving jobs to the unemployed

Self-Employed? Remember the Roth IRA Option

If you think your income is too high to qualify for a Roth account, read on.

Tax-Saving Moves for Small Businesses

Strategies to consider now before the Bush tax cuts expire.

House Approves Small-Business Tax Incentives

The measure would eliminate capital-gains taxes on some small-business investments.

Small Firms Chafe At Senate Payroll Tax Proposal

Measure seeks to crack down on technique that many used to avoid paying hundreds of thousands in payroll taxes.

Big Tax Breaks for Small Business

The new health-care laws offer incentives for employers who provide benefits for employees.

Withdraw From Your IRA -- Penalty-Free

Need to take an IRA withdrawal before age 59 1/2? What you need to know.

Check Out the New Health Insurance Credit

Want to cover your employees? Here's a tax break to help.

Business Owners: Your Health Tax Credit Awaits

The IRS sent postcards to more than four million small businesses, detailing a new tax break under health reform.

Feeling Blue About Pink-Slip Taxes

Small-business owners may be motivated to appeal claims for jobless benefits filed by former employees who quit or were fired for cause.

Is That a Hobby or a Sideline Business?

The answer might affect your income tax return this year.

Business Owners Taxed for Layoffs

Entrepreneurs who reduced their companies' work forces now face rising state unemployment insurance taxes.

Business Meals: Are We Having Fun Yet?

Rules to ensure your meals and entertainment expenses stand up to tax-time scrutiny.

15 Small-Business Tax Deductions

Tracking expenses consistently and accurately can help you shrink your tax bill.

Insurance Tax Breaks for Self-Employed Individuals

How to claim this otherwise hard-to-get health-care deduction.

Tax Tips: A Tip for Small-Business Owners

Don't forget about the depreciation write-off on new equipment.

Are Your Books in Order?

Who doesn’t want to avoid tax-time headaches? Here are some soothing small business organizational tips.

Get a Head Start on Taxes

Here are tips for getting your records in order and preparing for this year’s tax season.


January 29, 2010

The President’s $33 Billion Employment Booster

Obama elaborates on his new jobs proposal, but business owners are skeptical.

January 28, 2010

Obama to Tout Jobs Push in Address

President Barack Obama intends to make small-business hiring the centerpiece of Wednesday’s State of the Union address.

December 18, 2009

Entrepreneurs Struggle With Estate Tax

Whatever the outcome of the federal estate-tax debate, many family businesses likely will continue to use a variety of strategies to cope.

December 9, 2009

5 Year-End Tax Strategies for Small Businesses

Cut your business's 2009 tax bill by making these moves now.

December 8, 2009

White House Jobs Proposal Draws Weak Praise

Small businesses were mixed over the president’s new plan to spur jobs.

November 18, 2009

Negotiating With The IRS

If you're in dire straits and can’t meet your tax liability, these days, even the IRS is willing to negotiate.

October 29, 2009

Deducting Losses From an LLC: New Wrinkles

Recent court decisions make it easier to qualify for write-offs.

October 14, 2009

Entrepreneurs Take On Tax Man

The bad economy and the deteriorating commercial real-estate market have motivated some small-business owners to fight their tax assessments.

September 21, 2009

Small-Business Owners Hit By IRS Fines

Small-business owners have been hit with large IRS penalties after 2004 tax-law changes as Congress looks to change the regulations.

August 6, 2009

Clock Is Ticking on These Small Biz Tax Perks

Take advantage of these depreciation tax breaks before it's too late.

July 31, 2009

If Taxes Rise, Should You Form An LLC or Incorporate?

Learn why most start-ups choose an LLC over a C corporation.

July 8, 2009

Entrepreneurs Win Tax Case Versus IRS

The IRS lost a fight to limit tax deductions that can be used by investors in LLCs and LLPs. Find out what this could mean for you.

June 15, 2009

Tax Man's Target: The Mobile Phone

The IRS is proposing new taxes on company-issued mobile phones. Here’s how the rules could change.

April 10, 2009

Quick Tips: 6 Under-the-Radar Tax Perks

Often overlooked tax-saving strategies that can give your business a nice cash boost.

April 8, 2009

Businesses to Benefit From Energy Tax Breaks

Most of the stimulus plan's energy incentives will eventually trickle down from state and local governments.

April 1, 2009

Deadline Alert: Time to Account for the Making Work Pay Credit

Time’s almost up for employers to change their employees' withholdings to accommodate this stimulus bill credit.

February 12, 2010

Tax Tips: Married to Your Business Partner?

You might be able to cut your self-employment tax dramatically with this savvy tax move.

March 16, 2009

Top 10 Bookkeeping Mistakes

Calendar-year C and S corporations must file their 2008 federal income tax returns by today. See that you didn’t make these common bookkeeping errors.

March 4, 2009

4 Stimulus Plan Tax Perks for Businesses

Changes and extensions that could significantly cut a business' tax bill.

March 3, 2009

Small Businesses and the Budget

How small businesses fare in President Obama's latest financial plan.

March 2, 2009

Troubles in the Business Enterprise Zone

As states tighten their belts, some business owners risk losing their special status.

February 17, 2009

And the Stimulus Winners Are... Small Businesses

From tax perks to spending projects, the plan provides boosts small businesses need.

February 11, 2009

Tax Break Divides Large, Small Builders

As Congress prepares for a fight over the stimulus bill, small and large home builders are battling behind the scenes over a key tax break in the legislation.

February 9, 2009

How to Prepare for a Tax Audit

If the IRS pays you a visit, understanding what an auditor might look for can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major hardship.

December 10, 2008

Year-End Tax Tips for Businesses: Part II

Make these moves now and cut your business's tax bill for 2008.

January 13, 2009

Starting Up: Small Businesses Face State Tax Hikes

With tax hikes surely on the way, here are some tax proposals that every small-business owner should know about.

December 8, 2008

What Kind of Records Should I Keep for My Business?

As the end of the year nears, now’s a good time to make sure your business’ tax records are in order.

December 3, 2008

Year-End Tax Tips for Businesses – Part I

Make these three moves now and cut your business' tax bill for 2008.

November 20, 2008

Asked & Answered: Small Businesses and Taxes

We answer biz owners questions about solo 401(k)s, prepaying expenses, Section 179 deductions and more.

October 24, 2008

Bailout Bill Contains Tax Treats for Entrepreneurs

Breaks include tax-free bikes for commuters and improved depreciation rules.

July 7, 2008

New Tax Rule for Married Business Owners

Our tax expert walks us through special filing rules for husband-wife businesses.

October 17, 2008

Financial Advice for Joe the Plumber

Joe doesn't need a new president – he needs a new accountant. The tax code contains incredible deals for small business owners and contractors.

October 20, 2008

No Simple Answers for Small Business

Small-business owners want to know which presidential candidate would give them the best deal on taxes. It's a simple question with no simple answers.

June 30, 2008

What Are Employment Taxes?

Small business owners often have great responsibilities while operating and managing a business.

June 3, 2008

For Corporations, It's Time for a Payout

Business owners might want to take profits before tax hikes become reality.

April 4, 2008

A Tip for Small-Business Owners

As you prepare your business taxes, don't forget to take advantage of the ultra-generous first-year depreciation write-off.

May 22, 2008

Taxes on the Sale of a Home-Office

For home-based business owners looking to sell their homes, a tax hit is sure to follow.

April 2, 2008

When Your Spouse Is Your Business Partner

You might be able to cut your self-employment tax dramatically with this savvy tax move.

March 18, 2008

What to Know About Writing Off Your Wheels

Do you have questions about business tax breaks for your car? We've got the answers.

March 10, 2008

Starting Up: Avoiding Business Audits

Here's one battle you don't want to pick: an IRS audit. How to keep Uncle Sam at bay.

April 17, 2008

Quick Tips: Failing to File

Can’t file your business taxes on time? Here's what to do if you miss the deadline.

March 6, 2008

Sharing the Cost of Business

Labor laws vary from state to state when it comes to passing along certain business expenses to your employees. Be sure to know when and where it's legal to do so.

February 28, 2008

Quick Tips: Small Biz Tax Help

Confused? Here are free resources to get your return moving in the right direction.

February 26, 2008

Can I Deduct That? A Guide To Uncommon Expenses

Business owners often wrestle with expenses that don't fit neatly into IRS guidelines.

February 20, 2008

Small Biz Tax Questions Answered

Can an ex-husband who lost the business through divorce take a tax loss? Can you deduct mileage and car payments? We've got answers.

February 19, 2008

Starting a Business

I'd like to leave my current job and start my own business doing something creative. Can you advise?

February 15, 2008

New Tax Breaks for Small Businesses

The stimulus package offers business owners two big write-offs.

February 8, 2008

Quick Tips: Small Biz Tax Prep

Got a shoe box of receipts? It's time to get organized.

January 16, 2008

Asked & Answered: Your Tax Questions

Changes to the self-employment tax, deducting parking costs and figuring out quarterly taxes.

January 10, 2008

Tax Credit Lures Firm to Baton Rouge

A digital-media tax credit offers interactive digital-media companies based in Louisiana a tax credit of up to 20% against expenditures.

January 10, 2008

Quick Tips: Bailing Out a Bad Year

So 2007 wasn't a banner year for your business. These year-end tips can help.

December 5, 2007

An SUV for Christmas?

A tax break for big vehicles might disappear in '08. Buy now to lock it in.

November 15, 2007

Do You Owe the Dreaded Self-Employment Tax?

Perks are plenty, but being your own boss comes with a big tax bite.

September 6, 2007

Should You Incorporate Your Small Business?

Our tax expert explains how to pick the right legal entity for your business.

September 4, 2007

Tax Dilemmas for Small-Business Owners

C or S Corp? Start-up deductions? Cash under the table? We've got answers.

September 4, 2007

Home-Office Deductions

Overcome the hurdles to get your deductions.

September 4, 2007

Home-Office Deductions Should Separate Work From Play

I have a small business and use part of our rented home for an office. Can I deduct a portion of the rent?

September 4, 2007

Getting a Tax Write-Off for Your Nanny Can Be Tricky

My wife and I run a business and just had our first child. Can we write off child-care costs?

January 24, 2006

Tax Tips for Married Owners

Husband-and-wife teams can get nailed on self-employment taxes. But we've got two solutions.

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