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Legal
Legal considerations for business finance and accounting compliance
IRS CP504 Notice: What It Means and What to Do Next
IRS Notice CP504 is a formal Notice of Intent to Levy — learn what triggers it, where it falls in the IRS collection sequence, and six actionable options to resolve your tax debt before the 30-day deadline passes.
IRS Form 2848: How to Authorize Someone to Represent You Before the IRS
IRS Form 2848 grants a limited power of attorney for federal tax matters, letting you designate a qualified CPA, attorney, or enrolled agent to handle IRS communications, audits, and collection negotiations on your behalf.
IRS Form 3520: The Complete Guide to Reporting Foreign Trusts and Foreign Gifts
IRS Form 3520 is an informational return required for U.S. taxpayers who receive foreign gifts over $100,000, own foreign trusts, or have transactions with foreign trusts — penalties start at $10,000 or 35% of the unreported amount.
IRS Form 8300: The Complete Guide to Reporting Cash Payments Over $10,000
IRS Form 8300 requires businesses to report cash payments over $10,000 within 15 days of receipt. Learn who must file, how to complete each section, civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance, and how to track related transactions to avoid structuring violations.
Federal Tax Lien: What It Is, How It Affects You, and How to Get Rid of It
A federal tax lien gives the IRS a legal claim against all your assets — real estate, bank accounts, and future property — when you fail to pay taxes. Here are six concrete resolution paths, from full payment and installment agreements to lien withdrawal.
The Corporate Transparency Act: A Complete Guide for Small Business Owners
The Corporate Transparency Act's beneficial ownership reporting requirements were largely suspended for U.S. domestic companies after March 2025, but state laws like New York's LLC Transparency Act are filling the gap. Here's what small business owners need to know heading into 2026.
Best States to Incorporate Your Business: Delaware, Nevada, Wyoming, and Beyond
For most small business owners, incorporating in your home state is the most cost-effective choice — but Delaware is near-mandatory for venture-backed startups, Wyoming offers the lowest fees ($100 filing, $60/year) and strongest privacy protections, and Nevada provides zero state taxes with robust charging order protections.
Law Firm Bookkeeping: The Complete Guide to Trust Accounts, Compliance, and Financial Management
Law firm bookkeeping carries compliance risks most attorneys aren't trained for — a misplaced retainer can trigger bar discipline or disbarment. This guide covers IOLTA trust accounts, three-way reconciliation, retainer handling, contingency fees, and software options for legal practices.
Bankruptcy for Small Business: What It Is, Types, and When to Consider It
Learn everything about small business bankruptcy, including Chapter 7, 11, and 13 options, the step-by-step filing process, costs, how it affects your credit, and practical alternatives like debt negotiation and restructuring.
IOLTA: What It Is and How Law Firms Manage Client Trust Accounts
Learn what an IOLTA account is, how it works, who needs one, compliance requirements including three-way reconciliation, common mistakes to avoid, and best practices for managing client trust accounts at your law firm.
Law Firm Accounting: A Complete Guide to Trust Accounts, Billing, and Compliance
Learn how to manage law firm accounting, from setting up IOLTA trust accounts and performing three-way reconciliations to optimizing billing, maximizing tax deductions, and staying compliant with ABA and state bar rules.
Business Insurance: Essential Coverage Every Small Business Needs
Nearly 40% of small businesses carry no insurance. Learn about the essential coverage types—from general liability to cyber insurance—average costs, common mistakes to avoid, and how to choose the right policies for your business.