Don't Wait Until January: Start Your Year-End Tax Prep This October
Start year-end tax prep in October: collect W-9s under the IRS $2,000 1099 rule, clean up vendors, reconcile Q3, and calendar every deadline.
Mike Thrift
Marketing Manager
Pet-Sitting Insurance: Why Care, Custody, and Control Coverage Matters More Than General Liability
General liability excludes pets in your care; a $100–$300 CCC endorsement closes the gap. Deduct premiums on IRS Schedule C, Line 15.
Paying a Signing Bonus? The 22% Withholding Rule, the Clawback Agreement, and the Month-Three Quit
Signing bonuses are IRS supplemental wages: withhold 22%, apply FICA in full, and sign the clawback before you pay — same-year repayments unwind cleanly.
Your Tax Deadline Falls on a Weekend. Do You Owe Penalties on Monday?
IRS Section 7503 moves any tax deadline landing on a weekend or D.C. holiday to the next business day — but state dates and EFTPS cutoffs don't always follow.
The Taxpayer Bill of Rights: Your 10 IRS Rights in Audits, Appeals, and Collection
The IRS must honor 10 codified taxpayer rights. Know the 30-day appeal, 90-day Tax Court and 30-day CDP deadlines, and when to call the Taxpayer Advocate.
Selling or Swapping a Life Insurance Policy Can Make the Death Benefit Taxable
Under IRS Section 101(a)(2), selling a life policy for value makes the death benefit taxable above your cost — five exceptions decide if you owe.
Wallpaper Installation Business Bookkeeping: Price Every Roll, Prep Job, and Deposit Like a Pro
Quote wallpaper per roll or square foot, cost prep separately, allow 10–25% pattern waste, and book deposits as unearned revenue — not income.
Washington's Small-Business B&O Tax Credit Is Set to More Than Double in 2029 — If Its Funding Survives
Washington's small-business B&O credit rises to $375/$125 monthly in 2029 — unless voters repeal its funding on Nov 3 or courts strike it.
Business Line of Credit vs. Term Loan: How to Choose the Right Financing in 2026
A line of credit charges interest only on what you draw; a term loan charges it on the full sum from day one. Use lines for cash gaps, loans for assets.
QuickBooks Automated 1099s: W-9 Collection, the New $2,000 Threshold, and What Still Breaks
QuickBooks Automated 1099 flags contractors and requests W-9s, but the IRS $2,000 threshold, backup withholding and box mapping still need your review.
Leaving the US? You May Need an IRS Sailing Permit Before You Board
Most non-citizens leaving the US need an IRS sailing permit: file Form 2063 or 1040-C in person 2 weeks to 30 days before you depart.
Marriage Penalty vs. Marriage Bonus: What Filing Jointly Really Costs (or Saves) You in 2026
A single $120K earner saves $7,530 filing jointly in 2026, while two top earners pay up to $10,250 more — federal thresholds decide.