Got an EEOC Charge? A Small Employer's Playbook From Notice to Mediation
An EEOC charge is an allegation, not a verdict: block retaliation, file a documented position statement in ~30 days, and weigh free mediation (70%+ settle).
Mike Thrift
Marketing Manager
Worked Two Jobs and Overpaid Social Security Tax? How to Get the Excess Back
Two employers over-withheld? Claim excess Social Security tax on Schedule 3, Line 11; a single employer's error needs a W-2c and Form 843 instead.
The Federal Fuel Tax Credit Most Contractors, Landscapers, and Farms Never Claim
Off-highway gasoline earns $0.183/gal back and undyed diesel $0.243 — claim the federal credit on IRS Form 4136 with your return.
The Kill Fee Clause Every Freelancer Contract Needs
A fair kill fee is 25% before kickoff or completed work plus 25–50% of the rest mid-project — and every retained dollar is Schedule C income.
How to Write a Collections Policy That Gets Invoices Paid Faster Without Losing Customers
A written collections policy with a dated follow-up schedule gets invoices paid sooner — set terms, automate reminders, call at day 15, hold credit at day 45.
Starting Your HDHP in December? How the HSA Last-Month Rule Lets You Contribute the Full Year
Covered by an HDHP on Dec. 1? The IRS last-month rule allows a full-year HSA contribution — but fail the 13-month testing period and owe tax plus 10%.
Your Refund Is on Hold and the IRS Wants Documents: How to Answer a CP05A Notice
An IRS CP05A notice holds your refund until you send W-2s, 1099s and pay stubs — reply within 30 days, allow 45–60 days more, and escalate with Form 911.
Law Firm MSO vs. ABS: Two Ways to Take Outside Investment, and Why Illinois Just Drew a Line
An MSO lets investors own a law firm's back office; an ABS lets them own the firm. Illinois HB 5487 now curbs both for contingency-fee practices.
Your Living Trust Owns Nothing Until You Fund It
An unfunded living trust controls nothing — retitle real estate, accounts, and business interests into it, and back it with a pour-over will.
New Hampshire HB 155 Raises the BET Filing Threshold to $400,000: What Small Businesses Need to Know
New Hampshire HB 155 lifts the BET filing threshold to $400,000 from 2027, exempting ~4,000 small firms, and adds an automatic rate cut down to 0.25%.
One Lopsided Distribution Can Endanger Your S Election: The Single-Class-of-Stock Rule
An S-Corp loses its election if any share gets different distribution rights. Five IRS traps, plus the straight-debt safe harbor for shareholder loans.
Paraguay's IRE Simple Regime: How to Cap Your Business Tax at 3% in 2026
Paraguay's IRE Simple taxes sole proprietors at 3% of gross up to G. 2 billion; if your margin is under 30%, the 10% actual-profit option costs less.