Ordinary and Necessary: The Two-Word Test Behind Every Business Tax Deduction
An IRS business expense must be ordinary (common in your industry) and necessary (helpful to it) under Section 162 — plus the records to prove it.
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Small Business
Financial management strategies and tools for small business owners
Replaced the Roof? Make the Partial Disposition Election So You Stop Depreciating Two Roofs at Once
Replaced a roof or HVAC? The IRS partial disposition election deducts the old component's remaining basis on Form 4797 now, not over decades.
The IRS Is Comparing Your PPP and EIDL Applications to Your Tax Returns: What the $200 Billion Referral Means for Legitimate Borrowers
The IRS is matching PPP and EIDL applications against filed tax returns. Reconcile 941s, amendments and revenue now — the fraud window runs ten years.
Bank Before Your EIN Arrives: What the Rho–Stripe Atlas Partnership Means for Day-One Startup Bookkeeping
Stripe Atlas founders can open a Rho business account before the IRS issues their EIN — route startup costs through it to keep Section 195 deductions clean.
Saint Lucia's Tax Amnesty Runs to December 2027: A Freelancer and Small Business Guide to Clearing Arrears
Saint Lucia waives 100% of penalties and interest on tax arrears through 2025 if you pay the principal by December 2027. File first, then settle.
Seattle's 2026 B&O Tax Overhaul: The $2 Million Shield and the $4,000 License Line
Seattle, Washington's 2026 B&O tax starts at $2 million, but $0 returns are still due; out-of-city sellers at or below $4,000 need no license.
Bringing Your Spouse on a Business Trip? When Their Travel Is Deductible (and When It Lands on Your W-2)
Your spouse's travel is deductible only if they are your employee on a bona fide business trip — otherwise the IRS treats employer-paid costs as W-2 wages.
Sri Lanka Shelved Its VAT Threshold Cut: Why the Rs. 60 Million Line Still Decides Whether You Register
Sri Lanka dropped its planned Rs. 36M VAT threshold; registration still starts at Rs. 60M a year or Rs. 15M a quarter, and digital-services VAT took effect.
Your Federal W-4 Isn't Enough: The State Withholding Certificates Every Employer Must Collect
The federal W-4 doesn't cover state tax in most states — collect each hire's state certificate (CA DE 4, NY IT-2104) or withholding defaults to max.
Uganda EFRIS Expansion: 12 Sectors, Double-Tax Penalties and How to Comply
Uganda’s EFRIS now covers 12 sectors regardless of VAT status; a missed e-invoice costs double the tax due or UGX 200,000 — here is how to comply.
Hoarding Cash in Your C Corporation? The 20% Penalty Taxes That Punish Stockpiled Earnings
The IRS adds a 20% accumulated earnings tax on C corp cash above $250,000 without documented business needs — plus a 20% PHC tax on passive income.
Archery Range Bookkeeping: JOAD Deferred Revenue, Pro-Shop Margins, and Lane-Hour Utilization
Split lane, program, and pro-shop revenue; defer JOAD season fees until each session is delivered; and track revenue per lane-hour weekly.