#tax
Tax
Tax strategies, planning, and compliance for individuals and businesses
IRS Receipt Requirements: What to Keep, What to Skip, and How Long to Store Them
The IRS requires adequate documentation—not necessarily paper receipts—for every business deduction. This guide covers the $75 threshold rule, strict substantiation categories, retention periods of three to seven years, and digital storage standards accepted since 1997.
Why You Should Never Mix Personal and Business Finances
Commingling personal and business funds can void your LLC's liability protection, trigger IRS scrutiny, and obscure true cash flow. Seven concrete steps to separate your finances and protect your assets.
How to Find a CPA for Your Small Business: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to find the right CPA for your small business—when to hire one, what to look for, what questions to ask, and what it will cost. A practical step-by-step guide for business owners.
Best Accounting Software for Consultants: What to Use and Why It Matters
Consultants have unique accounting needs: time tracking, project-based billing, and self-employment taxes. Here's how to choose the best accounting software for your consulting practice — from FreshBooks to Xero to Wave.
How to Pay Yourself from an LLC: Salary vs. Owner's Draw Explained
Learn how to pay yourself from an LLC using owner's draws or salary, understand the tax implications of each LLC tax classification (sole proprietorship, partnership, S-corp, C-corp), and discover when an S-corp election can save you thousands in self-employment taxes.
The Accounting Dictionary: 44 Essential Terms Every Business Owner Should Know
A comprehensive accounting dictionary covering 44 essential terms every business owner should know, organized by category: bookkeeping basics, core accounting concepts, tax terminology, business structures, and financial ratios.
Cash vs. Accrual Accounting: Which Method Is Right for Your Business?
Learn the key differences between cash and accrual accounting, the pros and cons of each method, IRS requirements for 2026, and how to choose the right accounting method for your small business.
How to Convert from Cash Basis to Accrual Accounting: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to convert from cash basis to accrual accounting step by step. Covers the four key adjustments (receivables, accrued expenses, prepaid expenses, deferred revenue), IRS Form 3115 filing requirements, Section 481(a) adjustments, common mistakes, and tips for a smooth transition.
Expense Reports: What They Are, Why They Matter, and How to Create One
Learn what expense reports are, how to create one, the three main types of expense reports, IRS-aligned expense categories, best practices for receipt management, and how to prevent expense fraud in your business.
FIFO Inventory Method: What It Is, How It Works, and When to Use It
Learn how the FIFO (First In, First Out) inventory method works, how to calculate COGS and ending inventory, FIFO vs. LIFO differences, tax implications, and when FIFO is the right choice for your business.
Foreign Currency Accounting for Small Businesses: A Practical Guide
Learn how to handle foreign currency accounting for your small business, including exchange rate rules, recording FX gains and losses, hedging strategies, and setting up multi-currency bookkeeping under GAAP.
How to Calculate Payroll Taxes: A Step-by-Step Guide for Small Business Owners
Learn how to calculate payroll taxes step by step, including 2026 FICA rates, Social Security and Medicare calculations, FUTA, SUTA, and federal income tax withholding. Includes examples, deadlines, penalties, and common mistakes to avoid.