#small-business
Small Business
Financial management strategies and tools for small business owners
Brazil's MEI Revenue Cap Could Jump From R$81,000 to R$140,000: What Lula's 2026 Microentrepreneur Reform Bill Means for Freelancers
Brazil's government proposed raising the MEI revenue limit from R$81,000 to R$140,000 in 2026. Learn what the reform means for freelancers, the DAS tax, and when a microentrepreneur should migrate to Simples Nacional.
The California LLC Franchise Tax at $800/Year: Why Dissolving in December Still Owes January 1
California's $800 LLC franchise tax is due for any year the LLC exists on January 1. Learn why December dissolutions still owe, the short-year trap, and how to time formation and cancellation.
California's 2026 Privacy Law Now Covers Your Payroll: What the CRD's Expanded Pay Data Reporting Template Means for Employers
California's expanded pay data reporting template for 2026 adds contractor and privacy-covered fields. Learn what CRD now requires, the May filing deadline, and the payroll bookkeeping that keeps the report from becoming a $10K penalty.
California's Wildfire Insurance Crisis Just Got New Rules: What SB 547's Non-Renewal Moratorium Means for Commercial Property Owners
California's SB 547 imposes a non-renewal moratorium after wildfires for commercial property. Learn what the moratorium covers, how long it lasts, and the documentation that keeps a small business insured.
Candle and Soap Maker Bookkeeping: Turning Wax, Fragrance, and Lot Numbers Into an IRS-Defensible COGS When a CPSC Recall Hits Your Batch
Candle and soap makers turn wax and fragrance into COGS by lot, not by month. Learn how to build batch costing with lot numbers, track WIP and finished goods, and keep a recall-ready ledger that proves which batch went to which customer.
Candle and Soap Making Bookkeeping: Batch Costing Wax, Fragrance, and Lye, Inventory Shrinkage From Testing, and Pricing a Handmade Product Above the Craft-Fair Discount Trap
Candle and soap makers lose margin to untracked shrinkage from testing and giveaways. Learn batch costing by wax and fragrance, how to value WIP, and pricing that covers the craft-fair discount that eats profit.
The Cash Balance Pension Plan, Explained: How Business Owners Who've Maxed Out a 401(k) Can Shelter $150,000–$290,000 More a Year
A cash balance plan stacked on a 401(k) can let a business owner 50+ shelter $150,000–$290,000 a year. Learn how the hybrid defined-benefit plan works, who qualifies, and the contribution and PBGC math most advisors skip.
Colombia's Simple Regime (RST) for Freelancers: How Sole Proprietors Trade Complex Deductions for a Flat Bimonthly Tax in 2026
Colombia's Régimen Simple de Tributación lets freelancers pay a flat bimonthly tax that replaces income tax and VAT. Learn 2026 RST brackets, when the flat rate beats the ordinary regime, and the electronic invoicing that keeps you eligible.
Computer Repair Shop Bookkeeping: Costing Refurbished Inventory, Splitting Break-Fix From Recurring MSP Revenue, and Why Data Recovery Margins Are the Business's Best-Kept Secret
A computer repair shop that lumps break-fix, MSP, and refurbished sales into one revenue line can't price any of them. Learn how to split the streams, cost refurbished inventory, and track the data recovery margin that subsidizes the front counter.
Cottage Food Laws Just Got a Food Freedom Upgrade: How 9 States Now Let Home Bakers Sell Cheesecakes and Cream Pies Without a Commercial Kitchen
Nine states now let home bakers sell TCS foods like cheesecake under food freedom laws. Learn where the line moved in 2026, what still needs a license, and the bookkeeping that keeps a home bakery from outgrowing cottage status.
The COVID-19 Disaster Relief Refund Deadline Is July 10, 2026: Your Last Chance to Claim an Extended Refund Under Section 7508A
The IRS postponed COVID-19 disaster deadlines under Section 7508A and the Taxpayer Advocate says July 10, 2026 is the last day to protect your refund. Learn who qualifies, which returns are covered, and how to file a protective claim before the window closes.
Dog Daycare Bookkeeping: Separating Daycare, Boarding, and Grooming Revenue Streams, Deferred Package Pricing, and Depreciating a Six-Figure Buildout
A dog daycare that lumps daycare, boarding, and grooming into one revenue line can't price any of them. Learn how to split streams, handle package deferred revenue, and depreciate a six-figure play-yard and kennel buildout.