For many entrepreneurs, obtaining a ‘doing business as’ (DBA) certificate enables them to open a small business. However, DBAs also can be used to open shell companies. These businesses, which have no assets of their own, may be legitimate. For example, when they are used...
Individuals: File a 2017 income tax return. If you want an automatic six-month extension of time to file the return, file IRS Form 4868, 'Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.' Then, file IRS Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ...
Management wants to paint the rosiest possible picture of a company’s financial performance, but aggressive earnings management, or ‘spin,’ can mislead investors and lenders. Here are some ways U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) can be manipulated to obscure the truth. Creative accounting vs. cooking the...
If your organization offers a 401(k) plan, you are probably aware that you can set some rules regarding when participants may enroll. Many plan sponsors strive for a happy medium between immediate enrollment and highly restricted or delayed enrollment. As you seek to attain the right...
Politicians, journalists, and celebrities are not the only ones vulnerable to charges of sexual harassment. As a business owner, you could be in the spotlight if allegations of improper behavior arise, especially if they are brought by one or more employees. Even if your own...
We live and work in an era of big data. Banks are active participants; keeping a keen eye on metrics that help them accurately estimate risk of default. As you look for a loan, try to find out how each bank will evaluate your default probability....
Successful non-profits typically proceed along a standard life cycle. Their early stage precedes a growth period that runs several years, followed by maturity. At this stage, the non-profit has built its core programs and achieved a reputation in the community, but no organization can afford...
Here are some of the key tax-related deadlines affecting businesses and other employers during the second quarter of 2018. Keep in mind this list is not all-inclusive, so there may be additional deadlines that apply to you. Contact us to make sure you are meeting...
If you have ever considered paying employees in cash under the table, resist the temptation. Not only do you and your workers risk penalties, but the practice may do significant financial damage to your business and could even result in criminal prosecution. Justifying the practice Employers may...
Many employers struggle with the risks and efficacy of employee performance evaluations. In some cases, there is so much room for subjectivity that conflicts arise. In others, the entire process gets brushed aside as supervisors are too busy to fully commit to it. One solution that...