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Books & Small Business Finance

Plain-English guides on tax, bookkeeping, and small business finance — written by a Federally authorized Enrolled Agent. No jargon. No filler. Just what you actually need to know.

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Tax Strategy

March 10, 2025 · 5 min read

How Much Should You Set Aside for Taxes as a Self-Employed Business Owner?

Knowing exactly how much to set aside for taxes saves you from year-end surprises and IRS penalties. Here's the framework for getting…

Tax Strategy

March 3, 2025 · 4 min read

Mileage vs. Actual Expenses: Which Vehicle Deduction Saves More?

Choosing between the standard mileage rate and actual vehicle expenses affects how much you can deduct. Here's how to decide which method…

Financial Literacy

February 17, 2025 · 5 min read

How to Read a Balance Sheet: A Guide for Small Business Owners

Most business owners stare at their balance sheet and feel lost. Here's a plain-English breakdown of every line item and what it…

Tax Strategy

February 10, 2025 · 5 min read

The FICA Tip Credit: How Restaurant Owners Can Cut Their Tax Bill

The FICA tip credit is one of the most overlooked tax breaks for restaurant owners. It directly reduces your tax bill dollar-for-dollar.…

Financial Literacy

February 3, 2025 · 5 min read

Cash Flow vs Profit: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

Profitable businesses fail because of cash flow problems every day. Understanding the difference between profit and cash flow is essential for every…

Bookkeeping

January 27, 2025 · 4 min read

Chart of Accounts 101: Set Yours Up Right From the Start

A well-structured chart of accounts makes every financial report more useful and tax time less painful. Here's how to build one that…

Tax Strategy

January 20, 2025 · 5 min read

Home Office Tax Deduction: How to Claim It the Right Way

The home office deduction lets self-employed owners deduct a portion of rent, mortgage, utilities, and more. Here's who qualifies and how to…

Business Structure

January 13, 2025 · 5 min read

S Corp vs LLC: Which Is Better for Taxes?

The LLC vs. S-Corp decision comes down to self-employment tax savings versus added complexity. Here's the math that helps you decide.

Tax Strategy

January 6, 2025 · 5 min read

Quarterly Estimated Taxes: A Plain-English Guide for Small Business Owners

Missing a quarterly estimated tax deadline triggers IRS penalties that add up fast. Here's exactly what self-employed owners need to pay, when,…

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Straight Talk on Taxes,Books & Small Business Finance

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Straight Talk on Taxes,
Books & Small Business Finance