Smart Business BLOG

Made for sharp business minds—who want clarity, not clutter.

From compliance and payroll to planning for growth, we break down complex topics that shape the decisions behind how you run, invest in, and grow your business.

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DOL Rescinds 80/20 Rule

DOL Rescinds 80/20 Rule

The U.s. department of labor recently issued an update bulletin rescinding prior guidance known as the "80/20 rule". Since 2009, this...

Payroll Fraud: The Different Types, Detecting It and Preventing It

At first glance, payroll fraud might seem difficult to achieve–after all, shouldn’t theft be easy to spot? Well-hidden fraud is not obvious to...

A woman in a blue button down shirt smiles thoughtfully wile she holds a cellphone. Small business owners are always hunting for cost-effective business solutions. Which helps explain why so many are turning to QuickBooks Online. QuickBooks Online cost-effective, but it allows for better efficiency and greater flexibility.

Resolve to Look Into QuickBooks Online This Year

Small business owners are always hunting for cost-effective business solutions. Which helps explain why so many are turning to QuickBooks Online –...

Avoid Penalties – Ensure Accuracy of Wage Reporting

The Social Security Administration has started mailing informational notifications to employers that submitted W-2s for 2017 that contained...

IL & WI Will Require Sales Tax Collection by Internet Sellers

Illinois and Wisconsin, along with 28 other states are acting to pass laws or regulations to require sales tax collection by remote sellers now or in...

Child Sales Tax Rebate

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue is offering a $100 (per child) sales tax rebate for dependent children. Sound fiscal management and a strong...

IRS Warns on ‘Dirty Dozen’ Tax Scams

With just over two weeks away until Tax Day, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is encouraging taxpayers to remain vigilant about the aggressive and...

A Healthy Start to the New Year!

Happy New Year! All of the guests have returned home, the holiday decorations are taken down and packed away, the hustle and bustle of the holiday...

Using a Vehicle for Business: Q&A

Next to your home, your car is probably the most expensive investment you make. The costs of paying for and maintaining it can be considerable. Can...

5 IRS Audit Red Flags

5 IRS Audit Red Flags

As tax season approaches, many questions might race through your mind: Have I reported all my income? Are my deductions legitimate? Do I have the...

A tax return filing extension isn't an extension to pay what you owe.

What is a Tax Return Extension?

For most American taxpayers, April 15 is Tax Day—the due date for filing an individual tax return. However, over 10 million taxpayers choose to file...

Five Simple Tips to Lower Your Tax Bill

Soon you will have filed or extended your 2015 tax return. Now it’s time to plan for next tax season. Here are five simple tax planning tips for 2016.