Smart Business BLOG

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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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small business accounting (4)

Small business owner waits to hear from her accountant.

Why Your CPA Isn't Answering Your Calls

Valentine’s Day often puts February’s focus squarely on your relationships. And while all the talk this month is about ROMANTIC relationships, here’s...

Middle-aged man with salt-and-pepper hair working at a desk, reviewing financial documents in natural light, symbolizing small business accounting decisions.

Monthly vs Annual Accounting: Which Is Best for Your Business?

Trying to decide between a monthly accountant and an annual accountant for your business? Here’s what you need to know before tax time hits you with...

Stressed small business owner in a white shirt sitting at a desk, holding his head in frustration while looking at a laptop and printed financial documents—representing confusion or overwhelm around business finances.

The 3 BIG Reasons Business Owners Fire Their Accountant

No one wants to fire their accountant. Or, maybe more accurately, it takes an awful lot to fire your accountant. Why? Well, a few reasons. It’s a...

An accounting team and a small business should be a good fit for one another.

Who isn't a good fit to work with Kaizen?

Some CPA firms take everyone, and we mean everyone. That’s never worked for us. We’re looking for a specific type of client. We know what you’re...

A small business owners get some of the best advice from her accountant.

Need advice? Why an accountant might be the best advisor you aren’t using (yet)

Running a small business is hard. While some decisions might be easy, there are so many times when it feels like just a little bit of advice from...

A composite image showing four people in a video conference. The top-left frame shows a man explaining with hand gestures; the top-right shows an older woman speaking thoughtfully; the bottom-left shows a young woman smiling warmly; and the bottom-right shows a man with glasses and headphones gesturing while talking.

Accounting Onboarding: What to Expect in the First 90 Days

Starting with a new accounting firm can feel overwhelming. At Kaizen, our structured accounting onboarding process guides you through the first 90...

Midwest winters often mean more auto accidents. Keeping a cool head after an accident can keep everyone safer.

5 ways to stay safe after a winter car accident

The days are short. The air is cold. And the roads are often slick with rain, snow, or ice.

Plan with your accountant throughout the year—rather than waiting until end of year—to reach your goals and avoid unwanted surprises.

Why you shouldn’t wait until ‘crisis mode’ to hire an accountant

Tell us if you’ve heard this one before. It’s February (or maybe even March), and you’re scrambling to get some poor, beleaguered accountant to get...

An accounting firm that takes a comprehensive approach to your business can help keep you focused and on the path to creating your dream business.

What Your Accounting Firm Does Each Month (and Why It Matters)

Hiring an accounting firm is one of the smartest moves you can make for your business. But what actually happens behind the scenes once you’ve signed...

ERC, a tax credit that encouraged business owners to keep employees on payroll during the pandemic, has helped many businesses survive the last few years.

What you need to know about the Employee Retention Credit in 2022

The Coronovirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act contains a business relief provision known as the Employee Retention Credit (ERC), a...

Pass-through entity (PTE) taxation can help counter negative implications of the cap on itemized SALT (state and local tax) deductions.

How to use the pass-through entity tax in Wisconsin or Illinois

The Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 had many long-ranging implications, but perhaps none more significant than its effect on itemized deductions and how...

It’s important for your small business to be ready for anything – which can include economic downturns. Making sure your business is protected should be a top priority as you move into the future.

How small businesses can cut costs & improve cash flow in a recession

Is there a recession coming? We don’t know what the future holds, but it’s always important for your small business to be ready for anything – which...