Top stories for you from Barbara this past month:

New Tax Rules for Business -- Part 1 (Equipment Purchases and Leasehold Improvements)

The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015, which was signed into law on December 18, 2015, extends permanently or temporarily many business-related tax rules. In this and upcoming blogs, I'll address some of the key tax breaks that may impact your 2015 return as a result of the new law, and what it means for planning in 2016 and for years to come. This blog focuses on equipment purchases and improvements to certain types of real property interests.
New Tax Rules for Business -- Part 2 (New Employees)

The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, which was signed into law on December 18, 2015, extends permanently or temporarily many business-related tax rules. In this blog, I focus on the work opportunity tax credit for hiring certain workers.
New Tax Rules for Business -- Part 3 (Research Credit)

The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, which was signed into law on December 18, 2015, extends permanently or temporarily many business-related tax rules. In this blog, I focus on the tax credit for certain research activities.
  
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New Tax Rules for Business -- Part 4 (S Corporations)

The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, which was signed into law on December 18, 2015, extends permanently or temporarily many business-related tax rules. In this blog, I focus on the changes related to S corporations.
"Joy" -- A Movie with Lessons for Entrepreneurs

The movie entitled Joy is based on the life of Joy Mangano, who developed the Miracle Mop that she marketed on QVC and went on to build a business empire. The movie, which I found very entertaining, contains a number of do's and don't's for start-ups everywhere. I'm not sure that these points are reflective of Joy's actual story, but they shine in the movie and certainly provide guidance to entrepreneurs. 
 
Higher Interest Rates and Your Business

Last December, the Federal Reserve announced that it was raising the Federal Funds Rate (the rate at which banks borrow money from each other overnight) by a quarter of a percentage point, and would likely be making additional rate hikes in the near future. What does this rate increase and those to come mean to you?

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Breaking Up Isn't Hard to Do When an Owner Wants Out 

When you go into business with others, things don't always work out as anticipated. Co-owners can disagree about the direction of the business and, as a result, one may want to leave the company. One owner may have a change in family situation or a desire to do something else. Or an owner may become incapacitated or simply want to retire.
 
Estate Planning for Your Business: Don't Delay 

According to a Kent State's Succession Planning Workshop in 2012, more than 70% of privately-owned businesses will change hands within the next two decades. This statistic can't be ignored. I won't pretend to give a complete discourse here on estate planning for businesses, but I want to make several key points ...
 
J.K. Lasser's Small Business Taxes 2016

Tax season is here, and the expert help you need is here, too! 

Why overpay on your small business taxes? Find the answers to your questions and practical tips to help you prepare your 2015 tax return.  

And, for year-round tax planning, you'll definitely want this helpful resource. 
Mark Your Calendar: Employer Tax Filing Deadlines

As an employer, you have various tax-reporting responsibilities. These responsibilities have expanded. What's more, the deadlines for some filings have or will be changed. Here's what you need to know.
Global Trade: Recent Developments and Resources for Small Businesses

The SBA's Office of Advocacy recently reported that international trade accounts for 30 percent of the U.S. economy, and that small businesses are key players. Small businesses (defined by the SBA as those having fewer than 500 employees) account for 97% of all U.S. exporters. Selling abroad enables small businesses to expand their customer base. Some recent developments may help small businesses play an even bigger role in foreign trade.
Tax Planning Ahead with Certainty -- Really?

Now that Congress has enacted the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015, small businesses can finally have some measure of certainty about tax rules for the foreseeable future. This new law impacts taxes for 2015, as well as for 2016 and for more years to come.
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February, 2016 | Copyright ©Big Ideas for Small Business, Inc.