Top stories for you from Barbara this past month:

It's Time for an Office Makeover

Spring is a time for renewal in nature, and a great time to refurbish your office. There are several compelling reasons for doing an office makeover. You can modernize your space for greater efficiency. You can fix problems, such as a poor floor plan or bad lighting, that you've been living with for a while. You can impress clients and customers with the latest look. And you can just feel better and recharged about your work environment.

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Contributing to Your Employees' HSAs

Health savings accounts or HSAs are tax-advantaged savings accounts that can be used to cover many out-of-pocket medical costs. These consumer-driven health plans were authorized by Congress in 2003. According to information released last year, two thirds of employees in the U.S. are now covered by HSAs or health reimbursement arrangements. There are good reasons for the growing popularity of HSAs, which can offer a number of advantages to employers. As a small business owner, determine whether this type of employee benefit is desirable for your company.

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What Is Mental Illness Costing Your Company?

May is Mental Health Month, and a time to reflect on the impact that mental disorders has on the workplace. Consider these facts ...

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Why We Need a Small Business Week 

National Small Business Week started on May 1 and ran through May 7. This celebration began when President Johnson issued a proclamation in 1964 announcing Small Business Week. It has continued every year since then. This year's theme was "Dream Big, Start Small." Why do we need a celebration? What else do we need?
Why Should Small Business Care about Government Regulating Wall Street Comp?

A proposed rule under the Dodd-Frank Act would require Wall Street firms with $250 billion or more in assets to defer bonuses to top executives for four years (instead of the current three years). The rule is meant to curb risk-taking. Political rhetoric by some presidential candidates has also taken aim at Wall Street compensation. Why should small business owners on Main Street care what happens to executive compensation for those on Wall Street?  Here's the reason I care ... 
When Hobby Activities are Businesses

The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration released a report that chided the IRS for losing more than $70 million by not correctly identifying hobby activities on Schedule Cs. The report found that of a sample of 100 returns, 88 of them were businesses not engaged in for profit (hobby activities). Will this report impact you? 
Lower Oil Prices Isn't Good News for Everyone

Oil prices at the pump haven't been this low since 2003. The U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts that prices will stay low through 2017, although not as low as they are now. This is good news for the many small businesses that pay for gas for their cars and trucks. Hopefully, low gas prices will also translate into lower delivery costs and other savings for small businesses. But the low cost of gas at the pump is not good news for all small businesses.
How Big a Truck Do You Need? 

If you're in the market for a new truck for your business this year, tax rules may impact your buying decision. This is because of the convoluted depreciation rules for these vehicles. Size matters!

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Zero Capital Gains Tax on Your Company Stock? 

If your business is incorporated, when you sell your stock, the gain usually is taxed at 15% or 20%, depending on your tax bracket (which is based in part on the gain from the stock). However, if the stock is "qualified small business stock," you may pay zero tax, regardless of your tax bracket.
  
Creating a Savings Account for Your Business

"Save a part of your income and begin now, for the man with a surplus controls circumstances and the man without a surplus is controlled by circumstances." That was advice given by Henry Buckley, an Australian politician in the 19th century. This sentiment is just as important today for small business owners who want to control their circumstances. Here are some of the reasons why ...
The "Persuader Rule" and the Impact on Small Business

On April 25, 2016, a new controversial rule from the Department of Labor went into effect. The rule is designed to create transparency for workers from employer actions with respect to union activities. The intent is one thing; the implications are quite another.
Never Make These 3 Tax Moves

While IRS audit rates are down considerably and the chances that you'll be examined are small, recognize that there are still thousands of small business owners audited each year. Even though tax season is now over, here are three IRS hot button issues for the coming year, why you should avoid them, and what happens if you don't and the IRS audits you.
Listen to My Radio Conversations with ...

 

Ken Yancey, CEO of SCORE, discussing SCORE's available resources and the benefits of mentoring; and

 Brock Blake, CEO of Lendio, addressing the dynamics of small business lending.
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Delighted to be included in this excellent list of 
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June, 2016 | Copyright ©Big Ideas for Small Business, Inc.