How To Classify Your Employees and Why: SB 459

Many business owners have a lot to deal with on a day-to-day basis, whether it is managing staff, dealing with clients, working through administrative paperwork—there are few California business owners who have the time to look at every Senate Bill that gets passed. Here’s one that we think you should all know about: California Senate […]

Should You Use Tax-Preparation Software, or Not?

You’ve seen infomercials boasting about free software programs that allow you (yes, you!) to file your own tax returns. But the question is: How reliable are these programs, and should you use them? The answer is pretty simple. If you have a general understanding of the US tax law and if you have enough common […]

How Do I Find the Accountant That’s Right For Me?

Don’t be fooled—April may seem like a long way off, but those sneaky taxes will creep up on you before you know it. Don’t wait until the very last minute to look for a tax preparer—begin looking now.  Where do you start? Here’s a beginner’s guideline on what to look for when on the hunt […]

Should I Incorporate My Orange County Small Business or Not?

Incorporation doesn’t sound like something a small-business owner needs to worry about—corporations are those big, faceless companies in big shiny skyscrapers, right? Not necessarily! You only have to be making $50,000 a year to make it worth it from a tax perspective—for the most part.

It’s Time to Prep for Tax Returns!

At the moment, you’re probably waiting for your 1098, 1099 and W-2 forms to come in the mail before you can start your tax preparations. But now’s the time to get ready for your 2011 tax return! The first place to look to get your info ready to take to your tax preparer or accountant […]

What IS Use Tax, and Why Do I Have to Pay It?

Amazon has been in the news a lot lately because of their affiliate programs and not charging their California customers state sales tax on their purchases. The definition of use tax from the Franchise Tax Board website is as follows: Use tax is a separate tax that is generally due on the purchase of tangible […]

December Tips for Savings Accounts and Estate Planning

Are you looking to take advantage of any tax breaks available by the end of the year? It’s a good idea if you are positioned correctly. If you are a W2 employee, there is not much time left for you to augment your 401(k) savings. IRAs allow you to contribute until April 15, but 401(k)s […]

What Purchases O.C. Small Businesses Should Make Before 2012

We’re counting down to the end of the year! It’s time to make those purchases that you’ve been putting off all year, but that you’ll know you’ll use in 2012, and for years to come. Do keep in mind that what you’re doing is buying a tax deduction—and spending money just to save money on […]