stack of blocks with words and a finger pointing to cash flow cjg partners accounting firm schaumburg

Cash Flow Planning: Mastering Your Company’s Financial Rhythm

Cash flow is the lifeblood of your business. Without it, operations grind to a halt regardless of how profitable you look on paper. Understanding how money moves through your business gives you the control you need to make strategic decisions and weather challenging periods. Understanding Your Cash Flow Cycle Cash flow planning starts with recognizing …

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Vendor Redundancy: Protect Your Business From Supply Chain Disruptions

Supply chain disruptions can bring your manufacturing operation to a standstill. Whether it’s a vendor bankruptcy, natural disaster, or simple inability to meet your demands, relying on a single supplier for critical materials puts your business at serious risk. A vendor redundancy plan gives you the backup strategies you need to keep production running smoothly. …

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Are You Paying Yourself Reasonably? IRS Rules for C Corp and S Corp Owner Reasonable Compensation

If you own a C corporation or S corporation, the salary you pay yourself matters more than you might think. The IRS scrutinizes owner compensation, and getting it wrong can lead to disallowed deductions, reclassified payments, penalties, back taxes, and interest. Determining what the IRS considers “reasonable compensation” is critical for corporate business owners. By …

stacks of gold coins getting smaller with a piggy bank rolling down it Is That Sale Actually Making You Money

Did That Sale Actually Make You Money?

Closing a sale feels great. But here’s a question worth asking: Did that sale actually make you money? It’s surprisingly common for businesses to discover they’re breaking even on certain sales or, worse, losing money without realizing it. The difference between a profitable sale and one that costs you money comes down to one thing: …

1099 misc form pencil and calculator Stop Scrambling: How to Prepare Your Business for Tax Season

Stop Scrambling: How to Prepare Your Business for Tax Season

Tax season doesn’t have to mean chaos and last-minute scrambling. With the right preparation, you can approach filing deadlines with confidence rather than stress. Here’s what business owners need to know to get their financials ready for their CPA. Key Dates to Remember at Tax Season Mark your calendar for January 31—the deadline to issue …

woman working at desk with computer in the nighttime Managing Overtime Costs Without Sacrificing Productivity

Managing Overtime Costs Without Sacrificing Productivity

Managing overtime costs presents a constant balancing act for business owners. While overtime often signals strong demand for your products or services, excessive overtime costs can strain your cash flow and complicate payroll management. Understanding the current rules and implementing effective oversight strategies can help you maintain control of these expenses. Understanding Federal Overtime Requirements …

Bookkeeping Reality Check When Doing It Yourself Costs More Than Professional Help

Bookkeeping Reality Check: When Doing It Yourself Costs More Than Professional Help

You started your business to do what you love, not to spend hours sorting receipts and reconciling bank statements. Yet many business owners find themselves doing exactly that, convinced they’re saving money by handling their own bookkeeping. The reality? Do-it-yourself bookkeeping often costs more in the long run. Good bookkeeping serves two critical purposes:  When …

Business owner consulting CJG CPA for tax planning

Is Your CPA Really Looking Out for You?

You know that feeling when tax season rolls around and you realize you haven’t heard from your CPA since last April? That knot in your stomach isn’t just stress about taxes. It’s your gut telling you something’s off in this relationship. A great CPA does more than crunch numbers and file forms. They should be …

person at a desk using a calculator Understanding the Qualified Business Income Deduction QBI

Understanding the Qualified Business Income Deduction (QBI)

The qualified business income deduction (QBI) has been a valuable tax benefit for business owners since its introduction in 2018. This powerful provision allows eligible taxpayers to deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income, offering significant tax savings that help businesses reinvest in growth and operations. With the recent passage of the One …