If you’re seeking employment opportunities in the accounting industry, you already know that the busy season leading up to April 15th comes with the territory. What you might not know is that the experience varies significantly from firm to firm. At CJG Partners, the culture, flexibility, and respect for people’s time outside of work set …
Managing payroll taxes is one of the more demanding responsibilities that comes with running a small business. The rules are specific, the deadlines are firm, and the consequences of getting things wrong can range from penalties and interest charges to personal liability. But staying on top of payroll tax compliance is very manageable with the …
Read more “Avoiding Payroll Tax Mistakes: A Guide for Small Business Owners”
When tax season arrives, few things draw more IRS attention than deductions for business meals, vehicle use, and home offices. These are legitimate expenses for many business owners, but they come with strict documentation requirements. A recent U.S. Tax Court case offers a clear picture of what happens when those requirements are not met, and …
Read more “How to Protect Your Business Expense Deductions from IRS Scrutiny”
When most business owners think about audits, reviews, and compilations, they think about compliance. Meeting a lender’s requirement. Satisfying an investor. Checking a box. And while those are legitimate reasons to engage assurance services, they tell only part of the story. The value of a well-executed audit, review, or compilation extends well beyond what ends …
Read more “What Your Audit Is Really Worth (Hint: It’s More Than Compliance)”
Spring is a busy time for business financing. Companies pursuing term loans, lines of credit, or equipment financing often discover (sometimes for the first time) that their lender requires a financial statement audit. If that’s where you find yourself, understanding what bank audit requirements are needed and how to prepare can make the process significantly …
Read more “Bank Audit Requirements: What Triggers Them and How to Prepare”
Tax season is over. You survived it, but maybe just barely. If pulling together your records felt like a scramble this year, you’re not alone. Right now is the best time to do something about it. The motivation you’re feeling in the days and weeks after tax season is real. You know what was disorganized. …
Read more “Post-Tax Season Bookkeeping: Fix What Went Wrong Now”
If you run your business from home, even part of the time, you may be able to deduct home office expenses on your tax return. The deduction can meaningfully reduce your taxable income, but the IRS has specific rules about who qualifies and how the deduction is calculated. Here’s what business owners need to understand. …
Even well-run businesses have down years. Revenue dips, unexpected expenses pile up, or an economic shift hits harder than anticipated. What many business owners don’t realize is that a loss year doesn’t have to be a total write-off. The federal tax code includes provisions that may allow those losses to reduce your tax burden in …
Read more “How a Net Operating Loss Could Reduce Your Future Tax Bill”
For many businesses, summer is prime time for a 401(k) audit. The bulk of this work happens between May and September, so if your plan includes an audit requirement, now is the time to get your documentation in order. A little preparation now goes a long way toward a smoother process later. Does Your Business …
Read more “Does Your Company Need a 401(k) Audit? What to Know and How to Prepare”
Tax season has a way of making everything feel urgent — and for good reason. When the deadline is looming and your books are a mess, the stress can really pull your focus away from your business. But beyond the stress, disorganized financials can quietly drain your bottom line in ways that are easy to …
Read more “4 Bookkeeping Mistakes That Are Costing Your Business More Than You Think”