graph chart with arrow going down How a Net Operating Loss Could Reduce Your Future Tax Bill cjg partners

How a Net Operating Loss Could Reduce Your Future Tax Bill

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 …

401k statement with a pen and coffee cup and iPad Does Your Company Need a 401(k) Audit? What to Know and How to Prepare cjg partners

Does Your Company Need a 401(k) Audit? What to Know and How to Prepare

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 …

woman with her hands in her hair leaning over a pile of credit cards and paperwork looking frustrated 4 Bookkeeping Mistakes That Are Costing Your Business More Than You Think cjgpartners

4 Bookkeeping Mistakes That Are Costing Your Business More Than You Think

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 …

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 …