Year-end brings both holiday cheer and a few loose ends to tie up — like 1099s. If you’ve paid any independent contractors more than $600 this year, it’s time to get those forms ready (or hand it off to us and consider it done). They’re due January 31, but starting in December keeps you ahead of the curve and out of the last-minute scramble. What is a 1099? This is the IRS form used to report payments to individuals or businesses that aren’t on your payroll — think freelanc

If you’ve ever wanted to operate your business under a name different from your legal business name, you’ve probably come across the term “DBA.” DBA  stands for “Doing Business As.”  It’s sometimes called a trade name, fictitious name, or assumed name. Registering a DBA allows your business to present itself to customers with a name that’s more marketable or descriptive, without having to form a brand-new legal entity. Why Businesses Use DBAs Branding:  A landscaping company

Think of your annual report as a yearly check-in with your state. It’s how you confirm that your business information is current, your...

In this article, we’re assuming you’re the owner and operator of an LLC. (If this doesn’t describe you, reach out to us for tailored advice.) We’ll also assume you’ve already read our article, “ When to Turn Your LLC Into an S Corp .” The first thing to understand about this process is that your LLC doesn’t go away when you begin operating as an S Corp—it gets modified. Think of it as if your LLC were a car. You’re not taking it to the dealership to trade it in; you’re taki

You are the proud owner of a business and, like most, you set up shop via an LLC. Recently, you’ve heard talk about S Corps being better,...