Smart Business BLOG

Made for sharp business minds—who want clarity, not clutter.

From compliance and payroll to planning for growth, we break down complex topics that shape the decisions behind how you run, invest in, and grow your business.

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Illinois Secure Choice Savings Program

ILLINOIS BUSINESS OWNERS A retirement savings program is mandatory as of November 2019. You have options, and we can help....

Sales Tax Responsibilities Have Undergone a Seismic Shift Recently

Sales tax responsibilities have undergone a seismic shift recently due to the landmark court case known as the Wayfair case. This case...

Do You Have More Credit Card Debt than Emergency Savings?

Putting away money for a rainy day and spending within your means makes great sense. Any financial planner, child of the...

IRS Warns of Fraudsters Targeting HR Personnel

In December of last year, the Internal Revenue Service warned tax professionals of an increase in phishing emails that...

Can I Bank Overtime Pay or “Time In Lieu” for My Employees?

Can I Bank Overtime Pay or “Time In Lieu” for My Employees?

If your business pays employees by the hour, you probably have to budget for overtime wages. Non-exempt employees who work over the...

DOL Rescinds 80/20 Rule

DOL Rescinds 80/20 Rule

The U.s. department of labor recently issued an update bulletin rescinding prior guidance known as the "80/20 rule". Since 2009, this...

Payroll Fraud: The Different Types, Detecting It and Preventing It

At first glance, payroll fraud might seem difficult to achieve–after all, shouldn’t theft be easy to spot? Well-hidden fraud is not obvious to...

A woman in a blue button down shirt smiles thoughtfully wile she holds a cellphone. Small business owners are always hunting for cost-effective business solutions. Which helps explain why so many are turning to QuickBooks Online. QuickBooks Online cost-effective, but it allows for better efficiency and greater flexibility.

Resolve to Look Into QuickBooks Online This Year

Small business owners are always hunting for cost-effective business solutions. Which helps explain why so many are turning to QuickBooks Online –...

Avoid Penalties – Ensure Accuracy of Wage Reporting

The Social Security Administration has started mailing informational notifications to employers that submitted W-2s for 2017 that contained...

IL & WI Will Require Sales Tax Collection by Internet Sellers

Illinois and Wisconsin, along with 28 other states are acting to pass laws or regulations to require sales tax collection by remote sellers now or in...

Child Sales Tax Rebate

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue is offering a $100 (per child) sales tax rebate for dependent children. Sound fiscal management and a strong...

IRS Warns on ‘Dirty Dozen’ Tax Scams

With just over two weeks away until Tax Day, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is encouraging taxpayers to remain vigilant about the aggressive and...