Positive Pay is a service offered by banks that is designed to reduce fraudulent check-cashing against your account.  If you are writing checks on your bank account (as opposed to using ACH transactions), then the positive pay service, which usually has an extra charge, may be beneficial. When you activate positive pay, you must send a file of checks that you have written to the bank.  The bank will not cash those checks against your…

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It’s always a huge relief to many people who get their taxes done early. That gray cloud of stress that nags at you to get it over with can be gone in a matter of weeks instead of months. April is right around the corner, and here are a few tips to cross that task off your to-do list way before spring. 1. Catch up on your books. If your books are behind, the first…

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The I-9 form is used for employment eligibility when hiring new employees.  It is one of many forms that need to be completed when you onboard a new employee. Effective Tuesday, January 17, 2017, the new I-9 form, which is dated 11/14/2016, must be used.  Here is a summary of the changes. Section 1 asks for “other last names used” rather than “other names used,” and streamlines certification for certain foreign nationals. The addition of…

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Are you ready for 2017 to be even better than 2016?  If so, take a few minutes to reflect on the questions below and take action to set your 2017 profit plan. Question 1:  What were the three best business things about 2016? No need to re-invent the wheel.  If you knocked it out of the park in 2016, can you wash, rinse and repeat these tasks in 2017? If you’re having trouble thinking of…

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Hopefully you’re having a wonderful December with all of the holidays and parties this month. And if you’ve spent too much on gifts and decorations, never fear. Here are six ways to save on your accounting and taxes. But hurry, you only have until year-end to cash in a few of these tips. 1. Check your profits After adjustments, are your books going to show a profit this year? If so, you may want to…

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