December 1, 2018 -- Volume 17, No. 12
SBT 2019
J. K. Lasser's Small Business Taxes 2019


The small business owner's ultimate guide to a money-saving, stress-free tax season. Updated to cover changes from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and other legislation, this edition includes an e-supplement covering additional developments from Congress and the IRS to keep you fully up-to-date .
I’m proud to say it’s the 25th year of the original publication, and it’s all new for 2018 returns and year-round tax planning.
As has been my practice, I’ve written my own book review to explain the purpose of the book, what’s new, and what’s ahead.
10 Things to Know about the QBI Deduction
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act created a new personal deduction, called the qualified business income (QBI) deduction, for owners of pass-through entities that is effective starting on 2018 returns. ... Here are 10 things to know about it. Read More
Raising Your Prices
A McKinsey & Co. study found that raising prices 1% with no change in demand could mean an increase in profits of 11%. Inflation for 2018 is running at about 2.3%, so this generally means you can expect to pay more for the goods and services your business uses. With a tight labor market, you’re likely to increase wages for the coming year at an even greater rate. These conditions mean one thing: it’s probably time to raise your prices. Read More
New Retirement Plan and Benefit Limits for 2019

Want to create a multi-million dollar nest egg … in addition to the value of your business? This is possible by making sure you’re covered by a qualified retirement plan and maximizing contributions to it on your behalf. In addition, you’ll help employees save for their retirement. As you begin to plan for the coming year, take into account changes in the dollar limits for certain retirement plans as well as for certain employee benefits. Read More
Adapt or Perish -- What You Need to Do
H.G. Wells said: “Adapt or perish, now as ever; is nature’s inexorable imperative.” ... As in nature, so too in business. ...Here are some areas to check to make sure you're staying up to date. Read More
Helping Employees with their Finances

According to PWC’s 2018 Employee Financial Wellness Survey , 54% of employees feel stressed about their finances. What does this mean in your workplace? Read More
Health Care: The Problem and the Solution

This is the health care season, with open enrollment for individuals seeking coverage for 2019 through a government Marketplace running from November 1, 2018, through December 15, 2018. (Medicare open enrollment runs from October 15, 2018, through December 7, 2018). ...Why is the matter of health care coverage so acute for small employers? AND... What can be done about it? Read More
It's Time to Upgrade Your PC

One of the biggest financial challenges facing many employees these days is student loan debt. It may be millennials with their own loans, or it may be older employees with loans they’ve taken to put their children through school. According to the Federal Reserve and Make Lemonade, there are currently more than 44 million borrowers who owe $1.52 trillion in student loan debt. As an employer, what does this mean to you? Read More
Thanksgiving: What Are You Grateful for?

Since 1863, Americans have celebrated Thanksgiving as a national holiday. It has come to mean a time when families get together and feast, when holiday shoppers become poised for great deals, and when communities remember through food drives and free dinners those who are less fortunate. As a small business owner in America today, there’s also much to be grateful for.

The New Tax Law Puts a New Limit on Certain Losses. Don't Let It Trip You Up!
The upside to the new change is that you can carry forward a net operating loss indefinitely.
Use-It-Or-Lose-It Tax Breaks

Some  tax breaks  have a limited existence. Most of the changes in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act for individuals are set to run only through 2025. But when it comes to businesses, there are some provisions due to expire much sooner. It’s up to you to take advantage of them while you can.
10 Financial Moves to Make Before the End of 2018
The end of the fourth quarter of 2018 is coming up soon, but it’s not too late to make financial moves before the end of the year to improve your bottom line. Here are 10 important actions small-to-medium businesses (SMBs) should consider doing now:

Can You Take That Huge 20 Percent Deduction for Pass-Throughs?
Use This Explainer as Your Guide

The new tax law offers some business owners the possibility of a sizable personal deduction on their 2018 income tax returns. Find out if you may be eligible for it.