January 1, 2019 -- Volume 18, No. 1

Join Me as I Present a SCORE LIVE Webinar
Thursday, January 10, 2019
1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT

Topic: Maximizing After-Tax Profits on Your 2018 Returns
Preparing for a Recession
Recession
Why would you consider thinking about a recession when we’re in the middle of a boom economy? Because every boom is followed at some time by a bust. No one knows when such a bust will occur, how severe it will be, and how long it will last. But it can’t hurt to spend time now making sure you can withstand an economic downturn. Read More
10 Rules for Qualified Small Business Stock
Some businesses can issue stock that entitles owners to eventually obtain tax-free income when they sell their stock. Yes, 100% of gain on the sale of qualified small business stock, or QSBS (also called Section 1202 stock after the section in the Tax Code governing it) may be excludable from gross income. But there are many restrictions that limit the utility of this wonderful stock break. Here are 10 rules to note: Read More
Stock Options and Your Small Business

Small business owners who’ve incorporated may be reluctant to share ownership with staff. However, the National Center for Employee Ownership lists a number of compelling reasons why it may make sense to give employees some ownership, even for very small companies. Read More
Higher Interest Rates
5 Ways Higher Interest Rates Affect your Business
The rise in the benchmark interest rate by the Federal Reserve has a trickle-down effect on your business. Some of this may be direct while some is indirect. Here’s what to prepare for in a rising interest rate environment. Read More
Tax Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) for 2019

There are dozens of numbers used for benefits, limitations, thresholds, and other rules for various tax breaks that can be adjusted annually for inflation. Here is a roundup of the new numbers important to small businesses and entrepreneurs in the year to come (they’re listed in the order in which they appear in the Tax Code and not in order of importance). Read More
Looking Back on 2018: Good News for Small Businesses

Media headlines may have been hogged by politics, natural disasters, and the deaths of well-known people, such as President George H.W. Bush. But buried below the headlines is some important news for small businesses this year. Here are some of the news items to note: Read More
Trading Goods, Services, and Property: Taxes Implications

Some businesses like to swap their goods and services with other companies. In fact, according to Barter News Weekly , nearly one-third of small businesses in the U.S. and 65% of corporations listed on the NYSE use bartering. ... While these may be compelling reasons to consider barter, there are tax issues to think about when doing trades, swaps, or exchanges. Read More 
Setting Your Holiday Schedule for the Coming Year

Most retailers are closed on Christmas, which happens to be a federal holiday. In fact, there are 9 federal holidays. As an employer, you are not required under federal law to give employees any paid holidays. But as a practical matter, you may want to review your holiday schedule and policy for 2019. This is especially so in a tight job market where your employees may leave to find companies with more generous paid time off. Read More
A Video Interview
Watch this recent interview conducted by David Leopold. We're discussing my new tax book and other important small business issues.
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 .

Form W-2 Filing Responsibilities for Employers
As an employer, you have various responsibilities when it comes to filing Form W-2. The upcoming filing season brings new deadlines and other rule changes that may make it even more difficult to file Form W-2 correctly and on time.
A New Edition of My Book,
Smooth Failing


I'm pleased to present this NEW Edition of my book, now in paperback.
This edition includes stories from many respected and influential small business
leaders you know!