December 1, 2025 - Volume 24, No. 12

It Pays to Be Small: 6 Tax Rules to Know

When it comes to federal income tax law, there’s an advantage to being a small business. Certain tax breaks only apply to businesses that meet the definition of “small.” There are various definitions for this purpose. Some use gross receipts (what the business takes in), some use the number of employees, and some use business assets. There are more than 3 dozen tax breaks exclusively for small businesses. Read More

Three E's for a Great Business: Ethics, Etiquette, Equality

Three 3's for a Great Business: Ethics, Etiquette, Equality

Maybe my perspective is “old school,” but I think minimum requirements for running any business is to do it ethically, ensure that etiquette is observed, and that all employees are treated equally. Today, the ethics of some people and companies are highly questionable (overcharging customers; sabotage; conflicts of interest)... Read More

A Review of J.K. Lasser's Small Business Taxes 2026

For nearly 30 years, I’m proud to say my tax book for small businesses has been the go-to guide for owners and tax advisers. The 2026 edition for preparing 2025 returns as well as tax planning for 2026 has been updated to include law changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), as well as certain prior legislation, court decisions, and IRS pronouncements. Read More

Can Self-Employed Individuals Claim the Tips Deduction?

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) created a personal deduction for tips received by workers in specified industries. The deduction is primarily for employees who receive tips in the normal course of their business activities, such as bartenders and masseurs. But many self-employed individuals receive tips, and they may be eligible for the deduction.

Scale Your Business Faster with a Smarter Benefits Offering

As your business grows, so too may the scope of benefits offered to employees. Large corporations offer a vast menu of benefits for employees and shoulder much of the cost. But small businesses that are growing can add benefits to their current offering, and in ways that won’t bust the budget. Read More

Essential Employer Recordkeeping Obligations: Overlook at Your Own Peril

If you have employees, federal and state laws impose various recordkeeping requirements…what the records must contain and how long you must keep them. This recordkeeping chore certainly isn’t the fun part of running a business, but it’s a necessary one. The failure to comply with recordkeeping requirements can result in serious monetary penalties, which is something you want to avoid. Read More

What Your Business Can Do to Remember our Veterans

November 11, Veterans Day, a day to remember all of our veterans. It is a federal holiday and is recognized in all 50 states other than Wisconsin. It’s a day when most federal and state offices are closed, and there are parades and celebrations in many localities across the U.S. For me, it’s a day to express gratitude to those who have fought to protect my freedom. As a small business owner, there are some tangible things that can be done to show this gratitude. Read More

Why Gratitude Matters: Reflections for Thanksgiving

Did you know that November was National Gratitude Month? Thanksgiving Day—a federal holiday since 1941—is a good time to pause and reflect on what to be grateful for. You probably know that gratitude can be a powerful tool in increasing personal happiness. But did you know that gratitude can also produce important positive results in business? Read More

Our Featured Guest Blogs

Applying Innovator Habits to Everyday Business Challenges

by Jack Shaw

Running a business is a rewarding career path. Entrepreneurs continually grow as their companies evolve to meet market changes and technological innovations. Learning to incorporate innovative habits into daily routines can also enhance personal growth. Read More

5 Smart Payment Strategies for Growing Small Businesses

by Clara Mendoza

Running a small business today? Then you know payments can make or break your success. Doesn’t matter if you’re managing a corner store or launching the next big online venture – how customers pay you matters way more than most business owners realize. Read More

Inside the Business of Care: Building Sustainable Teams

by Brian Murphy

The healthcare industry is one of the most complex and demanding sectors in the modern economy. It balances human compassion with operational precision, where every decision can directly influence lives. As the population ages and expectations for quality care rise, the pressure on healthcare organizations to maintain efficiency, stability, and excellence has never been higher. Read More

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Get Your Business Ready for the Long Thanksgiving Shopping Weekend!

by Barbara Weltman

November 27, 2025—Thanksgiving Day—is the start of a period of holiday sales activity that runs through the end of the year, but is accentuated through Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. This is capped off with Giving Tuesday. The National Retail Federation expects U.S. holiday sales this year to top $1 trillion for the first time ever. What slice of these sales will belong to small businesses?

Read the full article on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council