02.11.14

Carbon Tax 101: Understanding the Potential Effects of “Cap and Trade”

Once a bipartisan idea that was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2009, a carbon tax — also referred to as “cap and trade” — has been shelved since the recession took hold four years ago. An economic resurgence in the United States, however, is expected to breathe new life into the proposal, which would set the nation’s carbon dioxide emissions at specific levels and force energy-dependent industries to pay extra for exceeding their allotment. This article describes the findings of a National Association of Manufacturers report predicting that “the adverse effects of the imposition of such a tax would outweigh any benefits.”

01.30.14

Annual Reporting of Tip Income for Restaurants

Employers who operate a “large” food or beverage establishment are required to report the income of employees earned in the form of tips. Learn about the three criteria the IRS requires to define your business as a “large” food or beverage establishment and how to file for this tax season if you are.

01.29.14

Simple Tips on How to Get Your Board the Financial Information They Need

Your board brings to your organization a wide variety of talents and expertise; however, they do not always have experience with financial and accounting matters. It is up to you to get them the essential information they need to do their jobs.

01.28.14

Turn Your Timeshare into a Tax Benefit
Thomas Kosinski

Many timeshare interests permit the owner to use vacation properties for a designated period each year in exchange for a purchase cost and an annual fee. So if the personal use of the timeshare is no longer providing a benefit and the cost of utilities, repairs, maintenance and taxes are adding up each year, it may be the right time to consider how the timeshare can reduce your taxes.

01.22.14

Are You Considering Adopting a Child?
Peggy Vyborny

Adopting a child is a wonderful way to expand a family. However, the adoption process can be expensive. The good news for those who have recently adopted or attempted to adopt a child is that they may be eligible for the federal adoption tax credit, made permanent earlier this year when the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 was signed into law. This brief article discusses what the credit covers, who qualifies for it and how to claim it.

01.16.14

Knowledge is Power: Competitive Intelligence Gives You a Leg Up on Your Rivals
Brandon W. Vahl

You are constantly looking to best your competition, right? And your strategy to achieve this likely involves looking internally. What can you do to improve your products and services and, ultimately, attract new customers? But does your strategy also call for looking externally? If not, it should. Gathering competitive intelligence can help provide strategic insights into your rivals’ future plans.

01.06.14

Why Everything I Thought I Know About Churn is Wrong

Here’s a nice short article by Tomasz Tunguz about the intricacies of calculating customer churn rate and the related lifetime value. I like this article as Tomasz does not go too deep on the math behind this and instead focuses on high level scenarios where churn rate can vary dramatically. He then links to other […]

01.03.14

Three Problems With Your Business’ Financial Model

Does this sound familiar? “So tell me, how exactly does your business make money?” asks the inquisitive VC. “Um….what do you mean?” you ask, “Can’t you see our hockey stick growth projections on page 2? That’s how we make money, and boat loads of it!” The VC looks at the chart unimpressed and suddenly has […]

01.02.14

Dedicated Employees – Your Organization’s Greatest Asset
Barbara Miller

It is understandable that during tough economic times, it may be necessary to freeze wages or award minimum pay, while asking employees to take on new responsibilities. However, do not lose sight of the importance of your staff, from hiring and training them to rewarding them for their performance, and providing motivation to stay. This article explains how to motivate staff in ways that are not too hard on the budget.

12.23.13

Patient Kiosks May be the Wave of the Future
Danielle M. Gilbert

In the future, patients may never need to check in with a receptionist to begin a physician visit. Instead, they will go to a computer station or pick up a tablet and check in electronically to verify their personal information, determine insurance eligibility and identify medication or allergy changes. A kiosk can help streamline the front office, enhance clinical accuracy, and reduce billing errors and denied claims when connected to Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and practice management systems.