Intellectual property often sits at the core of a company’s value, but many businesses assume ownership without actually securing it. That assumption breaks down fast during a sale or dispute. If your agreements aren’t airtight, the people creating your IP may legally own it, not you. To prevent unexpected ownership issues and costly disputes that […]
Author Archive: rudleradmin
The Tax Deadline Didn’t End in April—Key Dates for the remainder of 2026
Filing season feels like the finish line, but it’s really just the starting point for the rest of your tax obligations. Miss the deadlines that follow, and you’re not just late, you’re paying for it in penalties, interest, or lost planning opportunities. Please review the calendar and let us know if you have any questions […]
If You Can’t Prove Participation, You Can’t Claim the Loss
Owning part of a business doesn’t automatically give you tax advantages. If your involvement doesn’t meet IRS standards for material participation, your losses may be locked away as passive, unusable when you actually need them. The basics Under the PAL rules, you generally can use passive activity losses only to offset income from other passive […]
Want to start a business? 5 Key Things to Know
Deciding to start your own business is an exciting opportunity, but it comes with new responsibilities. Many new owners open a business to be their own boss and chart their own course. However, along with those benefits come some complications compared to being someone else’s employee. Planning and budgeting are critical, and you’ll have plenty […]
Your Next Steps After Filing
You filed your 2025 tax return. Great! But, before you check taxes off your list, taking a little time to address some tax-related items now can help you stay organized and avoid issues later. Here are a few to-dos. Check your refund status If you’re getting a tax refund and haven’t received it yet, the […]
ACA penalties are rising in 2026: What Small Business owners need to know
Many small businesses assume they don’t have to worry about the play-or-pay provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). However, those rules can become relevant sooner than expected if your business grows. Don’t let ACA compliance become a blind spot for your business. Here’s what you need to know to comply with the law’s requirements.
Tariff Refunds Arrive: Key Updates
Following recent court rulings, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has begun implementing a refund process for certain tariffs previously collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) deemed invalid. At the center of this policy is a bold new initiative housed within the Department of Energy (DOE): the “Genesis Mission.” Eligibility for Phase […]
Evaluating layoffs? Consider these alternatives first
Laying off employees is one of the most difficult decisions a business owner can face. Before making this decision, it is worth evaluating alternative strategies that may help control costs and preserve your workforce. While it may sometimes be necessary, reducing headcount is often viewed as a way to quickly manage rising costs, as labor […]
Understanding the research credit: FAQs
Businesses that invest in research and development activities may be eligible for a federal tax credit on certain related expenses. Although the rules and calculation can be complex and not all activities qualify, the potential tax savings can be substantial. Below are answers to common questions to help you better understand this valuable tax break.
Supporting Your Employees Who Also Have Caregiving Responsibilities
As the cost of caregiving skyrockets, balancing work with caring for young children or elderly relatives has become increasingly challenging. Employers can support their workforce, and improve productivity by offering dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs), which allow employees to use pre-tax dollars to their advantage. If you’re considering a larger investment, providing on-site childcare […]