MBA News

If you recently filed your 2016 income tax return (rather than filing for an extension) you may now be wondering whether it’s likely that your business could be audited by the IRS based on your filing. Here’s what every business owner should know about the process. Catching the... Continue Reading

If you agree to a contingent-fee arrangement with your attorney, you may wonder whether the expense is deductible for federal income tax purposes. Unfortunately, the guidance on this controversial issue isn’t favorable to taxpayers in most situations. The federal income tax... Continue Reading

To be deductible, a business expense must be both ordinary and necessary. An ordinary expense is one that is common and accepted in your field of business. A necessary expense is one that’s helpful and appropriate for your business. The IRS sometimes challenges deductions... Continue Reading

It’s easy to spot underperformance, but correcting it is a different matter. The fact is, effectively managing your workforce, especially problem employees, just doesn’t come naturally to most people. Here’s some guidance to potentially help turn around an... Continue Reading

It’s probably safe to say that nearly every business owner wants his or her company to grow. The question is: How? As you ponder your company’s ideal strategic direction, here are five common business growth strategies to consider: Creating and delivering new products and... Continue Reading

Your new hire may be thrilled to have secured a job with your company. But most likely, he or she will still be nervous at the outset. More than that, the first few weeks on the job is a time of vulnerability, presenting hazards both for the new employee and for your... Continue Reading

For many people, the federal home sale gain exclusion is the single most valuable tax break available. But if you’re getting divorced and selling a home, you may need to plan ahead to take advantage of the tax break. If you’re unmarried, you can potentially sell a... Continue Reading

Employers have many reasons to monitor employee communications from time to time, including staying out of legal trouble. For example, if any kind of illegal discrimination or employee harassment is going on, and you allow it to continue by ignoring possible evidence of its... Continue Reading

In recent years, the IRS has offered “green” tax credits to individuals who purchase qualifying residential energy-efficient equipment and certain electric vehicles. Some of these breaks expired at the end of 2016. But others are still ripe for the taking in 2017 and... Continue Reading