Author: Tony Novak
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How to protect yourself from IRS Collections and Private Collection Agencies
IRS is expanding the use of private collection agencies to collect tax debt. If you are among the 1 in 15 adults who owes tax debt then there are specific steps that you should take to protect your money and your privacy. 1. You have rights. But it is up to you to know those…
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Unhappy with your small business accounting system?
One of my top priorities after tax season (today) is to implement an alternative accounting platform for my small business clients. We are aware that all technology platforms have their strengths and weaknesses, so we must understand and order our priorities. For example: QuickBooks (the world’s largest platform ) advantage are also it’s disadvantages: 1.…
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How comfortable are you with your small business’ online security?
We already know that a large portion of cyber attacks reportedly target small businesses. SCORE put out a useful summary report earlier this year and this article by People Driven Solutions gives a good overview. CURRENT STANDARDS What should we do about it? Most of my clients follow these basics standards: Keep software up…
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Feds turning against small farmers?
Comments by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary this week disturbed many of us who support smaller farms and fisheries. USDA Secretary Purdue seemed to signal that the federal government does not recognize the inherent value of a wide independent network of food producers. I fear that small innovative farm operations, greenhouses, and…
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Tech changes this week rock small businesses
Both of these issues came in the last days of September. As of today, I only know that both issues deserve more attention. MICROSOFT: This is significant technical news for the legal and accounting fields as well as many other small businesses who use a Windows based system to manage data. Bottom line: I will…
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No, you don’t get to face your accuser (Small business beware!)
Anonymous whistleblower complaints are a powerful government force regularly used against small business owners. Over the weekend Donald Tump tweeted another indication of his misunderstanding of how government works. False Tweets from Trump are hardly noteworthy in themselves but this one hits a nerve for me. As a small business owner I’ve faced at least…
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New problem with cellular internet
Preface: Of course Murphy’s Law dictates that this internet access issue rose to a crisis status in the last two business days before the business tax filing deadline on Monday. I’ve been thinking how ironic it would be if lack of internet access is the factor that finally causes me to leave my home office…
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How to be a millionaire and not pay any taxes
Some may not remember that Steve Martin was once one of our nation’s best known tax advisers. This in addition to his accomplishments as a actor, comedian, writer, filmmaker, and musician. The year: 1978. The show: Saturday Night Live. The skit: You.. can be a millionaire.. and never pay taxes! You can be a millionaire.. and never pay taxes! You say..…