How Cash Balance Plans Help Business Owners Save More and Pay Less Tax in 2026
If your business had a strong year and you already max out your 401(k), you’ve likely hit the limit on what a traditional plan can shelter. For 2026, a 401(k) profit-sharing plan tops out at $72,000 before catch-ups, which barely moves the needle for an owner earning $400,000 or more. This is where a cash
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How S Corp Owners Should Set Reasonable Compensation in 2026
For S corporation owners, reasonable compensation sits where tax planning and payroll compliance meet. Set the wage too low and the company invites a payroll tax adjustment. Set it without analysis and the owner may give up deductions worth more than the tax saved. S-corp reasonable compensation 2026 follows the same core standard it always
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100% Bonus Depreciation vs. Section 179 in 2026: What Closely Held Businesses Should Consider
Closely held businesses purchasing equipment, technology, vehicles, or other operational assets in 2026 may qualify for a substantial first-year deduction through 100% bonus depreciation, Section 179, or a combination of both. Although both provisions accelerate depreciation, they work differently. The right choice depends on the type of property, the business’s taxable income, owner-level loss limitations,
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How Small Business Accounting Services Improve Profitability and Cash Flow
Weak accounting costs small businesses more than compliance risk. It masks profit leaks, distorts margins, and forces growth decisions based on numbers that don’t reflect reality. Professional small business accounting services fix that not only by keeping better records, but by turning financial data into a clear, current picture of where your business actually stands. This blog explains what
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Tax Planning for Closely Held Businesses: Strategies to Reduce 2026 Tax Liability
For owners of closely held businesses, taxes are often one of the largest expenses affecting profitability and cash flow. Yet most business owners approach tax planning as a year-end exercise. The result is missed opportunities, unnecessary exposure, and limited flexibility when important decisions arise. Effective tax planning for closely held businesses is not about last-minute deductions. It is
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Mid-Year Tax Planning Checklist for Small Business Owners in 2026
For most small business owners, May feels like a moment to exhale. Tax season is behind you, Q1 is closed, and the pressure has lifted. But May is actually one of the most strategically valuable months on the financial calendar. Mid-year tax planning for small businesses gives owners time to model outcomes and implement changes before they
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How Small Businesses Can Stay Compliant With Multistate Tax Rules
Expanding beyond a single state can unlock meaningful growth opportunities for small businesses, but it also introduces a layer of tax complexity that many owners underestimate. Multistate tax compliance for small businesses is not just about filing additional returns. It involves understanding where your business has obligations, how different states define taxable activity, and how to manage
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Why Accurate Payroll and Payables Management Matters and How CPA Managed Systems Help
For many growing businesses, payroll and accounts payable start as routine administrative tasks. Run payroll every two weeks. Pay vendor bills when they come in. Keep things moving. But as your company grows, these functions become financial control centers. Payroll affects compliance, employee trust, and tax exposure. Payables influence cash flow, vendor relationships, and financial accuracy. Small
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Cash Flow Management for Closely Held Businesses: Tips to Stay Ahead
Running a closely held business comes with a unique advantage: control. You know your customers, your team, and your operations intimately. But that same concentration of ownership also means cash flow risk sits squarely on your shoulders. Even profitable businesses can struggle if cash flow management is not disciplined, proactive, and strategic. At Glater & Company CPA,
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Bookkeeping Basics: What Every Small Business Owner Should Know
Introduction: Why Solid Bookkeeping Is Essential to Running a Strong Business For many small business owners, bookkeeping is viewed as a back-office task—important, but not something that directly impacts day-to-day decision-making. In reality, bookkeeping is one of the most critical functions in your business. It forms the foundation for tax compliance, financial reporting, cash flow management, and long-term planning.
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