A cooperative, or co-op, is an organization owned and controlled by the people who use the products or services the business produces. Unlike traditional businesses that aim to earn profits for investors, co-ops exist primarily to benefit their members. Co-ops are often created to lower costs, increase bargaining power, improve service quality, or provide products…
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House Flipping Taxes: Capital Gains or Ordinary Income?
Purchasing a rundown house, fixing it up, and then reselling it has become a very popular side gig for many Americans. For most house flippers, the profit from selling the house will be taxed as ordinary income and is subject to self-employment taxes. However, there are a few ways you can lower your house flipping…
Current SBA Loan Rates for April 2025
Small Business Administration (SBA) loans are still one of the more affordable financing options that offer favorable rates and terms to qualified borrowers. SBA loan interest rates are reviewed periodically and can vary depending on the type of SBA loan, the lender, and the required business qualifications. While these rates have been trending upward over…
What is Deferred Compensation? Types, Benefits & Risks
Deferred compensation is a smart financial strategy for high earners, allowing employees to set aside a portion of their income to be paid later—often during retirement. But what exactly is deferred compensation, and why should you consider offering it to your employees?
For employees who earn a sizable salary, finding ways to manage income through smart financial planning is essential — and deferred compensation can be a critical part of that strategy. But what is deferred compensation, and why should you offer it? This plan allows employees to set aside a portion of their earnings to be…
Free Excel Test for Interviewing Candidates
When hiring for certain positions, you must ensure job applicants are well-versed in the qualifications for the role. For bookkeeping, accounting, and data analysis positions, Excel skills are vital. If you need a quick way to test applicants, use our free Excel test for interview candidates. The test simulates data that might be included in…
How to Add a Signature in Outlook (New & Classic)
To learn how to add a signature in Outlook, first check if you have Outlook’s new or classic version because the process differs slightly for each. The new Outlook was just released in 2024 and runs on Windows 11. Meanwhile, any version before that is Outlook classic. Adding a signature in Outlook’s new version involves…
What Is Business Messaging? Best Practices & Benefits
Business messaging is a powerful tool for business owners who want to reach a larger audience or stay connected to their clients or customers. However, legislation like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) requires business owners to adhere to specific messaging standards when sending marketing or promotional materials. Therefore, this article outlines how to use…
What is a Payroll Register? A Small Business Guide
A payroll register includes vital pay data you need to ensure accurate employee payments and maintain compliance. It also plays a crucial role in financial planning and budgeting, helping you track labor costs and monitor changes over time. Included as a standard report in most payroll software, a payroll register is a document that contains…