A merchant is considered “high-risk” when it runs a business that is highly susceptible to fraud and chargebacks. This can be due to the industry they belong to, the products or services they provide, or a history of high chargeback claims. When this happens, merchants go through a more rigorous process before being approved for…
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What Is Payroll Fraud + How to Detect & Prevent It
Payroll fraud can be detrimental for all businesses in all industries, but particularly small businesses. Understanding how to detect payroll fraud and what can be done to prevent it can help your business avoid detrimental losses.
Payroll fraud occurs when a worker cheats the system to get a higher paycheck. Small businesses are more likely to be at risk than larger ones because they place a higher level of trust in their employees and often have fewer safeguards in place. This can result in tax payments not being made or employees…
What Is Debt Service Coverage Ratio & How to Calculate It
The debt service coverage ratio (DSCR), or debt coverage ratio for short, is a financial measure of a company’s ability to pay debts from its cash flow. Here is the DSCR formula: DSCR = Annual Net Operating Income Annual Debt Obligations In general, a DSCR of 1.25 or greater is viewed favorably when it comes…
What Is Dropshipping & How It Works in 2024
Dropshipping is a popular ecommerce model that requires minimal upfront investment. Learn how it works and whether it is still viable in 2024.
The Significance of Dropshipping Dropshipping is a business model in which orders placed on a retailer’s site are actually fulfilled by a third-party manufacturer or wholesaler. In dropshipping, the retailer doesn’t keep the products on hand. When the retailer receives an order, they send it to the third-party company who will then fulfill the…
Taxable & Non-Taxable Fringe Benefits: A Small Business Guide
Fringe benefits are company-paid incentives you offer employees above and beyond their regular salary. They can include traditional employee benefits (such as health insurance and retirement benefits) as long as the employer is contributing to the costs, thereby saving the employee money. Fringe benefits also include less traditional benefits like moving expenses, adoption assistance, or…
What To Know About Getting a Business Loan Cosigner
A business loan cosigner is an individual who promises to make payments on the loan if the other borrower(s) are unable to do so. Getting a cosigner can improve your odds of landing a loan approval. However, you should be aware of the risks involved with doing this. For instance, missing a payment on a…
What Is a Toll-free Number & How Does It Work?
Toll-free numbers are telephone numbers distinguished by a three-digit prefix (e.g., 800 and 885), where the recipient covers the cost of the call rather than the caller. Many businesses opt for toll-free numbers for their credibility and convenience, especially since prospective customers can reach your team without worrying about call charges. This guide will explore…
What is Imputed Income? A Quick Guide for Small Businesses
Imputed income is the value of non-cash compensation that must be included as part of an employee’s taxable income. It’s crucial for small business owners to understand what imputed income is, as it directly affects payroll and tax reporting. By grasping what imputed income encompasses, small business owners can ensure compliance with tax laws, avoiding…