The standard business mileage rate will be going up slightly in 2024

Business woman on filling station, while filling your car

The optional standard mileage rate used to calculate the deductible cost of operating an automobile for business will be going up by 1.5 cents per mile in 2024. The IRS recently announced that the cents-per-mile rate for the business use of a car, van, pickup or panel truck will be 67 cents (up from 65.5 cents for 2023).

Reinvigorating your company’s sales efforts heading into the new year

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Business owners, with the year just about over, you and your leadership team presumably have a pretty good idea of where you want your company to go in 2024. The question is: Can you get there?

Court awards and out-of-court settlements may (or may not) be taxed

Monetary awards and settlements are often provided for an array of reasons. For example, a person could receive compensatory and punitive damage payments for personal injury, discrimination or harassment. Some of this money is taxed by the federal government, and perhaps by state governments. Hopefully, you’ll never need to know how payments for personal injuries are taxed. But here are the basic rules — just in case you or a loved one does receive an award or settlement and needs to understand them.

How businesses can get better at data capture

Capture word cloud, business concept

It would be hard to argue against the notion that almost every kind of business today is data-driven. Without the information you need to run your company — be it financial metrics, marketing demographics or productivity measures — you’d probably fall behind the competition, and fast.

The “nanny tax” must be paid for nannies and other household workers

You may have heard of the “nanny tax.” But if you don’t employ a nanny, you may think it doesn’t apply to you. Check again. Hiring a housekeeper, gardener or other household employee (who isn’t an independent contractor) may make you liable for federal income and other taxes. You may also have state tax obligations.

Is your business underestimating the value of older workers?

Smiling senior employee discussing email with african colleague at workplace, happy older worker talking to black coworker joking about online computer work, aged and young managers laugh in office

The job market remains relatively tight for businesses looking to fill open positions or simply add top talent when the fit is right. That means it’s still important for companies to continuously reassess where they’re looking for applicants and which job candidates they’re focusing on.

4 ideas that may help reduce your 2023 tax bill

If you’re concerned about your 2023 tax bill, there may still be time to reduce it. Here are four quick strategies that may help you trim your taxes before year end.

Solving the riddles of succession planning for family businesses

Family working in a mill

Every established company will encounter challenges when confronting the thorny issue of succession planning. Family-owned businesses, however, often face particularly complex issues. After all, their owners may have to consider both family members who work for the company and those who do not.

Don’t forget to empty out your flexible spending account

If you have a tax-saving flexible spending account (FSA) with your employer to help pay for health or dependent care expenses, there’s an important date coming up. You may have to use the money in the account by year-end or you’ll lose it (unless your employer has a grace period).

Smaller companies: Explore pooled employer plans for retirement benefits

Underwater empty swimming pool background with copy space

Most businesses today need to offer a solid benefits package. Failing to do so could mean falling behind in the competition to hire and retain talent in today’s tight job market.