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Pathways Consulting
  • Home
  • Our Services
    • Tax Planning & Tax Prep
    • Accounting & Bookkeeping
    • Payroll Services
    • Small Business Seminars
    • Management Consulting
    • Business Development
  • Quickbooks Services
  • About
    • About Us
    • Our Founder
    • Our Owner
    • Our Team
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms Of Use
    • Ethics Statement
  • Contact
  • Blog

Our News and Events

Handling Unemployment as A Business

9/2/2020

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As the pandemic continues, many businesses are dealing with the best ways they can support their employees. Here are a few tips and suggestions to help with your company and your employees. 

We are now in the third quarter of the year and everyone is getting ready to head back to school. As you and your company continue to manage through the continued pandemic, we know that your employees are at the top of your priority list. We know you're exhausted and tired of hearing "we're all in this together!" and "this is the new normal". We know you are very aware of the situation because you've been dealing with it up close and personal for the last few months. You might have to figure out something new every week for your employees, you might have already found a great new work plan, or you're still searching for what the best options are. No matter where you and your company might be, we want to help as much as possible. This blog is full of different ways you can help your employees during this difficult time. 

  • #1 Families
One of the first things you need to consider is that many if not all of your employees have a family that they're caring for. If you can, take a look at your current standing policies and see if they are beneficial or not to parents, those caring for elderly family members, and so on. Some of the very first employees that will need your consideration are those who are expecting, have an illness, aren't full time, and those who aren't eligible for benefits. If you can offer paid sick leave, benefits for those who don't have them currently, and subsidiaries, that can eliminate a huge amount of stress and burden placed upon their shoulders right now. Think about potentially offering mental health support and other resources to help worried, stressed, or confused employees. 

Consider your employees who have school-aged children. They are stuck in the middle of potentially working from home and homeschooling their children. This can add to their stress, affect their work, and interfere with their concentration. Consider offering flexible work hours and being more understanding if a parent needs to care for a child or handle certain situations during the workday. Help them find or offer support for childcare and help them find resources to help with homeschooling.

  • #2 Too Much Down Time
For some employees who have been sent home to work, this might be their first taste of working from home. Some might be parents but you also need to consider your employees on the other side of the spectrum. Many people went home to work, and they are now working and living alone. Some introverts handle this situation well, but being home alone for long periods can become difficult. It can increase the fear of not knowing what's next, loneliness, frustration, and depression. A long day at the office can easily be remedied if you go somewhere and see friendly facts. When this isn't an option, those difficult days are hard to shake. Even at the end of the workday, you're already at home.

Video meetings and conference calls have become a necessity for our everyday work lives. You can also use these to your advantage. Host social gatherings or and support your employees to have them. As employers, you can use some of your business time to play ice breakers, do brain teasers, or play a game or two of trivia over these digital platforms. You can still celebrate milestone moments, promotions, and celebrations with your employees, too. Suggest that your employees meet for virtual lunch hours, coffee meetings, or even happy hours. These moments of connection can keep everyone in the loop, connected, and help their mental health in a safe and non-invasive way. 

  • #3 Painful Truth
Layoffs and furloughs could become or have already become a reality for your company. When you're handling this be as direct, humane, and kind as possible. Being incredibly transparent and honest with your employees is a must. If you can, offer assistance, but don't promise more than what you can deliver. Acknowledge the fact that you know that this will be difficult for your employees, and emphasize that this is not their fault. This situation wouldn't even be happening if it wasn't for the pandemic. In times of so much unknown and change, your employees are going to look to you for answers, for comfort, and guidance. Even if you are struggling for an answer, don't placate them. Remember your employees are still people, not numbers or statistics to be dealt with. 

  • #4 Be On The Same Page
Working from home has, we're sure, opened your eyes to all the different ways your employees like to work and communicate. This can be great, but it can also be stressful to work with multiple people who handle their at home work days differently. Make sure your employees are set up to work from home and that they have the proper equipment that will help them succeed. It is also a great idea to set up an established and organized work plan and workflow. This doesn't mean that everyone has to work the same way. This does mean that meeting deadlines, communication, and scheduling should be streamlined. Consider hosting a company wide education course that keys everyone into the best ways to work and collaborate online. 

Being a business owner in 2020 has been an incredible challenge. There have been and will continue to be so many hurdles to overcome. Through all of this, make sure you remember your employees. Care for them like they have cared for and supported your business. If you can support them and be honest, they are more likely to hang on and support you through whatever else might be coming in 2020. 
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Working From Home Write-Offs: The Truth

8/18/2020

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Many of us are still working from home, and some have decided to work from home for good while the pandemic remains with us. For those new to this world, what kind of tax write-offs, if any, could we be looking at for 2020?

We've made it through this unique and very different tax season. So, what does that mean? We start looking ahead to next year! Many of our clients are friends are still working from home, while others have decided to work from home for good. If this year has taught you anything new about your professional life, its if you are a fan of working from home or not. We know and recognize that it's not for everyone, and we also understand the reason why so many companies are still having their employees work from home. If anything, we appreciate the safety of it and we are trying to find the silver lining. This year has meant saving money on gas, saving money on takeout, getting rid of that morning commute, more time in comfortable clothes, spending time with our families, and for some, it has meant a whole makeover of their homes, especially their backyards! For those who don't own their own small business and don't work from home regularly, when you did move home, one thing that might have made the transition less painful was the possibility of writing off your new expenses in your 2020 taxes. Will this be a possibility? Could there be an even bigger silver lining waiting at the end of all of this?

FROM HOME
There have been many silver linings to this experience than many of us have tried to focus on, but like it or not, it does cost extra to work from home. You're buying supplies, buying new office furniture, getting better wifi, and possibly paying a ton more in child care. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to write all of that off or at least a part of these expenses on 2020 taxes? Unfortunately, due to a tax reform in 2017, this opportunity was eliminated, according to Kiplinger and AccountingToday. Granted, this decision was made years before we knew what the coronavirus was and it was thought to be a good idea to eliminate this possibility. According to AccountingToday, the reasoning behind this change was that a "doubling of the standard deduction would help offset the pain of ending or cutting itemized deductions". That idea was nice at the time, but for all of us working from home and through the pandemic, it's not much help at all. Before this tax reform, you were able to write off your business expenses that were not paid back by your employer. These expenses included part of your home as an office, and much more. Sadly, if your company has sent you home during the pandemic, this will not be an option. With so many of us struggling with this reality, and with potentially limited funds as it is, what is the best way to recover from it? AccountingToday suggests the best route to go is to approach your company and try to negotiate with them. When it comes to federal taxes for your employers, tax code does allow them to reimburse their employees for certain costs during periods of disaster. The IRS has stated that is current pandemic does qualify. It will be up to our employer to choose what costs the will and will not cover, but if you approach them with a reasonable list of items, that can be a great place to start (i.e. wifi, child care, cost of buying new supplies).

SIDE HUSTLE
If you're working from home for your company, but also have a second job or a small side hustle, there might be a small tax break in there for you. According to Kipling, as long as you meet all the proper requirements, you will be allowed to claim deductions for your business expenses and your at-home business expenses for your own company.

WORK FROM HOME
If you are self-employed, this might be one of the greatest advantages for you right now. Those who are self-employed are still allowed to deduct business expenses with the Schedule C Form 1040 when filing. Your small business must be your only form of income, and the space you work in must only be used for work purposes, according to H&R Block. This means that your kitchen table won't count. If you do use a small corner of your home or a specific table just for work, then that will count. One of the biggest things you must do is keep meticulous notes and records of your expenses if you plan on writing these expenses off. Many self-employed individuals get flagged when they file and get stuck with an audit. Make sure you're reading to back up your deductions at a moment's notice. If you have a building outside of your home that you use only for work (like a barn, shed, garage), it can also be written off. Also, if you work outside of your home for your own business, but have been forced back to your home for safety reasons, you are allowed to write that off on your expenses too. According to H&R Block if you own your own business under a 1099, and you meet all the standards created by the IRS, you'll be allowed to write off all of your direct expenses for your small business. You will also be able to write off a portion of your indirect expenses too! But please take caution, you will still need to keep good records of everything.

CONCLUSION 
This year has brought its fair amount of challenges. Many of these challenges could reappear when filing your 2020 taxes. Make sure you speak with your company about your expenses before just assuming they won't help you. If you're self-employed or work under a 1099, make sure you keep excellent records and understand everything about your writeoffs to avoid an audit. Hang in there everyone! We know this is a personal and financially difficult time for all of you. We are always here to help. Don't forget! If you're looking for the best tax accountant in Summerville, the best tax services in Summerville, the best Quickbooks services in Summerville, and the best payroll services in Summerville, we are still here for you. Tax season may be over for some and just starting for others, and we will be here for you no matter what!
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When Working From Home Isn't An Option

6/16/2020

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Your job may not be one you can do from home. What happens when your bank account is dwindling and unemployment is running out? Are there other options available to you? 

The state is opening back up, but that doesn't mean everything is following suit. It doesn't mean that everyone is going back to work, and unemployment isn't going to last forever. What happens if it's impossible to work from home? Many people are still without jobs for the foreseeable future and need some help right now. If your bank account is needing you to look for a job now, what can you do to gain temporary or new employment during the age of a pandemic? 

Starting a job search for temporary employment or starting your career path all over again during the pandemic may be the last thing you want to do, or think you can do, right now. But, think again. Due to the growth in technology and the ease it gives to the world of business, working from home is easier than ever before. It's become much more accessible to find these jobs and to do them from the safety of your couch. Every day more and more jobs can be transferred online. As long as you have a computer, a phone, and a good internet connection, you're already set up and ready to go. Thankfully, the remote job market and its popularity were on the rise before the pandemic hit. Please note, if this is a path you're taking, you need to be diligent in going after and getting these jobs. You need to create and stick to a schedule, and you need to show up every morning and get the job done. This can be very difficult when you're working from the comfort of your home and in your PJs. 

Working remotely and on your devices can seem daunting if it's not something you've done before. No need to fear a lack of skills, training, or education, there are jobs of all kinds for all levels of skills and abilities. If you still feel unsure, there are thousands of YouTube videos available, free of charge, and other free resources that can help you along the way. With the world changing so rapidly and the need for a job becoming apparent, we wanted to share some great jobs, opportunities, and tips for working at home. We want to help keep you safe and keep your finances under control. 

TEACHING
Even if you don't have a specific degree in teaching, there are opportunities out there for you. Many online programs will accept a bachelor's degree in any subject. Teaching English online to students overseas or who have English as a second language is a great example. There are online and virtual tutoring opportunities as well. You might not be teaching these students directly, but you're helping them develop their skills. There are opportunities for you to create videos on a huge amount of topics for educational purposes. This can help you flex your knowledge and your creative skills in subjects you're already passionate about. If you do have a background in education and administration, you could also find remote jobs to help develop curriculum and help plan and manage the current and upcoming school year. You can teach at all levels from kindergarten to college. It's a fun, unique, and creative opportunity that can be full or part-time.
  • Companies hiring now: VIPkid, Qkids, Magic Ears, Trilogy Education Services. 

WRITING
This field is huge. If you are a creative individual or you are very precise, have strong research skills, and can write an excellent business report, then these jobs are for you. Again, your skill sets and background can vary to get into this filed depending on your specialties. Blog and content writing for social media and websites have boomed during the pandemic and in recent years. You can be a copywriter or editor. You can edit and proofread papers and projects by students and professionals. Sometimes an extra eye is all someone needs. You can work with authors who need help with the stories they're writing. You can even begin blogging, writing articles, or writing books yourself. There are jobs to transcribe radio, video, and voice interviews too. Writing jobs and positions range from being full-time positions to working project to project. In most situations, you can create your schedule. Doing these jobs can be a little tricky, be warned. Make sure they are legitimate positions. If they sound too good to be true, they usually are. Make sure you do your research and you and a real interview and contact person when doing these jobs. 
  •  Companies hiring now: Fandom Writer, Valenet, Randstad, and Digital Health Content Producer. 

TECH WORLD
We chose this category because of the massive amounts of opportunities that have arisen in the tech world and jobs driven by the tech world. Data entry is a great entry-level job in this world. If you're very organized and have a wide knowledge of basic software and email, a virtual assistant can also be an excellent opportunity. You can help someone order their groceries, answering emails and phone calls, run their website, and social media pages all from the comfort of your home. For those who are more tech-savvy, companies like ZOOM, Microsoft, and more have positions available to you. Companies are looking for customer and tech/IT support that can also be done from the comfort of your home. The range of opportunities is huge, you just have to go looking! 
  • Companies hiring now: Language Line Solutions and Kelly Services. 

Stepping into the remote world can be hard if it's your first time. Hunting for a particular job like this can take time. But, be diligent. Trust in your skills and what you can offer. There is something out there for you. Look for free resources online that can help you learn more. Trust in the technology, and it will do the rest. Don't forget, friends! If you're looking for the best tax accountant in Summerville, the best tax services in Summerville, the best Quickbooks services in Summerville, and the best payroll services in Summerville, we are still here for you. Tax season may be over for some and just starting for others, and we will be here for you no matter what!

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Your Retirement Plan and the CARES Act

6/2/2020

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Retirement funds and how to care for them have been a hot topic during this pandemic. For some, it's been easy to leave them untouched. For others, retirement may no longer be an option. But with the creation of the CARES act, some incredible tools have been introduced that can help you maintain and save your retirement funds. 

Hello Summerville! As you read this, we hope you continue to be safe and healthy. It's been nice to come to work every day and see a sense of normalcy in our incredible town. Let's keep it up! It is very clear to everyone that this pandemic has affected our finances in more ways than one. One of the many unsung woes during this time has been retirement plans. The CARES act of 2020, the act that has supplied us with our stimulus checks and other resources, has also been geared towards helping retirement plans stay alive. With the unemployment rate being so low, the difficulties of getting unemployment, and the need of making it through financially has put pressure on retirement plans. Many are making the decision of taking out their funds because it is necessary.

There are now options that can help you get economic relief that won't require you to decimate your retirement plans. Thanks to the CARES act, new changes have been put into place to help support those with retirement and IRA plans who are dealing with the effects of a very flimsy stock market that continues to fluctuate. With these new adjustments under the cares act, retirees are allowed to pull out as much as they would like from their retirement plans, but you don't have to if you don't want to. If you do leave your account alone for the next year or so, it will give you the benefit to recover from this flimsy market. There is a benefit to leaving your benefits alone. 

These changes and opportunities are groundbreaking and will help you save your retirement and IRA while still supporting you financially now. Before the CARES act, withdrawing from your IRA and your retirement plan came with some serious repercussions. But now, that has all changed. 
  • The CARES act is now letting 401(k) participants take out a loan of 100% of the amount they have vested or $100,000. Whichever option is less. The act has also extended the loan payment back into the 401(k) by a year, giving participants up to 6 years to pay back the loan. There will also be no loan payments made in 2020.
  • Borrowing money from your 401(k) can be better than taking out a personal loan or a new credit card and amassing a ton of credit card debt. even though you will have to pay back this loan, you are paying it back to your retirement account. You are borrowing money from yourself, and paying yourself back. 
  • Thanks to this extra year you have been given to pay back your 401(k) loan mean you aren't getting anything taken out of your paycheck this year for your 401(k). This will give you a little more money now, helping with reduced hours or being furloughed. 
  • Up to $100,000 can now be withdrawn from a retirement fund. Those pulling out this money will also be exempt from the 10% penalty tax that comes along with withdrawing funds if you're under the age of 59 and a half, all thanks to the new coronavirus distribution. This distribution is available if you or your spouse has been diagnosed with Covid-19 if you've been laid off, if your work hours have been reduced, or if you had to go into quarantine. These funds will be distributed to you over a three year period. You can also get this distribution from your IRA, which usually doesn't allow plan loans.
  • The due date for contributions to IRAs and retirement plans has been extended to our new tax day of July 15th. 
  • Much more! 

Allowing people to tap into their retirement accounts and giving them a few years to pay it all back is huge! These changes are providing financial assistance now from the money that is already yours, while still helping you protect and pay back into your retirement. It will still guarantee that you have retirement funds when the time comes to actually retire. Make sure to chat with us about your next steps when it comes to making these choices, even as great as they are. Make sure to include your financial advisor when making these decisions, too. They will be able to walk you through the best benefits available to you and what is going to be the most cost-effective way if you'll need to pay back these loans. They can also walk you through how to keep your retirement plan intact. 

Don't forget, friends! If you're looking for the best tax accountant in Summerville, the best tax services in Summerville, the best Quickbooks services in Summerville, the best IT services in Summerville, and the best payroll services in Summerville, we are still here for you. Tax season may be over for some and just starting for others, and we will be here for you no matter what!
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The Current State of Employee Retention Credit

5/19/2020

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With the world as we know it changing every day, we have been trying to stay on top of what's happening to help our clients and ourselves. We want to use this changing knowledge to protect our finances, our employees, to know if are eligible for assistance, and how to help our clients navigate through these strange times. Today we are going to be talking about Employee Retention Credit.

Hello, Summerville! We are so excited to see our beautiful town get back to some sense of normal. Everything about our daily and professional lives continues to change, but we are relieved to see that individuals and businesses continue to move forward. One of our main focuses these past two months has been how the current pandemic is affecting our finances. There has been a lot of help thanks to tax day being pushed back, the stimulus relief fund, and the CARES act. Each has seen its ups and downs for individuals and small businesses, bringing a mixture of relief and frustration.

Most of the financial help that we hear about day to day is that for personal finances, but businesses of all sizes have needed just as much help through these difficult times. Many have been required to operate at 50% capacity due to safety protocol during the pandemic while others have been completely shut down after they were deemed nonessential. With the signing of the stimulus relief package and the CARES act, businesses of all sizes were put into consideration. Small business loans and other forms of relief were immediately put into action, although their first big wave was not received well nor handled well.

Just like you as an individual, businesses have been on top of filing and working towards a way to help their companies survive so their employees have a place to come back to when this is all over. Most employers who were able to apply for any kind of assistance did so in March, but there are still opportunities and things to apply for if your company hasn't already. In this blog, we are going to be talking about one of these forms of assistance that is still available to businesses, and that is employee retention credit.

WHAT IS IT?
You may or may not be familiar with this term or what kind of help it provides. This is a business relief provision that encourages employers to keep employees on the payroll, even if they're not working. It helps provide relief to unemployment offices to limit the number of people applying for unemployment. It was also created to help guarantee that employers will have returning employees once they can open up again. Thanks to the creation of the employee retention credit, the government will reward your company for keeping your employees on your payroll and for deciding to choose this assistance. It is refundable tax credit taken against certain employment taxes that can equal up to fifty percent of an employee's wages that you, as an employer, are still providing. The tax credit is fifty percent of up to $10,000 in wages per employee that has continued to be paid by the employer. This means that your company can be awarded a $5000 tax credit per qualifying employee. This was created as a business relief provision. The money your company will be receiving is a refundable payroll tax credit for qualified wages that will be paid or have been paid to your employees between March 13th of this year until December 31st of 2020.

ELIGIBILITY
You and your company are eligible if you have been directly affected by COVID-19. If you have been forced to work at half capacity due to safety precautions, or you have been forced to shut down entirely because you are a nonessential business, you are eligible. No matter the size of your company, you are still eligible. Your company is eligible for this tax credit if your gross receipts for this current quarter are less than what they were in the same quarter this time last year. You are NOT eligible for this tax credit if you are a governmental employer, or if you are self-employed or a small business that has taken small business loans or other small business loans created to help with issues caused by the pandemic.

WHAT TO KNOW
Once you have decided to pick this type of relief, you can begin claiming it right away by reducing your payroll taxes sent to the IRS. If it ends up that your tax credits exceed your payroll taxes, you can ask for a refund directly from the IRS. If your company has over 100 employees, the only wages that can be obtained are of those who were full time and are not working right now. If you have under 100 employees, you can claim all of your employee's wages regardless if they are working or not. Wages up to $10,000 can be claimed, and this does include how much your company pays towards health insurance for each employee. Since you can claim 50% of this $10,000, the max credit you can receive is $5,000 per employee. The tax credit will be repaid to you after subtracting your share of your employee's social security taxes, and it will be treated like you overpaid your taxes, and it will be returned to you.

THE FUTURE
In comparison, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was also created to offer similar benefits to businesses. You can't apply for both or receive benefits from both, you have to pick one or the other. When deciding which is best for you and your employees, always pick the aid that will help you and your employees the most, not one or the other. Since the applications for the PPP were suspended on April 17th of this year, this will now dictate your choice of what is available to you and your company. As the country slowly begins to reopen, pay close attention to how this will affect your business. You may be able to go back to work at full capacity, and you may not. There could potentially be more aid coming, we will just have to wait and see what the coming weeks will bring. If you and your company have been unable to receive any kind of benefits, keep your eyes open for this opportunity.

These have been difficult and confusing times. You aren't wrong in feeling overwhelmed and confused. We where are here to support you, Summerville. You are not alone in your fight. Also don't forget, if you're looking for the best tax accountant in Summerville, the best tax services in Summerville, the best Quickbooks services in Summerville, the best IT services in Summerville, and the best payroll services in Summerville, we are still here for you. Tax season may be over for some and just starting for others, and we will be here for you no matter what!
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Preparing to Recover from a Pandemic

5/1/2020

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Even though the curve hasn't flattened as much as we'd like, and we've spent a lot of time focusing on staying safe at the moment, it's time to start thinking about the future. Your company is going to overcome all of this, and we are going to talk about how!

April was gone in a flash wasn't it, Summerville? Time has a very strange and unique way of passing. It's been hard keeping the days in order. Thankfully, working from home or with a small staff in our offices has helped us keep track. Can you believe that tax day came and went with so little attention this year? That's right! Tax day has officially been moved to July 15th! If you haven't paid and filed your taxes yet, that's ok! You still have time to do so. But, we do recommend filing your taxes sooner rather than later. This will help with refunds, getting your stimulus checks, and possibly speeding your small business loan applications up. Do what you can for your small business now to help your company in the coming months.

Although things are still unknown in the current market and our personal lives, it's time to start thinking ahead. We've spent our last few blogs sharing tips and suggestions on how to keep your employees safe, how the pandemic might affect your small business, the realities of your stimulus checks, but now it's time to start preparing for the beyond. It's a heavy truth that life as we've known it could be very different after all of this settles. But, we still want your company and the future of your company to be strong and prosperous. So, let's be hopeful and work towards that, together. As the best tax accountant in Summerville, we hope these tips and suggestions help you as we move forward in this very strange and uncharted time. 

All of the financial help and small business loans that have been created and promises may or may not come through for your company. Some companies have received these benefits, while some might never see a cent of help. It's constantly changing, and we aren't sure what these new changes could or couldn't mean. We are following the news just as closely for these updates. Hang in there. This pandemic has affected every industry, and the best way to get through this is to stand strong and to support one another. We are here for you, Summerville. Take these tips to heart, they could help you in the long run.
  • Keep Working! While some of you have shut down, have had to put employees on furlough, or even let some employees go, keep marching on. For those who are working from home or waiting to head back to work, keep working on those leads and prospects. Almost everyone is at home, so why not take the time to follow your leads, stay in touch with prospective clients, and keep researching and learning about the market and demographic around you? It might seem like the time to abandon the leads and connections you were working on right before all of this happened, but keep thinking about the big picture. When we do get back to business, you'll want to be right in front of your prospect's mind. Sticking with them and being supportive during this time can help them depend on and choose you after this. 
  • Keep your clients in mind! Use this time to stay connected with your clients. Don't just use your social media and advertisement platforms to shove sales in their faces. Check in on them, support them, and appreciate them for sticking with you. They're the reason you've made it to where you are today. Also realize that just like you, their needs have drastically changed, as have their financial situations. Are there new ways your company can provide something new and exciting to them now? Can you change your products, make special offers, or even offer a few special free tips and services that they could benefit in the moment? Supporting and nurturing the relationships you have with your clients now can help guarantee their loyalty later down the line when this is all over. 
  • Change up your advertisement! We rely on social media, TV, radio, and print to keep our companies alive. But now, can you think outside the box to connect to your audience in new ways on these channels while we are all at home, missing our normal schedules and interactions? Are there new ways you can deliver your products and services? Can you deliver them right to your client's door? Can you offer a delivery service through popular apps like Postmates or DoorDash? Can you move your products and services online so they can still be accessed by your audience from the safety of their homes? This can keep your company open and running now, help to avoid debt and other financial difficulties in the future, and help keep your clients happy. These changes can help make all of us feel normal and connected to the world around us. 
  • Get stocked up! When this all does turn around, can you imagine how business will flourish? There are so many stores and services that have been marked nonessential or who have to shut down due to the effects of the situation. This could be very scary and devastating now, but it could lead to a boom in business once your doors open again. Your customers are just waiting for their lives to go back to normal, and to get the things they've been missing. Make sure you're going to be prepared for this huge push. Make sure you have a staff ready to help with this boom both online and off to help with this transition and the huge demand coming your way. Also, make sure you have enough product in stock. You want to make up for lost time and to not disappoint your customers. Plus, this will help keep you ahead of the game, ahead of your competition, and help get your finances under control. 
  • Look for that extra money! Make sure you do apply for the small business loans and assistance that is starting to pop up and become more and more prevalent from the federal and local governments. Please reach out to us if you need help doing so, or have questions about how best to do this. Look into Amazon's Neighborhood Small Business Relief Fund, or other locally-based foundations created to help businesses like yours. Use your social media platforms and set up a GoFundMe Small Business Relief Initiative or look into Facebook's Small Business Grants Program. All of these programs are set up to help you now and for the future of your company. There is nothing wrong with taking advantage of these opportunities, that's what they're for! 

We understand your concerns and worries. We hope this list inspires you to keep working and to keep your hopes up. We will get through this and will continue to work hard together. Also don't forget, if you're looking for the best tax accountant in Summerville, the best tax services in Summerville, the best Quickbooks services in Summerville, the best IT services in Summerville, and the best payroll services in Summerville, we are still here for you. Tax season may be over for some and just starting for others, and we will be here for you no matter what! 









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The Reality of Stimulus Check Scams

4/17/2020

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During one of the worst times in recent history, scams should be the last thing we should be worrying about. But, the truth of the matter is that new scams surrounding the stimulus checks and government bailout programs for small businesses are starting to come to life daily, and are more powerful than ever before. 

Almost all of us have been anxiously awaiting the financial relief checks since the approval of the COVID-19 Relief Bill was passed. When will they get here? Who will receive them? How much will you get? On top of all these questions its a sad fact to share that during this terrifying time when we should all be standing together, stronger parties are trying to take advantage of those who have been the most affected by this devastating pandemic. Following in the footsteps of our recent blog about social security scams, we wanted to do a followup blog on the very real reality and the possibility of scams and frauds appearing right now. They could look like the relief checks, the key to getting your check quicker, small business loans, loans to help out larger companies, and even promising the cure for the pandemic all in exchange for your personal information. 

Waking up every day to the news right now is difficult. The unknowns are overwhelming and the lines to get toilet paper are still ridiculous. In this time that has brought so many of us together, it is almost impossible to think that yet another attack could be upon us. While many are still working or now working from home, the hauntingly large numbers of those who are now facing unemployment due to the coronavirus are staggering. This is leaving thousands upon thousands of people without a paycheck, unable to provide for their families or even pay their simple bills. Businesses, even if they are still operating on a very small level or have been forced to close or made the conscious decision to close, are also losing money by the day. When the news came that the stimulus package had been approved and relief checks would soon be on their way, a collective sigh of relief was felt among all of us. New small business loans and other relief options for companies are now in place as well. We all will slowly be getting back on our feet, in very small steps one way or another. But, while we wait for these checks, scammers could be and are now rearing their very ugly heads saying that they have your funds and to receive them you must supply them with very personal and private information. Let us stop you right now, and say that is NOT how the stimulus checks will be handled. 

You, the American citizen, don't have to do anything or file any kind of paperwork or to receive your stimulus check. The economic impact payment will automatically be deposited into your bank account that was connected to your 2018 and 2019 tax returns. Even if you have received your tax returns in the past as a paper check, the IRS will still deposit the funds into the account they have on file for you automatically. They will also calculate the amount you need based on your income over your 2018 and 2019 tax returns and your personal need. You won't have to do any calculations or send in any kind of paperwork. The IRS will not be contacting you in any way. The IRS did just announce that they will be releasing a brand new website that will allow you to see the status of your stimulus check when it will arrive, and it will also allow you to check the bank account or it is headed to. If there is a problem with the bank account number, you will need to change that right away on the IRS website. The IRS is making updates to their website almost daily, so if you have any questions make sure you visit their website. 
  • Who and How Much? 
Now the big question is who will be receiving these stimulus checks and what kind of amount could you be looking forward to? 
  • Individuals who make up to $75,000 and married couples who file together who make a combined $150,000 a year are automatically eligible. 
  • For individuals who make $99,000 a year or more and joint-filing couples who make $198,000 or more are not eligible. 
  • For those individuals who make between $75,000 and $99,000 a year and married joint filers that make between $150,000 and $198,000, will receive $5 less per $100 they make.  
  • Those who receive social security and railroad retirees who do not file a tax return are also able to receive relief funds and will not have to file a return for receiving this money. 
  • Payment can be up to $1200 for each individual and up to $2400 for married couples filing jointly. 
  • Married couples can also earn up to $500 for each child they claim on their taxes. 

  • Scams on the Horizon
With all of that being said, with all of this new information being released by the IRS every day and everyone needing this money, this is when the scams begin. What could a hacker or scammer look like in this situation? 
  • The IRS will NOT contact you over the phone. You will not receive phone calls or text messages from them. If you do, these are scams. Even if they push you to give away your information to receive your payments faster or offer you the cure to the coronavirus (which sadly does not exist yet) do not give way your bank account number, debit card number, PayPal information, or anything of the sort. Do not click on any links you receive in text messages promising the same information. Hackers can get into your phone once you open these links, and get the same information they need to break into your bank accounts, and so on. 
  • The IRS will not be emailing you about your payment or faster ways to receive your money. DO NOT open any links or emails about receiving your checks. These links can give hackers access to your computer and all of your personal information. 
  • The IRS will not be sending you your relief check through the mail. If you receive a "check" in the mail that you have to call to activate or deposit, this is a scam.
  • Please note, it will take some time for the IRS to calculate who is receiving what and when. Please be as patient as possible. 
  • Do not engage with these scammers in any way. Hang up right away and delete any text messages and emails immediately. If you have been contacted by one of these scammers, please alert the FBI at www.ic3.gov right away. 
  • These emails or letters could look like they are from the CDC or the World Health Organization. No funds are coming from there. They are looking for your donations and support. 
  • Watch out when donating to COVID-19 related charities. Always make sure they are legitimate charities. Fake charities do exist out there and are looking to steal your money. 
  • Beware dangerous or fake websites promoting that they have the real truth about COVID-19, real updates, or a cure, and only allow you to access this information if you provide them your banking information or to pay for it. That is also a scam. 

We hate that these scams and schemes are very real right now. Since they are, we wanted to make sure that you are on high alert. All of these warnings also apply to small businesses and companies receiving financial support during this time. Please take comfort in the fact that the Department of Justice is forming a legal and integrative response to deal with these frauds. The US Attorney General's office has also developed a special task force along with appointed COVID-19 fraud coordinators to help deal with this situation. Here in the Lowcountry and throughout the state of South Carolina, our District US Attorney Peter M. McCoy Jr has also stated that his office and the department of justice are making this type of fraud a priority. 

Scary times can become scarier. But, we are here to help all of you through it. Stay alert, stay safe, and stay home. We will get through this Summerville, we know it! 

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The Coronavirus and Your Business

3/16/2020

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There are warnings on how to prepare for the coronavirus in your personal life, for your family, in your home. But what about how to prepare for your company and guiding your employees? How will the virus impact your company and what is the best way to deal with it as a business owner? What is the best way to work with your employees to help them through the current state of affairs?

The coronavirus - or COVID-19 - has been no stranger from any news platform, social media platform, or any conversation you have. With cases hitting the United States at a growing rate, it's common for big-box stores like Sams Club and Costco to start selling out of paper towels, toilet paper, water, and canned goods. We have seen the virus starting to shut down universities, grade schools, nursing homes, and local businesses. It is also starting to impact our imports, changing how people are traveling, and all the while there is a rising fear of what this could mean for our country and as us as individuals. 

Business owners and companies are going to have to deal with new things and issues they've never had before. Managers, human resources, bosses, and project managers will be dealing with anxiety, panic, fear, worry, and doubt from employees. What then? It's time to create a focus of keeping them calm, pushing business to keep operating as normal, and being an understanding leader. All the while you'll need to keep the possibility of shutting down out of necessity, safety, or practicality in the back of your mind. This could mean the loss of income, production, employees, and employee's wages and benefits. Outside the worry of catching the virus, quality of life-based on monetary needs will start weighing on you and your employees. What's going to happen next and what is the best way to handle it? 

Legal, emotional, and practical worries are making their way to the forefront for many managers. The CDC and a handful of other government organizations have released all kinds of material on how to prepare, clean, and deal with daily business operations. Take advantage of these resources, they are there to help and calm you through this unknown period. When it comes to working with your employees and steering your company through this unknown period, there will be many things to consider. Read carefully through this list and see how it can help or continue to help your company. 
  • Employers should offer work from home opportunities to those who have returned from or will be returning from a high-risk area or trip. 
  • They may ask or be allowed to ask for this during the incubation time of the virus until the employee is safe and healthy to be around others. 
  • If an employee cannot work from home, this should be treated as paid leave. These options need to be based on actual facts, and not out of fear or the possibility that something could happen. 
  • Don't interfere with your employees' privacy by demanding them to explain travel plans during this time. Allow them to come forward naturally. Open the conversation and make it a comfortable environment to talk about these possibilities so your employee doesn't feel threaded or bullied by you, their fellow employees, or for wanting to travel during this time. 
  • Be open to listening to your employee's concerns. Always be empathetic and don't get angry with them. Fear is something that is experienced in a different way by everyone. The amount of fear that already exists is palatable. The media can make it worse. Be respectful to how they're feeling, but also take the opportunity to educate them on what is happening and put it into perspective.
  • As an employer make sure you are staying on top of the news, what is happening day to day, and communicate this with your employees. 
  • Follow correct OSHA standards of safety, respect the wishes of the CDC, but do not interfere with your employees by demanding health tests and proof of health. 
  • Be aware that if you travel a lot for business, that you need to make your employees feel safe when you return. Respect travel law and understand the virus could impede travel and business. 
  • Be understanding and aware of your employees that have compromised immune systems and could catch the virus quicker than others. Avoid sending them on work trips unless they have to. 
  • Be flexible in these situations, don't demand doctors' notes if they are showing symptoms of the coronavirus. Be flexible if they need to stay home to care for sick family and children. 
  • Promote cleanliness in the office with a reminder to wash hands frequently, and provide the office with all the correct cleaning supplies you need.


One of the hardest parts of this situation is to separating fear from fact. If your employee is nervous to travel because someone "might" be sick next to them at some point in their travels, this might be fear put on by the media - not because it is an actuality. Also, please be aware that acting differently towards someone in your company, or anywhere, who you feel might be more likely to pass on the virus because of race or where they come from is a nasty form of discrimination and can be grounds for a lawsuit. Overreaction from anyone because of how someone looks and where they come from, will lead to some very sticky issues and situations. We do suggest that before you do make any of these choices to keep your company running smoothly, that you receive counsel from medical professionals, the CDC or proper law advisers. 

Panic and fear can destroy a healthy situation, a strong company, and the employees within it. As a leader of your company, set a good example. Be prepared, but don't be afraid. Stay educated on the topic, follow the CDC procedure, and keep up with the statistics of the situation. The media can quickly take something and blow it out of proportion. In this situation, keep your employees calm, and have a plan for what might be ahead. Respect their wishes, and work together to keep healthy and safe.

If you have any questions, are looking for more guidance, or just need a little bit of comfort follow the links below to learn more. 

https://www.cdc.gov/

​
https://www.who.int/

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The Future of AI in Quickbooks!

1/30/2020

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The world is continually getting smarter by the minute, so it should be no surprise that our beloved Quickbooks will also be reaping the benefits of a smarter life. 

Tax day is getting closer and closer. With that looming, we encourage you to visit our offices and be prepared for April 15th. Electronic submission opened on January 27th, so if you are ready to submit your tax documents electronically do so now. If you need help doing so, please visit us. If you are waiting to send everything manually, you'll have to wait a little bit longer. With the continued growth in technology, the future of tax day and the effort it takes to get there is going to become simpler and easier. Artificial Intelligence has made its way into the interface of Quickbooks, and we are very excited to see what this new development will bring to our clients, their clients, and the future of filing taxes. 

This past November was the 6th annual Quickbooks Connect, an annual conference designed to bring together business owners and professionals to discuss how to run their businesses better. This year the topic was the exciting emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it will help businesses grow in ways we've not seen before. As a huge proportionate of Quickbooks, we are so excited to see the growth and change in their new applications. 

LOOKING FORWARD 
  • When working with us and using Quickbooks online, the new Business Performance Tab will take your financial data and organize it all into an easy and functional dashboard. This will help us see where your small business stands, what it needs, and we will have the tools to compare it to the performance of other small businesses. This new function will also be a huge time saver. 
  • The new optimization center will automatically scan all Quickbooks transactions to record everything from categorization and reconciliation. It will break down bank accounts, expense tracking, and income tracking. This new Quickbooks function will tell you what features can be used to increase efficiency within each of these categories. 
  • Good news for those who don't want to go back in and double-check your work and numbers in your bookkeeping! The latest update will find any mistakes for you and bring them to your attention. You will have the chance to fix them right when they are discovered, saving you time and keeping your books in top-notch condition. This will help business owners stay up to date, and have accurate outcomes every single time. 
  • You will now be able to connect to an online virtual bookkeeper to get the help you need right then and there. You will no longer have to wait for a question to be answered while other issues start to build up and everything gets lost in the shuffle. 
  • These new updates will now help you predict cash flow over 90 days. 
  • It will alert you if any negative issues arise involving this 90-day cash flow and how it will change your spending. 
  • Much More! 

This exciting new application of Quickbooks will have many other incredible tools to help your small business run better than ever before. We are so excited to see this continue to evolve and to see what these new applications will do for our clients! Don't hesitate during this busy tax season to come in and visit us if you have any questions about Quickbooks or your taxes! Until then, enjoy this new update, never let a question go unasked, and get your taxes is on time! 
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