One of the most common bookkeeping mistakes business owners make is mixing business and personal finances. Addressing this issue before year-end can simplify tax preparation, improve the accuracy of your financial records, and help reduce the risk of IRS questions.
Could Bad Debts Lower Your 2026 Taxes?
When customers or others don’t pay what they owe your business, you may be able to claim a bad debt deduction to help offset the financial loss. But it isn’t automatic. Businesses must satisfy specific federal tax rules and maintain adequate records to support the deduction.
Could Accessibility Upgrades Lower Your Tax Bill?
Improving accessibility at your business may come with a valuable tax break: Eligible small businesses can claim the Disabled Access Credit for certain costs related to improving accessibility for individuals with disabilities. A business may qualify if, in the prior tax year, it had gross receipts of $1 million or less or no more than 30 full-time employees.
5 Tax-Smart Investment Moves Before Year-End
As the end of 2026 approaches, look beyond investment performance and consider how taxes may affect your overall returns. Although tax considerations generally shouldn’t drive investment decisions, a year-end portfolio review may identify opportunities to reduce your taxes. Here are four to consider.
When LTC Premiums Provide a Tax Break
Are long-term care (LTC) insurance premiums tax-deductible? It depends. Qualified LTC policies are considered health insurance under federal income tax rules. So if you buy a policy, your premiums are treated as medical expenses for itemized deduction purposes.
Make the Most of Your HSA Tax Benefits
If you’re eligible to contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA), consider taking a closer look at your contribution strategy. You may be able to reduce your 2026 taxes while strengthening your long-term financial security. Although many people use HSAs to pay current medical expenses, they can also help fund retirement.
Let’s Trade! Business Bartering Is Still Taxable
Trading items or services — without exchanging cash — has long been common among small businesses. Today, some use online barter exchanges to facilitate trades. In addition to preserving cash flow, these types of transactions may expand your purchasing power, help you move overstocked inventory, and increase your business’s exposure to new markets. But bartering isn’t tax-free. For tax purposes, bartering is treated the same as being paid in cash.
Tax-Free Fringe Benefits for Employees: 2027 Guide
To attract and retain skilled workers, your small business needs to offer more than competitive pay. Your benefits package matters, too — and benefits with favorable tax treatment can be even more valuable to prospective and existing employees. Open enrollment is right around the corner for many businesses. As you review your benefits package for 2027, here are some benefits worth considering.
Small Business Tax Planning: Maximize Your Credits and Deductions
Keeping more of your hard-earned revenue isn’t just about making sales; it’s about strategic, year-round tax planning. For small business owners, understanding how tax credits and tax deductions work together can mean the difference between paying a steep year-end tax bill and pocketing substantial savings.
September 2026 Tax Due Dates
September 15 Individuals: Pay the third installment of 2026 estimated tax if your withholding is not expected to cover enough of your tax. Calendar-year corporations: Pay the third installment of 2026 estimated income tax. Corporate deposits generally must be made …