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Archive for December, 2008

Consider employee versus independent contractor rules carefully before hiring

Posted on Dec 15, 2008 in Personnel No Comments »

A misstep here could be very costly. While it is understandable for business owners to prefer the hire of non-employees, make certain that these individuals meet the basic requirements of such designation. And make certain these contractors complete a Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification, for your protection.

Be timely with your periodic 401k remittance

Posted on Dec 15, 2008 in Personnel No Comments »

Don’t mess around with employee withholdings, especially retirement plan deferrals. These amounts are to be remitted to trust when readily available for transmittal, but under no circumstance can it exceed two weeks from the date originally withheld from wages. Good rule of thumb – transfer retirement plan deferrals the later of wages paid or payroll [...]

Apply strict payroll cutoff

Posted on Dec 15, 2008 in Personnel No Comments »

A buffer is good. But too short and estimates will be required. Make it too long and employee complaints tend to rise. So cut off payroll time periods at least 5 days in advance of actually paying payroll. For example, cut off time through the 10th for payment on the 15th.

Accrued vacation is a current liability

Posted on Dec 15, 2008 in Personnel No Comments »

So choose your desired paid time off (PTO) arrangement carefully. Plans such as “use or lose” will have a zero dollar liability at year-end as long as vacation is prorated for mid-year hires and carryover is not permitted for any circumstance. Otherwise, you must compute your liability and it may be quite shocking.

Tie new equipment purchases to short-term debt

Posted on Dec 15, 2008 in Operational No Comments »

Long-lived assets are just that, acquired to last three or more years. Therefore, it generally makes sound business sense to obtain short-term bank debt financing that mirrors the intended useful life of the asset acquired rather than pay cash or use credit cards. Computer Equipment = 3 years. Office Equipment = 5 years. Furniture = [...]

Tangible asset additions bring about tangible asset disposals

Posted on Dec 15, 2008 in Operational No Comments »

An upgrade in machinery or computer systems usually arises from the obsolescence of previously used equipment. Pay careful attention to your internal fixed asset lists and make certain you still use the equipment listed. Otherwise, you’re likely paying tax or taking a depreciation deduction on assets you no longer use or even possess.

Split out travel from entertainment costs

Posted on Dec 15, 2008 in Operational No Comments »

You get the question every year at tax time – what are your total meal costs? So simply allocate airfare, lodging and vehicle expenses to travel and allocate meals and diversion activities to entertainment. And treat company outings as employee relations.

Payment on individual invoices v. monthly statements

Posted on Dec 15, 2008 in Operational No Comments »

If a vendor mails both individual invoices and monthly statements, then remit payment based on the monthly statement amount. It is easier to track, will create less confusion and likely involve fewer payment misappropriations. And make certain you attach each individual invoice and related purchase orders, if applicable, to the monthly statement and separate payment [...]

No need for multiple bank accounts

Posted on Dec 15, 2008 in Operational No Comments »

In this day of payroll outsourcing and low interest rates, it doesn’t make sense to have more than one operating bank account. You gain greater control and reduce bank errors. And know your cash balance with a single glance accompanied with no math.

Line of Credit financing is a good thing

Posted on Dec 15, 2008 in Operational No Comments »

Dipping into available bank LOC financing is a smart way to meet operational demands as they arise. Smarter then pushing A/P payments to vendors out another week. Smarter then paying management a day or two after other staff. Smarter then hounding long-time routine customers for accelerated remittance. Line of credit financing is an economic and [...]

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