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Category Archives: General Business Advice
IRS Increases Business Mileage Rate
By Shelly Toft, CPA, Manager Due to the increase in fuel costs, the IRS has increased the optional standard mileage rates for business, medical or moving expenses. Effective July 1, 2011, the rate for business use of an automobile will … Continue reading
Posted in General Business Advice, Tax, Tax Alerts
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Email Hoaxing – What Is It and How to Avoid It?
We are constantly seeing information about new viruses being distributed all over the internet. I could write a book on all the viruses out there and how to avoid them. However, I would rather talk about email hoaxes and the … Continue reading
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FAQ: What is a Limited Liability Company?
A limited liability company (LLC) is a business entity created under state law. Every state and the District of Columbia have LLC statutes that govern the formation and operation of LLCs. The main advantage of an LLC is that in general its members are not personally liable for the debts of the business. Members of LLCs enjoy similar protections from personal liability for business obligations as shareholders in a corporation or limited partners in a limited partnership. Continue reading
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The Small Employer Health Insurance Premium Credit
Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) enacted in March 2010, small employers may be eligible to claim a tax credit of 35 percent of qualified health insurance premium costs paid by a taxable employer (25 percent for tax-exempt employers). The credit is designed to encourage small employers to offer health-insurance to their employees. Continue reading
Wireless Security – How to Protect Your Network
Isn’t wireless technology the greatest? I think I have a total of 10 wireless devices attached to my wireless network at home. I use my notebook to browse the web, I use my phone to send emails and texts, my son’s Xbox, I even print to a wireless printer. I wonder if The Whitlock Co knows I use my notebook on this network (Oops!)? Actually, we have followed the guidelines listed below to ensure The Whitlock Company’s risk is reduced to none.
How many businesses have notebook computers or other wireless devices that wonder into the wireless world without so much as even a guideline for them to follow? Whether it is an employee using their notebook on their unsecured wireless network at home, using it at a public hotspot like Panera Bread or using it at a hotel when they are on the road. All of these locations are security risks. Continue reading
Preparation Through Disaster
I am looking out the window at the enormous amounts of snow falling. Am I thinking how beautiful the snow looks? No. Am I thinking about making a snow man later? No. Actually, because I am an information security nerd, … Continue reading
FAQ: Who is Eligible for the Small Business Stock Exclusion?
Included among the many important individual and business incentives extended and enhanced by the massive tax bill passed in late December is a 100-percent exclusion of gain from the sale of qualified small business stock. Under the Tax Relief, Unemployment Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010 (2010 Tax Relief Act) individuals and other noncorporate taxpayers should not overlook the benefit of investing in qualified small business stock considering the ability for qualifying taxpayers to exclude 100-percent of gain from the sale or exchange of the stock. Continue reading
Posted in General Business Advice, Tax
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Is Adobe or Java Software Making Your Business Vulnerable to Hackers?
We have performed vulnerability exams for banks for the past 11 years. What are vulnerability exams? I’m glad you asked that question. Basically we use special software to scan all nodes (computers, firewalls, servers, printers, ect.) for vulnerabilities on a network. An example of an especially high risk vulnerability might include a patch not being installed on a computer, passwords less than 8 characters or default administrator usernames still being used. Continue reading
Introducing a new service: the Health Care Reform Tax Plan
Health Care Reform will affect your business. Our Health Care Reform Tax Plan ensures that you are not caught off guard by complicated new regulations, and that you are able to take advantage of available incentives. Continue reading
Posted in General Business Advice, Tax, Tax Planning
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What I Learned at DEF CON and How it Can Help Your Business
Our IT Security Specialist Chris Griesemer once again attended the 2010 DEF CON Conference in Las Vegas, and returned (as usual) highly impressed and with a few ideas to strengthen your business’ security.
“Take the time to thoroughly examine the security of your business, or hire a firm to do it for you. You can never assume your business is safe from outside threats.” Continue reading
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