http://dhbivona.com/blog News, information and tips geared to business owners and entrepreneurs. Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:42:13 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en The recent economic downturn has many businesses focused on not just making a profit, but simply surviving.  Although ways to maintain or even increase revenues are a priority, finding the means to reduce or eliminate unnecessary expenses are also high on a manager’s list.  A common cost-cutting measure being taken ... http://dhbivona.com/blog/2009/06/03/outsourcing-it-keeps-business-profitable/ The home office deduction is one of those deductions that can potentially get you in to a lot of trouble if not handled correctly.  Therefore, the best place to start is by making sure your home office fits the definition of a home office per the IRS.  You can claim ... http://dhbivona.com/blog/2009/03/10/the-home-office-deduction/ It’s that time of the year again.  The time where we scramble to put our financial records in order, stock up on the Excedrin and say a special prayer to the tax gods to be kind to us.  Given its that special time of year, it may be a good ... http://dhbivona.com/blog/2009/03/07/don%e2%80%99t-do-it/ Access to a steady cash flow is a must for any business.  Without an adequate supply of capital, a business cannot pay its employees or conduct the basic tenants of business.  With so many banks either yanking or severely restricting the credit lines of businesses across the country, the issue ... http://dhbivona.com/blog/2008/12/22/establishing-a-business-life-line/ Cutting back during these difficult times has become a must for consumers and businesses alike.  Every expense is scrutinized and debated.  Small businesses are also asking themselves hard questions and cutting back on all expenses, hoping to become a lean operating machine able to survive this frigid economic winter. This is ... http://dhbivona.com/blog/2008/12/20/where-not-to-cut/ Just as the downturn in the economy is impacting the lives of the majority of private individuals in this country, so is it squeezing small businesses. Most small business owners can tell you they are no stranger to belt tightening and budget cuts.  Many prefering to take that avenue before ... http://dhbivona.com/blog/2008/09/18/raising-prices/ Typically during an economic downturn, many small business owners begin to look for ways to cut expenses.  One type of expense that is often cut is advertising.  However, that may not be the right thing to do.  If anything, it is the one budget you might want to keep in ... http://dhbivona.com/blog/2008/09/16/should-you-advertise-more/ If you are a small business owner and are entertaining the idea of setting up a retirement plan for your employees, then take note of two important upcoming dates:  Oct. 1 and 15th. Oct. 1st is the deadline by which a business must set up a Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE).  ... http://dhbivona.com/blog/2008/09/13/retirement-on-deadline/ Many small businesses are set up as corporations and will often encounter the issue of stock while drafting the articles of incorporation.  For some, figuring out how to structure your stock may be a little confusing.  Below are a few main points you should keep in mind: The two primary types ... http://dhbivona.com/blog/2008/06/23/issuing-stock-for-your-small-business-corp/ On Friday, it was announced that the SEC has agreed to give small businesses a one year extension in order to company with the Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404(b) auditor attestation requirements.  The extension will hopefully allow more time for businesses to find ways to deal with the higher costs of complying ... http://dhbivona.com/blog/2008/06/21/given-more-time/