What California’s New Labor Law Means for Small Businesses That Work With Contractors
Starting January 1, AB5 will make it harder for businesses to classify workers as independent contractors. Here's how to prep.
Talk Shop
Advice and information for small businesses and their talented teams.
Trending topics
Q: What Is the Small Group Special Enrollment Period?
The small group Special Enrollment Period is a once-a-year window when it’s easier for small businesses to offer group health insurance to employees.
Q: What’s an Individual Coverage HRA (ICHRA)?
By offering an ICHRA, you can reimburse your employees tax-free for health insurance bought on the individual market—letting you provide benefits without offering a group health plan.
Q: Can I Ask a Job Candidate About Their Criminal History?
If your business is located in a "ban-the-box" state, then probably not. Use this map to find your state's ban-the-box status.
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Starting a Business
Q: What’s a Multi-Member LLC?
A multi-member LLC is a limited liability company with two or more members. Married couples, family businesses, and businesses with multiple owners often form this unique type of LLC.
Q: What’s a C Corp?
Startups typically form C corps, along with other companies that need to raise capital, plan to go public, or eventually get sold. Learn more about the pros and cons of this unique business structure.
Q: What Are the 4 Types of Business Partnerships?
Why would you form an LLC partnership over, say, a limited partnership? Let’s dive into how these four business structures work and the pros and cons of each.
Q: What’s a Disregarded Entity?
When you form a single-member LLC, you default to being a disregarded entity. Here's what that means.
Q: What’s a Certificate of Good Standing? And How Do I Get One?
Find out what good standing means, whether you need it, and how to get a certificate from your state.
Hiring and Growth
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Q: Can I Ask a Job Candidate About Their Criminal History?
If your business is located in a "ban-the-box" state, then probably not. Use this map to find your state's ban-the-box status.
Finances and Taxes
Q: How Do I Use the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)?
The EFTPS is the fastest way for business owners to pay federal taxes. Learn how to enroll with this overview.
Q: How Exactly Do I Claim the Home Office Deduction?
Do you use your home for business purposes? If so, you may be able to write off some of your home-related expenses.
Q: What’s the Minimum Wage in My City and State?
If your city or state minimum wage is higher than the federal minimum wage, you’ll need to pay your qualified workers the highest amount.
Q: What’s the Difference Between Net Pay and Gross Pay?
When it comes to employee paychecks, there are two important terms to understand: net pay and gross pay.
Q: How Do I Fill Out a Schedule K-1?
If your business is a pass-through entity, you'll have to fill out a Schedule K-1. Here are step-by-step instructions to help you out.
Q: What’s a Balance Sheet? [Free Template]
A balance sheet is a report that gives you a snapshot of the financial health of your business. Unlike a...
Q: What Taxes Do I Pay If I’m Self-Employed?
If you’re self-employed and earned $400 or more over the tax year, there are usually two federal taxes you’ll need to pay: self-employment tax and income tax.
Team Management
Q: What PTO Do I Have to Pay Out When an Employee Leaves?
When an employee leaves, it's important to know the paid time off laws that say whether or not you need to pay out accrued PTO.
Q: What’s an Individual Coverage HRA (ICHRA)?
By offering an ICHRA, you can reimburse your employees tax-free for health insurance bought on the individual market—letting you provide benefits without offering a group health plan.
Q: What’s OregonSaves?
The state of Oregon launched OregonSaves in July 2017, providing a simple way to help employees at small businesses save for retirement.
Q: What’s Workers’ Comp and How Does It Work?
Workers’ comp is a type of small business insurance that covers employees in case they get hurt at work. Here are the most common questions business owners have about workers’ comp.
Q: What’s CalSavers?
CalSavers is a new program, launched on July 1, 2019, that’s designed to help employees at California businesses save for retirement.
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