When Losses Are a Good Thing
No business owner wants to lose money. But if this happens, there can be a silver lining—a tax break that enables the owner to recoup taxes paid in prior years. This is called a net operating loss (NOL) carryback, and Congress just made things better for owners with losses. Under the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 (

Estate Tax Changes Afoot
A bipartisan estate tax bill called the Estate Tax Relief Act (H.R. 3905) has been introduced in the House. Instead of there being no federal estate tax for those dying in 2010 and having the pre-2002 rules apply after 2010 (with a top rate of 55% and an exemption amount of $1 million), the new law would retain the

Maximizing Your Retirement Plan Options
If you want to save for retirement on a tax-advantaged basis, you can use a qualified retirement plan. Contributions you make on your behalf and for employees usually are tax deductible. Earnings grow tax-deferred and are not taxed until withdrawals are made.  There is still time to select a retirement plan for 2009, a move that makes sense if you’ll be profitable this year. Or you can get ready for 2010. Here are some choices to c

New FTC Rules for Bloggers
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued final rules for bloggers who endorse products or services. Starting December 1, any compensation (including gifts, free samples, or anything else received for free) must be disclosed. Fines up to $11,000 can be imposed for nondisclosure. The new rules apply not only to commercial

Negotiating for Retail Space
The Wall Street Journal reports that vacancies in retail space in the U.S. now top 10.3% (up from 8.4% a year ago). What does this mean to small businesses looking for space or those already in malls and shopping centers with leases coming up for renewal? It’s a renter’s market.