Affordable Bookkeeping and Payroll
Menu

The AB&P journal

Useful answers for the decisions owners make every week.

Clear guidance on the financial, payroll, and people questions that tend to become urgent when no one explains them early.

Sales tax complexity across the United States showing nexus connections, tax jurisdictions, and multistate sales tax compliance challenges for businesses.

Sales tax · 4 min read ·

Why Sales Tax Is a Bigger Risk for Small Businesses

Have you noticed the sales tax complexity in recent years? A few years ago, most small business owners only worried about collecting sales tax in their home state. Today, that's no longer enough. Sales tax has become…

Read article

Hiring an Employee? Don’t Overlook This One Critical Form

Business · 4 min read ·

Hiring an Employee? Don’t Overlook This One Critical Form

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes Table of contents What Form W-4 Actually Does When an Employee Claims “Exempt” Understanding IRS Lock-In Letters Why This Matters for Your Business Final Thoughts You can do everythin…

Read article

Cybersecurity for Entrepreneurs: How to Protect Your Business in a Remote Work World

Software · 4 min read ·

Cybersecurity for Entrepreneurs: How to Protect Your Business in a Remote Work World

Estimated reading time: 1 minute Table of contents Why Cybersecurity Matters More Than Ever Simple, Effective Ways to Protect Your Business 1. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) 2. Only Use Secure Websites (HTTPS) 3.…

Read article

Can You Hold a Final Paycheck Until Company Equipment Is Returned? What Employers Need to Know

Business · 4 min read ·

Can You Hold a Final Paycheck Until Company Equipment Is Returned? What Employers Need to Know

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes When an employee leaves a company, the separation does not always go smoothly. Sometimes, company property such as laptops, keys, tools, or uniforms is still in the employee’s possess…

Read article

The ABC Test: Is Your Worker Really an Employee?

Business · 4 min read ·

The ABC Test: Is Your Worker Really an Employee?

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes Table of contents Why Worker Classification Matters What Is the ABC Test? Part A: Freedom From Control Part B: Work Outside the Usual Course of Business Part C: Independent Business O…

Read article

How to Build a Smart 2026 Business Budget Without Overcomplicating It

Video · 3 min read ·

How to Build a Smart 2026 Business Budget Without Overcomplicating It

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes Running your business without a clear budget is like driving with your eyes closed. You might keep moving, but you have no idea what’s coming next. And in 2026, guessing is not a stra…

Read article

How to Conduct Employee Reviews the Right Way for Stronger Performance, Clear Documentation, and a Healthier Workplace

Business · 4 min read ·

How to Conduct Employee Reviews the Right Way for Stronger Performance, Clear Documentation, and a Healthier Workplace

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes Table of contents What Is an Employee Review? Why Employee Reviews Are Essential 1. They Create Accountability 2. They Establish a Feedback Loop 3. They Support Fair Decision-Making 4…

Read article

How Small Business Owners Can Turn 2026 Uncertainty Into Real Growth

Video · 3 min read ·

How Small Business Owners Can Turn 2026 Uncertainty Into Real Growth

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes If you are a small business owner, you may still be feeling the weight of everything that carried over from 2025. Rising costs, shifting trade policies, labor challenges, and ongoing…

Read article

Are You Required to Allow Remote Work for Employees with Disabled Family Members? What Business Owners Need to Know

Business · 3 min read ·

Are You Required to Allow Remote Work for Employees with Disabled Family Members? What Business Owners Need to Know

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes Table of contents Start with the Legal Framework What About Discrimination Concerns? Leave May Be an Option Do Not Overlook State Laws The Business Decision Beyond Compliance Final Ta…

Read article

Hiring an Employee? Don’t Overlook This One Form

Taxes · 4 min read ·

Hiring an Employee? Don’t Overlook This One Form

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes You can do everything right when hiring a new employee, offer a competitive wage, create a great onboarding experience, set clear expectations… and still make a costly mistake before…

Read article

Business · 4 min read ·

Who Should Have Access to Employee Records? Legal Rules, Privacy, and Best Practices for Employers

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes Table of contents What Are “Employee Records”? The “Need-to-Know” Principle Legal Frameworks You Must Consider Employee Access Rights Five Best Practices to Reduce Risk External Acces…

Read article

What Taxpayers Can Do to Get Ready for the Tax Filing Season

Taxes · 2 min read ·

What Taxpayers Can Do to Get Ready for the Tax Filing Season

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes The IRS encourages you to “Get Ready” and start preparing now. Taking a few steps today can save time and help you ensure you’re filing accurate returns in the coming months. The annu…

Read article

Ready when you are

Ready for the books to feel lighter?

Start with a simple conversation. We’ll learn what you need and decide together whether we’re the right fit.

Start a conversation