Quarterly Self-Employment Tax: What to Expect
Net profit is subject to 15.3 percent self-employment tax, though some of that burden may be offset. Learn what you owe, when payments are due, and how to avoid overpaying.
Plain finance guidance for small business
Quarterly taxes, retirement, and cash flow guidance for small business owners. No jargon.
Articles
Advisory updates
A Practical Q3 Estimated Tax Payment Plan
September 15 is the Q3 deadline. Compare the annualized income method with the prior-year safe harbor to see which approach saves more this quarter.
Choosing Between a SEP IRA and Solo 401(k)
Both plans allow higher savings than a standard IRA. Your best choice depends on entity type, income, and whether your business has employees.
Your Year-End Cash Reserve Target
A reserve does more than cover emergencies. It helps fund your Q4 tax payment without straining operations, and this guide shows how to set the right target.
Understanding the Section 199A Deduction
The 20 percent qualified business income deduction can be a major tax break for sole proprietors and S-corps. Learn who qualifies and how the deduction is calculated.
Year-One Bookkeeping Errors to Avoid
Mixing personal and business costs, overlooking accounts receivable aging, and missing quarterly estimates are three common problems. See how to correct each one.
Picking a Cash or Accrual Accounting Method
Cash basis suits many small businesses. Accrual offers more clarity but adds complexity. Compare the benefits with the cost of switching.
Reading Your P and L
A P and L shows more than whether the business made money. Learn how gross margin, operating expenses, and net income differ and what each line reveals.
Before December 31: Year-End Tax Checklist
Review deduction timing, fund retirement accounts before the deadline, and consider deferring income into January. Use this checklist to guide the final weeks of the year.
Your 2026 Small-Business Tax Calendar
Keep four estimated deadlines, extension dates, and year-end filing cutoffs together. Bookmark this calendar before January.
Setting Owner Pay: Salary, Draws, and Taxes
Compare owner draws with W-2 salary, review the S-corp reasonable compensation requirement, and see how pay affects quarterly taxes and retirement limits.
Why Profit Does Not Always Mean Cash
Net income and bank cash measure different things. Invoice timing, prepaid expenses, and tax reserves can create shortfalls even when business is strong.
Build Your Business Bookkeeping System
Start with an accounting method, a dedicated business account, and connected software. This guide walks through the setup steps many founders overlook.