Author:

Rachel Blakely-Gray

As Patriot's Content Manager, Rachel is responsible for planning and creating useful, actionable content for Patriot’s marketing department.

Business owner hanging an "Open" sign on business door.

The Best State to Start a Business [According to Research]

By Rachel Blakely-Gray

Ah, location, location, location. Choosing where to open up shop is one of the first and most important decisions you’ll make when starting a business. But, location isn’t just about picking a building on a popular street corner. It’s also about selecting a state to do business in—the best state to start a business.

Can Employers Change Time Cards?

By Rachel Blakely-Gray

You have your time card management down to a science. Employees fill them out, you approve them, and boom! You send them off to payroll, and your job is done. But what happens when an employee makes a mistake? Can employers change time cards? Or is it illegal for an employer to change time cards?

Mandatory Benefits: What Benefits Do Employers Have to Offer?

By Rachel Blakely-Gray

Employee benefits beef up your compensation package. They can make or break your ability to hire and retain employees. For the most part, you can choose what to offer employees. But, there are several mandatory benefits you can’t afford to ignore.

How to Fill Out Form 1120: A Guide for Corporations

By Rachel Blakely-Gray

According to the Small Business Administration, 81.2% of large employers and 24.8% of small employers are corporations. Structuring your business as a corporation comes with benefits like limited liability and increased access to capital. It also comes with its own unique small business tax return—Form 1120. Do you know how to fill out Form 1120?

IRS Notice 2023-13 and SITCA: What Service Industry Employers Need to Know

By Rachel Blakely-Gray

Have you heard about the Service Industry Tip Compliance Agreement program, otherwise known as SITCA?

SOC Codes and Mandatory Reporting: Does Your State Want Worker Classification Data?

By Rachel Blakely-Gray

“What’s your occupation?” Everybody gets this question—at the doctor’s office, when opening a new bank account, etc. People are curious. They want to know what it is exactly you do for a living. And if you’re an employer, the government wants to know what your employees do, too. To find out, federal and state agencies […]

Leasing a Commercial Space? Here’s What to Know

By Rachel Blakely-Gray

Maybe you started out running your business from your home or garage. Or, maybe you’re getting ready to launch a new business. Whatever the case may be, there might come a time when you need to rent an office, retail space, or warehouse. And if you do, you need to know the ins and outs […]

Man working late during the busy season for accountants.

When Is Busy Season for Accountants, Plus 5 Tips on Surviving

By Rachel Blakely-Gray

Late nights, long hours, and lots of coffee. Sound familiar? If you’re an accounting professional, this may happen to you throughout the year. But, there are a few times in particular when the work days get longer. Cue busy season. So, when is busy season for accountants? And, how can you survive it without burning […]

Woman looking at business receipts for taxes.

Receipts for Taxes and Your Business: What Do You Need to Hang Onto?

By Rachel Blakely-Gray

Tax season might be once a year, but preparing for tax season is a year-round process. To back up your tax deduction claims, you need to keep business receipts. But, what kind of receipts for taxes do you need? And which small business receipts can you pitch?

Arizona Paid Sick Leave: Accrual Rate and Beyond

By Rachel Blakely-Gray

Do you need to give your employees paid sick leave? Several states have laws requiring it—including Arizona. If you’re an Arizona employer, you need to know your sick time responsibilities to stay compliant. So, are you ready to brush up on Arizona paid sick leave?