Author:

Rachel Blakely-Gray

As Patriot's Content Manager, Rachel creates engaging and informative content aimed to help business owners understand complex accounting and payroll topics.

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?

Woman curled up on couch with blanket, using Arizona paid sick leave.

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?

What to Do When Your Business Runs Out of Money: Effective Strategies

By Rachel Blakely-Gray

Cash flow problems happen—often. It’s why 82% of small businesses fail. But if you have issues with your cash flow, you’re not doomed to close up shop. Instead, it’s like coming to a fork in the road. Turn right to power through, or turn left to call it quits. To get out of the red, […]

Not Another How-to! Client Communication Tips You Haven’t Heard a Million Times

By Rachel Blakely-Gray

You want to build a relationship with each and every one of your accounting clients. To do that, you need strong client communication. But when you’re juggling dozens or even hundreds of clients, effective communication is easier said than done.

Business owner researching tax planning strategies.

Tax Planning Strategies to Get Tax Time Ready

By Rachel Blakely-Gray

Tax season sneaks up fast. For many business owners (and individual tax filers!), it’s an overwhelming whirlwind. At the end of it, you may vow to prepare better for next year. And then … whoops! It’s next year already. Kick procrastination and stress to the curb with these tried-and-true tax planning strategies.

State W-2 Filing Deadlines [+ Chart]

By Rachel Blakely-Gray

If you’ve had employees for a while, you know the drill. Every year, you must prepare and send Forms W-2 to the proper parties, which typically includes the state. For on-time reporting, you need to know your state W-2 filing deadlines.

IRS Audit Triggers—and How to Avoid Them

By Rachel Blakely-Gray

You have a lot to deal with to keep your company operating. One thing you don’t want to have to handle? An IRS audit. While some audits happen randomly, others trigger from red flags in your records. What are these IRS audit triggers, you ask?

Business owner working at night, holding a check.

How Many Hours Do Business Owners Work? According to Studies, It’s a Lot

By Rachel Blakely-Gray

Thinking about starting a business but worried about how busy you’ll be? Or, have you already started a business and are wondering how many hours you should be clocking in? Either way, knowing how much other business owners work may be helpful. So, how many hours do business owners work?