Author:

Rachel Blakely-Gray

Rachel Blakely-Gray has spent more than a decade writing about payroll, payroll taxes, and accounting for small business owners at Patriot Software. As Content Manager, she covers everything from multi-state payroll tax filing to 1099 reporting requirements, translating IRS and state regulations into plain English.

graphics of a group of 5 co-workers with clocks above them representing shortened work hours

What Is Worksharing, the Layoff “Alternative?”

June 8, 2020

If your business has been devastated by the impact of the coronavirus, you might be interested in new ways to cut back expenses. Instead of laying off or furloughing employees as a way to decrease costs, you might benefit from a work share program. What is worksharing?

man using calculator and learning how to record accrued interest

How to Record Accrued Interest in Your Books

May 28, 2020

If you’ve taken out a business loan or line of credit, you’re aware that interest accrues on the borrowed amount. But, do you know how to record accrued interest in your books?

a man and woman stand in an elevator while the woman gives her entrepreneur elevator pitch

Rising to the Occasion: How to Master Your Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch

May 19, 2020

Quick: Tell me what your business does in under a minute and a half. Can you do it? Probably not, for one of two reasons. First, we can’t hear you. And second, you may not have nailed down your entrepreneur elevator pitch yet.

man in blue button down holds pen and works with simple journal entries and charts

Getting Started With Simple Journal Entries

April 30, 2020

Let’s face it: accounting is confusing. There are so many rules to follow and calculations to do. But, it’s one of those things you have to do for the sake of your business. So instead of diving straight into the complicated stuff, start slowly with simple journal entries.

403(b) Retirement Plan: Option for Nonprofits

April 6, 2020

Offering employees the opportunity to contribute to a retirement plan is a benefit many for-profit businesses provide. But, what about nonprofits? If you run a nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status, you can offer your employees a 403(b) retirement plan.

blue background with paper figurines holding hands

B Corp Certification: Your Complete Q&A

March 31, 2020

Many businesses may want to help build a better economy, society, and environment, but some make it a priority. If you own a business that prioritizes the common good, consider applying for B Corp certification.

What Are the States With Ban-the-box Laws (and What Does That Mean)?

March 23, 2020

No business owner wants to deal with penalties, fines, and lawsuits due to the hiring process. To protect your business from sticky legal situations, you need to know state laws, like ban-the-box. What are the states with ban-the-box laws?

Woman on the phone and using a computer.

What Is a Certificate of Good Standing?

March 19, 2020

Is your business in good standing with your state? Unless you have a certificate of good standing, you might not know the answer. And now, you might be wondering what is a certificate of good standing.

How to Draft Your Business’s Overtime Policy

March 16, 2020

Do you have nonexempt employees in your business? If so, you need an overtime policy to set some ground rules. Your employee overtime policy should address things like limits and who can work overtime.

What Is Form 1065?

February 25, 2020

Is your business structured as a partnership or multi-member LLC? If so, you must file Form 1065 annually. Read on to learn what is Form 1065 and what kind of information you need to fill it out. And, find out how to file the tax form, including where to send it and when it’s due.