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AS A student nurse more than 25 years ago and after I qualified, I wore my uniform and hat with pride. My black leather shoes were polished three times a [...]

So, you want to drive a new, luxury model automobile, but don't want to -- or don't have the cash -- to own it outright. Leasing might make sense. I [...]

Designate days to pay bills, don't deviate In this day and age of technology, we are going so fast that we try to do at least two things at a [...]

It's summer time and you are busy enjoying the weather, The longer days and the joys of vacationing. Tax planning probably is the last thing from your mind. But now [...]

A statement of cash flow is essential for any small business. Banks may require one in order to approve a loan. Here's the formula for converting an income statement into [...]

What business today could not use a couple more dependable, responsible, diligent and flexible employees who probably do not need benefits? Want to know where to find these fabulous employees [...]

During the last year or so, I have had a few clients get letters from the IRS and one or two get audited for previously filed tax returns. It made [...]

For taxpayers who are not eligible to fund an education IRA for their children because of AGI limitations, keep in mind that someone else can make the contribution on their [...]

A 'Revenue Procedure' now provides guidelines for automatic permission to change depreciation methods when too much or too little was previously claimed. This Rev-Proc also provided for automatic permission for [...]

You can now pay your taxes by credit card beyond just the balance due with the return. You can pay a projected balance of tax due on a request for [...]

Mileage rate back up, IRS accepting credit cards for taxes in advance Recent legislative developments were not nearly as sweeping or interesting as the Revenue Act of 1997, but there [...]

The standard mileage rate is back up to 32.5 cents and you can now claim standard mileage for leased autos. Tricia O'Connor, CPA is owner and president of Total Service [...]

Installment sales are no longer allowed for accrual based activities. Tricia O'Connor, CPA is owner and president of Total Service Accounting, a Denver-based tax and accounting practice for small businesses [...]

Taxpayers with an adjusted gross income above $150,000 must now pay in 108.6 percent of the previous year's tax liability to escape the penalty for owing taxes on April 15, [...]

The allowable deduction for self-employed health insurance deductions was accelerated to 60 percent for 1999 through 2001, 70 percent for 2002 and 100 percent for 2003 and thereafter. Tricia O'Connor, [...]

Certain credits are now allowed to the extent of the full amount of regular tax without regard to the tentative minimum tax. Before, you were only allowed a credit to [...]

It seems as if we will not have many Y2K issues to deal with this January, so it is a good time to prepare yourself for your tax appointment. There [...]

Although less than a month remains in the year, there still are several actions you might want to consider to reduce your tax bill for 1999. The basic rule of [...]

As we approach the end, of the year and head into the next millennium, now is a good time to get some 'chores' done. Here is my list of 'fall [...]

Advises parents in the United States to employ their children in their businesses during the summer for tax saving and for the children's own benefit. Requirements before children's wages can be considered valid business expense; Factors considered in setting wages; Children's standard deduction on parents' tax return; Proof that payments to the children were made for services actually rendered.

Offers advice on tax planning to reduce 2000 tax liability in the United States. Retirement savings; Tax credits and deductions; Investment strategies; Use of gifts.

Presents suggestions on how small businesses can make good use of interns. Statement of the intern's job functions; Tips on finding the best source for interns; Supervision of interns; Interns as a potential source of future employees.

Discusses the importance of preparing for the year 2000 date conversion problem of computer systems (Y2K) for small business enterprises. Predicted impact of Y2K on investments because of the public's paranoia; Other sectors that will most likely be affected by the computer glitch; Comparison of Y2K as a possible winter storm that requires adequate preparation.

Presents advice for a businessman on what to do if his business partner wants to terminate a buy-sell partnership. Formula for determining the worth of the company in the event of an ownership change; Partner's involvement in an accident that either kills him or causes permanent or temporary disability.

Part II. Explains options for business owners to determine the value of their enterprises before a sale. Use of the approximate sale value of similar businesses; Recruitment of professional services to appraise a business' value.

Part I. Describes two accounting approaches for determining the value of a business. Reasons for valuing a business; Use of historical financial performance in income approach; Valuation by asset approach.

Provides accounting information that businesses and individuals in the United States can use in the preparation of tax returns for 1998 and 1999. S corporation status; Actual expense method for determining deductions on leased automobiles; Self-employed insurance; Sale of primary residence; Payment of taxes by credit card; Child tax credit; Defined contribution plans.

Offers tips for small businesses on how to build alliances. Importance of joining and getting involved in a chamber of commerce; Formation of one's own chief executive officer exchange with other business owners; Other ways to get out of the office and exchange ideas.

Offers tips to entrepreneurs and small business owners. Determining a healthy balance between personal and professional life; Reviewing goals; Disability insurance; Retirement funding; Business and liability insurance.

Offers some do's and don'ts to get the most from a luxurious bath that will soothe your mind and wash away pressures. Different fragrances; Avoid very hot water; Always use a mild soap or body bar.

Suggests tips on how to build confidence within yourself and appreciate your strengths and abilities. Learn to use your mirror constructively; Learn to move your body strictly for pleasure; Tune in to body messages and trust them; More.

Gives advice on hair care and correcting problems. The importance of a good haircut; Hair color; Perms.

Focuses on the elements needed to obtain a truly fit body. People who are fit have less distress; Physical component of fitness; Where nutrition fits in; Quiz.

Gives tips on choosing the right cosmetics for your face and expert advice on how to apply them. Foundation; Eye makeup; Lipstick; How to slim a wide nose.

Describes how small businesses can benefit from outsourcing some human resource tasks. Payroll processing; Employee benefits administration; Workers' compensation; Fee structure for outsourcing jobs.

Offers advice for small businesses on making a loan application for their business. Areas of the application checked by the banker; Tips on making a business plan; Type of information that should be contained in the financial section of the report.

Discusses cost-cutting ideas for small business. Advantages of a detailed review of a business' income statement periodically; Importance of evaluating telephone services; Need for insurance products to be reviewed annually.

Presents tips in the selection of professionals for one's business. Need for an attorney with a client base similar as one's business; Criteria for the selection of accountants, insurance agents and investment adviser; Communication among the professionals on the team.

Offers several tips on how to be successful in collecting accounts. Establishment of a payment and collection policy; Maintenance of good records and files; Steps in dealing with clients.

Discusses various options for retirement plans in the United States. 401(K) plans; Simplified Employee Pension; SIMPLE plan.

Discusses how to evaluate the status of a business. Preparation of a set of goals; Organization of files; Time management tips.