Bookkeeping, payroll and tax, explained plainly
Practical guides for small business owners in Texas and beyond, from an accountant with 38 years of practice.
· 5 min read
How to Set Up an Accounting System for a Small Business, Step by Step
A practical guide to setting up a small business accounting system that is simple, scalable and ready for tax filing from day one: banking, software, chart of accounts, inventory, a bookkeeping routine, reports and KPIs.
Read the article· 4 min read
Biweekly vs Semi-Monthly Payroll: Which Should Your Business Use?
Biweekly pay means 26 paychecks a year; semi-monthly means 24. Here's how they differ, how each affects overtime, benefits and cash flow, what Texas law requires, and how to choose.
Read the article· 3 min read
Behind on Your Books? How Catch-Up Bookkeeping Works, Step by Step
Months behind on bookkeeping? Here's how catch-up bookkeeping works, what records you'll need, how long it takes, and how to keep your books current afterwards.
Read the article· 4 min read
How Much Does Bookkeeping Cost for a Small Business in 2026?
What small businesses typically pay for bookkeeping in 2026, from monthly packages and hourly bookkeepers to hiring in-house, what drives the price up or down, and how to get an accurate quote.
Read the article· 4 min read
How to File 1099s in QuickBooks Online (and the New $2,000 Threshold)
A step-by-step guide to preparing and e-filing 1099-NEC forms in QuickBooks Online, who needs a 1099, the new $2,000 threshold for 2026 payments, the January 31 deadline, and common mistakes to avoid.
Read the article· 4 min read
Should You Outsource Your Bookkeeping? Pros, Cons and When It Makes Sense
Doing your own books, hiring in-house, or outsourcing to a remote bookkeeper? The pros and cons of outsourced bookkeeping, signs it's time, what to expect, and how to choose the right bookkeeper.
Read the article· 4 min read
Texas Franchise Tax: Who Has to File, What You Owe, and When It's Due
A plain-English guide to the Texas franchise tax for small business owners: who must file, the $2.65 million no-tax-due threshold, the reports everyone still has to send, and the May 15 deadline.
Read the article· 3 min read
Texas Sales Tax for Small Businesses: Permits, Rates and Filing Deadlines
What every small business selling in Texas needs to know about sales tax: when you need a permit, how the 6.25% state rate and local rates add up, filing frequency, deadlines, discounts and penalties.
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