As the IRS sharpens its strategies in 2025, understanding audit priorities is more important than ever for business owners. Here’s what to know and how J&S Accounting can help keep you audit-ready.

For many small business owners, the business itself is not just a source of income, it’s the centerpiece of a lifetime of work. But as retirement approaches, it’s important to shift focus from building the business to planning how it will support your next chapter. Whether you plan to sell, pass the company down to family, or simply step away, having a strong financial plan ensures a smooth transition and a secure retirement.

As sustainability becomes a priority across industries, small businesses are increasingly embracing green initiatives, not only to reduce their environmental impact but also to benefit financially. From energy-efficient upgrades to waste reduction programs, investing in sustainability can improve your company’s reputation, lower operating costs, and unlock valuable tax credits and grants.

As we move into the second half of the year, Q3 is the perfect time to get proactive about tax planning. Waiting until December to think about deductions or strategy leaves little to no room for adjustment. The good news is that there is still plenty you can do now to reduce your 2025 tax bill and put your business in a stronger financial position before year-end. At J&S Accounting, we believe smart tax planning starts with small, intentional steps. Here are a few strategies you can implement this quarter to stay ahead.

Interest rates have remained elevated throughout 2025, and for small business owners, this shift is creating a ripple effect across everything from borrowing costs to daily cash flow. Whether you're planning a new investment or just trying to stay on budget, the current rate environment requires a new level of financial awareness. When you can only deduct interest and not the principal on a loan, it can significantly impact your cash flow while your financial statements still show a taxable bottom line.

As we move through Q3, it’s a good time to check in on recent payroll compliance developments that could affect your business. From new federal legislation to upcoming state-specific tax changes, staying informed is crucial for maintaining accurate payroll and avoiding costly errors.

The accounting world was rocked on July 1st when Intuit announced a game-changing update: the rollout of AI accounting agents embedded into its platform. In their words: “The new AI agents, embedded in the Intuit platform, create a more powerful QuickBooks that provides businesses with a virtual team working on their behalf... completing workflows across customer relationship management, financial analysis, payments, accounting, and more, saving businesses up to 12 hours a month.” At first glance, this might feel like another step toward AI replacing traditional accounting roles. But here’s the part that most people missed: “These agents will automate workflows and when combined with human experts will deliver real-time insights and improve cash flow for businesses.” That’s the key: combined with human experts.

At J&S Accounting, we work with small business owners every day who are deeply dedicated to their work. They invest long hours, take financial risks, and often wear multiple hats to keep their business moving forward. One thing many of these hardworking entrepreneurs forget? Paying themselves.

In today’s digital-first world, small businesses face increasing cyber threats, especially when it comes to financial data. From phishing scams to ransomware attacks, cybercriminals are targeting companies of every size, and the economic consequences can be devastating. For small business owners, protecting financial information isn’t just smart, it’s essential for long-term survival.

It's August, which means summer is wrapping up, vacations are nearly over, and for most parents, it's also back to school. For many businesses, this is still the summer slowdown. It can be the perfect time to dive into the areas of your business that often get pushed aside, starting with your books.

In the fast-paced world of business, data is more than just numbers; it’s insight, strategy, and opportunity. That’s where Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) come in. KPIs are measurable values that show how effectively your company is achieving its most important business objectives. Whether you're managing a startup or scaling an established company, tracking KPIs can be the difference between guessing and growing.

What Small Business Owners Need to Know About PCI Compliance Protecting Your Business When Accepting Credit & Debit Cards