"The Balanced Pages" by J&S Accounting is a valuable blog for small business owners. It offers expert financial advice, tax updates, unbiased perspectives on business tools, and insights into entrepreneurial trends. The blog also features success stories, occasional case studies, and will soon provide a platform for community interaction, making it a comprehensive and useful resource for small business owners.
While accounting may deal with numbers, writing is the language that brings those numbers to life, telling the story of a business's financial health.

We’re now 29 days into the government shutdown, and many business owners, especially those in the small business and nonprofit sectors, are starting to feel the effects. When federal systems pause, the impact extends far beyond Washington, D.C. It touches real organizations, real budgets, and real people trying to keep things running.

The end of the year always sneaks up faster than we think. Between holiday sales, family commitments, and wrapping up projects, many small business owners push tax prep to the back burner until January. But waiting until the last minute can cost you, not only in stress, but also in missed opportunities for deductions and savings.

Most parents don’t realize that they can start helping their child build credit long before they ever apply for their first card. By adding your child as an authorized user on your credit card, you can give them a head start in building a strong financial foundation.

As we approach year-end, business owners everywhere are preparing for one of the busiest times of the year: holiday sales, tax planning, and wrapping up the books. But there’s one area that often gets overlooked until it becomes a headache: payroll. Suppose your current payroll system leaves you frustrated with clunky processes, limited reporting, or extra time spent fixing mistakes. In that case, Q4 might be the perfect time to prepare for making the switch.

Autumn isn’t just about pumpkins, football, and cozy sweaters; it’s also crunch time for business owners. With the end of the year fast approaching, Q4 is your last chance to tighten up your books, maximize tax opportunities, and position your business for a strong start in 2026.

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.

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

As Quarter 2 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time for small business owners to hit pause, reflect, and prepare for what’s ahead. A thoughtful Q2 wrap-up helps you celebrate wins, identify areas for improvement, and close the year strong. At J&S Accounting, we specialize in helping small businesses stay financially focused throughout the year.





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Disclaimer:This content is for information purposes only and should not be considered legal, accounting, or tax advice, or a substitute for obtaining such advice specific to your business from a professional accountant. Additional information and exceptions may apply. Applicable laws may vary by state or locality. No assurance is given that the information is comprehensive in its coverage or that it is suitable in dealing with a customer’s particular situation. J&S Accounting does not have any responsibility for updating or revising any information presented herein. Accordingly, the information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for independent research. J&S Accounting does not warrant that the material contained herein will continue to be accurate, nor that it is completely free of errors when published. Readers and viewers should verify statements before relying on them.



This content is for information purposes only and should not be considered legal, accounting, or tax advice, or a substitute for obtaining such advice specific to your business from a professional accountant. Additional information and exceptions may apply. Applicable laws may vary by state or locality. No assurance is given that the information is comprehensive in its coverage or that it is suitable in dealing with a customer’s particular situation. J&S Accounting does not have any responsibility for updating or revising any information presented herein. Accordingly, the information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for independent research. J&S Accounting does not warrant that the material contained herein will continue to be accurate, nor that it is completely free of errors when published. Readers and viewers should verify statements before relying on them.