The beginning of the year is the perfect time for small business owners to get organized, review finances, and plan ahead. Taking a few proactive steps now can save headaches later and help set your business up for success in 2026. 1. Organize Your Financial Records Start by gathering your 2025 financial documents, including: 2. […]
3 Things Every Small Business Owner Should Do at the Start of the Year Read More »
Starting January 1, 2026, a new 1% federal excise tax will apply to certain international money transfers sent from the U.S. This development may affect individuals and businesses who frequently send funds abroad, especially through cash or money order payments. Who Is Affected? How It Works Why It Matters Even at just 1%, this tax adds a small
1% U.S. Tax on International Money Transfers – Effective January 1st, 2026 Read More »
Whether you’re an employed individual, business owner, or self-employed professional, early organization is key. January and February are especially important months for gathering documents, issuing required forms, and reviewing your financial records for accuracy. Why Early Preparation Matters Steps You Can Take Now Preparation doesn’t just make tax season easier — it puts you in a stronger financial position
Get Ahead of the 2026 Tax Season: Preparation Starts Now Read More »
Starting January 1st, 2026, employers and workers in Washington will see their average workers’ compensation insurance premium rise by 4.9%, as announced by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). On average, this increase works out to about $1.37 extra per week for each full-time position — a cost shared roughly 75% by employers and 25% by workers.
Washington State Workers’ Comp. Rates Increasing in 2026 Read More »
Starting January 1st, 2026, the City of Seattle will implement a new local sales tax from 10.35% to 10.55% to increase to fund public-safety services. The extra revenue is expected to generate roughly $39–40 million in 2026 and will go toward a variety of public-safety initiatives — from expanding emergency 911 dispatch and civilian crisis-response teams, to hiring more firefighters and supporting substance-use treatment and
Seattle Adds Public Safety Sales Tax — What That Means in 2026 Read More »
As of January 1st, 2026, Seattle’s minimum wage will increase from $20.76 to $21.30 per hour for all employers — large or small. This raise reflects the annual inflation adjustment, based on the Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue area consumer price index. For workers in minimum-wage roles — such as retail staff, service employees, hospitality workers, and other entry-level positions — this represents
Minimum Wage Increase for City of Seattle in 2026 Read More »
The IRS MATH Act, just signed into law in December 2025, requires the Internal Revenue Service to provide much clearer, more detailed notices when it finds a “math or clerical error” on a taxpayer’s return. Instead of vague, generic letters, taxpayers will now receive plain-language explanations that pinpoint exactly what the issue is — including the line on the
IRS Math and Taxpayer Help Act of 2025: What Does It Mean? Read More »
Since midnight on October 1st, 2025, the U.S. federal government has been operating under a shutdown. This was due to Congress not passing the full set of appropiation bills (or a continuing resolution) to fund federal agencies for Fiscal Year 2026 by the deadline of September 30th. What’s being affected: Economic & Broader Impacts: We understand that the cancellation,
The U.S. Government Shutdown: Where Things Stand & What It Means Read More »
Each year the IRS adjusts many tax numbers — like deductions, credits, and income-bracket thresholds — to keep up with inflation. This year’s updates cover more than 60 tax provisions and incorporate changes from the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). These changes help prevent what’s called “bracket creep” (where inflation pushes you into a higher tax
2025 Tax Year: Adjustments to Consider from the OBBBA (H.R.1) Read More »
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (WA L&I) announced on September 30th, 2025 that Washington State’s minimum wage will be increased from the current $16.66 to $17.13 (per hour) starting on January 1st, 2026. Under state law, the WA L&I is required to adjust the minimum wage each year based on the federal Consumer Price Index
Minimum Wage Increase for Washington State in 2026 Read More »
