You likely don’t walk in for the day, sit down, and decide to terminate someone out of nowhere. It builds over time. A few missed expectations here. A frustrating conversation there. Another issue the following week. Then suddenly the question isn’t just, “Should we terminate?” It becomes: “Can we terminate?” “Is this legal?” “What’s the [...]
Abe: It’s based on executed job duties and salary thresholds, not job title or job descriptions. Why it matters: Misclassification can lead to back pay for overtime and penalties. A: No. Hours doesn’t determine exemption; duties must meet FLSA criteria. Why it matters: Paying salary without meeting exemption tests creates risk. A: They should reflect [...]
A smooth audit or review starts long before fieldwork begins. The way your financial information is organized throughout the year plays a key role in how efficient and effective the process will be. Taking a few steps in advance can help reduce delays, avoid last-minute adjustments, and make the overall process more manageable for your team. [...]
One of the most common challenges growing businesses face is that their financial structure doesn’t evolve as quickly as the rest of the company. What worked when the business was smaller—basic bookkeeping, spreadsheets, and a lean accounting team—often becomes strained as operations grow more complex. Leadership begins to need better visibility, stronger processes, and more reliable [...]
For many small businesses, offering health insurance is one of the most important — and expensive — benefits they provide. It helps attract and retain good employees, but the cost can make it difficult for smaller employers to offer coverage. That’s where the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit comes in. This credit was designed to [...]
When an employee raises a concern, the biggest risk isn’t the complaint itself, it’s how the organization responds. The first 24 hours matter more than most employers realize. They set the tone for trust, documentation, and, whether intended or not, your level of legal exposure. Here’s where organizations tend to get it right (and where [...]
Abe: A defensible JD clearly lists essential functions, measurable expectations, required skills, typical environment, supervisory relationships, and it matches what the employee actually does. Why it matters: When duties are explicit, you can fairly classify FLSA status, provide ADA accommodations, and support performance actions. A: Be specific enough that you can point to a [...]
Abacus! has been recognized by Accounting Today as a Top Regional Leader in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. The annual list highlights firms demonstrating strong performance, strategic growth, and industry leadership. Accounting Today compiles its rankings each year using firm performance data, insights from firm leaders on emerging industry challenges, and strategies driving success [...]
For many business owners, tax season is the time when they step back and review the financial performance of their business. Tax returns bring the numbers together and provide a clear record of how the past year unfolded. That review is valuable. But tax returns, by design, focus on historical information. By the time they’re completed, [...]
Families are hearing more about “Trump Accounts” and wondering whether they’re worth paying attention to. Like many new tax-related tools, the details matter. Here’s what parents and guardians need to know—and how these accounts may (or may not) fit into a broader financial plan. What Is a Trump Account? A Trump Account is a newly created, [...]
