Taking care of business

When I was a writer and editor at Bankrate.com, one of my areas of responsibility was small business. I quickly learned that a good resource, both for businesses and journalists covering business issues, is the National Federation of Independent Business.

Now that I run my own small business, NFIB is doubly valuable to me.

Not only do I reference its Web site when I need guidance in my own efforts to make my editorial services company successful, I also write articles for the organization's Web site.

Here are links to my stories in NFIB's Tools & Tips section:

• Tax Breaks for Environmentally Conscious Companies -- Your business can save more than the planet by going greener. It can save some tax money. (March 24, 2008)

• Don't Fall for These Common Tax Myths -- When it comes to your business taxes, deciphering the Internal Revenue Code is hard enough. Don't complicate the process by falling for bad tax information. (Feb. 12, 2008)

• Getting and Keeping Good Company Credit -- Credit is crucial for business success. If your company doesn't have a credit profile, here's how to get one started and keep it in prime shape. (Oct. 4, 2007)

• Tax Topics Make a Powerful Phishing Lure -- How do e-mail con artists known as phishers continue to net victims? One tactic is to take advantage of tax worries. Here’s how to make sure your company doesn't fall prey. (Sept. 20, 2007)

• For Smaller Firms, a 412(i) Retirement Plan Could be the Answer -- One of the major appeals of this defined benefit plan is that it is funded exclusively by individual annuities or a combination of annuities and life-insurance contracts. (July 13, 2007)

• Know the Rules Before Hiring Young Workers -- Many businesses see teenagers as a good match for summer job openings. But such hires also require companies to know federal labor law. (June 29, 2007)

• Five Tax-Saving Moves to Make in April -- You implemented your major tax strategies months ago. But even in April, you still have time to make tax-smart and tax-saving moves. (March 28, 2007) 

• Solve Filing Needs With Business Tax Software -- Unless your business is an accounting firm, tax season creates a whole new set of concerns for your company. Tax software might be the answer. (March 23, 2007)
  

• Business Tips on Holiday Gift Giving -- 'Tis the season for goodwill, but in a business setting, you better know the tax rules, too. (Dec. 4, 2006)

• Year-End Tax-Saving Moves for Your Business -- Time is running out, but you still can make some moves to reduce your impending tax bill. (Nov. 29, 2006)

• Tax-Saving Moves That Will Pay Off Next Filing Season -- During the dog days of summer, taxes are probably the last thing on your mind. But they should be. (Aug. 21, 2006)

• New Tax Breaks Encourage Businesses to Get "GO-ing" -- Numerous tax breaks are now available for companies that reopen their doors or set up a new shop in a hurricane-ravaged Gulf Opportunity Zone. (July 28, 2006)

• Online Debris Removal Service Registry Matches up Governments and Contractors -- Does your company offer debris removal services? If so, Uncle Sam wants you. (July 24, 2006)

• Retirement Plans Benefit Both Your Workers and Your Company -- Now that your business is booming, it's time to think about retirement. (June 26, 2006)

• Enhanced Expensing Offers Businesses a Nice Tax Break for Now -- Any business owner knows all too well how much must be spent on equipment to run a successful company. This tax breaks helps you recoup some of the capital costs. (June 5, 2006)

You can find out more about NFIB and read other articles at its Web page.