http://hbsbusiness.com/index.php/news/ Recent articles and news from HBS Tax in Martinsburg, WV. en hershbusiness@aol.com Copyright 2012 2012-05-11T14:27:04+00:00 http://hbsbusiness.com/index.php/site/articles/kinder_gentler_tax_collections/ http://hbsbusiness.com/index.php/site/articles/kinder_gentler_tax_collections/ Today, I will discuss recent changes made to the IRS’s Streamlined Installment Agreement Program.  I will also share two other tools Professionals use to help taxpayers pay and reduce their tax debts: the Offer in Compromise, and the Partial Payment Installment Arrangement. Tax Representation 2012-05-11T14:27:04+00:00 http://hbsbusiness.com/index.php/site/articles/master_your_business-domain_constructing_the_customer_experience/ http://hbsbusiness.com/index.php/site/articles/master_your_business-domain_constructing_the_customer_experience/ This column is about utilizing the Five Pillars of Business Growth to achieve your business dream of market domination. Growth Strategies 2012-05-04T21:47:12+00:00 http://hbsbusiness.com/index.php/site/articles/giving_special_credit_to_adoptive_grandparents/ http://hbsbusiness.com/index.php/site/articles/giving_special_credit_to_adoptive_grandparents/ In today’s column I will discuss the Adoption Tax Credit and children that meet the IRS definition of “special needs.” I will also discuss the unexpected financial windfall adopting these children created for these grandparents and, finally, why time is running out on claiming the credit. Tax Preparation 2012-04-23T02:45:30+00:00 http://hbsbusiness.com/index.php/site/articles/what_youre_really_selling_the_customer_experience/ http://hbsbusiness.com/index.php/site/articles/what_youre_really_selling_the_customer_experience/ If you’re like most business owners, you probably believe your customers purchase the product or service you provide.  Although this is true, it glosses over a far more important fact. Growth Strategies 2012-04-23T02:39:44+00:00 http://hbsbusiness.com/index.php/site/articles/investing_time_three_steps_to_growth/ http://hbsbusiness.com/index.php/site/articles/investing_time_three_steps_to_growth/ In today’s column I will expand our discussion of time: Its power to grow your business and how to tap into it. Growth Strategies 2012-03-27T12:01:49+00:00 http://hbsbusiness.com/index.php/site/articles/short-sale_foreclosure_debt_relief_act_no_panacea/ http://hbsbusiness.com/index.php/site/articles/short-sale_foreclosure_debt_relief_act_no_panacea/ The purpose of today’s column is to correct two of the most consequential misunderstandings regarding the Qualified Principal Resident Indebtedness Exclusion. Tax Preparation, Tax Representation 2012-03-27T11:49:21+00:00 http://hbsbusiness.com/index.php/site/articles/foreclosures_and_short_sales_a_ticking_tax_time-bomb_for_panhandle/ http://hbsbusiness.com/index.php/site/articles/foreclosures_and_short_sales_a_ticking_tax_time-bomb_for_panhandle/ The number of foreclosures, short sales, and property owners simply handing over their keys remains at an all-time high.  Unfortunately, this trend will continue for the foreseeable future - as long as the number of owners “underwater” remains at an all-time high. Tax Preparation, Tax Representation 2012-02-28T22:28:05+00:00 http://hbsbusiness.com/index.php/site/articles/professional_joins_hbs_tax/ http://hbsbusiness.com/index.php/site/articles/professional_joins_hbs_tax/ HBS TAX is delighted to announce the addition of another professional to its staff.  Lisa Gates, a CPA licensed to practice in West Virginia, recently joined to assist with HBS’s growing Tax Preparation and Representation division. News 2012-02-28T22:18:14+00:00 http://hbsbusiness.com/index.php/site/articles/stop_wasting_time_start_making_money/ http://hbsbusiness.com/index.php/site/articles/stop_wasting_time_start_making_money/ What is a business’s most valuable resource?  Is it the millions of dollars a company has amassed in cash reserves?  No.  How about a level of brand recognition that has created an ever-growing percentage of market-share? No. Is it Human capital?  Important but… no. A leader’s strategic vision? Sorry. No. Growth Strategies 2012-02-17T15:59:17+00:00 http://hbsbusiness.com/index.php/site/articles/home_office_deduction_danger/ http://hbsbusiness.com/index.php/site/articles/home_office_deduction_danger/ In my last column, I discussed three of the red flags most often waved at the IRS by sole proprietors: 1) Using the incorrect business classification code, 2) Errors made in reporting their business auto use, and 3) Claiming losses year after year.  Today, I will round out our “red-flag” discussion by reviewing the 4th major Schedule C red flag: the home office deduction. Tax Preparation, Tax-Based Bookkeeping 2012-02-06T14:25:26+00:00