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 Key TakeawaysAs of April 20, 2026, the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) tool is the exclusive electronic system for reclaiming IEEPA tariff duty payments. Importers must have an active ACE Secure Data Portal account and an...

Key TakeawaysBusiness tax debt starts when tax money gets used to solve a cash flow problem somewhere else in the business. Payroll tax debt is especially dangerous because the IRS can sometimes hold owners and other responsible parties personally liable for...

 Key TakeawaysOnly the Importer of Record (IOR) or an authorized customs broker can claim a refund. If a carrier like UPS or FedEx is the IOR, you must coordinate with them rather than filing directly with the CBP. Refunds are exclusively for IEEPA-related...

 Key TakeawaysThe IRS business rate for 2026 is 72.5 cents per mile, a 2.5-cent increase from the previous year. To keep your options open, you must choose the standard mileage method in the first year your vehicle is used for business. If you start with...

Key TakeawaysFederal law protects you from being fired because of an IRS wage levy. A tax levy takes from your wages. A federal tax lien secures the IRS’s claim against your property. A wage levy can still create workplace tension and cash flow problems,...

 Key Takeaways Missing documentation shifts the burden of proof to you. Without a receipt or digital log, the IRS can legally disallow business deductions, resulting in higher taxable income and unexpected penalties.Commingling personal and business funds is...

 Key TakeawaysRemote work can lower overhead, expand your hiring pool, and improve flexibility. But it can also create multi-state tax and payroll compliance issues. In-person work can improve training, supervision, and team cohesion, but it often comes with...

Key TakeawaysYour federal tax refund can be taken to pay certain debts, including past-due federal taxes, state taxes in some cases, child support, and other qualifying government debts through the Treasury Offset Program. Private creditors generally cannot...

 Key TakeawaysHow long you keep a document depends on what it is, which law applies, and sometimes your state’s rules as well. A practical baseline is to keep general personnel records for at least two years, payroll tax records at least four years, benefits...