The AEM Blog

Top-shelf insights and resources from our small business to yours—on the house!

Why Successful Business Owners Don’t “Just Do Taxes” Once a Year For many business owners, taxes are something to deal with once a year. You gather your documents, file your return, and move on. But the most financially confident and stable businesses approach taxes differently. They do not treat taxes as a once-a-year event. They […]

Small Business, Tax

April 28, 2026

Why Successful Business Owners Don’t “Just Do Taxes” Once a Year

Tax season is finally over. For most business owners, that brings a sense of relief. You filed your return, checked the box, and are ready to move on. But before you shift your focus completely, this is one of the most valuable moments of the year to reset your finances and set yourself up for […]

Accounting, Small Business, Tax

April 20, 2026

Tax Season Is Over. Now What? Your Financial Reset for the Rest of the Year

When tax season approaches and everything is not quite ready, many business owners consider filing an extension. For some, it feels like a relief.For others, it feels like a failure. In reality, filing an extension is simply a tool. When used correctly, it helps you file an accurate return without unnecessary pressure. But it is […]

Resources, Tax

March 31, 2026

Filing an Extension: What It Means and What It Doesn’t

Every year, millions of people turn to DIY tax software expecting a quick, affordable way to file their taxes. The advertisements make it seem simple. Answer a few questions, click submit, and your taxes are done. For some very straightforward situations, that may be true. But for many individuals and business owners, relying entirely on […]

Resources, Tax

March 10, 2026

When DIY Tax Software Goes Wrong: Common Tax Filing Mistakes Individuals and Business Owners Make

Not sure if you should be paying quarterly estimated taxes? Learn who needs to pay, how estimates work, and how to avoid tax surprises. Should You Be Paying Quarterly Estimated Taxes? One of the most common surprises business owners face is receiving a large tax bill at the end of the year. Often, the issue […]

Small Business, Tax

March 2, 2026

Should You Be Paying Quarterly Estimated Taxes?

For many business owners, bookkeeping becomes urgent in March. That’s when the emails start. The scrambling begins. Receipts are hunted down. Reports are printed for the first time in months. But tax season should not be the only time your financials are organized. When your books are tax-ready all year long, everything changes. Tax Season […]

Accounting, Quickbooks, Small Business, Tax

February 23, 2026

Why Your Books Need to Be Tax-Ready All Year (Not Just in April)

Getting Ready for Tax Season: What Your Accountant Needs From You Tax season feels stressful for many business owners, but most of that stress comes from feeling unprepared. The good news is that preparing for taxes does not have to be overwhelming. When your information is organized and your books are accurate, tax season becomes […]

Accounting, Quickbooks, Small Business, Tax

February 3, 2026

Tax Prep Checklist for Small Business Owners

Why 1099s Cause Confusion Every January Every January, business owners start asking the same questions.Do I need to send a 1099? Who actually needs one? What happens if I mess this up? 1099 requirements feel confusing because the rules are specific, the deadlines are firm, and the penalties can add up quickly. Add in contractors, […]

Accounting, Non-Profits, Resources, Small Business, Tax

January 12, 2026

1099s Explained: Who Needs One, Who Doesn’t, and Common Mistakes

1099's bookkeeping tax accounting quickbooks

A: Yes, here’s how.** Whether you are driving to client meetings, visiting job sites, running to the bank, or picking up supplies, those miles add up quickly. And the good news is that many of them are deductible as long as they meet IRS rules and you track them properly. Let’s break it down in […]

Client Case Studies, Resources, Small Business, Tax

November 19, 2025

Q: Is mileage really deductible? 🚗

2025 Child Tax Credit Updates: What You Need to Know Why the 2025 Changes Matter If you have children, the new rules for the Child Tax Credit (CTC) can significantly impact your tax bill. The updates for the 2025 tax year bring both higher benefit amounts and stricter eligibility requirements. With proper tax planning, you […]

Accounting, Featured, Resources, Tax

November 17, 2025

2025 Child Tax Credit Updates | What Parents & Small Business Owners Need to Know