The current government shutdown is affecting all kinds of nationally funded programs, but nowhere is it more evident than how it has shaped tax season this year. Already different because of the passage of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act, the real monkey wrench comes from the fact that 800,000 federal workers in nine different departments aren’t able to work. These departments include Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, State, Transportation, and Treasury .

We know nobody really likes tax season. Here’s the thing, the work you do now could be the difference between saving money or spending money in March and April. We’re willing to bet that you don’t want to pay more in taxes, so why are you acting this way? Yes, it helps to have a good accountant, but if you wait until the last minute a tax accountant can only fill out your tax filings according to what’s already happened.

You’ve grown your business, take pride in a satisfied customer base, and have increased profitability year after year -- what’s the problem with that? As the poet Biggie Smalls once so eloquently rapped, “Mo money, mo problems.” While it’s obviously the goal to succeed as a business - and profitability is part of that equation - here’s how too much profitability can hurt your business -- and where you can get the help you need.

It has been a privilege to help many wonderful Minnesota small businesses reach their goals and grow their companies. Your success has given CSI owner, Brian Paulson the platform to help other accounting and payroll firms come up with better ways to serve their clients through his work with the Professional Association of Small Business Accountants (PASBA).

Communication is Key to a Successful Business

Your accountant should be an excellent communicator, one who listens, educates and makes sure that you understand your financial responsibilities as a small business owner.

Are you and your accountant on the same page? Consider the following statements to evaluate your accountant’s communication skills: