Contract law exists to help us determine when promises are legally binding and enforceable. At its core, a contract requires several key elements to be valid: offer, acceptance, consideration, legality, capacity, and (in certain cases) a written agreement. If even one of these is missing, the whole
How Tariffs Could Impact Your Business and How to Plan Ahead
Tariffs — taxes imposed on imported goods — have been making headlines for years, but many business owners in Seattle still wonder: Do they actually affect me? The short answer is: if your business touches global trade in any form — directly or indirectly — tariffs could have a ripple effect on your
The Double Entry Bookkeeping System: Debits & Credits
Double-entry bookkeeping is a foundational accounting framework that provides a comprehensive and self-balancing view of your business's financial activities. At its core, it operates on the principle that every financial transaction affects at least two accounts. For every debit (an entry on the
The Differences Between Property Tax, Real Estate Tax, and Mortgage Interest Deductions
For homeowners and real estate investors, tax season can bring a lot of confusion about what’s deductible and what isn’t. Terms like “property tax,” “real estate tax,” and “mortgage interest deduction” are often used interchangeably, but they refer to very different things — and understanding these
Unincorporated Business Tax (UBT): A Guide for in 2025
The unincorporated business tax (UBT) remains a crucial consideration for businesses operating as sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs) taxed as partnerships, and trusts in specific localities. This levy, imposed at the local level rather than federally, applies to
The Tax Cuts & Jobs Act for Small Businesses in 2025
It's crucial for small business owners in 2025 to understand the lasting impacts and any subsequent updates to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which was enacted in late 2017 and significantly altered the tax landscape. While the original article focused on the immediate effects for the 2018 tax
Should You Change Your LLC to an S Corporation? What to Know
As your small business grows, it’s only natural to reevaluate your structure—especially when it comes to taxes. One of the most common questions we get is whether they should convert their LLC to an S Corporation. The answer? It depends on your business goals, income, and how you want to handle
CPA Checklist: What to Bring to Your First CPA Appointment
When it comes to working with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), organization pays—literally. Whether you're meeting your CPA for the first time or simply prepping for tax season, being ready with the right documents can save you both time and money. Most CPAs charge by the hour, and the more