What’s one of the biggest tax-related concerns for most people?

It’s figuring out how to save money by maximizing deductions. But there are so many rules and regulations that it can be challenging to know where to start. That’s why we recommend hiring a qualified tax advisor.

A tax advisor will not only help you figure out what you owe but also make sure your company saves as much money as possible on taxes. Their services are cost-effective and affordable. Not convinced yet?

What does a tax advisor cost, and what can they do for you? Read on to find out!

Breakdown of Tax Advisor Cost

Individuals and businesses can benefit from an advisor’s services. For help with personal taxes, you can expect to pay anywhere within the $75-$300 price range.

What will a tax advisor cost if you own a business? Business owners will need more complex services and expect to pay within the $300-$2200 price range. These prices are broad ranges. They will change depending on the exact nature of your tax needs.

It might sound like a lot to spend hundreds or thousands on a tax advisor. But keep in mind, if you don’t know how to avoid overpaying on taxes, you’ll wind up wasting the money instead.

Let’s look at the different tax services that can help you save big time.

Tax Strategy Planning

Tax strategy planning involves developing strategies. For instance, the strategy can include maximizing retirement accounts and life insurance benefits. Additionally, the plan can consist of minimizing taxes on income and estate assets! In other words, an advisor helps you keep more of your money!

Tax Return Preparation

Tax return preparation is the most basic service. It involves the preparation of all federal income tax returns. 

If you’re not familiar with all of the different tax forms, the advisor can walk you through what each form does. You’ll have an expert handling and teaching you about forms such as IRS Form 1040 (individuals), IRS Form 1120, or IRS Form 1120S (for corporations).

Need help with a private letter or some type of advisory ruling? Then you’ll need an advisor. 

Private letter rulings and advisory opinions are not available to individuals and partnerships. Individuals and corporations need their advisors for advice on these matters.

Filing Extensions Automatically

Most outside professionals have tax advisors automatically file extensions when necessary. The extension gives additional time to complete the client’s return. Extensions also ensure that any interest or penalties are not assessed.

Help With Taxes for Employee Benefits

Next, an advisor can help with taxes when it comes to employee benefits. Are you thinking about starting a retirement plan for your business? An outside advisor can help you develop one that meets your needs and those of your employees. 

An outside expert, knowledgeable in employee benefits, can help you design investment options. The option benefits may involve setting up a 401(k), SIMPLE, or SEP-IRA plan. It could also involve reviewing an existing project to identify areas where improvements can be made. 

Using Tax Tips and Tricks

Now you know more about the services behind tax advisor cost and fees. As you can see, tax advisors offer many services that can help you get ahead. 

The prices vary greatly depending on the experience of the advisor and the services you’re receiving. We find advisors very cost-effective, considering how much time and legal trouble they save business owners!

So go ahead and get started on finding your new favorite tax advisor today. Then get more tips with one of our other articles!

Not every video application can boast the results Zoom has seen socially and economically since the start of the 2020 pandemic. The company was able to reach $3.7 billion in sales, with profits of over $671 million by the end of 2020.

What does this mean for us?

COVID-19 forced almost the entire world to switch to a work-from-home lifestyle which includes webcams. Whole industries popped up overnight.

It’s surprising, then, that the standard internal camera on our laptops is the same 1MP camera from the close of the 1990s!

Aside from using old tech, these webcams tend to have other issues, too. Do you have one of these top five problems? Keep reading to find out how to fix it!

1. The Settings Aren’t Right

While services like DeviceTests can help you to learn whether your camera is working or not, far in advance of a meeting you still need to have the right settings to get it to work.

First of all, you’ll have to have your webcam turned on for certain apps. It’s generally done automatically by Windows, but if not you can check your settings.

Hit the start button or Windows key and click the settings icon. Next, select the privacy settings and then “camera.” Now you can click “let apps use my camera” to let your apps turn your camera on and off.

This will fix most of your issues with the webcam not working on Windows 10.

2. You Didn’t Give Permission

Many companies and services allow you to do a video call right through your browser. The first time you connect to something that wants to use your microphone or camera, your security settings may ask you to approve it.

If you aren’t sure what it is, or you misclick, you could accidentally deny it.

The way to fix this issue is (if you’re using Chrome) to click the icon next to the “https://” in your address bar. Usually, this is a padlock icon, but it could look different.

From there, click on “site settings” and you can see the permissions for this specific site. It should be defaulted to “Ask,” unless you denied or blocked permission for the site.

If it is, don’t fear. simply click the dropdown box next to the camera and microphone and select “Allow.”

3. Third-Party Webcam Isn’t Detected

It’s frustrating to have webcam issues because of the 1MP camera that’s included in your laptop, only to have another set of issues after buying a third-party webcam.

This could be an issue with a power cable, USB connection, or a simple power switch.

USB-C connections transmit data and power in most cases. If it’s an older USB-A 3.0 connection, you’re almost certainly going to need to have a power cable plugged in, too. Don’t forget to check the manual for a power button or switch, too.

4. Antivirus Programs Are Suspicious of the Webcam

If the webcam uses proprietary software, the antivirus app you use (including Windows Defender) may be blocking it from streaming data.

This is especially true of external or third-party webcams and virtual webcams (OBS, XSplit Vcam, ManyCam).

The most common antivirus programs are McAfee, Kaspersky, Webroot, Norton, Avast, and Trend Micro. Whether you decide to use an antivirus program or not is up to you to decide. Try disabling it for a moment to see if the webcam works.

If it suddenly does start working, you’ll need to find the blocked process and whitelist it in your app.

“Webcam Not Working” Is a Thing of the Past 

Even though your webcam not working is a pain, these top tips should cover most of the common situations that cause webcams to malfunction. We didn’t cover a Mac webcam not working because it tends to work more often due to the proprietary nature of Macs.

This guide should have helped you learn how to fix a webcam for Windows 10 computers. If you’ve gotten a taste for fixing issues on Windows 10, keep browsing our articles to find out how to fix the rest!

More than 92% of businesses are offering some form of contactless payments. These payment structures for identifying accounts and products are often broken down into barcode vs. QR codes.

When comparing both barcodes and QR codes, what are the differences, and which is better? This short guide will give you all the ins and outs of barcodes and QR codes.

QR Codes or Barcodes?

QR Codes and barcodes are systems that contain a distinct amount of information in a small format. Manufacturers are often requiring to keep track of an inventory. As the order is an important thing to factor in when upkeeping a business. 

As such, it is a high priority to attach a tag or system to the items in your inventory. When a customer buys an item, the barcode or QR Code can notify them of their purchase instructions.

This can allow consumers to locate their items and keep track of their orders. It can also notify the company of any bottlenecking issues in the assembly process.

These processes can also help keep track of the entirety of any inventory. It can not only help retain details but aid in the organization of a product line. It can help increase efficiency within the assembly line as well.

The main difference between QR Codes and barcodes is their physicality. The physical dimensions themselves are different between the two. This means each type can hold a limited amount of data in different ways via their stripes.

Regardless of a company’s choice, they should use a tagging system to help implement a structure to the product line. But which system is better?

What Is a Barcode?

A barcode is a visual representation of machine-readable information. It is a one-dimensional structure and horizontally holds a piece of information.

Barcodes are more commonly used in commercial retail and manufacturing facilities. It is also commonly seen in transport and shipping. This is because of the quick and simple method of transporting a massive amount of product.

Barcodes have a twelve-digit UPC or universal product code printed on the label of a package or product. The first three digits identify the country code. Companies pay a fee to acquire the rights to a specific manufacturing code.

They acquire the rights to this unique manufacturer identification number. This number can be any number of digits except the first consecutive twelve digits.

Then, after applying the company code, there is the application of the product code. The UPC assigns a number to each model of a product or packaging aside from the main product.

The last digit in the barcode is a check digit. The value of the check digit must match a number which is obtained by running the other numbers. These numbers go through a separating algorithm.

What Is a QR Code?

A QR code or Quick Response code is another type of barcode. The main difference is that QR Codes are two-dimensional. This means that the barcode can hold information both on the horizontal and vertical planes.

This means that QR codes can hold more information than barcodes. QR Codes have the unique ability to be read from any direction. They also possess an error margin of about 7%-30%.

This can mean that if the product code is dirty or damaged, it can still have a successful chance of being read when scanned. You can also alter a QR Code to implement a logo. It can also include a keyword or a picture as well.

QR Codes include a thing called position markers. These position markers define the dimension of the code. Alignment markers are also implemented to include alignment reference points.

The format of the markers identifies the type of information it holds. The small shapes hold timing patterns as well to identify rows and columns.

The version number also aids in defining the QR code version number. The small pattern within is the wrist or the data it tracks.

The inventory barcode scanner app can help you define the types of QR codes and barcodes. It can also you understand how the inventory barcode scanner works.  

Pros and Cons of QR Codes

A QR Code can help reel in new customers as it is a new way to approach marketing. These QR Codes are often implemented into software or apps such as Venmo for easy access.

This can allow quick purchases for a newer generation. If you are running an independent business and want accessibility for newer customers a QR code will help ease of access for these consumers.

They are versatile and extremely fast at scanning. The fault tolerance can also help increase business efficiency.

But, the disadvantage can come in how it limits the audience. QR codes can oftentimes require a smartphone device with QR capabilities. At the moment, there are a limited amount of scanners that can scan these codes.

Pros and Cons of Barcodes

Barcodes are great for mass-producing products. These are more common in warehouses that need to hold a lot of physical packaging. Applying a QR Code to each warehouse package would be a far more complicated process.

The barcode is a more efficient method of dolling these massive products out to different locations. Shipping businesses implement the use of barcodes to fast track the shipment process.

But, it is a more primitive form of pushing these goods. Therefore, it is more limited in its data usage. So you would only be able to identify the product and its location.

Barcode vs. QR Code

There are many differences when comparing barcode vs. QR Code. But, they each serve their own purpose depending on the environment.

While barcodes are a more affordable option, they can be primitive in their uses. QR Codes can be a way to gather a large amount of data, but can also be limited in their use with consumers as well. But, each one is an effective method of organizing and distributing products.

Follow our blog for more information on barcodes & QR Codes and how they can help develop your business!

It is no secret that small business is big business. 52% of all sales in the US now come from small businesses. With that comes increased competition, and when you need to defend your organization legally, do you have the right person for the job?

Getting the right attorney can seem daunting at first, but it can be done. Read on as we discuss why you need a business lawyer in Houston. 

1. What Is Your Experience in My Industry?

Just as law covers many areas and skills, being a business attorney is the same. Your business will be unique, with legal risks and needs that others do not have. Therefore, you need someone with experience in your given field. 

Perhaps you need advice and assistance with franchising, trademark protection, or intellectual property. Each of these is very individual and needs a certain skillset. Ask the attorney to discuss other companies they have worked within similar niches and provide references from previous clients. 

2. What Do They Charge?

Knowing how a small business attorney will charge is as important as the amount they will charge. If you have a small business, it is likely that you are on a tight budget. When working out your finances, you need to know exactly what your money will be going on. 

You need to know if the attorney will be charging a fixed rate or hourly rate. If this will be hourly, make you ask to see a sample of their billing to ensure transparency. Time should be labeled so you know they are not adding unused time on for the charge. 

3. Do You Need a Retainer?

It is perfectly acceptable for a small business attorney to ask for a retainer. In this instance, ask about the conditions and terms of the retainer and what percentage this will be. Most importantly, you need to know if this will be returned should the full amount not be used or needed. 

4. Who Else Will Handle the Work?

You will find that most lawyers delegate work to a paralegal. However, too much can mean you end up paying extra costs. You then have to get the message across to someone else after already explaining it. 

Speak to the attorney about who else will be handling the case. Make sure you meet them and establish clear communication channels. If you feel too many people are involved, then you should look elsewhere. 

5. Are There Any Conflicts?

The more niche your industry is and the more specialist your attorney becomes, the more of a chance exists that they may be working for your competitors. Even former employers and partners could create a conflict of interest. You may want to discuss what would happen should one of them come along and ask for the attorney’s services. 

6. How Do You Prefer to Communicate?

Communication is a very personal thing. You may want your legal counsel to be on hand 24 hours a day, with direct access to their mobile phone. However, this may not suit the attorney, who may prefer emails during working hours. 

No method of communication is right or wrong. Some methods are simply more suited to different needs. Speak with your small business attorney and see how they like to be contacted. 

7. Can I Interview for Free?

When finding a business attorney, you should never go with the first one you speak with. Instead, you should interview two or three to get the right one. In this, you can provide them with the questions contained in this article. 

Some attorneys will charge a normal business rate for this service. If they are in high demand, they may have lots of people who come in and try to get information for free. This charge allows them to be compensated while adding value to the person doing the interviewing. 

Charging for this service is neither wrong nor right. However, you should be aware of this so you can adjust your costs and budgeting accordingly. Interviewing is recommended even if it costs, as it can also help you understand why you need a business attorney in the first place. 

8. Do You Belong to Any Specialist Associations?

Experience counts for a lot, but you also need a lawyer engaging with modern business practices. One way to know they are not out of time and up to standard is through their membership of associations. 

Local bar organizations or business advisory councils are a great indicator. This shows the lawyer is proactive in keeping up to date with current business and legal matters. 

9. How Often Do You Go to Trial?

As a small business owner, going to trial is probably the last thing you want. However, a time may come when you need to defend your trademark protection, personal assets, or any other number of issues. That can mean lengthy legal battles and possible trials. 

Trials can be costly, so many people prefer to settle and make arrangements before this. If you have an attorney who aggressively pushes you to go to trial, then it could bring conflict. Not only will this cost you more, you may be left changing representation in the middle of legal wrangling. 

10. Are They Based Locally?

If you have a huge global conglomerate, finding legal representation locally does not matter. However, as a small business, it is important. Your state or area may have specific laws you need to stick with that may get overlooked by outsiders. 

In addition, you don’t want to travel far to meetings. Local hiring also helps you build up a long-term relationship with your legal representation. 

Business Lawyer in Houston

Now you know why you need a business lawyer in Houston, take the time to shop around. Do this before incidents occur, so you already have a relationship built up. When the time comes, you know you will be prepared. 

If you found this article helpful, we have many more to assist your business. From finance to marketing, we can help your business boom in the coming years. 

Simply put, onboarding is the process of transforming promising candidates into top-performing employees by helping them seamlessly adjust to the various aspects of their jobs. With an effective onboarding process, organizations can demonstrate their mission and values while helping new hires acclimatize to the culture and other essential aspects of the organization. 

The Striking Importance of Onboarding

Did you know that a whopping 22% of companies have no formal onboarding process? And you do not want to be a part of that percentage, precisely because having no proper onboarding process can result in disengaged new employees. That is a huge liability for any organization. 

Building a strategic onboarding process for your new employees is critical to make them feel more valued and better understand their roles and responsibilities. Accordingly, it increases their motivation, resulting in a positive performance and high productivity levels. That helps boost talent retention rates beyond expectations and improves the bottom line- now that is what all firms ultimately want. 

How To Conduct Onboarding the Right Way 

Don’t forget, the first impression is the last impression, which is why your company needs to create an outstanding onboarding process to help make your new employees feel welcomed, valued, and respected. Like any other organizational process, be sure to make your onboarding a unique experience, reflecting your company’s personality.

Not sure if you are doing it right? Here are some ways you can streamline your onboarding process with ease: 

Overviewing Your Recruitment Process 

Before you begin to plan your onboarding process, you need to make sure that you have properly overviewed your recruitment process. Review your websites, job descriptions, and policies to ensure that you can skim through a long list of potential employees to find and attract the best hires. 

By perfecting your recruitment process, you give new employees a clear sense of what their job entails are and what the company expects from them. 

Planning Your Onboarding Process Thoroughly

Not sure where to begin planning your onboarding process? Start by incorporating the four C’s: they are crucial in giving you direction in drafting a systematic course. The four C’s are as follows:

Clarification: Ensuring that new employees know their job description clearly and understand all related expectations from them. 

Compliance: Giving the new hires an overview of all the rules, regulations, and policies of your organization so that they remember company boundaries. 

Connection: Encouraging the new employees to build strong bridges with the higher management through improved communication and interpersonal skills. 

Culture: Educating the new hires on the norms of the organization, from formal to informal ones, so that they are accustomed to the company culture and ethics. 

If your organization is seeking to improve and simplify its process of onboarding new employees, there is various onboarding software that offers self-onboarding for employees. Not only does it make the process a lot easier for both parties by reducing mundane tasks and saving time, but provides a positive impression about your company practices and culture to new hires from the outset.

Welcoming the New Hires Through a Sound Orientation Program

Providing a transparent glimpse of a day in life at your office is the first step to a successful onboarding process. Anyone who owns a company already knows that which is why we will cut the pep talk and dive straight into the how’s of welcoming the new hires through a sound orientation program. 

To begin with, give your new hires a tour of where they will work and what tools and software they will have access to and use. Starting your orientation by showing the employees their workstations helps them feel like a part of the organization from the word go.

Next, provide them a full view of other departments and office spaces, including supply rooms, labs, meeting rooms, and kitchen. While you are showing them around, allow them the liberty to look around and ask questions from their peers. Be sure to introduce the new hires to the existing employees as you pass them.  

As soon as the office tour is over, hand them a welcome pack which includes some gifts, such as a company t-shirt, to let them know that you are excited to welcome them to the team. Send out an official letter from the CEO conveying your delight in welcoming the new hires That will act as a motivation-booster for the new employees. 

With an effective orientation program in place, you can help reduce anxiety associated with entering into an unknown situation, eliminate the stress of guessing, and help new hires smoothly integrate into the organization. 

Encourage Employee Engagement and Training 

The onboarding process does not just stop on the new hires’ first day at work. Instead, it continues up until the new employees have fully adjusted to their new job roles. From the beginning, focus on encouraging employee engagement and training. You can through extra meetings, training sessions, and team-building activities. 

Assigning a mentor to the new employees can help them navigate the learning curve more quickly and acclimate to their job more effectively, boosting performance by tenfold. 

Every employer’s goal is to provide their new employees with all the opportunities and resources to perform better and retain the top talent. 

A successful onboarding process takes time and a whole lot of effort, all of which certainly pays off when the new hires outperform and build a lasting commitment to the organization.