Compliance Instructors Blog Posts

The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Is Now the Law: How Will It Impact the Workplace? In a surprising turn of events, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is now officially law—and it’s already making waves across the American workforce. Signed with much fanfare, the bill introduces a blend of tax cuts , deductions , and new policies that will directly impact employers and employees alike. So, what does this mean for the everyday workplace? Let’s break it down in plain English, so you know exactly what to expect from the OBBB Act in 2025 and beyond. What is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act? The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a sweeping legislative reform aimed at streamlining federal tax laws, simplifying payroll processes, and boosting middle-class income. It's being dubbed a modern follow-up to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act , but with more focus on worker rights, tax flexibility, and employer incentives. This act is designed to be "beautiful" for taxpayers, particularly small...

Introduction: Why Excel is Still the Accountant’s Best Friend If you’ve ever worked a late night reconciling books or scrambling during tax season, you already know the magic (and sometimes madness) of Excel. It’s the go-to tool for countless finance professionals—not just because it’s powerful, but because it’s familiar, flexible, and (mostly) fast. But here’s the thing: Excel for accountants is not about knowing every formula or building the flashiest dashboards. It’s about using the right tools that actually save time , reduce errors , and make your day easier . Let’s walk through 10 Excel features that can genuinely boost productivity , followed by 3 features that often waste more time than they save —so you can spend less time fighting spreadsheets and more time delivering value. 1. PivotTables – Your Data Summarizing Superpower If Excel had a VIP lounge, PivotTables would be sitting in it with a gold pass. For accountants, summarizing transactional data or creating quick ...

  Form 1099 Due Diligence: Avoid Errors & Fines in 2025 The start of a new year brings with it a host of financial responsibilities for businesses and individuals alike, and among the most critical is the accurate and timely filing of Form 1099 . As 2025 unfolds, understanding the nuances of 1099 due diligence is paramount to avoid costly errors and IRS penalties. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to navigate the complexities of 1099 form reporting, ensuring compliance and peace of mind. The Importance of Due Diligence in 1099 Reporting For many businesses, particularly those engaging independent contractors, freelancers, or making various miscellaneous payments, Form 1099 is a cornerstone of tax compliance. These informational returns notify the IRS of income paid to non-employees, ensuring that all taxable income is properly reported. Neglecting due diligence in this area can lead to significant financial repercussions, including pe...

 2025 is shaping up to be a year of significant change when it comes to Form I-9 compliance . With increased scrutiny from federal agencies and enhanced technologies backing up enforcement, I-9 audits are now more rigorous and frequent than ever. For HR professionals, business owners, and compliance teams, understanding these updates isn’t just important—it’s mission-critical. In this article, we’ll explore what’s changing in the I-9 process in 2025, how I-9 audits are evolving, and the best steps employers can take to stay compliant and avoid costly penalties. The Importance of Form I-9 in 2025 Form I-9 has long been a cornerstone of employment eligibility verification in the U.S. Every employer is required to complete and retain a Form I-9 for every employee hired after November 6, 1986. The purpose? To verify the identity and work authorization of individuals hired to work in the United States. While the form itself hasn’t drastically changed in structure, the Departmen...

In today’s dynamic job market, the lines between traditional employment and independent work are blurrier than ever. Especially as we navigate through 2025, businesses and workers alike must clearly understand the differences between W-2s vs. 1099s . Misclassifying a worker doesn’t just lead to confusion—it can also cause serious legal and financial troubles for both employers and workers. But what do these classifications mean, and more importantly— who should be an independent contractor in 2025? This article breaks it down in plain language for business owners, HR professionals, freelancers, and anyone looking to better understand their work status. What Are W-2s and 1099s? To start, let’s explain the basics: W-2 refers to the IRS form employers give to employees showing wages paid and taxes withheld. If you’re on a company payroll, getting benefits, and your employer controls your work schedule and duties, you’re likely a W-2 employee . 1099 refers to the IRS form used...