7 Common Small Business Tax Misperceptions
One of the biggest hurdles you’ll face in running your own business is staying on top of your numerous obligations to federal, state and local tax agencies. Tax codes seem to be in a constant state of flux, making the Internal Revenue Code barely understandable to most people.
Eight Pay Program Tips That Generate Happy Technicians
In the coming years, no component of your business will be more critical to your success than the caliber of the people who work with you. In order to hire and keep superstar employees at your shop, you need to have pay programs in place that ensure they stay motivated and happy to be a part of your team.
Protecting Customer Information: The Safeguards Rule
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enacted Standards for Safeguarding Customer Information on May 23, 2003. By now, most repair shops should have implemented their information security programs and taken steps to ensure compliance with the Safeguards Rule. If you have not, we recommend taking steps to get in compliance immediately. If you have, it’s still important to periodically review and assess your program to ensure you remain in compliance.
Is Your Used Equipment Safe? Does It Comply To SAE, UL, ALI Standards?
If your town is anything like mine, from time to time an automotive repair shop will close and, inevitably, the equipment will be listed for sale. I’ve seen this trend during good times and bad, and I’ve had the opportunity to purchase some of this equipment. When I’m in the market for a lift, this is what I look for.
Houston Considers New Shop Licensing Regulation
The city of Houston’s proposed Automotive Repair and Collision Shop Licensing regulation in its current form would place a great deal of paperwork burden and liability on the shop owner, yet falls short in other requirements such as technician training and equipment. ASA opposes this proposed regulation in its current form.
New Guide Clarifies EPA/OSHA Compliance Issues for Automotive Workplaces
Blue Gavel Press has just released the newly updated Automotive Workplace Guide to EPA & OSHA, 18th Edition. Updated annually, the book addresses the hazardous waste and safety concerns of car dealerships with repair facilities, car rental agencies, paint and body shops, gasoline service stations, lube/oil change shops and other automotive workplaces.
Protect Your Business with the Right Insurance
Starting a business is expensive and the capital that you’ve poured into your company can disappear in an instant if a major weather event damages your offices or one of your products injures someone.
Spring Cleaning: Tax Records You Can Throw Away
Spring is a great time to clean out that growing mountain of tax and financial papers that clutters your home and office. Here’s what you need to keep and what you can throw out without fearing the wrath of the IRS.
Protecting Your Business with Non-Compete Agreements
Non-compete agreements are a great way for business owners to protect an employer’s reasonable competitive business interests. These agreements can also be utilized to limit post-employment competition provided that the agreement is reasonable in terms of geographic limitations, duration and type of activity restrained.
New York DWI Law Results in More Business for Automotive Repair Shops
A new law in New York requires motorists convicted of driving while intoxicated to have breath alcohol ignition interlock devices installed on their vehicles. Buckley’s Automotive in Horseheads, NY, has already installed 10 interlock units since the law took effect.