For decades, businesses have used bank lockbox services to speed up collections and reduce administrative work involved in processing customer checks. Today, the basic idea remains the same, but modern lockbox services can automate your accounts receivable processes. Automated clearing house (ACH), credit card and instant-payment services can also provide efficient collections. So the question is: With multiple tools available, which service will best save your employees time, improve cash flow and strengthen payment controls?

Have you already made contributions to charity this year? Are you considering making more between now and year end? If so, it’s important to be familiar with the tax rules for different types of donations so you can maximize your tax benefit — or at least avoid finding out at tax filing time that your charitable deductions are smaller than you expected.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that hiring has slowed in recent months. Even so, thousands of people continue to start new jobs, and every new hire represents a significant investment of time and money for organizations. With labor costs remaining a concern for many businesses, it’s more important than ever to help employees become productive members of your workforce as quickly as possible. An effective onboarding process can help you do this.

Working remotely may broaden your job options and make daily life easier. But working from a different state than your employer — or spending part of the year working from a second home in a different state than where you normally reside — can create state tax issues. Because the rules vary by state, work arrangements that cross state lines warrant a closer look.

The IRS has made a midyear increase in the standard mileage rate for business vehicle use, including for cars, SUVs, vans, pickup trucks and panel trucks. These rates apply to gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles as well as electric and hybrid ones. But whether the rate increase will impact your business depends on the vehicle expense reporting method you choose. Also rising is the medical and moving mileage rate.

Whether your small business is new or you’ve run it for decades, you may not fully understand which expenses are potentially tax-deductible and which aren’t. After all, that’s why you have a tax advisor! But it’s worth keeping up with tax law because your daily decisions could significantly reduce your business’s taxable income — and increase its profitability.

Many parents don’t know that the so-called “kiddie tax” exists. Others assume it affects only minor children. But it also can apply to full-time students through age 23 and 18-year-olds even if they aren’t full-time students. When it applies, most of the child’s unearned income may be taxed at the parent’s higher tax rate.

Every business will eventually face leadership transitions. Whether key people retire, pursue new opportunities or become unable to do their job, your business must maintain continuity. Often, smooth transitions depend on “bench strength.” This refers to the depth of employees prepared to step into critical roles. Developing this internal talent pool is one of the most effective ways to support your succession plan and protect your organization’s stability and well-being.