Understanding Worker Classification as an Employee or Independent Contractor: Federal and California Guidelines

Correctly classifying workers as employees or independent contractors is essential for businesses to avoid penalties, comply with legal requirements, and ensure fair treatment. Both federal and California guidelines offer specific frameworks for determining worker status. This article breaks down the key differences and practical implications of these regulations. Federal Guidelines: DOL’s Rule on Worker Classification…
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BackCasting: A New Approach to Strategic Planning for 2025

Imagine you’re sitting at your kitchen table on December 31, 2025, reflecting on what an amazing year you’ve just experienced! What made this year so wonderful? (Pause for self-reflection.) How will you know that the year was a success? Several years ago, I became frustrated with the traditional forecasting models used by small businesses. Why?…
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Finding Your Business’s Compensation Equation

You’re an employer. You hire people to complete jobs and projects, and then they get paid for their efforts. But that’s just the surface-level description of the employer-employee relationship. When you peel back the layers, the topic of compensation becomes far more nuanced and complex. The real question every business leader must address is: How…
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Key Changes in 2025 to California Employment Law

Employers, are you ready for 2025 and changes to California employment law? Effective January 1, 2025, the following laws will take effect. Minimum Wage Increase The general statewide minimum wage will increase by 50 cents to $16.50 per hour.  Please also remember that many cities, counties, and municipalities require a higher minimum wage than the…
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Wrap Up the Year Right: The Importance of Year-End Activities

As we approach the end of another successful year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on accomplishments, set the stage for the future, and take care of important year-end activities. These tasks are more than just administrative—they play a critical role in ensuring the organization’s success, growth, and collective progress.  Here are a few reasons…
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The Importance of Communication for Wine Industry Accountants 

In the multifaceted world of the wine industry, accountants play a crucial role that goes beyond the traditional confines of number-crunching and ledger management. Accountants who specialize in the wine industry must understand not only the intricacies of financial data but also the nuances of an industry steeped in tradition, terroir, and artisanal craftsmanship. At…
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