Barbara Weltman


Barbara Weltman
Barbara Weltman is the Tax Columnist for Small Business Trends. Barbara is an author, attorney and a leading authority on tax, law, and finance for small business. She publishes an "Idea of the Day®" and monthly e-newsletter at "Big Ideas for Small Business®" and is a trusted professional advocate for small businesses and entrepreneurs. She has written over 25 books, including perennial top sellers, "J.K. Lasser's Small Business Taxes" and "J.K. Lasser’s 1001 Deductions & Tax Breaks," along with her latest books, “Guide to Self-Employment” and “Smooth Failing,” and is a blogger for SBA.gov, Entrepreneur, and AmEx OPEN.

path act

Tax Planning Ahead with Certainty – Really?

Congressional approval of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act means small businesses have a better idea of what their taxes will be ahead of time this coming year and into the future.


Flexible Spending Accounts

5 Things to Know About Flexible Spending Accounts

Small business owners could consider establishing a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for its employees to help pay for some personal expenses not covered by insurance. Here are tips to small businesses considering this benefit.


Things to Do Before You Retire

5 Things to Do Before You Retire

If you're ready to step away from running your small business and retire, proper planning to ensure the future of yourself and your endeavors is vital.


costs of running a business

5 Hidden Costs of Running a Business

It seems no matter how prepared you think you are financially to run your small business, you're hit with something here or another thing there. These hidden costs can drain your budget in a hurry. Here are some tips to help you avoid the unexpected.


voluntary benefits

5 Voluntary Benefits Your Staff May Appreciate

Keeping happy employees goes beyond a competitive salary and health insurance. Adding in some other fringe benefits -- at little cost to the company -- can address your team's real-life wants and needs, too.


Healthcare in 2016

5 Tax Related Changes for Your Healthcare in 2016

Your healthcare coverage is changing in 2016. Did you know that? More importantly, do you now how? Here tax expert Barbara Weltman has some details about the changes and what they will mean to your business.


irs tax questions

4 Tax Questions Without Answers

Is your new Apple Watch a tax deduction? Or will that attempt at writing it off get you in hot water with the IRS? That question and several others are one for which there is no simple answer.