Giving with Heart and Smarts: A Guide to Charitable Donations After a Disaster
When disaster strikes, like the devastating floods we’re experiencing in central Texas right now, the urge to help is immediate and human. Whether it's donating to rescue efforts, helping displaced families, or supporting local recovery funds, your generosity can make a real difference.
But as accountants, we know that even giving needs a little paperwork. So while your heart leads, let’s make sure your brain (and your tax records) follow.
First: Make Sure the Charity Is Legit
Unfortunately, times of crisis also attract scams. Here's how to be sure your donation goes where it’s truly needed:
Look for IRS-Recognized 501(c)(3) Status
Only donations to qualified charities are tax-deductible. You can check the status at the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search.Do a Quick Reputation Check
Use sites like Charity Navigator, Give.org, or Guidestar to see ratings, transparency, and financial health of organizations.Red Flags to Watch For
If they won’t give details about how funds are used, pressure you to pay via gift card or crypto, or use vague names like “Flood Victims USA Relief Fund Foundation LLC"—RUN.
How to Document Your Donation for Tax Purposes
Good intentions don’t equal good deductions unless you follow the IRS rules. Here’s what you need to do:
Cash, Credit, or Digital Donations
Keep a bank statement, credit card statement, or digital receipt showing:
Date
Name of the charity
Donation amount
If the donation is over $250, you also need a written acknowledgment from the charity (more on that below).
Donating Goods or Property
Keep a detailed list of items donated (condition, estimated fair market value, date, and recipient organization).
For non-cash donations over $500, fill out Form 8283 with your tax return.
If your donation is worth over $5,000, you'll need a qualified appraisal.
Acknowledgment Letter Requirements (for donations $250+)
Your letter must include:
The name of the organization
The amount (or description) of what was donated
A statement that no goods or services were received in exchange (unless you did get something, like event tickets—then the charity must say what it was and its value)
Bonus Tip: Keep a “Charitable Giving” Folder
Whether you’re a business or an individual, having one place—physical or digital—to store donation records throughout the year makes tax time a lot smoother. If you’re a QuickBooks user, consider creating a tag or category for donations so nothing gets lost.
Final Thoughts
In a time when our community is grieving and rebuilding, every donation helps. And when you give wisely and keep the right documentation, you’re not just helping others—you’re also making sure your generosity counts come tax time.
Stay safe. Stay generous. And if you have questions about documenting your charitable giving, Kardinal Business Solutions is here to help.
Show Me the Money: A Guide to Funding Your Small Business Start-Up
So, you’ve got a killer business idea, a dream, and maybe a Canva-made logo. You're ready to take on the world—until reality smacks you with the cold, hard truth: you need money. Not just Starbucks-money. We’re talking office space, inventory, payroll, software subscriptions, and yes—taxes (because the IRS waits for no one).
But don’t panic. Your favorite sassy accountant is here to give it to you straight: you can get funding without selling your soul or maxing out your cousin’s credit card. Let’s break down your options, red flags, and how bookkeeping, QuickBooks, and solid accounting can make or break your funding game.
1. Friends, Family & That Rich Auntie
We all know at least one person who went to brunch with a vague idea and came back with $10K in startup money. If you have generous loved ones, just remember: borrow money, but keep receipts. Set expectations in writing. Aunt Cheryl might love your hustle, but she will bring it up at Thanksgiving if she never sees her money again.
Pro Tip: Use QuickBooks (yes, even now!) to track those loans. Trust me, it’s less awkward than pulling out a crumpled receipt from your purse when tax season rolls around.
2. Bank Loans & SBA Funding
This is the grown-up route. Traditional banks and Small Business Administration (SBA) loans come with structure, lower interest rates, and actual funding you can scale with. But they’ll want to see your business plan, projections, and—gasp—real bookkeeping records.
If your “financial plan” is currently on a napkin, we need to talk. Lenders want proof that you're not just a creative genius, but a financially responsible one. Enter: your accountant (hi!) and QuickBooks.
3. Online Lenders: Fast Cash, Faster Regret?
Online lenders are like the dating apps of small business funding—convenient, flashy, and occasionally shady. Sure, you can get cash quickly, but check the interest rates. Some of these guys charge more than your last Vegas weekend.
Only use this route if:
You're desperate (no judgment)
You’ve talked to an accountant (seriously)
You’ve read the fine print without crying
4. Investors & Venture Capital: Shark Tank Vibes
VC money sounds sexy—until someone wants 40% of your company and insists you rebrand your coffee shop into an AI-powered crypto bar.
Unless you’re scaling fast or in tech, this might not be your lane. And keep in mind, investors love clean books and good margins. That means bookkeeping, QuickBooks, and yes, tax compliance are non-negotiable.
5. Grants: Free Money, Real Work
If you’re a woman, minority, veteran, or operating in a specific industry, there may be grant money out there just waiting to be claimed. But grants are like adopting a dog—you need to show you're responsible enough to handle it.
Expect to provide:
Financial records (hi again, QuickBooks)
A solid business plan
Follow-up reporting (hello, more accounting)
Final Word from Your Favorite Accountant
Funding is about more than just getting the bag. It’s about showing lenders, investors, and even Aunt Cheryl that you're legit. That’s where accounting, bookkeeping, and tools like QuickBooks come in. Because the minute money hits your account, the IRS starts watching—and so should you.
If you need help cleaning up your books, setting up QuickBooks, or just figuring out if your "loan" from Venmo counts as taxable income (spoiler: maybe), Kardinal Business Solutions is just a call—or sassy email—away.
Need Help Getting Funded Without Losing Your Sanity?
Book a consultation today and let’s make sure your business looks as good on paper as it does on Instagram.
✨ Because messy books don’t build empires.
“TikTokTax”: Why Your Accountant Is Side-Eyeing Your Reels
Ah, TikTok and Instagram Reels — where banana bread recipes, viral dance trends, and now… tax advice flourish. Somewhere between the latest “hot girl walk” tutorial and a 7-second motivational quote, someone with a ring light and questionable credentials just convinced you to write off your dog as a business expense.
Let’s talk about it.
Social Media + Taxes = A Taxing Situation
In the world of social media, the line between entertainment and education gets blurrier than a 2006 camera phone pic. Influencers confidently spout lines like:
“If you start an LLC, you never have to pay taxes again.”
“Write off your entire vacation — just call it a business trip!”
“Buy a G-Wagon and the IRS basically pays for it.”
Sounds too good to be true? That’s because it usually is.
Viral ≠ Valid
Just because a post has a million views doesn’t mean it’s accurate. Algorithms reward engagement — not expertise. Unfortunately, the IRS doesn’t accept “But this guy on TikTok said so” as a valid defense during an audit.
Here’s why trusting your taxes to TikTok can be downright dangerous:
Laws vary by state and even by industry. That “write-off hack” might work for someone else — and land you in hot water.
Tax code is nuanced (read: frustrating and full of fine print). A 60-second video can’t capture the complexities of depreciation schedules or the difference between a contractor and an employee.
Some influencers are straight-up scammers. Let’s not sugarcoat it. Some of them know what they’re doing is misleading — and they’re cashing in on clicks.
Real Stories, Real Headaches
Accountants everywhere have seen it all:
A new client deducting $20K in “business entertainment” because an influencer said to save every receipt from date night.
Someone who formed 3 LLCs because a Reel said it would “triple their deductions.”
A poor soul who tried to write off their pet iguana as a “security system.”
Spoiler: The IRS didn’t find it funny.
Enter: Actual Professionals
Your CPA might not have 2 million followers or a trendy coffee aesthetic, but they do have:
Licenses
Years of education & experience
A genuine desire to keep you out of tax court
Plus, they know your unique situation — not just some “one-size-fits-all” tax tip meant to go viral.
What You Can Do Instead
Use TikTok as inspiration, not instruction. Hear something interesting? Screenshot it and bring it to your accountant to see if it applies.
Look for creators with real credentials. CPAs and Enrolled Agents are out there making content, too — they’re just probably not lip-syncing.
Ask real questions to real professionals. Most accountants would love to clarify things for you (and prevent future chaos).
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let a Trend Land You in Trouble
Social media is fantastic for laughs, learning, and maybe discovering a new dinner recipe. But when it comes to your taxes? Stick to the pros. The IRS doesn’t care if you went viral — they just want accurate math and honest reporting.
And remember: if it sounds too good to be true on TikTok… it probably belongs in the same category as sea moss gummies and “manifesting a refund.”
How President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” Could Impact Small Business Taxes and Accounting
I apologize in advance, this post is longer than 2 minutes… BUT this is very relevant and important for small business owners. TL;DR at the end.
As of mid-2025, President Donald J. Trump is pushing forward a sweeping legislative initiative known as the “Big Beautiful Bill,” aimed at overhauling the U.S. tax system and rolling back a range of business regulations. Though the bill is still moving through the early stages of the legislative process, it has already stirred major interest — and some concern — among small business owners and tax professionals.
What Is the “Big Beautiful Bill”?
The “Big Beautiful Bill” is President Trump’s flagship economic package in his current term. It promises to build upon and expand the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 by cutting taxes further, simplifying business compliance, and encouraging domestic investment. While the full legislative text was recently introduced in the House of Representatives, it has yet to pass either chamber of Congress.
Key components under discussion include:
Further reductions in corporate and pass-through business tax rates
Expanded bonus depreciation and asset expensing provisions
Streamlined deductions for small businesses
Payroll tax relief
Loosening of federal compliance and reporting rules
The bill is currently under review in the House Ways and Means Committee, with debates ongoing. Analysts expect significant amendments before any version reaches a floor vote.
What Small Business Owners Need to Know
Though the bill is not yet law, small business owners should pay close attention to how its provisions may impact their accounting strategies and tax obligations — especially for the 2025 and 2026 tax years.
1. Reduced Tax Rates for Pass-Through Entities
If passed, the bill would lower the tax rate for income earned by pass-through entities (e.g., LLCs, sole proprietors, S corporations). The current 20% qualified business income (QBI) deduction under Section 199A may be replaced or enhanced.
Impact: Potential for significantly lower effective tax rates, especially for service-based businesses — but also possible new phase-out thresholds and filing rules.
2. Increased Bonus Depreciation
The bill seeks to reinstate and expand 100% bonus depreciation for capital investments, retroactive to January 1, 2025.
Impact: Businesses could immediately expense new equipment, technology, or property upgrades — potentially lowering taxable income dramatically.
3. Simplified Deductions and Filing
A push for standard business deductions could simplify filing but might also eliminate or cap itemized deductions for certain industries or expenses.
Impact: Easier compliance for smaller operations, but niche businesses may lose out on key deductions (e.g., home office, vehicle expenses).
4. Payroll Tax Reductions
Trump has advocated for temporary payroll tax cuts or holidays as part of the bill to boost take-home pay and reduce hiring costs.
Impact: Short-term cash flow boost for employers and employees, but businesses will need to watch for changes in withholding rules and IRS guidance.
5. Regulatory Rollbacks
The bill includes language aimed at easing compliance with certain IRS, OSHA, and DOL regulations for businesses under 50 employees.
Impact: Reduced administrative burden, but state-level regulations may still apply and require coordination.
Current Status of the Bill
As of June 2025:
The bill has been introduced in the House and is under committee review.
Key business lobby groups and trade associations are lobbying for adjustments.
Senate Republicans have shown strong support, but passage may hinge on negotiations with moderate House members and budget scorekeepers at the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).
A final vote is unlikely before Q3 2025, and implementation of tax provisions would likely be retroactive to January 1, 2025, or take effect on January 1, 2026. This part is unknown for sure as of the writing of this blog post.
What You Should Do Now
Meet with an accountant, CPA, or tax advisor now to model potential scenarios under the new bill’s structure.
Delay or accelerate major business purchases depending on how depreciation rules may change.
Watch for IRS guidance — if the bill passes, transitional rules and compliance updates will follow quickly.
Bottom Line:
While the “Big Beautiful Bill” is not yet law, it’s on track to become a major piece of President Trump’s second-term legacy. For small business owners, preparing early could make the difference between missed opportunities and strategic gains.
TL;DR:
Summary of possible small business impacts if the Big Beautiful Bill is passed into law:
Key Takeaways:
The bill aims to put more cash back into the hands of small businesses through lower taxes and immediate expensing.
Simplified deductions and filing could save time and reduce accounting costs.
However, specific industries (like real estate, professional services, and independent contractors) should watch for deduction limitations or eligibility rules.
The Accountant Shortage Is Real—Should You Be Worried?
(Spoiler: Maybe a little.)
So here’s a fun headline you probably missed:
📉 Accounting is in a hiring crisis.
Wait… accounting? Like… spreadsheets and calculators? Yep. The very people who keep your business legal, organized, and IRS-proof are getting harder to find—and fast.
🧮 What’s Going On?
There’s a big ol’ talent gap happening right now:
The number of accounting grads has dropped by 17%
CPAs are retiring faster than new ones are entering
The work? Still piling up
And unfortunately, this isn’t just our problem—it’s yours, too.
⚠️ What This Means for Small Business Owners
If you:
Wait until April to find a tax pro…
Expect year-round support from a “once-a-year” guy…
Think AI is about to replace your accountant…
You’re playing a dangerous game with your bottom line.
Fewer professionals = longer wait times, higher prices, and more people getting ghosted during tax season.
👀 But Don’t Panic—Here’s What to Do:
✅ Find your person early
If you have a great accountant (hi 👋), stick with them. If you don’t, get on someone’s radar before things get busy.
✅ Think long-term, not just tax-time
A good accountant helps you all year—not just when the IRS comes knocking. Budgeting, cash flow, strategy? That’s the real magic.
✅ Don’t DIY your way into disaster
Sure, ChatGPT and TurboTax can answer questions. But neither can help you explain a messed-up S-corp distribution to an auditor.
💬 TL;DR?
The shortage is real. The stakes are high.
But you don’t have to figure it out alone.
I’m Jessica—spreadsheet whisperer, IRS interpreter, and chaos-stopper at Kardinal Business Solutions. If you want someone in your corner before tax season gets wild, now’s the time to reach out.
👉 Let’s talk—before everyone else does.
Tariffs, Price Hikes & “What Now?”—What Business Owners Need to Know (Without a Panic Attack)
You didn’t start a business to track global trade policies.
But guess what? Global trade policies are tracking you.
💥 What’s Happening?
The U.S. has announced increased tariffs on certain Chinese goods, including steel, aluminum, semiconductors, solar panels, EV batteries, and more. Sound niche? It’s not.
📊 Here’s the reality:
Tariffs on electric vehicles are rising from 25% to 100%
Solar cells: 25% to 50%
Steel & aluminum: 0–7.5% to 25%
And these costs don’t stay on cargo ships. They hit your supply chain, your vendors, your invoices—and yes, your bottom line.
🔁 So, What Does That Mean for You?
Even if you’re not importing anything directly, these tariff hikes are like throwing a wrench in a giant machine—and you’re somewhere down the line catching the fallout.
💸 Increased material costs – Your suppliers are paying more, and they’re not eating it.
🛑 Delayed timelines – Supply chain slowdowns = missed deadlines.
📉 Tighter margins – You may not feel it right away, but your profit is quietly shrinking.
😖 And Here's the Kicker...
Most small business owners won’t notice the damage until it shows up in their cash flow—or worse, their tax return.
Let’s not do that.
✅ What You Can Do (That Doesn’t Involve an Economics Degree)
Audit your cost structure. Know what’s actually costing you more.
Re-evaluate vendors and contracts. Can you renegotiate? Source locally?
Adjust pricing—smartly. Don’t eat the cost out of loyalty. Communicate with your customers.
Budget for volatility. Because this isn’t the last surprise the global economy has in store.
👋 Need Help Seeing the Big Picture?
This is where I come in.
As your accounting sidekick, I track the financial ripple effects—so you don’t have to. Whether you need help understanding what these changes mean, or want help adjusting your budget, I’ve got you.
📬 [Let’s talk] – No pressure, just clarity.
You Didn’t Start a Business to Play with Numbers—But I Did.
Why hiring someone who actually enjoys this stuff might be your next power move
Let’s cut to it: You didn’t launch your business to spend your Saturdays drowning in receipts, untangling payroll reports, or asking yourself, “Wait… what even is a chart of accounts?”
But someone’s gotta handle the financial chaos—and spoiler alert: that someone doesn’t have to be you.
Hi. I’m Jessica. And I genuinely like this stuff.
I’m the small business sidekick you didn’t know you needed—part numbers nerd, part problem-solver, full-on chaos-tamer. At Kardinal Business Solutions, I help entrepreneurs clean up their books, tighten up their strategy, and stop pretending they know what a 1099-NEC is.
🙃 DIY Ain’t It
Look, we’ve all been there:
You meant to keep up with your bookkeeping… and then life happened.
You opened QuickBooks once, got a headache, and closed it immediately.
You're not totally sure if you’re paying yourself right—or legally.
If you’ve ever considered setting your spreadsheets on fire, I see you.
💁♀️ What You Actually Need
Numbers that make sense (and don’t make you sweat)
Someone who speaks fluent IRS without making it weird
A system that keeps your business legit and profitable
I’m not here to judge your bank feed. I’m here to fix it.
🧠 Here’s the Thing…
Clean books aren’t just for tax season flexes. They’re your secret weapon. When you’ve got financial clarity, you stop winging it and start winning at it.
Suddenly you’re making decisions like a boss instead of just surviving one deposit at a time.
🚀 Let’s Get Your Biz Together
If you’re ready to stop sorting receipts by “vibes” and actually know where your money’s going, let’s chat. No jargon. No shame. Just straight talk, smarter systems, and a little Kardinal magic.
👉 Click here to reach out and let’s un-mess your mess.