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Subcontractor vs employee: how the IRS decides
A 1099 doesn't make someone a subcontractor. The IRS looks at who controls the work, the money and the relationship. Here's the test, with trade examples.
Payroll ·
Outsourced controller services for the trades
An outsourced controller checks your books, closes each month on a set date and sets up job costing. What one does and what the first month should deliver.
CFO help ·
Small business tax planning for contractors
Tax planning is a habit, not an April event: sweep cash from every deposit, pay estimates on the IRS calendar and settle how you pay yourself.
Taxes ·
1099 rules for contractors in 2026
For 2026 payments, you file a 1099-NEC once a sub's total hits $2,000. Who gets one, when it's due, and why the W-9 comes first.
Payroll ·
Which financial reports do contractors need?
The financial reports contractors need, the question each one answers and how often to read it, plus the home service KPIs worth checking every week.
Cash and pricing ·
Cash flow forecast for contractors
A 13-week cash flow forecast shows the week payroll comes up short before you get there. How to build one, with a worked example and the busy-season trap.
Cash and pricing ·
Job costing: how to track job profitability
Job costing shows what each job made after labor, materials and subs. Here's the formula, an estimate-vs-actual example and the QuickBooks setup.
Cash and pricing ·
Tax deductions trades owners miss
The deductions trades owners miss are ordinary ones: small tools, the truck, the home office, meals and QBI. The IRS rule and the record for each.
Taxes ·
Is labor taxable for contractors?
It depends on your state, and sometimes on the job. Examples from four states' own rules, why collected tax isn't income, and a monthly filing routine.
Taxes ·
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