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MerriLyn Gibbs MerriLyn Gibbs

IRS Ended Acceptance of Paper Checks Starting September 30, 2025

The IRS will end paper check payments on September 30, 2025, under Executive Order 1427, shifting fully to electronic transactions. Learn how this impacts tax refunds, benefits, and federal payments, why the change was made for security and efficiency, and what taxpayers should do now to update payment methods and avoid disruptions.

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Kevin McKernan Kevin McKernan

New SBA Loan Program for Manufacturers

The SBA’s new MARC loan program supports small U.S. manufacturers with flexible financing options. As part of the 7(a) loan program, MARC loans offer working capital and credit solutions for businesses under NAICS codes 31–33. Learn how these loans help manufacturers expand operations, improve cash flow, and invest in long-term growth and innovation.

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Kevin McKernan Kevin McKernan

When Should You Update Your Estate Plan?

Your estate plan isn’t “set it and forget it.” Life changes—like marriage, divorce, new children, or major financial shifts—can make your plan outdated. Learn the 12 key times to update your estate plan to protect assets, avoid probate, and ensure your wishes align with current New York estate and tax laws. Stay prepared.

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Kevin McKernan Kevin McKernan

National Women's Business Month 2025

Celebrate National Women’s Business Month 2025! October honors women entrepreneurs, who now own 13.3 million businesses, nearly 45% of all U.S. enterprises. Since 1982, women’s business ownership has grown 438%. Celebrate the progress—and discover SBA resources, Women’s Business Centers, and support networks to fuel your entrepreneurial journey. #WomenInBusiness #SmallBizMonth

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Kevin McKernan Kevin McKernan

Avoiding Probate

Probate is the court process of settling a person’s estate after death, but it can be slow, costly, and public. To avoid it, consider a revocable living trust, name beneficiaries on accounts, hold property jointly, or use New York’s small estate option for assets under $50,000.

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Kevin McKernan Kevin McKernan

Top 10 Contracts for Every Small Business

Secure your small business with these 10 essential contracts, from service agreements to NDAs and employee handbooks. Protect your assets, define clear terms, and prevent disputes by putting every detail in writing. Build stronger, safer business relationships with the right legal tools in place.

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Kevin McKernan Kevin McKernan

Don't Forget Financial and Tax Records in Emergency Preparedness Plans

Don’t overlook your financial and tax records in your emergency preparedness plan. Learn how to digitize important documents, safely store backups, and document valuables before disaster strikes. Understand available tax relief options for disaster recovery and why updating your plan annually helps protect your assets, records, and peace of mind during unexpected emergencies.

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Kevin McKernan Kevin McKernan

Planning Inheritance

Can an inheritance be divided in divorce? In New York, it’s usually separate property—but mixing funds, buying marital assets, or poor planning can change that. Learn how to protect a child’s inheritance using trusts, prenuptial agreements, and estate planning strategies that safeguard family wealth from divorce, creditors, and future financial risks.

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Kevin McKernan Kevin McKernan

What You Need to Know About Property, Business Interruption, and Cyber Insurance

Protect your business from unexpected losses with the right insurance coverage. Learn the essentials of property, business interruption, contingent interruption, and cyber insurance—what’s covered, what’s excluded, and how to avoid costly gaps. Understand replacement cost vs. cash value, sub-limits, and cyber risks to keep your business resilient, compliant, and financially protected after a disaster.

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Kevin McKernan Kevin McKernan

The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act": Key Figures for NY Taxpayers

The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” brings major estate tax changes for NY taxpayers. Starting 2026, the federal exemption rises to $15M per person and sunsets are canceled. Learn how this affects estate, gift, and GST taxes, plus key New York State rules, rates, and planning strategies to minimize taxes and protect your wealth.

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Kevin McKernan Kevin McKernan

Before Disaster Hits, Employers Must Assess Safety,  Legal Risks

Natural disasters can expose employers to serious safety and legal risks. Learn five key employment law issues every business must address—OSHA safety plans, wage and hour compliance, job duty changes, leave requests, and layoffs. Discover how proactive planning and legal guidance can protect employees, ensure compliance, and keep your business resilient during crises.

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