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Kevin McKernan Kevin McKernan

What the Big Beautiful Bill Means for Your Taxes in 2025

The Big Beautiful Bill brings major 2025 tax changes: extended 2017 tax cuts, higher SALT deduction limits, “No Tax on Tips & Overtime,” senior relief, bigger child credits, and new “Trump Accounts.” Learn what sole proprietors, LLCs, S-corps, and franchise owners must watch for—and the practical steps to stay compliant and maximize savings.

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Kevin McKernan Kevin McKernan

What to do About Employees with Disabilities

Learn how to properly support employees with disabilities while staying compliant with the ADA and Rehabilitation Act. This guide covers best practices for inclusive workplaces, low-cost accommodations, documentation, insurance considerations, and available tax credits. Discover practical steps employers can take to reduce risk, improve accessibility, and create a fair, legally compliant work environment.

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Kevin McKernan Kevin McKernan

Probate

Probate in New York is the legal process of validating a will and managing a loved one’s estate through Surrogate’s Court. Learn when probate is required, which assets can skip it, and the key steps—filing, notifying heirs, paying debts, and distributing assets. Get clear, compassionate guidance to navigate probate efficiently and avoid delays.

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Kevin McKernan Kevin McKernan

Legal Documents Your Child Needs When They Turn 18

When your child turns 18, you lose automatic access to their medical and financial information under privacy laws like HIPAA. Learn which legal documents every young adult needs—Patient Advocate Designation, HIPAA Authorization, and Financial Power of Attorney—to ensure parents can make critical decisions in emergencies and avoid costly court petitions for guardianship.

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Kevin McKernan Kevin McKernan

Being Commission-Based Doesn't Make a Worker an Independent Contractor

Being commission-based doesn’t automatically make someone an independent contractor. The IRS and courts look at control, benefits, and work history—not just flexibility or pay structure. Learn how long-term employment, company oversight, and access to benefits can legally define a worker as an employee, and why proper classification is critical to avoid costly penalties.

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Kevin McKernan Kevin McKernan

Elder Abuse: Red Flags and Remedies for Families and Estate Planners

Elder abuse—especially financial exploitation—is a growing concern in estate planning and probate. Learn key warning signs, from unexplained transactions to sudden changes in estate documents, and discover preventive steps families and estate planners can take. Explore legal remedies such as conservatorships, restraining orders, and restitution to protect vulnerable seniors and their assets.

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Kevin McKernan Kevin McKernan

What to do if your Business is Sued and how to Reduce the Threat

Small businesses face lawsuits from employees and customers over issues like wage violations, discrimination, or injury claims. Learn the most common legal risks for small business owners and how to reduce liability through proper insurance, compliance, and legal planning. Discover proactive steps to protect your company, finances, and reputation from costly lawsuits.

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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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