Franchise Business Online (http://www.franchise-business.biz) recently completed research on why entrepreneurs should buy a franchise today.

Research Report: Why should you buy a franchise business?
( http://www.franchise-business.biz )

Here is the question asked to our panel of entrepreneurs: Aren’t you bored of working for someone else? Have you been thinking of owning a business that is successful and doesn’t even require a lot of start-up capital and experience? The right choice for you is to buy a franchise. There are many advantages that you get by buying a business franchise:
— You can simultaneously enjoy your kind of work and gain satisfaction.
— There isn’t any sharing of profits, or any limit to what you can earn (minus royalties)
— The working hours are flexible.
— You don’t need to spend more on the overhead costs.
— Buying a franchise of your choice can be profitable where you can apply your skills and knowledge for making huge profits.

According to the International Franchise Association, the franchising business employs more than 8 million people and 1 out of every 12 retails businesses is a franchised business.
Here are several "hot" franchises on the market today:
Subway:
http://www.franchise-business.biz/Subway-World-Headquarters.html

Sir Speedy:
http://www.franchise-business.biz/Sir-Speedy-Inc.html

Taco Bell:
http://www.franchise-business.biz/Taco-Bell-Corporation.html

Sylvan Learning Center
http://www.franchise-business.biz/Sylvan-Learning-Center.html

Supercuts
http://www.franchise-business.biz/Supercuts.html
(Note: All trademarks are owned by their respective companies)

Buying a franchisee is safer and more profitable than starting a new business venture. The products and services of the franchisor are already established in the market. So, there aren’t any initial hiccups in making profits if things are managed well. The only time a franchise business doesn’t make any profits, or closes is because of mismanagement.

Our research has also demonstrated that you should always look for professional help from a franchising consultant in setting up and running your new franchise business to ensure success.

For a list of franchise businesses online : http://www.franchise-business.biz

About the Author:
Howard Schwartz is a partner in several business strategy groups, including HJ Ventures International, Inc. Howard has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs worldwide with a focus on writing Business Plans for companies interested in raising capital from Venture Funds and Angel Investors. Howard’s business plans have secured several million dollars in funding. For more information: http://www.franchise-business.biz

Tax Tips for S Corporations : http://www.tax-definition.org/Define-Payroll-taxes.html

Description: The “C” and “S” corporations refer to the Internal Revenue Code’s subchapters. The “S” corporation status eliminates the possibility of double taxation on the profits in businesses.

There are many things that you are required to do before filing your taxes if you’re small business owner. The IRS tax code has recognized different kinds of corporations, namely, personal service, non-profit corporations, and financial institutions.

The most favorite legal structures for all the tax paying business owners are “C” and “S” corporations. The “C” and “S” corporations refer to the Internal Revenue Code’s subchapters. The corporations are differentiated by the way in which the incomes are reported.

There are many benefits in selecting the “S” corporation status. It eliminates the possibility of double taxation on the profits in businesses. The profits of “S” corporations are taxed directly to the shareholders and the business owners. No federal corporate taxes are to be paid; just one annual tax return is supposed to be filed with this status.

On the other hand, “C” corporations have to pay the income tax at two levels, one at the corporate level and the profits of individual shareholders at the other. The losses in “C” corporation remain within the corporation.

The shareholders in “S” corporations take their operating losses on their own returns. The limited liability is combined with the pass-through tax treatment that allows deductions and incomes to go directly to the shareholders. The result is the same as that of a limited liability company, sole proprietorship, or partnership.

Even though an “S” corporation is not considered to be a tax-paying entity, it has to report taxes. Form 1120S has to be filled while filing the annual corporation tax return. The form gives the details of the income, expenses, profits, and losses of the corporation. The shareholders of this corporation are issued separate forms known as the Form K-1s. This form reports about the income that the shareholders get from the corporation along with their tax returns.

The people employed with an “S” corporation also get taxed and their taxes are filed along with the company. The “S” corporations are supposed to file their state tax returns though. It is important to meet the deadlines for filing your taxes. You are supposed to file the Form 2553 with the IRS before the 15th day of the third month after the taxable year for your corporation begins.

If you’re unable to file your tax on time due to a plausible reason, you are given additional six months’ time. In case of further delay, for about a year, you’re given the choice of electing the “S” corporation status in the next year. You’re not supposed to fill up the Form 2553 till the corporation charter is granted by the state. Usually, the President of an organization is supposed to file the tax returns.

Financial Records Information : http://www.tax-definition.org/Define-Financial-records.html

The “S” corporation is supposed to file and pay the employment taxes, where the shareholders are spared from the pay-estimated taxes. To elect the “S” corporation status, you need to get consent from the shareholders, present as well as prospective. Unless and until all the shareholders give their consent, the election for “S” corporation remains invalid.

Tax Tips for S Corporations : http://www.tax-definition.org/Define-Payroll-taxes.html

About the Author:
Howard Schwartz is a partner in several business strategy groups, including HJ Ventures International, Inc. Howard has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs worldwide with a focus on writing Business Plans for companies interested in raising capital from Venture Funds and Angel Investors. Howard’s business plans have secured several million dollars in funding. For more information: http://www.tax-definition.org

The use of tanning beds came to the United Stated from Europe in 1979. The rise in popularity was swift and over the years tanning bed bulbs have become brighter and faster with even better tanning results. The tanning industry has been growing since it was introduced, and is expected to keep on growing. This is largely because people in general are concerned with beauty and body image and strive for the ‘perfect’ look.

People are keen to opt for tanning because it claims to have such significant benefits over tanning in the sun. The tanning industry claims that customers are 81% less likely to burn when they are outside if they use a tanning bed on a regular basis.

If you decide to open a tanning salon ( http://www.hjventures.com/tanning-salon-business-plan.html ) you will need to consider location first and foremost. The most important question is what other business are in the immediate area? Are there grocery stores, theaters, a college or university, apartments, shopping facilities & other attractions? These types of businesses will draw traffic into your establishment. Always consider more than one location and look for similar business in the area.

Once you have decided on a location it is time to consider your floor plan and room layout. Tanning system suppliers will be able to assist you in creating a design that takes the tanning equipment into account. Some of the decorating ides that many salons use are: dropped ceilings, light sconces in each tanning room, built in accessory tables, runner lights, cove lighting and pocket doors.

The most important part of any tanning salon is your equipment. Make sure you partner with a reputable manufacturer, one that offers excellent equipment, ongoing business, marketing and services support and who is really interested in seeing your business grow.

Learn more about starting your tanning salon : http://www.hjventures.com/tanning-salon-business-plan.html

About the Author:
Howard Schwartz is a partner in several business strategy groups, including HJ Ventures International, Inc. Howard has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs worldwide with a focus on writing Business Plans for companies interested in raising capital from Venture Funds and Angel Investors. Howard’s business plans have secured several million dollars in funding. For more information: http://www.hjventures.com

Hair care has been around as long as humans have been on the planet. The earliest record of personal hair care dates back 2.5 million years ago, when brushes used to create cave paintings in Spain and France were adapted for use in hair grooming. Interestingly, many of the innovations in hair design that are still used today originated in the late 19th century.

According to 2002 statistics, there were 1.4 million personal care services ( http://www.hjventures.com/writing/Beauty-parlors-shops-Business-Plan.html ) in the United States, 313,000 of which were beauty and hair salons. The hair salon service industry alone had revenues of $55.9 billion, while salon product sales were $5.5 billion. Coloring alone brought in $10.4 billion for the beauty industry in 2002.

The biggest single customer group is the baby boomer generation, who by the way now constitute the largest population segment in America, and who are more than willing to spend money on a hair care services.

What this means is that the prospects for owners of hair care businesses are solid and strong. The 2003 Job Demand Survey, distributed by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences, indicated that average total income (including tips) for salon owners was $53,150 per year.

There are three ways you can enter the hair industry. You can open a franchise hair salon, in which you pay money upfront to use someone else’s established name and resources such as advertising campaigns. You can buy an established salon from someone who is retiring from the business or has damaged the business and is forced into bankruptcy. Thirdly, you could establish your own salon.

So what does it take to be a successful salon entrepreneur ( http://www.hjventures.com/salon-business-plan.html )? First, it helps to be a risk taker, you have to be willing to try anything to succeed, you have to have determination and an entrepreneurial mind-set to be successful and you need to have a vision and goals for your business long term.

Learn more about owing your own hair salon business : http://www.hjventures.com/hair-salon-business-plans.html

About the Author:
Howard Schwartz is a partner in several business strategy groups, including HJ Ventures International, Inc. Howard has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs worldwide with a focus on writing Business Plans for companies interested in raising capital from Venture Funds and Angel Investors. Howard’s business plans have secured several million dollars in funding. For more information: http://www.hjventures.com

Tax-definition.org (http://www.tax-definition.org) is happy to share the following Tax Tips -

Tax Tips for Individual Filers: http://www.tax-definition.org/tax-tips

As the financial year comes to an end, long queues at the Post Office are a sight all of us despise. We all know that, as good American citizens , we should file our tax returns by April 15. The real thing is that we need to keep a track of the amount that we will be left with. The last minute hassles create a lot of confusion.

You can also review Tax definitions here : http://www.tax-definition.org/Define-Form-1040.html

In fact, if you are a first timer or an individual tax payee there are a lot of things that can be done to make sure that your taxes are filed in the right way and at the right time. The reality is that if proper planning is done in advance, the procedure for filing taxes can become very smooth. It is important to remember that the tax due date is April 15 whereas, the actual tax return is supposed to be filed before June 15. These dates can be confusing, but your tax payments get decided on the basis of the taxes that you have been paying off all through the year.

There are many things that can help you in paying off your taxes on time. And here's listed a 7-point last-minute checklist to make sure your tax paperwork is error-free:

A. Entering your correct Social Security Number. The IRS will not go ahead with your tax formalities if the requisite information is not given on the box, or the label provided for it. In case of a joint tax return with your spouse, both of you need to fill up your Social Security Numbers.
B. You can use a rough label to fill up the information and can strike it off in case it becomes wrong. Otherwise, you need to be very cautious about the information that you fill up in your form.
C. It is advantageous for you to fill up just one filing status that gives you the maximum benefit on tax.
D. Staple your 1099 forms and wage/salary statements in case you got your tax withheld at any time on the mentioned accounts.
E. If you have more dependents on you, then you get more direct tax exemption. Make sure that you fill up the maximum exemptions that you are eligible for. There is a certain amount that gets reduced from your gross income that is used by the IRS for calculating your taxes.
F. Assembling all you documents in order and sequence will help in faster processing. It is important to mention a telephone number that can be used by the IRS in case they need to get to you to satisfy their queries.
G. Remember to mention the telephone and tax ID numbers of your joint filers and the professionals whom you’ve hired to fill up your forms and documentation.

Other than the above-mentioned things, you must remember to file your declaration for the repayments of the amount that went above your tax limit. This completes your procedure for doing your taxes in time.

Stay tuned for our next report on what tax payers / electronic filers need to watch out for: http://www.tax-definition.org/Define-File-a-return.html

About the Author:
Howard Schwartz is a partner in several business strategy groups, including HJ Ventures International, Inc. Howard has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs worldwide with a focus on writing Business Plans for companies interested in raising capital from Venture Funds and Angel Investors. Howard’s business plans have secured several million dollars in funding. For more information: http://www.tax-definition.org

Discount Yarn & Knitting comments on the Martha Stewart Poncho - http://www.discount-yarn.info

Martha Stewart does it without even trying. Even from jail Martha Stewart can make money as well as newspaper headlines. All it took was her walking out of jail wearing a poncho crocheted by a fellow inmate. “Camp Cupcake” may soon be known as “Camp Crochet”.This going away gift has sparked a renewed interest in crocheting and knitting.

Only twelve days after Martha’s release The Lion Brand Yarn Company (http://www.discount-yarn.info/Lion-Brand.html) announced that over a half million people have downloaded the crocheted and knitted version of this now famous poncho. Just think, it took a jail term to inspire people to knit and crochet- kudos to Martha! Until now we just associated Martha with home accessories, now thanks to her jail term, she has expanded her influence into the fashion world!

Isn’t it wonderful that even a jail term cannot stop the unstoppable Martha Stewart! Yarn companies and pattern designers have all jumped on the Martha Stewart Poncho bandwagon. People in the fashion industry are saying, “Hooray for Martha Stewart and her friend for bringing the poncho back into vogue.”

So now we know, prison inmates do productive work- they can get yarn from the prison commissary, crochet a poncho
( http://www.discount-crochet.com/Crochet-Poncho-Pattern.html ) as a going away present for Martha Stewart, and their creations can be featured on national TV. I guess this famous inmate will have to be released from jail for us to learn her name. One news release even said that the creator of this now famous crocheted poncho will get 10% of the profits. I just hope that Martha Stewart has a job waiting for her!

About the Author:
Howard Schwartz is a partner in several business strategy groups, including HJ Ventures International, Inc. Howard has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs worldwide with a focus on writing Business Plans for companies interested in raising capital from Venture Funds and Angel Investors. Howard’s business plans have secured several million dollars in funding. For more information: http://www.discount-yarn.info

Studies have shown that most of the tax agencies manipulate the tax laws and try to look for the loopholes in them for tax deductions and benefits. Getting involved in tax scams can be avoided if you understand the concepts on which some of the fraud tax agencies work. Learn from: http://www.tax-definition.org

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released a report on tax scams and Tax-Definition.org (http://www.tax-definition.org) is happy to share them with tax filers to alert them to any potential issues -

Tax Tips for E-filers: http://www.tax-definition.org/tax-tips

There have been many cases of tax scams that have been unveiled by the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) in their annual listings called the “Dirty Dozen”. There are various tax agencies and schemes that have been listed for making false claims to the taxpayers.
Studies have shown that most of the tax agencies manipulate the tax laws and try to look for the loopholes in them for tax deductions and benefits. Getting involved in tax scams can be avoided if you understand the concepts on which some of the fraud tax agencies work.
Most of the credit counseling agencies that claim to help you in fixing your credit ratings should be avoided. They generally aim at charging high fees, or monthly charges that add to your debt.
The IRS Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division is making audits on such agencies to avoid the exploitation that takes place due to the debts of low-income customers. The agencies are tax-exempt, yet they charge high fees for providing credit and debt counseling to their customers.
There are many unscrupulous tax agencies that advise the tax filers to move all their assets in a trust. According to them, by putting your assets under a trust you will be able to reduce your taxes, as the income that is subject to tax will become lower. This will show deductions in your personal expenses due to your reduced estate. You will be expected to pay lower gift taxes.
However, most of the agencies that make suck promises fail to deliver them. It is important for the taxpayer to hire a qualified professional to help out in matters like entering a trust. On the other hand, even the IRS is keeping an eye on such agencies.
Some of the agencies want their customers to utilize a “claim of right” doctrine. According to this, a taxpayer tries to file a return with an aim to get a deduction that is equivalent to the wages that he/she gets. Such a deduction is placed under is interpreted wrongly and has no basis in law.
Therefore, a tax payer must gather all possible information before falling in the trap of fraud tax agencies. The real clause in the Internal Revenue Code is manipulated by such agencies that propagate tax scams.
Filing a return is optional, wages cannot be considered as income, and there are amendments in the tax codes that discriminate against the tax payers are a few of the false arguments that are advertised by the tax agencies. One should not fall for any of these lousy statements. They have been challenged and thrown out of the courts.
More and more of such scams have been unearthed that refute, or manipulate different arguments and codes for tax exemption. A tab on the identity thefts; on the telephone, Internet, and frauds posing as IRS members; is essential.
If the IRS catches hold of such con agencies and people involved with them; fine and imprisonment are inevitable. But, even the tax payer should be aware of all the legalities involved in filing their taxes to avoid taking help from outside.
Stay tuned for our second report on what tax payers / electronic filers need to watch out for: http://www.tax-definition.org/Define-File-a-return.html
You can also review Tax definitions here: http://www.tax-definition.org/Define-Form-1040.html
About the Author:
Howard Schwartz is a partner in several business strategy groups, including HJ Ventures International, Inc. Howard has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs worldwide with a focus on writing Business Plans for companies interested in raising capital from Venture Funds and Angel Investors. Howard’s business plans have secured several million dollars in funding. For more information: http://www.tax-definition.org/Define-Form-1040.html

Tax- Definition.org (http://www.tax-definition.org) is reporting on the second part of the tax scam alert from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Manipulation of Tax Codes and Laws in Tax Scams.

With the IRS bringing out its annual listings for the numerous tax scams that are taking place, the debate on the misuse of tax laws has become hotter. The “Dirty Dozen” looks at different kinds of tax scams that have taken place in a year, to keep the people of United States aware of the fraud agencies and their owners who move around in the guise of tax professionals.
The modus operandi of the so-called tax agencies and tax counselors is to manipulate the established rules and laws in order to get tax reduction. They catch hold of people who are most prone to falling for their false claims. Following the tax-deduction techniques given by them can land you in prison. The IRS keeps a strict tab on the numerous agencies and takes legal action against the fraudulent ones.
The different clauses and doctrines that are twisted and used for getting tax reduction are:

Evasion of employment tax: There are times when the tax agencies instruct the tax filers not to withhold the employment taxes from their wages. This is a wrong interpretation of the Section 861. Following anything like this can lead to criminal convictions and injunctions. Penalties and extra taxes can be charged from the people found guilty by the IRS.
Corporation sole: There are many people, who apply for incorporation by claiming to be a part of some religious organization, or other phony institution in the hope that they may be exempted from federal income tax. The corporation sole statute gives the benefit of tax exemption to the to religious leaders, thereby separating them from the ownership of church and other assets, legally. The tax agencies ask people to use this statute to escape taxes, other debts, and child support.
Increasing offshore transactions: Most of the people are advised to hide their income in offshore banks and accounts by the tax agencies. Such people tend to use offshore credit cards, life insurance, leasing schemes, wire transfers, and foreign trusts to evade paying huge taxes. The IRS and other U.S. agencies are on a look out for such people who approve of and promote such illegal transactions.
Cases of Identity thefts: The IRS has received information about some identity thefts where impostors have stolen valuable information from people guising themselves as officers from the IRS. The stolen data has then been used for credit card and loan application. Some people have also received fictitious correspondence from different agencies posing as the IRS. People tend to disclose very important information to them like their social security and checking account numbers, and many other things.
Deductions for charitable institutions: Different charitable institutions and non-profit organizations have the benefit of tax deductions. The tax agencies advise their customers to transfer all their assets and other properties to any such institution, on paper. The person still maintains actual control or hold of that property. This helps the individual to get tax exemption and other deductions. IRS discourages such practices and takes legal action against the guilty.
The best thing to do is to avoid getting duped by fraud tax agencies, and contacting the IRS directly for any sort of information, or clarification.
Learn more about electronic filing (e- filing) : http://www.tax-definition.org/Define-Electronic-filing.html

Tax Forms for E-filers: http://www.tax-definition.org/tax-forms
About the Author:
Howard Schwartz is a partner in several business strategy groups, including HJ Ventures International, Inc. Howard has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs worldwide with a focus on writing Business Plans for companies interested in raising capital from Venture Funds and Angel Investors. Howard’s business plans have secured several million dollars in funding. For more information: http://www.tax-definition.org/Define-Electronic-filing.html

Factoring is a quick and easy way to replenish your business with urgently needed cash in quickest possible time. However, this financing option is not all hassle free and has its disadvantages too.
The pros and cons of factoring
Advantages:
- It is among the quickest way to get advance cash. ( http://www.hjventures.com/factoring/accounts-receivables.html )
- Overhead charges get automatically reduced with the cut in invoice processing activities.
- The business owner becomes free of various other obligations connected with the invoice processing like depositing checks and entering payments.
- Getting cash with factoring helps in eliminating the risks of bad debts.
- By undertaking the task of debt collection it helps the company in concentrating over more value added activities.
- Without acting as hindrance to cash flow it gives an opportunity to offer credit terms to customers.
- Factoring brings no extra liability in balance sheet and hence does not result in creating hassles while obtaining other types of financing.
- Early payment discount is another benefit of factoring. Payment of bills before the scheduled time brings in many benefits in the form of discounts.
- It is an easy way to have an access to unlimited capital as with an increase in sale more money becomes immediately available to business owners.
( http://www.hjventures.com/factoring/factoring.html )
Some other benefits include building credit, quick and easy process, concentration on marketing and securing new accounts and no long-term obligation.
Disadvantages:
- The biggest disadvantage is it makes the process complicated as it acts as an extra link in the process.
- It is useful for companies with disputes and queries.
- The ambit for borrowing gets narrowed, as account receivables will not be available for security.
- Factors may want to get your customers examined and may have influence over your ways of doing business.
- In case the customers do not repay the money, you have to pay their amount entwined in factoring.
- It is costly than other sources of finance though it is competitively priced.
- Few customers don’t want to deal with a third party and are not interested in factoring.
Learn more about factoring/business finance: http://www.hjventures.com/factoring/factoring-glossary.html
About the Author:
Howard Schwartz is a partner in several business strategy groups, including HJ Ventures International, Inc. Howard has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs worldwide with a focus on writing Business Plans for companies interested in raising capital from Venture Funds and Angel Investors. Howard’s business plans have secured several million dollars in funding. For more information: http://www.hjventures.com/factoring/factoring-glossary.html