Choosing the right business structure is one of the most important financial decisions you'll make as a business owner. Whether you're starting your first company, branching out with a subsidiary, or looking to restructure an existing business, the entity you select will influence everything from your taxes to your legal liability. There's no one-size-fits-all solution. The best option depends on the size of your business, how it's funded, and your long-term goals. Before you make a decision, it's smart to understand the basics of the three most common structures: LLCs, S-Corps, and C-Corps.

The last thing anyone wants is a letter from the IRS. For small business owners, though, it's not just a nuisance; communication from the IRS can bring with it very real stress, anxiety, and disruption to your daily operations. Fortunately, being aware of and understanding what might prompt an audit sets you up with a better chance of avoiding unnecessary attention in the first place. If you're a small business owner in D.C. or the surrounding area, here's what you should know about the most common IRS red flags and how to steer clear of them.

As another year comes to a close, most small business owners are assessing health insurance plans to find the best options to benefit their employees and themselves. As one of those small business owners, you know health insurance is a major investment and that the right choices can make a world of difference in terms of company finances and employee satisfaction. With medical debt as a leading cause of bankruptcy, making sure employees have the coverage they need without overpaying is more crucial than ever. Here are a few tips to help you support your staff while making informed health insurance decisions and exploring opportunities to save during tax season.