You may have heard that there's no qualification process for accounts receivable funding services -- well you heard wrong. But the focus really isn't on you, it's on the invoices and customers you intend to sell to the factor.

BUYING GUIDE: Account Receivable and Invoice Factoring

Usually, we call these "buyer's guides," but when you're factoring your receivables, you're not buying. You're selling. Specifically, you are selling your receivables to a third-party who, in turn, immediately pays you a price that is discounted from the face value of the receivable. Learn how it works here.

How depreciation works

How does depreciation work on business equipment? Depreciation is the government's way of rewarding your business for using increasingly cruddy stuff. Somehow, that makes sense.

Tax credit service - Why the WOTC is nothing to do with your tax preparer

The WOTC tax credit can save you up to $9000 per year for each qualified new hire you make. So why aren't you taking advantage of it? Here's a few things to consider when you decide whether you want to manage it internally or outsource it.

BUYING GUIDE: Business Loans

Some well-financed soul out there probably wants to lend money to your business. The question is, who is this person, and on what terms? We recognize that small business loans can be difficult to find these days. We want to make the process easier and more transparent for you. We describe the process of most small businesses’ search for a loan, starting at the gold standard – an old-fashioned bank loan – through other alternatives from nonbank lenders, so-called “hard money” lenders and asset-based lenders.

Why would my company need a tax credit services provider?

Tax credits vary from state to state, and from industry to industry. Do you know when to involve your CPA or tax preparation vendor? When do you involve your HR people? It's easy to make sure you're claiming as many of the credits your company qualifies for--hire a professional.

I need a tax credit services vendor--how do I pick one?

What should you consider when looking for a tax credit services provider. There is no substitute for track record and testimonials. And since there are only a few things that will sink your business faster than a bunch of IRS fines, penalties and liens, your provider's first priority should be to protect your business.

I want to handle all my own tax credits.

If you hire a lot of new hourly employees each year, it probably makes sense to outsource your tax credit management. But if you only hire a few people, it can be a smarter financial move to handle it yourself--just know that there's a learning curve, and you need to be very organized.

Which companies offer tax credit services?

If you're looking for a company to help you maximize the number of tax credits you claim, and minimize your tax burden, here's a few pointers you might think about.