2,121 plain-English guides on cross-border moves, US and Canadian returns, and small-business money. Each one ends in what to do next, and says when a written Diagnostic is the smarter first step.
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Renouncing US citizenship costs $450 at the State Department. The tax side, a final dual-status return and Form 8854, typically runs $3,500 to $7,500.
Cross-BorderFiling the FBAR yourself costs nothing. A preparer adds $85 to $150 a year. Late filings cost more, and skipping one risks a $16,536 penalty.
US TaxA CPA typically charges $350 and up to amend a return on Form 1040-X, plus $125 to $250 per state. What raises the fee, when amending pays for itself, and when you don't need to.
Small Business & BookkeepingPayroll software costs $17 to $180 a month plus $4 to $22 per employee at 2026 prices. A 10-person business pays $700 to $1,300 a year.
US TaxA contractor's guide to setting up construction bookkeeping: chart of accounts, cash vs. accrual method, job costing fundamentals, and common mistakes.
US TaxConstruction income is lumpy. Here's how contractors calculate quarterly estimated taxes, meet the safe harbor, and avoid underpayment penalties.
US TaxMost contractors run the business side from home. Here's how the home office deduction works for construction businesses, including which method saves more.
US TaxUsually not on new construction, where contractors pay tax on materials instead. New York taxes repair labor, Texas nonresidential remodeling, and Connecticut many services.
US TaxA GC must file 1099-NEC for subs paid $600 or more in 2025, or $2,000 or more from 2026. Here's the process: W-9s, TIN matching, deadlines, and penalties.
US TaxTypical construction CPA fees vary widely: about $1,500 to $10,000+ for tax returns, $500 to $2,000 a month for bookkeeping, and $5,000 to $30,000+ for reviews or audits.
Cross-BorderCross-border bookkeeping for a Canadian with US income typically runs $300 to $2,000 a month, a rough estimate that varies widely with the entities and currencies involved.
Cross-BorderThe IRS charges nothing for the ITIN itself, but W-7 prep, CAA certification, and the tax return it goes with typically add up to $1,000 to $3,000+, and fees vary widely.
US TaxTypical nonprofit audit fees vary widely: about $5,000 to $25,000 for the audit, $10,000 to $40,000+ with a Single Audit, and $1,000 to $5,000 for Form 990 preparation.
US TaxEverything a new contractor needs to set up the tax side of the business: EIN, entity choice, licensing, insurance, bookkeeping, and first-year deductions.
US TaxAppliance repair businesses deduct diagnostic tools ($500-$3,000), replacement parts inventory. Major deductions for appliance repair businesses: Tools.
US TaxAppliance repair parts run 15-30% of revenue and are fully deductible. Vehicle, tool, and home office write-offs add up fast.
US TaxAppliance repair businesses are NOT SSTBs and qualify for the full QBI deduction. The S-Corp election saves $3,000-$7,000/year at $90,000+ net profit.
US TaxAppliance repair businesses have stable year-round demand (appliances break in every season). Set aside 25-30% of net profit quarterly.
US TaxAppliance repair is one of the least seasonal trades (appliances break year-round). Monthly revenue variance is typically 85-115% of average.
US TaxATM machines are depreciable assets ($2,000-$8,000 each, 7-year MACRS eligible for bonus depreciation). ATM business deductions: ATM machines (depreciable.
US TaxATM operation is NOT a specified service trade or business (SSTB). S-Corp election makes sense at $55,000-$65,000 in net profit.
US TaxATM businesses are minimally seasonal (5-15% variance). Machine purchases create large Year 1 depreciation deductions that reduce or eliminate estimated.
US TaxAuto body shop deductions center on parts and materials (35-45% of revenue), paint booth and frame machine depreciation, and facility costs.
US TaxAuto body shops are NOT SSTBs, so the QBI deduction applies at all income levels. Parts and materials cost 35-45% of revenue (the largest variable cost).