For builders, contractors and trades who need to quote and invoice jobs, schedule crews and subcontractors, and carry the insurance clients ask for.
Guide · Contractors
Whether someone is a 1099 contractor or a W-2 employee depends on control and independence, not on what the contract says. The IRS weighs behavioral control, financial control and the relationship, and states like California apply a stricter ABC test. Here's how to decide.
· 7 min read
Guide · Payroll and benefits
Every paycheck involves taxes you withhold from the employee and taxes you pay yourself. In 2026 that's 6.2% Social Security and 1.45% Medicare from each side, federal unemployment tax on the first $7,000, state unemployment tax and income tax withholding. Here's how it all works.
· 7 min read
Guide · Payroll and benefits
Before your first employee starts, register as an employer with your state, set up payroll, and get workers' compensation. On day one, collect a W-4 and complete the I-9 within three business days, then report the hire within 20 days. Here's every step.
· 7 min read
Guide · Compliance and filings
Most businesses need at least one license or permit, but there's no single national license. Here's how the federal, state and local layers work, the permits people forget, and a step-by-step way to find yours.
· 7 min read
Guide · Business taxes
A business can deduct ordinary and necessary expenses, but the biggest savings come from the ones owners forget: start-up costs, the home office, mileage at 72.5 or 76 cents a mile in 2026, equipment under Section 179, and health insurance. Here's the list, with the records each needs.
· 7 min read
Comparison · Payroll and benefits
For most small businesses, Gusto is the simplest payroll to buy and run: $49 a month plus $6 per person for one state, $80 plus $12 for several. ADP and Rippling price by quote. ADP suits businesses that want a large, established provider, Rippling teams that want payroll, HR and IT in one system.
· 7 min read