Small business owners may be able to hire their minor children this summer and get tax breaks and other nontax benefits. While eligible owners can save on payroll taxes and lower some costs, their kids also benefit. They gain on-the-job experience, develop practical skills and learn how to manage money. A sidebar notes that earned income can also help young workers get an early start on funding a retirement plan.

Every business wants to cut costs, but it sure isn't easy. We're talking about clear and substantial ways to lower expenses, thereby strengthening cash flow and giving you a better shot at strong profitability. Obvious places to slash costs — such as wages, benefits and overhead — often aren't viable options because the very stability of the operation may depend on them. But there might be other ways to lower expenses if a business owner digs deeply enough. Here are three ways to perhaps uncover some cost-cutting opportunities.

Taxpayers who received a large tax refund this year may want to adjust their withholding. Each year, millions of taxpayers claim an income tax refund. That can represent a pleasant influx of cash. But it’s probably not the best use of cash for taxpayers. In fact, it’s similar to giving the government an interest-free loan for nearly a year. Fortunately, there’s a way taxpayers can begin collecting their 2024 tax refunds now, by reviewing their withholding and estimated payments, and getting the money in their pockets during the year, instead of in a refund the following year.

Many taxpayers employ household workers such as a cleaners or nannies who aren’t independent contractors. These employers may be required to withhold from their workers’ wages and pay Social Security and Medicare taxes, and possibly other taxes. This short article gives a rundown of what the employer of a household worker needs to know to withhold taxes, what taxes the employer is responsible for and how to report the taxes.