Erica has been writing about small business finance and technology since 2008. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2018 and specializes in researching and reviewing business software, financial products, and other topics to help small businesses manage and grow their operations. Her expertise has been cited in MSN, Reader’s Digest, Vox, U.S. News & World Report, and Real Simple. She is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll, a graduate of Limestone University, and currently resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
One form of relief offered to small businesses is the Employee Retention Tax Credit. First introduced in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, this tax credit could be claimed by eligible employers on quarterly tax returns. This program was expanded by the Consolidated Appropriations Act signed into law in December 2020, making the credit accessible to more employers.
The SBA offers a variety of loan programs that vary according to business needs. Its flagship program is the 7(a) loan program, which offers loans for most general business purposes. However, it also offers special programs such as microloans and disaster loans. Find out more about SBA loans, including who qualifies.
QuickBooks Online is cloud-based accounting software. It has the complex accounting capabilities that small business owners need and supports numerous integrations. Quickbooks Online has a lot to offer in terms of features, accounting, and usability.
Loans expert Erica Seppala talks inflation with Nasdaq.
Financial expert Erica Seppala analyzes in Real Simple what people in their 40s can do to strengthen their finances.
Loans expert Erica Seppala tells Real Simple why an app might help people pay down their debt faster.
A real-time payment is a transaction made through the Clearing House’s RTP network. Though more limited than ACH, payments made through the RTP Network settle almost immediately.
The best POS software for a tanning salon should be easy to use, allow you to accept multiple types of payments from customers, and offer the features you need for your business, such as appointment booking and inventory tracking.
You can sell physical or Square gift cards to your customers that can be used online or in-store. These cards work the same as cash when customers purchase your products or services.
Ex-felons can apply for most government and private grants, provided they meet all requirements for receiving the grant. Those requirements may include owning a business in a certain industry, being located in a specific area, being in operations for a minimum amount of time, and demonstrating a specific need for funds.
While merchant account fees are definitely irritating (and expensive!), they’re often an inevitable cost of doing business. Even if you sign up with a payment service provider like Square that doesn’t charge monthly fees, you’ll still be paying the costs associated with maintaining your account in the form of higher transaction processing rates.
Overall, Colorado isn’t the most tax-friendly state in the nation, but it does rank fairly well when compared to the other 49 states. It is actually considered one of the more tax-friendly states for retirees, according to several studies.
BNPL lets customers pay for a purchase over six weeks, in a total of four two-week installments. This payment option can encourage consumers to take on large purchases they might not otherwise be able to afford.
When it comes to deciding between Chase vs Capital One business banking, the competition is close. Both offer branch access, cash deposits, savings options, and access to credit. Which one will be a better fit for your small business?
Capital One and Wells Fargo offer similar business banking services, including FDIC insurance on checking and savings accounts, as well as physical locations for doing business. However, only one offers true nationwide reach, and if you’re looking for merchant services or unlimited transactions, you’ll see clear differences.
If you want to sell lottery tickets, offer vape products, add a car wash to your location, or just want to focus on gas and convenience store item sales, keep reading. You’ll find the best gas station POS option for your business size and budget.
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The vendors that appear on this list were chosen by subject matter experts on the basis of product quality, wide usage and availability, and positive reputation.
Merchant Maverick’s ratings are editorial in nature, and are not aggregated from user reviews. Each staff reviewer at Merchant Maverick is a subject matter expert with experience researching, testing, and evaluating small business software and services. The rating of this company or service is based on the author’s expert opinion and analysis of the product, and assessed and seconded by another subject matter expert on staff before publication. Merchant Maverick’s ratings are not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Our unbiased reviews and content are supported in part by affiliate partnerships, and we adhere to strict guidelines to preserve editorial integrity. The editorial content on this page is not provided by any of the companies mentioned and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone.
