Is the IRS targeting entrepreneurs who thrive in the gig economy?
This week, a federal judge in California granted an IRS request for a John Doe subpoena to obtain information about people who use the JustAnswer platform.
Our expert panel at Small Biz Breakdown had a lot to say about this news.
Check out what they had to say about this news and more in our first edition of the Small Biz Breakdown for 2025.
Small Business News Roundup – January 12, 2025
Here are last week’s headlines that impacted small business owners the most…
Florida Payroll Company Owner Pleads Guilty to Employment Tax Fraud
A Florida man has admitted in federal court that he withheld more than $20 million in taxes from workers’ paychecks and failed to remit those funds to the IRS. Matthew Brown, owner of Elite Payroll in Martin County, pleaded guilty to employment tax fraud and filing a false tax return, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
SBA Offers Financial Assistance to Louisiana Businesses Affected by New Year’s French Quarter Terror Attack
The US Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced federal disaster loans for small businesses and private nonprofits (PNPs) in Louisiana following the January 1 mass loss of life in New Orleans’ French Quarter. This decision was made after an appeal by the governor of Louisiana. Jeff Landry and Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St.
DHL Survey Highlights Key Challenges and Opportunities in 2025
A new survey from DHL Express reveals a mixed outlook for growth for US small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) heading into 2025 amid concerns about regulatory changes and global market volatility. The survey, which collected responses from hundreds of SMEs across the country, describes the main challenges, priorities and opportunities that businesses will face in the coming year.
Survey highlights changes in online shopping expectations for 2025
A recent survey by SmartBuyGlasses.com sheds light on the evolving expectations of US consumers for their online shopping experiences in 2025. The study, which surveyed 400 adults between the ages of 20 and 60, shows that shoppers want faster delivery, eco-friendly experiences and to be immersive. technologies to define the future of e-commerce.
Meta Ends Third-Party Fact-Checking Program, Expands Free Speech Policies
Meta has announced sweeping changes to its content moderation policies, including the end of its third-party fact-checking program in the US. The company will move to the Community Notes model, which aims to reduce censorship while maintaining transparency.
Research Highlights America’s Most Popular Side Hustles and Entrepreneurship Hotspots
New research from The Kaplan Group sheds light on the growing popularity and entrepreneurial spirit of side hustles in the United States. By analyzing search trends and business application data, the study provides insight into the most sought-after side gigs and regions driving new business creation.
Dell has introduced its new AI PC portfolio for enhanced productivity in all environments
Dell Technologies has announced a significant transformation in its PC lineup, introducing its AI-powered portfolio designed for personal and professional productivity. The updated portfolio includes sleek laptops, versatile desktops and powerful workstations, united under the Dell brand and divided into three tiers: Dell, Dell Pro and Dell Pro Max.
ASUS introduces new Intel and AMD motherboards with state-of-the-art features
ASUS has introduced a new range of motherboards for Intel and AMD platforms that deliver advanced performance and innovative features for gamers, PC builders and content creators. The announcements include the B860 and Z890 series for Intel Core Ultra processors and the B850, B840 and X870E series for AMD Ryzen CPUs.
2024 Retail Traffic Shows Modest Growth Amid Economic Challenges
According to a new report from Placer.ai, U.S. retail sales will increase slightly in 2024, up 0.4% year-over-year. The modest growth, achieved despite adverse weather and calendar changes, underscores the resilience of consumers and the prioritization of value-oriented shopping. Total retail visits showed year-over-year growth for most months of 2024.
In the News: Upgrading to ChatGPT Comes at a Cost
For small businesses that feel like they’re getting the most out of ChatGPT and other AI tools while the technology is still in its infancy, there’s news this week that there’s more to come. The only difference is that it costs more. A new subscription tier is available from OpenAI that gives users access to ChatGPT’s most advanced models.
HP unveils AI-powered support services and certified refurbished hardware ahead of CES 2025
HP Solutions has announced a number of expanded offerings designed to improve IT productivity and resilience, including enhanced support services, a new device registration service and a broader portfolio of certified refurbished PCs.
Introducing the ASUS V16 Gaming Notebook
ASUS has introduced the ASUS V16 (V3607), a 16-inch gaming laptop that combines a futuristic design with powerful performance. Designed for gamers and creators, the V16 offers state-of-the-art features, a high-refresh-rate display and enhanced durability, positioning itself as an affordable yet versatile option in ASUS’ lineup.
The court allowed the IRS to search the identities of Gig Economy workers on the JustAnswer Platform
A California federal court has authorized the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to issue a subpoena to John Doe’s digital platform JustAnswer LLC, headquartered in Covina, California. The challenge seeks information on US taxpayers who received income from providing expert services through JustAnswer between 2017 and 2020.