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The Brilliant Blog
Business news, tax policy updates, pro accounting tips, tutorials for QuickBooks, software reviews, & more.
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5 Steps to Declaring Financial Independence
Accounting is critical to running a successful business, but it’s no secret that the demands of managing books, tracking expenses, meeting tax deadlines, and creating reports can feel overwhelming. This 4th of July, why not declare your own financial independence? By adopting smarter processes and leveraging the latest tools, you can liberate yourself from the stress of accounting and spend more time focusing on what truly matters in your business.
Shawna Echols
Jul 44 min read


7 Ways Small Businesses Can Save Money This Summer
Summer can bring a welcome boost to many small businesses, especially those in seasonal industries like retail and food service. Warmer weather also comes with its own set of financial challenges—rising utility costs, employee vacations, and fluctuating customer traffic. However, with a little strategic thinking, small businesses can use this season as an opportunity to cut costs without sacrificing quality or momentum.
Shawna Echols
Jun 252 min read


5 Exciting Developments for Small Businesses in May 2025
Small businesses continue to drive local economies—and May 2025 delivered meaningful momentum. From shifting market conditions and growing resource access to strategic policy updates, here’s an enhanced view of what the month brought—and how business owners capitalized on it.
Shawna Echols
Jun 113 min read


Missed the Tax Deadline for Your Personal Return? Here’s What to Do and How Extensions Can Save the Day
Missed personal tax deadline The tax filing deadline can catch even the most organized business owners off guard. If you missed it this...
Shawna Echols
Jun 44 min read


Celebrate National Hamburger Day with Brilliant Solutions Group's Recipe for Business Success
May 28th marks National Hamburger Day, a time to savor the iconic yet versatile sandwich loved by millions. Whether grilled at a backyard barbecue or served sizzling in a restaurant, the hamburger represents creativity, simplicity, and endless possibilities. But behind your favorite local burger joint, there’s a hardworking business ensuring the recipe for success is more than just ketchup and pickles.
Shawna Echols
May 283 min read


Claiming Your Home Business Expenses on Taxes as a Small Business Owner
Running a home-based business offers flexibility and convenience, but did you know it can also come with tax advantages? One of the most beneficial ways to save money as a small business owner is by claiming your home business expenses on your taxes. By using the home office deduction and other eligible expenses, you can significantly reduce your taxable income and keep more of your hard-earned revenue.
Shawna Echols
May 214 min read


QuickBooks Tags Are Going Away: What It Means for Small Businesses and Accountants
When it comes to accounting software, QuickBooks has long been a trusted solution for small business owners, accountants, and financial professionals. With features designed to streamline bookkeeping and improve financial clarity, QuickBooks has been an industry leader. Among these features, Tags have been a valuable tool for categorizing transactions and enabling custom reporting. However, QuickBooks recently announced its decision to phase out tags, sparking a mix of reacti
Shawna Echols
May 145 min read


Celebrating Excellence: Terumi Echols and Mariko Hayashi-Hall Make the Insightful Accountant 2025 Top 100 U.S. ProAdvisors List
At Brilliant Solutions Group, we take immense pride in delivering top-notch small business accounting, bookkeeping, and financial services.
Today, we are thrilled to share some exciting news that underscores our commitment to excellence. Our SVP, Terumi Echols, and our CEO, Mariko Hayashi-Hall, have been honored once again by being named to the Insightful Accountant 2025 Top 100 U.S. ProAdvisors list!
Shawna Echols
May 73 min read


Understanding the Partnership Business Entity Structure
Choosing the right legal structure is one of the most critical decisions entrepreneurs and professionals will make when starting a business. Among the many options, a partnership remains a popular choice for its straightforward setup and collaborative nature. However, while it offers flexibility and shared responsibilities, it also comes with its own set of legal, financial, and tax implications.
Shawna Echols
Apr 305 min read
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