Smart Stops On The Web

Articles on the Act
www.fmsinc.org/cms/?pid=3253
CPAs and compliance officers can enter this site through the back door to find ten pages of links to SOX news articles, including “Sarbanes-Oxley: A Sense of Siege” and “FEI CEO’s 2005 Top 10 Financial Reporting Issues.” Users also can click on Web Resources for a list of links to e-stops for accounting, auditing and compliance, regulatory agencies and state boards of accountancy.

Compliance Site Revisited
www.sox-online.com/sarbanes_oxley_articles_small.html
This smart stop, first mentioned here in September 2004, has added links to new content on how Sarbanes-Oxley affects small and private companies. Visitors can read articles such as “SEC Chair Takes Aim at Sarbanes-Oxley Toll on Small Companies,” and “Sarbanes-Oxley: Insurmountable Hurdle for Small Business?” or look up archived news articles back to 2002. The site still provides related cartoons and satirical humor.

SMALL BUSINESS SITES

Tax Tips From Uncle Sam
www.irs.gov/businesses/small
CPAs will want to check out this one-stop resource to help their small business and self-employed clients obtain employer ID numbers, pay employment taxes or start, operate or close a business. The IRS Small Business Workshop section offers video streams on the basics of tax obligations, an introduction to federal taxes, an online small-business tax calendar and links to employment tax forms and publications, frequently asked questions and educational materials.

Food for Thought
www.businessownersideacafe.com
“A fun approach to serious business” is the tag line here, with lively graphics and laid-back narrative that punch up its material. The Small Biz Tax Center helps clarify IRS tax and recordkeeping requirements and gives tips for start-up business owners. The CyberSchmooz “lobby” opens onto message forums on e-commerce, marketing and working at home. The Your Biz section includes a “fridge” full of business forms, e-mail protocols, marketing tips and even yoga instructions.

Small Company, Big Resources
www.allbusiness.com
From forms for consulting and confidentiality agreements to advice on sales and marketing or using the Internet, this Web stop offers guidance to CPAs who advise start-ups and small businesses. The Business Plans section has articles such as “Common Business Plan Mistakes for Startup Companies,” while the Small Business Advice section provides tax basics. Users also can tap into an FAQ section or a business glossary or sign up for a free e-newsletter.

A Dear Abby for Small Business
www.score.org
Since first listed here in June 2003, this site has added resources to its Business Toolbox section including a gallery of downloadable templates for bank loan applications, business plans and sales forecasts, as well as expanded links to such small business topics as finance, franchising and international trade. The Learning Center has a list of tips for business planning, marketing, public relations and office management.

GENERAL INTEREST SITES

Articles From Experts
www.sjaccounting.com
The California accounting firm Stonefield Josephson Inc. offers case studies under titles such as “Acquisition Threatened by SEC Regulation” and “Technology Firm Starved for Funding.” The News section includes “Can Your Auditor Still Be a Business Advisor in a SOX Environment?” and “How to Create an Advisory Board for Your Business,” or take a seat on the Back Porch to read international travel tips in “Executive Protection: Play It Safe.”

Ideas That Inspire
www.betterlifemedia.com
Take a break here to find articles of general interest on health, life, money, work and relationships—from “Successful Selling” to “Land the Corner Office.” The home page offers a goal-setter quiz, a daily tip and free e-newsletter. A paid membership of $20 a month gets members DVD/CDs of prominent speakers, such as Stephen Covey, discounts on site offerings and free shipping on purchases of $10 or more.

On the Road Again
www.travelocitybusiness.com
CPAs wishing to start a corporate travel program for their firms should browse this e-stop. Those who pay a one-time registration fee of $149 receive advice and spending reports on their firm’s travel and corporate discounts on airline tickets, hotels, car rentals, cruises and vacations.

Ease on Down the Road
www.corporatetravelsafety.com
California Detective Kevin Coffey offers business travelers guidance on travel safety and crime avoidance. The airline safety section has information on how to prevent theft at airport-screening stations, lost or stolen airline tickets, airport codes, plane seating configurations and travel industry contact numbers. Other sections teach travelers how to avoid carjacking, stay safe in hotels, and guard their cash, credit card numbers and laptops.