Is the IRS targeting successful entrepreneurs in the gig economy?
This week, a federal judge in California granted the IRS’ request to subpoena John Doe to obtain information about people using the JustAnswer platform.
Upon learning of this news, the Small Biz Breakdown expert panel had a lot to say about it.
Check out what they had to say about this news and more in the premiere edition of the 2025 Small Biz Breakdown.
Small and Medium Enterprise News Summary – January 12, 2025
Here are last week’s headlines that most impacted small business owners…
Florida payroll company owner pleads guilty to employment tax fraud
A Florida man admitted in federal court that he withheld more than $20 million in taxes from his employees’ paychecks and failed to remit the funds to the IRS. Matthew Brown, owner of Elite Payroll in Martin County, has pleaded guilty to employment tax fraud and filing false tax returns, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
SBA provides financial assistance to Louisiana businesses affected by New Year’s French Quarter terrorist attack
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced federal disaster loans for small businesses and private nonprofit organizations (PNPs) in Louisiana in response to the January 1 mass casualty incident in New Orleans’ French Quarter. This decision was made at the request of the Governor of Louisiana. Jeff Landry and the parishes of Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines and St. Louis.
DHL research highlights key challenges and opportunities in 2025
A new DHL Express survey reveals a mixed outlook for U.S. small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) heading into 2025, with optimism for growth buoyed by concerns over regulatory changes and global market volatility. is weakened by The survey, which gathered responses from hundreds of small businesses across the country, outlines the key challenges, priorities and opportunities businesses will face in the year ahead.
Survey highlights changing expectations for online shopping in 2025
A recent study by SmartBuyGlasses.com reveals U.S. consumers’ increasing expectations for their online shopping experience in 2025. The survey of 400 adults between the ages of 20 and 60 found that shoppers are looking for faster delivery, greener options and immersion. Technology that defines the future of e-commerce.
Meta ends third-party fact-checking program, expands freedom of expression policy
Meta announced major changes to its content moderation policy, including ending its third-party fact-checking program in the United States. The company plans to move to a community notes model with the goal of reducing censorship while maintaining transparency.
Study highlights America’s most popular side hustles and entrepreneurial hotspots
A new study from the Kaplan Group highlights the growing popularity of side hustles and entrepreneurship across the United States. By analyzing search trends and business application data, this study provides insight into the most popular side hustles and the regions that are driving new business creation.
Dell unveils new AI PC portfolio to improve productivity in any environment
Dell Technologies announced a major transformation of its PC lineup, introducing an AI-powered portfolio designed for personal and professional productivity. The revamped portfolio spans sleek laptops, feature-rich desktops and powerful workstations, unified under the Dell brand and divided into three tiers: Dell, Dell Pro and Dell Pro Max.
ASUS launches new Intel and AMD motherboards with cutting-edge features
ASUS has announced new motherboards for Intel and AMD platforms that deliver advanced performance and innovative features for gamers, PC builders, and content creators. The announcement includes the B860 and Z890 series of Intel Core Ultra processors and the B850, B840, and X870E series of AMD Ryzen CPUs.
Retail footfall in 2024 shows moderate growth despite economic challenges
Foot traffic at U.S. retail stores increased slightly in 2024, increasing by 0.4% year over year, according to a new report from Placer.ai. The modest growth achieved despite adverse weather and calendar changes highlights consumer resilience and value-oriented shopping priorities. Overall retail store visits showed year-over-year increases in most months of 2024.
News: Upgrading to ChatGPT is expensive
For small businesses that feel like they’re getting the most out of ChatGPT and other AI tools, even though they’re still in their infancy, there’s news this week with even more to gain. . The only downside is that it’s expensive. A new subscription tier is now available from OpenAI, giving users the opportunity to access ChatGPT’s most advanced models.
HP unveils AI-powered support services and certified refurbished hardware ahead of CES 2025
HP Solutions announced a series of enhanced products aimed at enhancing IT productivity and sustainability, including upgraded support services, new device registration services, and an extensive portfolio of certified refurbished PCs.
ASUS announces V16 gaming laptop
ASUS has launched ASUS V16 (V3607), a 16-inch gaming laptop that combines futuristic design with powerful performance. Targeted at gamers and creators, V16 offers cutting-edge features, high refresh rate displays, and enhanced durability, establishing itself as an accessible and versatile option in the ASUS lineup. Masu.
Court grants IRS authority to investigate identities of gig economy workers on JustAnswer platform
A federal court in California has granted the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) permission to issue a John Doe subpoena against JustAnswer LLC, a digital platform headquartered in Covina, California. The subpoena seeks information about U.S. taxpayers who earned income by providing professional services through JustAnswer between 2017 and 2020.
