The final quarter of the year is often a busy time, but it’s also an opportunity to prepare your business for a successful start to the new year. Whether you’re navigating evolving cybersecurity threats, preparing for regulatory changes, or getting ready for payroll updates, here’s a quick rundown of what to know as we wind down the final quarter of the year.
Cybersecurity: Stay Vigilant Against Holiday Scams
It’s the height of the holiday season, and with it comes an increased risk of cyberattacks targeting small businesses. According to recent data, one in three small businesses was targeted by a cyberattack last year. As you shop online for holiday deals, be especially cautious of scams. Common threats include fake holiday sale emails containing malicious links that can compromise your business’s systems.
Here are a few tips to stay protected:
- Buy from reputable websites or brick-and-mortar stores.
- Be cautious when connecting new smart devices to your business network. Ensure they have the latest security patches and configurations before use.
- Educate your team on the importance of verifying email sources and avoiding suspicious links.
Corporate Transparency Act BOI Reporting on Hold
A recent ruling by a Texas Federal Court has temporarily halted the Corporate Transparency Act’s Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements. The court raised constitutional concerns, providing relief to the millions of businesses preparing their filings. For now, those who have already filed need not take further action, and those who haven’t are not required to file at this time. As the issue moves through the courts, changes to the reporting requirements may occur in 2025. We will keep you updated.
Payroll Update: Overtime Rule Changes
A recent federal ruling has delayed the implementation of the Department of Labor’s new overtime rule, which was set to raise the salary threshold for exempt employees. The court vacated the rule, citing concerns over the methodology used to determine the thresholds. As a result, we will monitor further developments and issue updates since the new rule may still be modified or reinstated in the future.
If you need assistance navigating these changes, please contact us for expert advice tailored to your business needs.