As a small business owner, hiring your first employee is an exciting milestone. But it also comes with important compliance responsibilities. One of the most critical is completing Form I-9, the federal form used to verify an employee's identity and authorization to work in the United States. At Basswood, we specialize in payroll processing and financial compliance. While we don't provide HR or legal advice, we want to help you understand your obligations and point you to the

Starting a business often begins with a simple idea, a lot of hustle, and maybe a late-night Google search or two. If you've been running your business as a sole proprietorship or LLC and are feeling the urge to take things up a notch, you're not alone. Many solo entrepreneurs hit a point where they want more structure, more credibility, and a more polished foundation for growth. If that sounds like you, keep reading. Why Formalizing Your Business Matters When you're just sta

Ever feel like your accounting software is speaking a different language? That's probably your Chart of Accounts at work.

Whether you're just moving past the spreadsheet phase or looking to upgrade from your current system, choosing the right accounting software is a critical step in taking your business seriously.