Tax Defense Network (www.taxdefensenetwork.com), a firm that helps individuals and businesses resolve their IRS tax problems, is launching an online television series called IRS Hitman. The show is realty television depicting Richard Close, a TDN employee and former IRS agent, taking to the streets to search out and help people fight the IRS.

According to Don Campbell of TDN and producer of the show, the reality show takes viewers into the homes of individuals whose lives have been adversely changed by the IRS. Close—the IRS Hitman—uses his insider knowledge to fix the problems and get the lives of his clients back to normal.

Close followed in his father’s career’s footsteps and spent years working for an IRS agent. One day, Close and his fellow agents had to close down a construction company whose accountant had embezzled funds. The owner asked, “Why doesn’t the IRS care?” The question was the turning point in Close’s career. He abandoned his government job and decided to stand up for people whose lives had been turned upside down by the tax agency.

The Internet television program will air on www.IRS-Hitman.com. The premier episode is scheduled for a June 6 launch, says Campbell. “There will be additional behind-the-scenes videos, updates, and news shows to follow twice a month.”  Trailers are now available for viewing.

Campbell, a former Hollywood filmmaker, says he is contacting colleagues in Los Angeles to help bring national network exposure to the show. “The show can easily hold its own alongside any other network reality show,” he says.

In true Hollywood style, the IRS Hitman will have a red-carpet premier on the big screen at the 5 Points Theater in early June.

Four women business leaders were honored March 24 for their business acumen at the 24th Annual Women in Business Awards by the Women Business Owners of North Florida. The winners were Teresa Meares, Entrepreneur of the Year; Lauren Little, Franchisee of the Year; Jean Jones, Pioneer of the Year; and Anna Brosche, Corporate Leader of the Year. They received their awards in front of a sold-out crowd of more than 300 attendees at the Omni Hotel in Jacksonville.

Teresa Meares

Entrepreneur of the Year, Teresa Meares, is CEO of DGG Taser & Tactical Supply, which provides law enforcement and personal self-defense products. A former retired patrol sergeant with the St. John’s County Sheriff’s Office, she manages 15 full-time and six part-time employees in her retail operation.

Meares is the author of the “Kids Safe” series of stories that teach children how to stay safe. She is currently authoring a book for adults on mental self-defense. DGG Taser & Tactical Supply has been listed 17 of 50 fastest-growing companies in North East Florida.

Lauren Little

WIB’s Franchisee of the Year, Lauren Little, is owner of Edible Arrangements in the Shoppes of Avondale and the Shoppes at Bartram Park. Her stores are part of a chain that provides high-quality, artistically designed fruit arrangements. Little, a graduate of Duncan U. Fletcher High School, served eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps.

After her return to Jacksonville, she earned a degree from Columbia College in business administration and worked for several area organizations, including the University of North Florida, RehabCare Group, I.M. Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless, and Fidelity Informational Services. She opened her first Edible Arrangement location in 2006, and acquired the second in 2009, making her the only Edible Arrangements multi-store franchise owner in Jacksonville.

Jean Jones

Jean Jones, Pioneer of the Year, the owner of Jean E. Jones, E.A. Tax & Consulting. Jones has been advising and counseling individuals and small business owners for more than four decades. She is a founding member of the WBO. During her long career, she has volunteered with many civic and faith-based organizations and presented seminars to help others better understand and manage their finances. She was recognized by the Small Business Administration in 1998 as Accountant Advocate of the Year and by the American Business Women’s Association as Woman  the Year in 2007.

Anna Brosche, CPA, recipient of the Corporate Leader Award, is a partner and the chief operating officer of Ennis, Pellum & Associates, CPAs, a locally owned firm serving the audit, tax

Anna Brosche

planning, and management consulting needs of privately-held businesses and their owners. Brosche also enjoys leadership and mentoring roles in the Jacksonville Women’s Business Center, WBO, the Women’s Giving Alliance, and the Jacksonville Women’s Network.

The annual awards program is sponsored by Women Business Owners of North Florida, the Professional Women’s Council of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce, Jacksonville Business Journal, WOKV, AMP Promotional Products, Cave Productions, and Pegasus Media.

Tax Defense Network (www.taxdefensenetwork.com), a provider of IRS tax relief to individuals and businesses, will be adding 120 individuals to its staff within the next 90 days.

“We are excited to host a career fair in such a soft job market,” said Dwayne Harmon, vice president of operations.  “As our organization grows so rapidly, our employment and leadership needs have become more urgent.”

To recruit these individuals the company is holding an in-house career fair, Saturday, Jan. 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The company is seeking to hire sales consultants, account managers, tax analysts, customer care representatives, attorneys, and managers. Applicants can e-mail their resumes in advance to jobs@taxdefensenetwork.com or call 904-309-8181 for more information.

“At Tax Defense Network, we believe that your work should be more than a job.  It should be an investment in your future and ours. Right now, we are in need of employees eager to be part of a thriving organization.  Our focus is on individuals with the desire and drive to be part of a team dedicated to helping people while evolving within our corporation.” said Rod deMontmorency, director of recruiting.

Tax Defense Network (www.taxdefensenetwork.com) is doubling the size of its office space by moving into an additional 6,500 square feet, according to Dwayne Harmon, vice president of operations.

“We are very excited to be doubling our office space. The expansion is a testament to the dedication and commitment of each of our employees who strive for the best possible outcome for Americans with IRS tax problems every day,” said Harmon.

The expansion is being done to accommodate the needs of new clients with IRS tax problems. TDN will be hiring an additional 60 to 80 sales people, customer service representatives, legal assistants, and support staff by the end of the year.

TDN is located at 13901 Sutton Park Drive, South, in Jacksonville. The move-in date is scheduled for Oct. 1.

By Richard Close             

Taking the path of entrepreneur isn’t easy. Self management takes discipline that many fledgling business owners haven’t mastered. But even the masters make mistakes when it comes to the IRS and their taxes.

For small business beginners, masters, and everyone in-between, here is an ultimate small business tax guide:

1. Make sure your business is not a hobby. Key questions to ask are, “Do I engage in this business for profit?” “Do I depend on this activity for income?” and “Do I change methods of operation to improve profitability?” If the answer to any of these is “no,” the IRS may consider your activity a hobby and not allow it to take business deductions.

2. Determine your business structure. Next you have to determine which form of business entity to establish. This is important, because the structure determines which income tax form you have to file. The most common business types are:

• Sole proprietorship, which is an unincorporated business you own by yourself;

• A partnership, which is a business owned by two or more people who contribute to the business and are affected by profits and losses;

• A corporation, which is a structure owned by shareholders who exchange money, property, or both for the corporation’s stock. Incorporation is the best way to protect yourself when IRS issues arise, because the liability is the company’s not yours personally; and

• A limited liability company (LLC), which is a relatively new structure. It is popular because of the ease to attain it. Like a “regular” corporation, an LLC makes you less liable.

3. Obtain your employee ID number. After you determine your business structure, you’ll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN). This is used by the IRS to identify your business entity. You can apply for an EIN online on the IRS website, www.irs.govor you can use IRS Form SS-4. Generally, businesses need a new EIN number when their ownership or structure has changed.

4. Prepare for business taxes. The form of business you choose to operate determines the taxes you’ll be required to pay, along with when and how you pay them. Five types of business taxes exist:

• Income tax. With the exception of partnerships, all businesses must file an annual income tax return. Partnerships file an information return.

• Estimated tax. You must pay taxes on income, including self-employment tax, by making regular payments of Estimated Tax during the year.

• Self-employment tax. Self employment tax (SE tax) is a Social Security and Medicare tax. It’s primarily for individuals who work for themselves. Typically, you have to pay this if your net earnings from self employment are more than $400.

• Employment taxes. If you have anyone on your payroll, you must pay your employees’ Social Security and Medicare taxes, federal income tax withholding, and federal unemployment (FUTA) tax. You’re also required to file certain forms on your employees’ behalf. Failure to do so will bring serious consequences.

• Excise tax. This tax is imposed only on those businesses that manufacture or sell certain products, operate certain kinds of machinery, or receive payments for certain services. 

5. Establish record keeping and accounting methods

Keeping good records is vital for preventing tax problems down the line. All of the information provided in this guide is simply a brief overview of all of the complexities involved in paying taxes for a business; it’s incredibly difficult to stay afloat with so many rules to adhere to. If you don’t feel like you can dedicate yourself to keep records on every purchase your company makes, consider relegating this task to a staff accountant.

Richard Close is a former IRS revenue officer and is currently the tax resolution program director at Tax Defense Network, www.taxdefensenetwork.com.

SIDEBAR 1

Too much to handle? How to choose a tax preparer or CPA

If you feel overwhelmed by your tax obligations, hire a reliable professional to ease the burden. But how do you find one you can trust? The National Society of Accountants (www.nsacct.org) suggests staying away from any tax preparer who:

·         Refuses to answer questions. Don’t let a shifty tax preparer drag you down. You have the right to answers.

·         Demands a cut of your tax refund. This provides incentive for the tax preparer to do anything it takes to increase the amount of your refund- even going against IRS codes and policies.

·         Guarantees a tax refund or IRS settlement. Sorry, but there are no guarantees with the IRS, especially when it comes to tax refunds or settlements.

As you consider hiring a tax attorney or a tax resolution service, look at:

• BBB rating. Choose a company that meets the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) official standards for accreditation and make sure it has an A-rating or higher and no unresolved complaints.
• Dun & Bradstreet. Make sure the company adheres to Dun & Bradstreet’s highest quality standards. Dun & Bradstreet is the world’s premier source of commercial information and insight on businesses.
• Stability. How long has the company been in business? Look for a company that has a good history.
• Chamber of Commerce. Consider a company that is a member of the local and/or U.S Chamber of Commerce.

SIDEBAR 2

The best online resources

Taxes are confusing. Here are some online resources that can help clear the muddy waters for you.

• Business.gov. Business.gov guides you through the maze of government rules and regulations and provides access to services and resources to help you start, grow, and succeed in business.
• GobiernoUSA.gov. The U.S. government’s official Spanish-language Web portal.
• SBTV.com. SBTV.com is an online television network that provides streaming video content to small businesses. It gives technical information on how to run your business, inspirational stories from entrepreneurs across the country, information about small business conferences and events, and resources to help solve day-to-day business challenges.
• USA.gov. The U.S. government’s official website.
• IRS.gov. Search small business or go to the business section in the menu for detailed, comprehensive information straight from the source.

When you live in Florida, it’s hard to forget hurricane season. From June 1 through November 30, the news media encourage citizens to prepare for the worst.

Personal preparedness is one thing, but how about your business? Can it survive the flooding and wind damage from even a Category 1 hurricane?

Advanced planning

Now—before the threat of a storm—is the time to compile a room-by-room list of your business equipment and assets, advises Ronnie Hicks, Esq., a tax attorney with Jacksonville-based Tax Defense Network, Inc. (www.taxdefensenetwork.com). “Doing this will help you prove the market value of damaged items to the IRS and for insurance purposes.”

• Take photos. An easy way to do this is to take photos or make a video of the contents of your business. (Store the photos with someone who is out of the geographical risk of the hurricane, or upload them to multiple servers, such as Flickr or YouTube, for security and protection.) Additionally, you should document the fair market value of your assets.

• Review insurance policies. Now is also the time to review your insurance policies for both wind and flood damage. (Most policies do not cover flood damage.) And, you might want to consider business-interruption insurance. This type of insurance covers operating expenses and compensates you for income lost after a temporary closure.

• Arrange for document storage. As you prepare in advance, make you sure protect your business records, including all tax, accounting, payroll, and production records, and customer data. Store paper records and backup tapes at an offsite location at least 100 miles away. Keep these documents in a fireproof safe deposit box.

• Use electronic backups. If your tax records, such as W-2s and tax returns, are not electronic, scan them and copy them to flash drives, CDs, or DVDs, recommends Hicks.

To safeguard electronic data, consider using a remote backup system, which works like regular tape backup, but files are stored on a remote server. “There are even free file storage Web sites to take advantage of,” says Hicks. “It’s a good idea to store your files on multiple secure servers (free and paid), since CDs can be damaged and servers can go down.”

Of course, make sure you back up your data regularly so that if you have to restore it, it will be current.

• Get employee contact information. Make sure you have every employee’s emergency contact information, including e-mail and cell phones.

• Develop a communication plan. Good communication is essential and should incorporate a variety of means. Meet with your employees and go over your emergency plans in detail. Make sure all employees know how and when they should expect to hear about work status, both before and following a storm. Consider issuing a wallet card detailing instructions on what to do in an emergency situation.

In a small company, you may want to appoint one person to call everyone if you decide to close your business because of a storm. In a larger company, develop a “telephone tree” in which several individuals are assigned a group of individuals to call others.

Other communication methods you might consider: periodic e-mails, a password-protected Web page, a call-in voice recording.

Don’t forget your customers and vendors in your communication planning. Customers and vendors distant from your location, in particular, may not be aware of a storm situation that affects your business and may affect them. Develop a plan to contact them if you will be out of operation.

• Assign tasks. The task list may include such things as turning off computers and removing all items from the floor. You may also want to put together teams of employees to help in the physical preparation of the building, such as boarding up windows. Keep in mind that some employees may have personal responsibilities with their homes and families. Ask for volunteers whenever possible.

• Prevent sewage backup. Backflow can be a problem in a flood. Consider working with a licensed plumber to install a backflow valve to prevent sewage backup.

If a storm is expected

When a storm approaches, take these action steps:

• Buildings. Even if you don’t own the building you do business in, take steps to protect your assets. Consider installing impact-resistant windows and door systems or plywood shutters.

• Signage, furniture, and decorations. If a storm is imminent, bringing these items inside will help you avoid loss and will protect property from flying object.

• Company vehicles. Put them in a garage or park them away from trees or other potential falling objects, if possible.

• Equipment. Place computers and important files on desk tops to protect them from seeping water.

• Generators. Power outages are common after hurricane. Depending upon the size of your company, consider investing in generators to provide power to run needed equipment.

• Internal shelter. In the event authorities warn to “shelter in place” because of a fast-approaching storm or a tornado, identify a safe place for employees to gather and wait the storm out.

SIDEBAR

Resources

A number of resources are available to small business owners to help you prepare for what some may call an “inevitable” weather event for northeast Floridians. One of the best resources is FloridaDisaster.org, www.floridadisaster.org/business, a Web site that “walks” you through developing a business disaster plan.

Other free resources on disaster planning are available to small business owners:

• Duval County Emergency Management, http://tiny.cc/jaxready. Among other items, you can find information on storm surge areas in Duval County.

• National Flood Insurance Program, www.floodsmart.gov. Information on flood insurance for your business.

• Institute for Business and Home Safety, www.ibhs.org. This Web site offers advice on preparing homes and businesses for hurricanes as well as other types of natural disasters.

• Federal ‘Ready’ Web site, www.ready.gov. This Web site details how to prepare for various types of disasters.

• Small Business Administration, www.sba.gov/disaster_recov/prepared/getready.html. This site provides information on how the SBA can help in the event of a disaster.

SIDEBAR

Don’t forget tax and accounting in your emergency plans

Ronnie Hicks, Esq.

asset you acquire, says Ronnie Hicks, with Tax Defense Network.

Include in your emergency kit the following documents:

• IRS Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return

• IRS Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return

• IRS Publication 2194, Disaster Losses Kit for Individuals

• IRS Publication 584-B, Business Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook

Interest charged by the Internal Revenue Service on late taxes will remain the same for the third quarter of 2009 as it was for second quarter, according to an announcement by the IRS.

“For most small business owners, this means an interest rate equal the federal short term rate plus three percentage points compounding daily,” observed Ronnie Hicks of Tax Defense Network (www.taxdefensenetwork.com).

The IRS said its rates for the calendar quarter beginning July 1, 2009, will be:

• 4% for overpayments (3% in the case of a corporation);

• 4% for underpayments;

• 6% for large corporate underpayments; and

• 1.5% for the portion of a corporate overpayment exceeding $10,000.

Hicks explained the implications of the tax rates. “With the current short term federal rate at 1%, a small business owner would be paying 4% compounded daily. In addition to interest rate charged on the tax balance, the IRS charges 5% per month up to a maximum of 25% for filing a return late and another .5-1% per month up to a maximum of 25% for failure to pay the tax when due. When the interest and penalties are added the additions to the tax debt can be staggering, and as the IRS intends, can prompt the taxpayer to seek other avenues of credit to pay off the tax debt.”

Hicks added that most tax payers would be much better off exploring alternative sources of funds as opposed to owing the Internal Revenue Service.

Sources: Internal Revenue Service, www.irs.gov; Tax Defense Network, www.taxdefensenetwork.com.

Although the Internal Revenue Service is taking closer scrutiny over small businesses, small business owners have some opportunities for tax advantages, says Jacksonville-based Tax Defense Network (TDN). Some of these advantages, created through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), are only available until the end of 2009.

• Faster write-offs for certain capital expenditures. Usually, any investments a business makes are recovered through annual depreciation over the years. But now, most or all of your property and equipment investments can be written off on your 2009 tax returns.

An additional “Section 179” deduction allows small business to deduct up to $250,000 of the cost of machinery, equipment, vehicles, furniture, and other qualifying property used in 2009. Before, the limit was $133,000. You can claim these on IRS Form 4562.

• Expanded net operating loss carry back. If you had expenses exceeding your income for 2008, you can carry the losses back for up to five years instead of the usual two. That means if you were profitable in the past but lost big in 2008, you could get a special tax refund this year. But act fast, the deadline to take advantage of this is Oct. 15, 2009.

• Exclusion of gain on the sale of certain small business stock. Investors in small business stock can now exclude 75% of the gain upon sale of the stock. But there is a catch. The stock has to be acquired after Feb. 17, 2009 and before Jan. 1, 2011 and held for more than five years.

• Estimated tax requirement modified. According to the IRS, many individual small business taxpayers may be able to defer, until the end of the year, paying a larger part of their 2009 tax obligations. For 2009, eligible individuals can make quarterly estimated tax payments equal to 90 percent of their 2009 tax or 90 percent of their 2008 tax, whichever is less. More details are available in Publication 505.

You only have a few months to take advantage of these deductions and save big on your taxes, double check with a CPA or tax relief professional to see if you qualify.

Source: Tax Defense Network, www.taxdefensenetwork.com

By Ronnie Hicks

Time is up for filing your taxes. The April 15th deadline for filing taxes is passed, but this isn’t the end of tax season for a large number of taxpayers, particularly small business owners. 

The projected tax gap for 2009 is $343 billion, the largest in U.S history. Pair this with the IRS’s increased collections budget and renewed tenacity for collecting funds from small businesses and you can expect tax season to drag on for months to come.

The kinder, gentler IRS?

The IRS kicked off tax season for 2009 on a positive note by announcing its intentions to ease the burden on taxpayers who owe in these difficult financial times. IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman has stated, “With so many people facing financial difficulties, we want taxpayers to get all the tax credits they’re entitled to as quickly as they can. In addition, we are creating new protections to help people trying to meet their tax obligations. The IRS will do everything it can to help during these tough times.”

Additionally, the IRS national taxpayer advocate Nina Olson stated in her annual report to Congress that it is “imperative” for tax collectors to consider the economic circumstances of a taxpayer before initiating enforcement actions

But is the IRS really changing their policies to help the American taxpayer?

The budget for the U.S. Department of the Treasury for 2009 paints a different picture of the IRS than the IRS’ “kinder, gentler” campaign. The IRS is looking to increase revenue through effective tax collection for 2009. To achieve this, its enforcement budget has increased to $7.5 billion; this is a 7% increase over 2008.

In 2007, the IRS collected a record $59 billion through enforcement activities, a 20% increase over 2006. These numbers show a return on investment for enforcement activities of $8.6 to $1.

The IRS will target small business for 2009 to continue their success from prior years.

Owning your own business to be your own boss is the American Dream. But that dream could become a nightmare now that the IRS takes a takes special interest in small business owners.

Small business owners are estimated to be the largest component of the $343 billion tax gap. Because of this the IRS plans to issue new enforcement initiatives to improve revenue reporting for small business and self-employed individuals. Additionally, the IRS will require the reporting of automated payments to support business income claims.

Larger corporations and businesses are not immune to increased scrutiny; the IRS is looking to collect more revenue from corporations by increasing the number of audits.

Small business’ No. 1 fault

The key reason why businesses end up owing the IRS is failing to make their quarterly payroll taxes. Payroll taxes are the first thing businesses put on the back burner to stay afloat. Paying your quarterly 941 payroll tax forms is an obligation, not an option.  

Too often small business owners take that tax withholding money and put it toward the business, especially if their finances are suffering due to the economy. Many business owners promise they’ll make it up next quarter; but when the next quarter comes around and business still isn’t good, the cycle continues until the tax debt is monumental.

Interest and penalties accrue immediately after the first quarterly payment is missed. Even if the business owner manages to pay the money back by the next quarter, there will be interest and non-filing penalties to pay. This adds up quickly, and if the business owner cannot pay the obligation, the IRS may go after accounts receivable, equipment, and other assets. In extreme cases, the IRS can shut down the business and pocket the proceeds from selling all of the business assets.

Because the IRS is particularly aggressive when it comes to collecting on delinquent payroll taxes, anyone with check-signing power for the business runs the risk of being held responsible for the tax debt.

At-risk professions

Several professions have a high risk of being audited and eventually owing the IRS.  These include:

• Doctors and dentists. Doctors and dentists running their own small business or offices are prone to forgetting or omitting their obligations as taxpayers. The IRS can attack accounts receivables, effectively preventing the doctor from being paid.

• Attorneys and accountants. It’s a surprising fact that attorneys and accountants, who should know the IRS rules and laws inside and out, often owe the IRS. Attorneys and accountants who already know the tax laws inside and out are prone to getting creative with their tax returns, and getting into trouble with the IRS.

• Cash-intensive businesses. Hair salons, auto repair shops, and other businesses that receive tips and cash-only transactions are closely monitored by the IRS. It’s easier to hide income and tips from the IRS when it’s a cash transaction, and the IRS doesn’t want to risk losing that income.

Getting yourself out from under tax debt

Do you already owe the IRS? You can get help to get back into compliance:

• Consider a loan. IRS penalties and interest can have a devastating impact on a small business. The high interest rates cause the tax debt to grow exponentially. To reduce this burden and save money, consider paying the entire debt amount with a loan. The interest rate on the loan will be lower than the IRS’s interest rate, which can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

• Installment agreement. Installment agreements are binding contracts with the IRS. Once you are set up in an installment agreement, you need to pay your full debt in monthly payments for a set number of months. Interest and penalties continue to accrue on your debt while you pay the monthly installments, but keeping current with the payments will prevent the IRS from seizing assets or accounts receivables.

• Hire a professional. Working with a tax resolution professional with experience in handling small business issues is a wise idea if you feel overwhelmed by the IRS collections process.

Start now to prepare for next tax season

Now is the time to start on 2009 taxes.

1. Hire an accountant. Working with a CPA or a reliable tax professional is well worth the investment if it will save you from trouble with the IRS. Utilizing the services of a professional tax preparer and/or an accountant will help keep you from owing the IRS in the future.

2. Pay the IRS first. Many business owners owe a number of creditors, but paying the IRS should be your No. 1 priority. No other creditor can do the amount of damage the IRS can do. The IRS can seize accounts receivables, assets, business equipment, and even take the keys to your business. Other creditors don’t yield the same amount of power

3. Stay in compliance. When you are a new business, it is really tempting to use the payroll tax withholdings to make improvements to your business rather than borrowing money from a bank or creditor. But this could have devastating effects, and could even lead to the shutdown of the business. No matter what, it’s important to keep on top of the game and pay your taxes on time every quarter.

Ronnie Hicks, Esq. is a tax attorney with Jacksonville-based Tax Defense Network, Inc. (www.taxdefensenetwork.com). He can be reached at info@taxdefensenetwork.com or at 888-248-9058. Tax Defense Network a tax resolution firm, with more than $145 million in tax debt under management.

Tax Defense Network recently received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This is highest given out by the BBB, and signifies confidencein the company’s trustworthiness and willingness to make a good-faith effort to resolve any customer concerns. Jacksonville-based Tax Defense Network, www.taxdefensenetwork.com, 13901 Sutton Park Drive South, is a tax-resolution company incorporated since 1997 with more than $75 million in tax debt under management and has helped more than ten thousand taxpayers in all 50 states.

BBB determines its ratings by a proprietary formula representing BBB’s opinion concerning the importance of each category and the appropriate score given to the business for each category. BBB assigns grades from A to F with pluses and minuses. A+ is the highest grade and F is the lowest. BBB requires accredited businesses to build trust and maintain a positive track record in the marketplace and to approaching all business dealings, transactions, and advertisements with integrity.