Business

Curious How Innovative Start-Ups Are Saving Thousands on Taxes Each Year?

Published

4 years ago

February 11, 2021

Start-ups are notorious for their scrappy tactics and innovative growth techniques. However, many start-ups may not be aware of the tax credits and incentives available to them. Certain tax credits can be the difference of thousands of dollars saved each year in taxes. According to Josh Alballero, tax expert and founder of IOOGO, “The R&D tax credit is one of the greatest tax credits available to start-ups and small businesses.”

The R&D credit, is officially known as the “Credit for Increasing Research Activities” this credit is available to start-ups in any industry, and in many cases, you do not even need to have a research and development department to qualify for the credit! Many start-ups miss out on this incredible incentive because they assume they won’t qualify, however, if you’re in the process of creating a new product or service, there is a good chance your business is an ideal candidate.

According to Alballero, there are two major benefits of the R&D credit.

This credit can give you resources you otherwise wouldn’t have access to. One of the most important stages when bringing a new product or process to the market is the research and development stage. Some start-ups won’t spend enough time on this stage due to a lack of resources, staff, or funding. This credit can put much-needed money back in your pocket to allow you to focus on this crucial phase of building your business.
The R&D credit covers a variety of expenses. This credit may be applied to costs you’d never considered, wages, supplies, consultant fees, contractor fee, prototyping, tooling/ supply expenses, packaging, surveys, studies, software costs, equipment, and more! The stipulations of this credit allow businesses to apply up to $250,000 of their research expenses against their payroll tax or income tax for up to five years. This means that businesses could expect to get back around 10 – 15% of what they spent on R&D.

Calculating R&D credit can be quite complicated and in most cases, business owners should consult the expertise of a tax professional or accounting firm. The IRS will look closely at any business’s R&D credit, so it is important that you follow the proper protocol. The tax experts at IOOGO specialize in R&D credit matters and can ensure you’re following federal regulations and taking full advantage of the credits available to you. In order to file for the R&D credit, a business will be required to file Form 6765 with their tax return. This filing process should not be costly and business owners should be wary of any accounting or tax firm that attempts to charge them thousands of dollars for this filing process or even a percentage of the savings in payroll taxes, which is an illegal process.

To learn more about the R&D credit or to schedule a consultation with an IOOGO tax expert, visit www.ioogo.com.

Business

Top 5 Virtual Assistant Companies to Watch in 2025

Published

1 week ago

January 23, 2025

Matthew Wiles

Running a successful business in today’s fast-paced world requires a sharp focus on growth, strategy, and efficiency. However, managing the day-to-day operations can often become overwhelming. That’s where virtual assistant (VA) companies come into play. These companies specialize in providing skilled professionals who can handle everything from administrative tasks to customer service, marketing, and beyond, allowing entrepreneurs and small business owners to focus on what they do best.

With so many VA companies on the market, choosing the right one can be a challenge. To help you navigate the options, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 virtual assistant companies to watch in 2025. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a startup founder, or a busy professional, these companies offer top-tier solutions to meet your needs.

1. Assist World – The Gold Standard in Virtual Assistance

At the top of our list is Assist World, a U.S.-based company renowned for its personalized approach to matching clients with virtual assistants. Assist World goes beyond the typical “one-size-fits-all” model by taking the time to understand your unique needs and connecting you with highly skilled VAs who align perfectly with your business goals.

What Makes Assist World Stand Out?

Personalized Matching: Assist World matches clients with virtual assistants based on their specific requirements, ensuring the right fit every time.
Comprehensive Onboarding Process: The company’s seamless onboarding process streamlines communication and ensures VAs hit the ground running.
Client Success Management: Dedicated client success managers oversee the relationship, providing ongoing support and ensuring smooth operations.
Flexibility and Scalability: Assist World caters to businesses of all sizes, offering flexible plans that can scale as your business grows.

Who Is It Best For?

Assist World is ideal for entrepreneurs and small-to-medium businesses seeking a reliable, high-quality VA service that delivers consistent results.

Pricing:

Pricing is customized based on your needs, making it accessible for a wide range of budgets. Schedule a free consultation to learn more.

2. Time Etc – Affordable and Efficient

If affordability is your priority, Time Etc is a strong contender. This VA company specializes in administrative tasks and offers services at competitive rates. With a team of experienced professionals, Time Etc focuses on helping clients boost productivity without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

Dedicated VAs with extensive experience.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Focused primarily on administrative and organizational tasks.

Who Is It Best For?

Time Etc is a great choice for solopreneurs and small businesses looking for cost-effective virtual assistance for basic tasks.

Pricing:

Plans start at $29 per hour, with discounts available for bulk hours.

3. Belay – A Leader in Remote Executive Assistance

For those in need of executive-level support, Belay is a premier option. This company specializes in matching clients with highly skilled remote assistants who can handle complex tasks such as calendar management, bookkeeping, and project coordination.

Key Features:

Focus on executive and specialized assistance.
Rigorous vetting process for VAs.
Excellent client support.

Who Is It Best For?

Belay is ideal for CEOs, executives, and high-level professionals who require top-tier assistance.

Pricing:

Premium services come at a higher price point, starting around $2,000 per month for part-time support (45 hours a month). For 85 hours a month, pricing sits around $3,800.

4. MyOutDesk – Virtual Assistants for Real Estate

Real estate professionals, take note: MyOutDesk is the go-to VA service for your industry. Specializing in real estate operations, MyOutDesk provides skilled VAs who can handle lead generation, transaction coordination, and CRM management.

Key Features:

Expertise in real estate processes.
Comprehensive training programs for VAs.
Proven track record with top real estate agents.

Who Is It Best For?

Realtors, brokers, and real estate teams looking to streamline their operations and focus on closing deals.

Pricing:

Pricing starts at $1,750 per month for full-time assistants.

5. Boldly – Premium Virtual Assistant Services

If you’re looking for high-quality, premium VA services, Boldly is worth considering. This company offers subscription-based plans that provide access to experienced VAs skilled in a variety of disciplines, including marketing, customer service, and project management.

Key Features:

Highly experienced professionals.
Flexible subscription plans.
Focus on long-term client relationships.

Who Is It Best For?

Businesses and individuals willing to invest in premium services for comprehensive support.

Pricing:

Plans start at $39 per hour, with monthly subscriptions available.

How to Choose the Right Virtual Assistant Company

When selecting a VA company, consider the following factors:

Your Business Needs: Identify the tasks you want to delegate and choose a company that specializes in those areas.
Budget: Assess how much you’re willing to invest in virtual assistance and find a provider that aligns with your budget.
Flexibility: Look for companies that offer scalable plans to grow with your business.
Support: Choose a company with excellent client support to ensure smooth communication and problem resolution.

Why Assist World Is the #1 Choice

While all the companies on this list offer excellent services, Assist World stands out for its personalized approach, exceptional client success management, and flexible solutions, and most importantly, their fair pricing. At Assist World, prices generally fall between $1,500 – $2,000 a month for a full-time dedicated executive assistant. With a proven track record of helping businesses thrive, Assist World is the ultimate partner for entrepreneurs and small businesses ready to scale efficiently and effectively.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Schedule a free consultation with Assist World today and discover the difference a high-quality virtual assistant can make.