Think of a seed breaking free from its shell to reach the sunlight. It doesn’t linger on the dark soil it left behind; instead, it uses that energy to grow and reach for the sky, becoming a towering tree. Embracing change is about doing just that—pouring our energy into new possibilities instead of staying stuck in what’s behind us.

Holding on to the past only keeps us tied down to what no longer serves us. It can stall our growth and blind us to the potential of the present. By turning inward and nurturing seeds of positivity, love, and acceptance, we start building something new. This practice can grow into a beautiful garden of mindfulness, compassion, and gratitude.

Building the new doesn’t mean ignoring the past. Every experience, whether joyful or tough, shapes us and brings valuable lessons—lessons in resilience, strength, and the ability to adapt. When we acknowledge our past, we can use that wisdom to make choices that help us plant seeds of positive change in the here and now.

So, how do we start this journey? By embracing the present moment. Practice mindfulness, pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, words, and actions. With this awareness, you can start choosing your responses thoughtfully, moving away from resistance and toward acceptance.

Another key is gratitude. Appreciate the lessons of the past and the blessings in your life right now. Gratitude opens our hearts, letting love and positivity flow. It’s the foundation of a future full of joy and fulfillment.

Change isn’t about fighting what was; it’s about building what’s next. By choosing to nurture the seeds of growth, we open ourselves up to endless possibilities. Embracing change, with a heart open to whatever comes, creates space for a brighter, more meaningful path forward.

Mindfulness offers particular benefits for mental health, helping to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression while fostering a greater sense of calm. Studies have shown that regularly practicing mindfulness increases emotional stability, making it easier to handle challenges without feeling overwhelmed. When we’re mindful, we’re less reactive and more focused, which translates to greater emotional control and an improved ability to navigate life’s ups and downs. This sense of inner balance is key to preventing burnout and maintaining a positive outlook, especially during busy or stressful periods.

For many, mindfulness also helps achieve a healthier work-life balance. In our connected world, the boundaries between work and personal time can easily blur, leaving us feeling constantly “on.” Mindfulness helps us be fully present in each moment, whether at work or home, which leads to increased productivity and greater satisfaction in both areas. By taking a few moments to reflect or reset, we’re able to recharge and engage in our responsibilities with more energy and focus. Mindfulness doesn’t need to be complicated; finding small ways to incorporate it can make a big difference in mental health and quality of life. So, how do you practice mindfulness each day?

Some people choose not to file a tax return because they aren’t legally required to file, but they could be missing out on refundable tax credits or an income tax refund. This could apply to someone if they:

• Have had federal income tax withheld from their pay.
• Made estimated tax payments.
• Qualify to claim refundable tax credits.

Don’t miss out on valuable tax credits

A few tax credits people can claim on a federal tax return if they’re eligible include:

• Earned Income Tax Credit – The EITC helps workers who earned $63,398 or less in 2023 when they file a federal tax return. Taxpayers can use the EITC Assistant on IRS.gov to check their eligibility.

• Child Tax Credit – Taxpayers can claim the Child Tax Credit if they had a qualifying child under the age of 17 at the end of 2023.

• Credit for Other Dependents – Taxpayers who don’t qualify for the Child Tax Credit may qualify for the Credit for Other Dependents. This includes people who have:
  • Dependent children who are age 18 or older at the end of 2023.
  • Parents or other qualifying individuals they support.

• Education credits – The American Opportunity Tax Credit is for qualified education expenses for the first four years of higher education. The Lifetime Learning Credit is for qualified tuition and related expenses paid for eligible students enrolled in an eligible educational institution.

Get help deciding whether to file

The Interactive Tax Assistant provides answers to many common tax law questions based on an individual’s specific circumstances. It can help someone decide whether they should file a tax return and if they’re eligible for many common tax credits.

The tool is safe. It keeps the user anonymous and discards the information they provide when they exit a tool.

E-file to get a refund faster

The fastest way to get a tax refund is to e-file and select direct deposit. The IRS issues most refunds for e-filed returns in less than 21 days.

The IRS knows that understanding and meeting tax obligations is vital to the success of all businesses, especially a new one. IRS.gov has the resources and information to help people through the process of starting a new business.

Here are some tips for new entrepreneurs.

Choose a business structure

The form of business determines which income tax return a business taxpayer needs to file. The most common business structures are:

• Sole proprietorship: An unincorporated business owned by an individual. There’s no distinction between the taxpayer and their business.
• Partnership: An unincorporated business with ownership shared between two or more people.
• Corporation: Also known as a C corporation. It’s a separate entity owned by shareholders.
• S corporation: A corporation that elects to pass corporate income, losses, deductions and credits through to the shareholders.
• Limited Liability Company: A business structure allowed by state statute.

Choose a tax year

A tax year is an annual accounting period for keeping records and reporting income and expenses. A new business owner must choose either:

• Calendar year: 12 consecutive months beginning January 1 and ending December 31.
• Fiscal year: 12 consecutive months ending on the last day of any month except December.

Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

An EIN is also called a Federal Tax Identification Number. It’s used to identify a business. Most businesses need one of these numbers even if they don’t have employees.

It’s important for a business with an EIN to keep the business mailing address, location and responsible party up to date. IRS regulations require EIN holders to report changes in the responsible party within 60 days. They do this by completing Form 8822-B, Change of Address or Responsible Party and mailing it to the address on the form.

Have all employees complete these forms

• Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
• Form W-4 Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate

Pay business taxes

The form of business determines what taxes must be paid and how to pay them.

Visit the state website

Prospective business owners should visit their state’s website for info about state requirements.

He was a champion for reducing gun violence and supported game-changing legislation like the Build Back Better Act and the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. His commitment to creating a more just and equitable society was unwavering.

But what really stands out is his ability to drive change beyond just legislation. He was instrumental in securing funding for clean drinking water projects, which has had a huge impact on infrastructure across the country. He also worked tirelessly to make childcare, housing, and prescription drugs more affordable.

And let’s not forget his dedication to fighting climate change. Rep. Payne Jr. was a true champion for our community, and his loss is felt deeply. As we say goodbye to an incredible leader, I want to honor his memory and legacy. He inspired us to fight for progress, justice, and equality, and his spirit will continue to guide us.

May his memory be a blessing, and may his legacy continue to inspire us to make a difference in our community and beyond.

As Financial Literacy Month wraps up, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on how far we’ve come in mastering our financial game. For us women in leadership and entrepreneurship, understanding finances isn’t just about keeping the lights on—it’s about empowering ourselves to make smart choices, take risks with confidence, and build sustainable, independent futures. So, let’s dive into why financial literacy is our secret weapon and how we can keep sharpening it.

Why Financial Literacy is Our Superpower

Knowing the ins and outs of finance gives us the tools to navigate the sometimes intimidating world of business. Whether it’s managing cash flow, making investments, or understanding the bigger picture behind our financial decisions, it’s about being in control and making moves with purpose. For women entrepreneurs and leaders, this knowledge is more than just helpful—it’s essential. It breaks down barriers, opens doors, and ensures we’re not just players in the game, but we’re leading it.

Celebrating Our Wins

First things first—let’s give ourselves a pat on the back. From starting small businesses to steering Fortune 500 companies, we’re making waves. A big chunk of this success comes from getting smart about our finances. Every budget we stick to, every investment we make, every financial statement we tackle, strengthens our businesses. But beyond the numbers, it’s the confidence and independence that come with knowing our stuff that really count.

Taking Our Financial Literacy to the Next Level

Here are some tips to keep leveling up:

• Keep Learning
  Finance is always changing, so make lifelong learning a priority. Dive into books, podcasts, webinars, or courses. The more you know, the more confident and capable you become.
• Surround Yourself with Experts
  Find your tribe of financial gurus. Networking with knowledgeable people can give you new insights and advice that you might not have thought of. Plus, a good mentor is worth their weight in gold.
• Use Financial Tools.

Use technology to keep your finances in check. Be sure to check out www.mindingmybusiness.black—your go-to website for staying on top of your budgeting. If you can, hire an accountant or bookkeeper to keep things smooth, but if that’s not in the cards, grab some reliable accounting software and other tools to keep yourself organized. These tips will save you time, cut down on mistakes, and give you real-time updates on your financial health.

• Set Clear Financial Goals
  Know where you’re headed. Whether it’s boosting revenue, cutting down debt, or saving for a big investment, having clear goals keeps you focused and motivated.
• Be Smart with Money
  Take charge of your money management. This means budgeting wisely, saving regularly, and steering clear of unnecessary debt. Remember, every dollar you save is another dollar you can invest in your business or your future.
• Invest in Your Financial Education
  Consider taking a financial literacy course or workshop specifically for entrepreneurs. This kind of investment pays off big time by giving you the skills you need to manage your finances like a pro.
• Celebrate Your Financial Wins
  Just like we celebrate business milestones, let’s celebrate our financial victories too. Paid off a loan? Hit a savings target? These are the moments that deserve recognition and remind us why financial literacy is so important.

As we wrap up Financial Literacy Month, let’s remember that this journey is about so much more than just numbers—it’s about empowerment. Financial literacy gives us the confidence to lead, make informed decisions, and create our own paths to success. Here’s to our financial independence, breaking down barriers, and building our empires. Keep shining, keep learning, and let’s make this financial literacy journey one of our greatest adventures yet!

The Taxpayer Bill of Rights defines 10 fundamental rights of every taxpayer. One of these rights is the right to quality service. Let’s take a closer look at the right to quality service and what it means for taxpayers.

Right to quality service

Taxpayers have the right to:

• Receive prompt, courteous and professional assistance from the IRS.
• Be spoken to in a way they can easily understand.
• Receive clear and easily understandable communications from the IRS.
• Speak to a supervisor about inadequate service.

What taxpayers can expect

When taxpayers interact with the IRS, they can expect IRS representatives to:

• Listen objectively. They will consider all relevant information prior to giving the taxpayer an answer.
• Answer questions promptly, accurately and thoroughly.
• Give the taxpayer information on recourse options and applicable appeal rights.
• Treat people with courtesy.
• Generally, only contact taxpayers between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
• Provide the taxpayer with information about how to get help from the Taxpayer Advocate Service in all statutory notices of deficiency.
• Provide information about options for legal help if someone is eligible for assistance from a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic.

IRS representatives will not:

• Contact the taxpayer’s employer if they know the employer doesn’t allow such contact.
• Make aggressive phone calls that threaten arrest or prison time.

Taxpayers can find answers to most tax questions on IRS.gov. Taxpayers can also contact the IRS directly by calling the number on the top right corner of all notices and letters.

More information

• Taxpayer Advocate Service
• Publication 556, Examination of Returns, Appeal Rights, and Claims for Refund
• Forms and publications about your appeal rights
• Publication 594, The IRS Collection Process PDF