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With the end of the year approaching, this is a good time to think about planning moves that will help lower your tax bill for this year and possibly 2020 as well.

As we approach the end of the year, this is a good time to think about steps you may be able to take that will lower your tax bill for this year, and possibly for 2020 as well.

Business owners should review year-end tax planning steps they can take as individuals, in addition to the following moves that can be helpful for their companies.

A maintenance worker filed a lawsuit against his employer, alleging discrimination, unpaid wages and other violations of state labor laws. Shortly thereafter, at his employer’s request, he signed an agreement mandating arbitration of all employment-related disputes. Could he continue to litigate his claims, or did he have to submit them to binding arbitration?

Three people can keep a secret, declared Benjamin Franklin in Poor Richard’s Almanack – if two of them are dead. Lawyers are more optimistic, and believe those who sign a confidentiality agreement will keep their mouths shut. That includes attorneys.

California law requires most employers to give workers a 30-minute meal break during which they are “relieved of all duty.” In some jobs, such as when caring for the disabled, workers can be required to be “on duty” while they eat. But that doesn’t mean these employees get less than a full half hour for their meals.