September 20, 2023
Running a small business comes with its fair share of financial responsibilities. One crucial aspect of managing your business finances is understanding and maximizing tax deductions. By identifying and properly categorizing your expenses, you can significantly reduce your taxable income. We can also help you tackle those tasks now—our expertise includes implementing frameworks into your […]
September 11, 2023
In the world of small business finance, staying on top of your numbers is non-negotiable. But it’s not just about crunching numbers; it’s about understanding the story they tell. That’s where your financial statements come in to help you make informed decisions. The three major types of financial statements every small business owner should know […]
September 1, 2023
Your small business might offer the best product or service the market has ever seen, but if your finances aren’t in shape, you’re dead in the water. We know that not everyone’s a number nerd! Regardless of your feelings about your high school math classes, managing finances is one of the most critical aspects of […]
August 28, 2023
An income statement isn’t just a spreadsheet full of numbers designed to make your eyes cross—with the right understanding, the small business income statement tells the financial story of your business. Think of it as a backstage pass to your financial performance, revealing how much money you’re making, where it’s coming from, and where it’s […]
August 16, 2023
There are certain, frequent accounting functions that just about every business needs, so why not simplify and automate where possible? Fifty-plus years ago, everyone was keeping their business books in a paper ledger. Over time, desktop accounting software and the use of networked servers did away with these paper records. Cloud accounting software is the […]
August 9, 2023
In accounting, the job is never done. We know all too well that, with process after process to deadline and cut-off, there’s barely a gap to breathe. But closing your books every month is time well-spent in the long run, helping you keep accurate records and a close eye on your finances throughout the year. […]
August 2, 2023
Sales tax for business owners is undoubtedly one of the most complex and specialized aspects of running a small business. With each state and locality having its own set of laws, tax rates, timetables, and exemptions, dealing with sales tax can be overwhelming and frustrating. And as online sales continue to surge, the complexities have […]
July 19, 2023
2023 UPDATE: New developments in independent contractor classification On June 13, 2023, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) made a significant decision in The Atlanta Opera, Inc. case, which impacts the classification of workers as employees or independent contractors under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). The NLRB overturned the 2019 standard for classifying workers […]
June 21, 2023
Owning a small business comes with myriad challenges. Don’t let fraud become one of them. It’s a common misconception that fraud can only happen to big corporations. But, according to an Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) report, small businesses (those with fewer than 100 employees) are hit by fraud more frequently than large organizations […]
May 3, 2023
QuickBooks Desktop 2020 is set to have its services discontinued by Intuit, with access to add-on services for the product set to end on May 31, 2023. If you’re still using QuickBooks Desktop 2020, you’ll no longer have access to services like Desktop Payroll, Payments, and Support; updates for security patches that help protect your […]
April 19, 2023
Many businesses need the use of a vehicle as part of their daily operations—meeting clients, delivering products, buying supplies, etc. If you use a car for business purposes, you’ll be able to deduct all of its related business expenses. Here’s how to go about it. How to calculate deductible car expenses If you use your […]
February 15, 2023
As a small business owner, it’s important to have a strong grasp of your finances—the ins and outs (literally) of your cash flow, budget, assets, and liabilities. To do so, you’ll need to follow some basics of small business accounting by keeping a complete record of all business income and expenses and accurately extracting financial […]
January 27, 2023
Businesses are hiring contract workers at a record rate to help with all aspects of the business. Despite increasing regulations on contractors and freelancers, a tight labor market is giving individuals the opportunity to showcase their expertise exactly where they want. A recent Gusto study shows that in the last two years contractor payments have […]
January 19, 2023
It’s officially tax season, and that means many small business owners are scrambling to clean up their books from the previous year in order to hand information over to their tax preparers. While some small business owners dread this time of the year, others have taken control of their books and are prepared. But what […]
January 3, 2023
As businesses all over the world continue to see benefits from remote work arrangements, many are still scrambling to add the necessary technology their teams need to keep the business running. Cloud accounting offers ways to boost your bottom line and pave the way for future growth—and now it’s critical to ensure you can pay […]
December 16, 2022
As the year winds down, your accounting needs ramp up. There are tasks, major and minor, that will ensure your business is ready for a fresh start in the new year. The problem for many small business owners is that year-end tends to be the busiest time of the year, leaving those tasks on the […]
November 29, 2022
Ongoing research and development (R&D) is a cornerstone of a prosperous economy, which is why the IRS provides a federal R&D tax credit under Internal Revenue Code Section 41. But the scope of R&D isn’t limited to large-scale scientific development (such as large pharmaceutical companies working on a new drug); small businesses also can and […]
November 17, 2022
Individuals, small businesses, large businesses, and even governments are frequent targets of cyberattacks in the form of ransomware, phishing, stolen devices, malware, or insider theft. Typically, larger businesses have a department dedicated to maintaining a shield of protection from cyberattacks. Small businesses are perceived as an easier target by hackers because they tend to lack […]
November 9, 2022
Operating a restaurant is challenging, with the industry reporting one of the highest failure rates. Even in the best of times, restaurants experience high turnover rates, notoriously low margins, and strict operational regulations. Over the past few years, restaurant failure rates shot up due to the pandemic, and restaurantaurs continue to face challenges even with […]
November 9, 2022
While January 31 may seem far away, now is the time to start organizing your information for 1099s. As a business, you’re required to send a Form 1099 to all contractors and vendors to whom you paid more than $600 in the calendar year. We can help you determine who needs a 1099 and offer […]
October 28, 2022
It’s no secret that being a business owner can be an incredible opportunity, while also presenting significant challenges on a daily basis. Business owners are battling many different fronts, from keeping employees and customers happy to keeping up with rising demand and the costs associated with doing business. This is especially true when an economic […]
October 14, 2022
Data-driven decision-making: it’s more than just a buzzword. Businesses, both large and small, make decisions every day that can either propel them forward or set them back. In today’s economy, it’s vital to be agile, ready to anticipate potential issues, and take action at any given moment. Business owners have tools at their fingertips to […]
September 28, 2022
Do you have a clear picture of your business’s inventory? Oftentimes business owners will go far too long without reviewing inventory, only to find out it’s in desperate need of cleanup. While the year-end inventory count is a valuable internal control, only checking inventory once a year can lead to incorrect information accumulating over 12 […]
September 23, 2022
The word audit can send a business owner into a nervous panic. But an audit isn’t always a serious issue, especially when conducted internally. Yes, there are audits performed by the IRS if there is reason to believe that taxes have not been paid accurately. However, small business owners often don’t realize that they should […]
September 9, 2022
Congratulations! You have a business idea and are in the process of getting the business up and running. While your to-do list might be a bit intimidating, don’t forget a small but vital decision to make when it comes to your back office: will you use the accrual or cash accounting method? It’s crucial to […]
August 26, 2022
While your product or service may be the heartbeat of the business, cash is the lifeline, and without adequate cash flow, your business health will decline quickly. There are many vital factors to monitor as a business owner, with cash flow topping the list. Unfortunately, lack of cash flow is the number one reason why […]
August 19, 2022
Although the terms ‘expenses’ and ‘assets’ are often used interchangeably in everyday language, they have different meanings and implications in accounting. From a tax and accounting perspective, the terms asset and expense both refer to anything your company purchases in order to do business. However, the similarities end there. Assets and expenses are accounted for […]
July 20, 2022
We may be in the heat of summer, but that doesn’t mean taxes are off-topic. In fact, summer is an ideal time to check in on your tax planning strategy and regular bookkeeping efforts. Proactive tax planning and preparation are key to a smooth tax season, ensuring you can take advantage of deductions and credits. […]
July 14, 2022
A budget is an essential part of any business. While developing the budget may sound daunting, it should really empower you as a business owner to make educated and informed decisions. Business budgets will help you prepare financially, relieve the stress of the unknown, and provide support in reaching your business goals. What exactly is […]
July 8, 2022
In the infancy stages, or as your business expands, research and development is a common business activity. Research and development can be an exciting time for a business, whether it’s creating the first product or improving your core business offering. For new business owners, research and development can be a bit confusing when it comes […]
July 6, 2022
If you have people (employees or contractors) working for your business, it’s important to classify them appropriately. Why? Because if you pay someone on a 1099 as a contractor, and it turns out they should’ve been paid on a W-2, your business can find itself in hot water. What’s the difference between employees and contractors? […]
June 29, 2022
If you have a product, ecommerce is a must. Whether your main focus is ecommerce or you’re using it as an extension of your core business, selling products online can be an incredible way to reach customers virtually anywhere. Before you launch an online store, you may want to take a minute to get acquainted […]
June 23, 2022
Hiring employees can be a big step for a small business owner. Bringing on employees can help your business increase capacity and allows you to focus on your passions and expertise in the business. You may be hiring employees to focus on specific aspects of your business, such as sales, marketing, or product development—or simply […]
June 16, 2022
It’s in the headlines and in the minds of every individual and business owner. Inflation. Rapidly rising costs and dwindling profit margins can leave small business owners in a difficult position. While inflation can take a toll on a small business, there are steps you can take to mitigate risks now and long term. What […]
June 10, 2022
Bookkeeping can be a love-hate word. For us, it’s a love, but for many small business owners, it’s the latter. Keeping up with the books is a necessary component of running any business, but the task can become overwhelming for a small business owner due to time constraints or lack of knowledge. Proper bookkeeping and […]
June 2, 2022
Entrepreneurship can be one of the most exciting and rewarding endeavors, but that’s not to say it doesn’t come with struggles. Business ownership comes with many ups and downs, learning curves, and balancing acts. From nailing down the services you offer or developing an innovative product, to marketing, sales, finances, and bookkeeping, there are many […]
May 26, 2022
If you find yourself struggling to focus on what propels your business forward, consider the following three accounting strategies.
May 21, 2022
Key performance indicators (KPIs) are essential for business owners to track over time in order to make well-informed business decisions. This data will help business owners make decisions that directly impact the business today and in the future. KPIs should be monitored on a regular basis (monthly, weekly, etc.). The data being measured needs to […]
May 18, 2022
The vital role of digital transformation in businesses became very clear over the past two years. Those without a robustly digital back-office felt the wrath of pandemic-related disruption, sadly forcing many to close their doors. Propelled by the pandemic, digital transformation is a top priority of small business owners and executives aiming to future-proof their […]
May 6, 2022
A business’s success relies on its product or service excellence; the ability to stand above the competition; and most importantly, finances. This is especially true for small to mid-sized businesses as they operate on a tighter budget and lower margins while they grow. As a business owner, it is vital to know the ins and […]
April 28, 2022
It’s no secret that we love Xero cloud accounting for our clients’ back offices. In past blogs we have gone in-depth on the robust features that Xero offers, such as analytics, reporting, customized dashboards, and the ability to seamlessly integrate thousands of third-party apps. Below are some of the additional features of Xero cloud accounting, […]
April 21, 2022
For a new business owner or start-up introducing a new product, service, or concept, it’s vital to be equipped with tools that can support you and your business. From inception, finances are a key component to ensuring your business succeeds with accounting at the forefront. Cloud-based accounting apps are the key to getting your start-up […]
April 14, 2022
Many small businesses still rely on sending invoices as a PDF or on paper through the mail. Sending invoices in this way can be time-consuming at best. There are also greater risks of lost invoices, security breaches, delayed payments, and inaccurate cash flow representation. eInvoicing is a cloud-based solution to alleviate these pain points and […]
April 8, 2022
With e-commerce, the world is literally at our fingertips. With the click of a button, individuals can purchase just about anything, from anywhere in the world. As an e-commerce business, it’s vital to be set up to accept purchases and fulfill orders efficiently. Xero is the key to the business back office running smoothly, giving […]
April 4, 2022
Having outdated or nonexistent accounting processes can really take a toll on a business, eating up valuable time and exposing the business to risks. As a cloud accounting firm, we see business owners regularly experience a common set of pain points. Cloud-based accounting apps provide business owners with solutions to their biggest accounting struggles while […]
March 25, 2022
Xero is a powerful cloud-based accounting app that provides a central hub for the business’s back office. On its own, Xero can be an incredibly helpful tool for running a business and keeping the finances organized, up-to-date, and accessible on the go. Paired with other industry and task-specific cloud-based apps, businesses find themselves increasing capabilities, […]
March 17, 2022
Many business owners like to show their appreciation by giving thoughtful gifts to valued clients and employees. It is a wonderful way to build relationships and show your team just how much you appreciate all that they do. Whether it’s a way to say thank you or happy holidays, there are important considerations to be […]
March 11, 2022
A real estate portfolio can be a wonderful way to grow your investments and provide a business opportunity for future generations. Whether it be commercial or residential real estate, it is important to keep detailed books for each property. As your portfolio grows, bookkeeping can become time-consuming and overwhelming, leaving you at risk of missing […]