February 2, 2010 | Last Updated on: April 6, 2023
Tax time can be scary for small business owners. If you’re a busy entrepreneur and haven’t kept the best accounting records throughout the year, there’s still time to save yourself some grief and make next year a little easier. Also keep in mind that if you don’t have a good handle on your business’s finances, the more likely it is to fail.
Associated Press business columnist Joyce Rosenberg has these tax tips for small business owners:
* Get organized. Invest in accounting software that will keep you organize. You can input information from all those receipts and invoices into the program and send a file to your accountant at the beginning of the year, saving yourself a whole lot of time and grief.
* Hire a bookkeeper. If you can’t afford to hire a bookkeeper, consider getting an intern, such as a student studying accounting at a local college and have them set up a ledger system. Also consider putting all business expenses on one credit card.
* Read your mail. This sounds obvious, but again some business owners are so busy, sorting through mail can be a chore that gets pushed to the back burner. Not opening important mail from the IRS can lead to penalties and fees down the road.
* Listen to your CPA. Start talking to your accountant now. If you don’t understand what he is saying, ask. Remember, there are no stupid questions, only stupid mistakes.
This article was submitted by Katie Kapler, Director of Online Strategy for Biz2Credit. Biz2Credit is a small business marketplace that connects entrepreneurs with financing options and advice to grow their business. Send all questions to katie.kapler@biz2credit.com.
