Tag Archives: Small business
How to Use Your CPA for More than Just Taxes
Posted on 25. Jan, 2010 by admin.
Savvy business owners use a Certified Public Accountant to help with their taxes, knowing that training and experience can help to dramatically boost tax savings. But a good CPA is more than just a tax advisor—he or she is a business expert who can help with a range of financial and business development concerns. If you’re interested in learning more about the types of assistance a CPA can offer, consider these tips:
• Budgets and Business Planning: Whether you’ve just launched a new business or own an existing corporation, seeking the advice of an experienced CPA can be very helpful in establishing realistic budgets and benchmarks for your business. A strategic plan can make the difference between success and failure in today’s marketplace; a CPA can help you set business goals, establish checkpoints to measure progress, and take measures to encourage growth within your company.
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Positioning your business for the New Year
Posted on 12. Jan, 2010 by admin.
2009 has been a year of serious contemplation by most business owners. I see this past year as a year of repositioning. Repositioning in business can mean different things to different people. Here are some different areas that businesses have been reviewing:
Do you have the best clients?
Reevaluating your client list is probably the first thing to look at when planning your future year. Your marketing plan should focus on the best client fit for you. If the current client list does not fit your focus, think about whether or not you should keep particular clients. Follow the 80/20 rule in these matters. If 80% of your stress comes from 20% of a particular client then reevaluate whether keeping them is worth the trouble. You will need room for the new clients coming in 2010.
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4 Tips for Getting Through an Audit…and How a CPA Can Help
Posted on 10. Nov, 2009 by admin.
Most business owners would rather suffer through a root canal than be subject to a tax audit. Even for those who keep meticulous records and adhere to all state and federal regulations, the auditing process can involve weeks of anxiety and tedious red tape. Without professional guidance, most taxpayers don’t have the information or the confidence to defend them against an audit.
Although there’s no surefire way to bullet-proof yourself against a tax audit, a good CPA can help make the process less painful by offering helpful tips like these:
1. Keep records for at least the past three years. The IRS typically initiates audits within 18 months of a filing, but by law they have up to three years before the statute of limitations ends. By having all of your forms and receipts organized and easily accessible, you’ll greatly reduce stress in the event of an audit. When you work with a CPA, you’ll receive all of the year’s tax documents neatly packaged for your files.
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Full Disclosure: What to Tell Your CPA
Posted on 30. Oct, 2009 by admin.
No business owner looks forward to the chaos of tax season. When you’re already juggling customer service, marketing, and business development, it can seem virtually impossible to make time for preparing your financials. That’s where your CPA comes in.
If you think an accountant’s role is limited to preparing and filing annual tax returns, it’s time to adjust your expectations. Many of our new clients are pleasantly surprised to find out how much work we’re prepared to take off their plate.
One of the biggest mistakes business owners can make is withholding information from their CPAs. While basic financial data— W2 and 1099 forms, real estate interest statements, receipts for business expenses—is important, we dig deeper to ensure a clear understanding of our clients’ businesses and long-term goals. Below are some of the most important things to convey to your tax professional before tax season:
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Think You Don’t Need a CPA?
Posted on 26. Oct, 2009 by admin.
Think Again.
You wouldn’t set off on a cross-country journey without your GPS system—so why risk navigating the sometimes turbulent waters of business ownership without a qualified tax professional to guide you?
Considering the proven benefits of hiring a Certified Public Accountant, it’s surprising that a significant number of business owners don’t use one. What’s stopping them? Below are a few of the most common reasons we’ve heard, along with some facts to set the record straight.
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