Owning and operating your own small business can be one of the joys in life. Not everyone gets to have nearly complete autonomy over their professional lives—but with freedom comes the mundane task of bookkeeping. While you could keep the books yourself, there are numerous benefits of hiring an accountant for a small business. Enlisting the help of a professional who’s well versed in business-related accounting and various tax laws could make your life a whole lot easier. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why should I hire an accountant as a small business owner?” then this article is for you.... View Article
What kind of documents need to be notarized? What is notarization, and where can you get it done? If this is your first experience with a notary public, you probably have plenty of questions. Here’s a closer look at what you need to know about using a notary. What is a notary? A notary public is a state-appointed witness to prevent fraud. You can visit a notary when you’re signing important documents, such as estate planning documents, home purchases and mortgages, adoptions and other legal paperwork. Notaries act as a gatekeeper: They ensure that the documentation and signatures comply with... View Article
If you’re running your own business from home, you’re one of many Americans who may be eligible for a home office deduction. Some clients are concerned that they may get audited, while others are afraid they won’t qualify. If you’re eligible to take the deduction, you should—otherwise, you may be overpaying your taxes. There may be other deductions available even if you can’t claim the home office deduction. Why not take advantage of tax write-offs for working from home? Home office deductions Claiming a home office deduction can be complicated. In order to take the home office deduction, you have... View Article
If you’re starting a business, you should consider structuring it as a limited liability company (LLC). An LLC has a number of benefits, including providing you with more credibility and lessening your tax burden. But keep in mind that forming an LLC isn’t as simple as sticking “LLC” at the end of your business’s name. Keep reading to learn the answer to what you need to do to start an LLC. How does starting an LLC work? Starting an LLC isn’t the most complicated process, but you’ll probably still want a helping hand. Follow these steps to successfully start your... View Article
If you’re an entrepreneur starting your own business, you may very quickly encounter the term “DBA.” The meaning of a DBA is “doing business as”—it’s any registered name your business operates under that isn’t the company’s legal name. DBA is commonly referred to as a trade name. This post will cover everything you should know about DBAs. How does a DBA work, and do I need one? Now that we’ve covered the meaning of a DBA, the question becomes whether you need one. The answer is no—they’re not required to form or operate a business. The only times you’d really... View Article
