What is the Best Time to Hire an Accountant for Small Business?

Accounting, Small Business

When you operate a small business, you sometimes feel like there are not enough hours in the day to keep your business running smoothly. For many small business owners, it goes beyond the products and services they offer or interacting with customers. There are also those not-so-fun requirements, like balancing checkbooks, doing payroll and organizing finances. Although you may be an expert in your field, very few business owners can manage the strict financial requirements necessary to keep a business running. That’s where small business accounting services can help. However, when you decide it is time to bring in an expert to handle your company finances, you want to be sure you bring them in at the right time for both you and the accountant.

Don’t Wait for a Crisis

The first thing to consider when deciding to hire a South Jersey accountant is to do so when things are running smoothly. You don’t want to bring in an accountant after there is already a crisis. This may include falling behind in filing your taxes, a need to file an extension on your tax filing or failure to make timely payroll tax payments. If you are already buried under in receipts and other bookkeeping tasks, hiring an accountant is a good idea, but you may pay more for them to get you organized.

How Do I Know if I need an Accountant?

There are signs that you may need to bring on an accountant like TMD Accounting. If you are finding yourself spending most of your time working on financial matters than you do in the day-to-day operations of your company, you may need expert assistance. Business owners who find themselves staying late to complete accounting tasks or taking the work home with you to do when you could be spending time with family. If you are asking friends or family members to assist you with complex financial matters or if your company is growing rapidly, small business accounting services may be the answer.

Tax Repercussions

One of the main reasons to hire a South Jersey accountant is to avoid any tax repercussions that may occur due to errors. The United States tax code is very complicated, and it is unlikely you are familiar with some of the rules and regulations required of a small business. It is very easy to miss a filing deadline or to misunderstand questions asked during tax filing season, but an accountant is trained to understand the codes, even those that may have changed since filing last year. If you are facing an audit, you definitely want an accountant to be on your side, guiding you through any dealings with the IRS and helping minimize any penalties.

Starting a New Business

If you are just starting a new business, an accountant can help create financial projections and reports while also helping your plans look more professional. They can help you choose the right legal structure for your company and provide you with advice on how to best set up your accounting systems so that they run smoothly and more efficiently. As your new business grows, the accountant will continue to guide you so that your growth is optimized. Because they were with you from the beginning, they will have a better understanding of your vision.

Seeking Financing

Many businesses neglect to hire an accountant before seeking additional financing. Banks don’t simply hand out money, especially to small businesses who may not have the track record a large company may have. When you have an accountant working with you, banks are more likely to offer funding as they will see that you are serious about the success of your company. A small business accounting service can also help you choose the best funding for your business in order to save you higher costs in the long run.

Time Savings

Probably the best reason to hire a South Jersey accountant is to save time. Part of operating a business means creating reports, reconciling accounts, entering data, scanning receipts and reviewing expense reports. Shareholders want to see accurate profit and loss statements as well as professional balance sheets. The average business owner does not have the expertise necessary to excel at all these tasks. This is where an accountant can help. Accountants offer a range of packages. You may only need them to compile monthly or annual reports, or it may be time to turn over all your financial tasks to a professional, including payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable and more.

Business Expansion

When it comes time to expand your business, an accountant will be an invaluable asset. An accountant can help improve your returns on investment by advising you the best way to allocate resources properly. They can also help you identify consumer behavior so that products or services are tailored to specific needs. An accountant can also monitor your operations and make recommendations on areas where you can improve your company’s financial health.

If you are considering hiring an accountant for your business, contact TMD Accounting today to see what options are available. Our motto is “where numbers matter and people count,” a statement we live by every day. With more than 40 years of accounting experience, you can be sure that our accountants will handle your every need. Contact TMD Accounting today by calling 1-856-228-2205 or by visiting our website to learn more.

How to Prepare Your Business For Tax Season

Tax Planning

As the year’s first quarter approaches, businesses should prepare for the upcoming tax season. During this time, you want to have a comprehensive plan in place to ensure the accuracy of the tax return and minimize any unexpected financial liabilities for your business. Early planning can help you achieve a more streamlined and stress-free process when filing your taxes. Here are a few tips to prepare your business for the upcoming tax season.

Know All the Deadlines

As a business owner, you need to be aware of the important dates related to tax filing. Keeping track of estimated quarterly payments, form due dates, and other deadlines is essential to ensure that you are meeting your tax obligations promptly and accurately. If you want to stay organized, you can maintain a calendar of all the necessary tax deadlines. During the quarter, you should regularly review and update it to ensure that you stay informed about any changes.

Remember, some dates will vary from year to year due to weekends and holidays. You should double-check the calendar each year to avoid missing any critical deadlines. Staying informed about important tax dates can help you take the necessary steps to ensure that your business complies with tax laws and regulations.

Get Those Books in Order

You want to ensure that all financial documents and books are ready for the tax season. Make sure that all business transactions are recorded in your general ledger. These transactions should be categorized accurately and consistently. When you have a consistent system, it can help you to avoid errors. Contact a professional accounting team or bookkeeper if you need help organizing your transactions.

It is essential to reconcile your books with your bank records to ensure a complete and accurate record. You always want to avoid any discrepancies in your books. Additionally, you will want to separate personal and business expenses. If you don’t do this immediately, it can create headaches during tax time. When expenses are mixed in one account, it takes more time to sort through them, and you might miss deductions. Consider opening a separate small business account as soon as possible to simplify the process.

Collect Your Statements and Records

If you want to prepare your business for tax season, you will need to have the proper documents for your tax preparer or accountant. There are three crucial financial statements that you will need for tax time: the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement.

The income statement is a report that details your company’s revenue and expenses over a specific period, showing your net profit or loss. On the other hand, the balance sheet is a snapshot of your company’s financial standing at a particular moment, showing what your business owns and owes. Finally, the cash flow statement tracks the movement of cash in and out of your business, giving you an idea of the company’s overall financial health and liquidity.

If you don’t have these statements, you should contact a company specializing in small business accounting services to help you compile these documents. Even after tax time, these documents are a valuable tool to help you track your company’s financial health.

Stay Current With Payroll Obligations

Staying organized during tax season is crucial for small businesses to ensure an accurate return. One way to maintain order is by keeping a payroll checklist that covers all necessary information. You will want to verify employee information, report special procedures, and document additional compensation and benefits information. With a list, you can reduce the chance of missing important details during the tax preparation process.

Set Aside Money for Taxes

No one wants to pay taxes, but you must have the funds to cover your tax obligations. You should set aside sufficient funds to pay your taxes for the year. With that, you can avoid any potential penalties and interest that might result from underpayment. Many individuals and businesses will use a 30% rule. Setting aside 30% of your income ensures you have enough money to pay your federal taxes. Remember that this is a general estimate and may not reflect your tax situation. You should always consult with a tax professional or utilize tax estimating tools to get a more accurate assessment of your tax liability.

Hire an Accountant

Preparing and filing taxes can be overwhelming. You should seek professional support from an accountant. While they can assist you during tax season, these professionals provide invaluable services to businesses throughout the year. Many times, you will want to consult with an accountant before making decisions for your business.

Hiring an accountant can provide several benefits for your business, including tax savings, cost reduction, and an increase in profitability. Along with that, an experienced accountant can offer valuable insights and guidance to help you make informed decisions that can positively impact your bottom line. It may seem like another expense for your business, but hiring a South Jersey accountant can be a huge relief for you during tax season and the rest of the year.

We Can Help Get You Ready for Tax Season

Let us help you take care of your tax needs efficiently and effectively. TMD Accounting is the top choice for small and large businesses in Gloucester County. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, we can help you with your payroll, tax, and bookkeeping needs. If you want to schedule a consultation, call us at 1-856-228-2205.

How Much Should a Small Business Set Aside for Taxes?

Small Business, Tax Planning

There is no question that every small business owner dreads the arrival of tax season. Between gathering all the information you will need to complete your taxes, finding all the forms necessary and then completing all those forms, it can be frustrating, time-consuming and stressful. Add to that the possibility you could have to write a hefty check to the government, and it is easy to see why businesses may not look forward to filing taxes. TMD Accounting offers these tips to help you avoid a big payment on April 15.

Understand Tax Obligations

As a business owner, there are more things to consider than filing your return at the end of the year. You need to understand what taxes need to be filed each year in order to enter the correct information on your tax forms. As a small business owner, you may be subject to self-employment tax as well as income tax. If you have employees, you must also file quarterly employment taxes. States with sales tax also require that you file those quarterly while some states require corporations to pay franchise tax. This may be once each year or also may be needed quarterly. If you must pay indirect taxes on goods sold, known as excise tax, you will need that information as well.

The 30 Percent Rule

One method many small business owners use, according to small business accounting services, is the 30 percent rule. Setting aside 30 to 40 percent of your revenue should cover the amount due on your federal and state taxes each year. This is highly recommended for sole proprietors who don’t have employees as they are more likely to owe at the end of the year than an LLC or a corporation. You can accomplish this a number of ways. One way is to place 30 percent of every client payment into a business savings account. This is a great way to save toward a tax bill if you have a small number of clients who only pay you a once or twice a month. If you have a higher volume of clients, however, you can simply total your income for a week or the entire month and put 30 percent of that total in an account.

Monthly Method

Another way to determine what to put away for taxes a South Jersey accountant says is to calculate your average monthly income. Add up the total amount you have earned and divide it by the months you earned it. For instance, if it is April, add up your income from January through March and divide it by three to get your average monthly income. Once you have determined that figure, calculate 30 percent of the average monthly income and place that in an account. You can also calculate this amount by using the previous year’s income. Simply divide your entire revenue by 12 and then compute 30 percent.

Underestimating or Overestimating Taxes

According to TMD Accounting, as long as you pay 100 percent in the present year that you paid in the previous year in quarterly estimated tax, you can’t be penalized for underpaying. If your income is over $150,000, that number rises to 110 percent. You will know if you have underestimated when it comes time to file your taxes as you will have a balance owed to the IRS when you finish computing your income and expenses. There is no penalty for overestimating. However, those funds that you set aside could have been used in other areas of your business. The good news is that if you overestimated what you would owe, you have funds in your account that can be applied to the next year.

 

Even better news is that the funds will continue to earn interest until you need to use them for your taxes the following year. However, don’t make a habit of overestimating as that is pulling money from your business you could be using. If you consistently find yourself over or underestimating taxes, it may be time to talk to small business accounting services to be sure you are not assessed a penalty or tie up funds unnecessarily. The good news is that if you overestimated what you would owe, you have funds in your account that can be applied to the next year.

When Should I Start Setting Aside Funds?

The best time to start setting aside funds for taxes, according to a South Jersey accountant is as early in the year as possible. Taxes don’t take a break which means as soon as the new year rolls around, you need to move past the previous year and start fresh for the new year. If your fiscal year is the same as a calendar year, start putting money away as of January 1. If your fiscal year is different, such as from July 1 to June 30, begin putting money away on July 1. Even if you have not paid your taxes for the previous year, you can still tuck the funds away.

When Do Taxes Have to be Paid?

If you anticipate that you will owe more than $1,000 for the year, taxes must be paid quarterly. Income earned from January 1 to March 31 must be paid by April 15 while April 1 through May 31 must be paid by June 15. Any income earned from June 1 to August 31 is due by September 15 and September 1 through December 31 taxes paid by January 15 of the following year.

If you are struggling to prepare for tax season, it is time to call TMD Accounting. With 40 years’ experience with small business accounting services, TMD Accounting can help you get your taxes filed and make sure you pay only the amount you are required to pay. Contact our experienced team today by calling 1-856-228-2205 or by visiting our website.

Why Use a Professional for Your Tax Preparation Service?

Tax Planning

Most Americans dread tax season even if they will not have to pay the government. Most of the dread comes with gathering the documents needed, figuring out which tax forms have to be filed, and taking the time to put it all together. This all needs to be done whether you are filing your personal taxes or own a business. One of the best ways to make tax season less stressful is to hire a professional to handle the stress for you. Today, the tax preparation pros at TMD Accounting will explain the main reasons why letting a professional prepare your taxes can not only relieve stress but also ensure that your taxes are filed properly.

Free Up Your Time

The average time it takes the average person to complete their taxes is 20 hours. With people living very busy lifestyles today, giving up 20 hours can be extremely difficult. This is the equivalent to half a work week for most Americans and it could be time spent with family and friends, focusing on your business or doing things that are more important to you. Also keep in mind the amount of time it may take should your return be audited by the IRS, something that is less likely to happen if you use small business accounting services.

Lower Your Tax Burden

You may ask “why should I hire an accountant for my small business to do my taxes?” The fact professionals undergo significant training so that they understand the complicated tax code as well as the many changes that can occur year-to-year is one of the primary reasons to use a qualified tax professional. Companies like TMD Accounting know what needs to be done as well as what should not be done to get you the biggest refund possible while following IRS rules and regulations.

 

In addition, tax preparation services are aware of deductions that you may not know exist and the cost of tax preparation may be deductible, which also saves you money. The more deductions you are eligible to take, the lower your tax burden is, giving you a higher refund or at least reducing the amount you must pay to the IRS.

Avoid Costly Errors

There is research that shows as many as 80 percent of Americans make mistakes on their taxes. Most of them are minor, but they often cost you money in the form of a reduced refund or higher tax bill. However, some errors can be catastrophic and could result in high penalties and fees. They could also result in criminal charges filed, even if the mistake was unintentional. Small business accounting services can help prevent those errors. If you are audited, they will work with you and the IRS to explain the situation.

Less Stress

There is no question that completing your taxes can be stressful, complicated and confusing. When asking yourself “why should I hire an accountant for my small business,” consider that tax professionals are trained to deal with all of the complicated processes that come with taxes. All you have to do is deliver them your information and they will put it all together and make it make sense to the IRS. You don’t need to worry that you file the wrong form or that you put the wrong number on the wrong line. They are trained to be sure that all the numbers are entered correctly and that the proper forms are filed.

Audit Assistance

One of the best features of using small business accounting services to prepare your taxes is that, should you be audited, a professional will help you through the entire process. If there was an error on their part, many tax professionals will pay any fees or penalties you incur as a result of that error. Even if the error was on your part, such as a missed W2 or interest statement, they can work with the IRS to help minimize the impact of the error. This is another layer of stress relief that comes with hiring a professional to prepare your personal and/or business taxes.

Major Life Changes

If you have prepared yourself in the past, there may be other reasons why you should look to an expert to prepare them this year. If you experienced a major life event, such as getting married, buying a home, receiving an inheritance or moving to a different state, you may want to get a professional to prepare them for you this year. Life changes can lead to additional deductions, or they may lead to a higher than normal tax burden.

 

Even if you have not experienced a major life change, there are circumstances where you should think “maybe I should hire an accountant for my small business this year.” If you are self-employed or you own rental property, a professional is highly recommended. The same is true of you are an active stock trader or you have foreign accounts. All of these situations can lead to complicated tax structures that only a professional can unravel for you.

Contact a Tax Preparation Service Today

If you are ready to prepare your taxes, consider reaching out to TMD Accounting first. Our amazing team can prepare your taxes for you, relieving stress and helping reduce your tax burden as much as possible. You can learn more about our services by giving us a call today at 1-856-228-2205 or visiting us online. Those 20 hours you spend on taxes can be better spent with your family. Let the professionals handle your taxes for you.

How to Transition from In-House to Outsourced Accounting

Accounting

As your business expands, self-managing your finances can quickly become daunting. Many companies, which initially handle their accounting in-house, often realize that outsourcing is a more efficient option. While outsourcing your accounting may seem like a relief, transitioning from in-house to outsourced accounting can be challenging. Here are a few tips to help you make the transition as seamless as possible.

Pros and Cons of Using an Outsourced Accountant

Outsourcing eliminates the time and costs of the hiring process. Along with that, it provides access to expert accountants and bookkeepers. Additionally, outsourcing makes it easier to scale accounting services, leverages automation technologies, and provides a valuable advisor to help make the process more efficient. By choosing the right outsourcing company, you can ensure that your accounting is in the hands of a reliable and knowledgeable firm.

One of the main disadvantages of using an outsourced accountant is a need for more control over the quality of the work. When you outsource small business accounting services, you rely on a third party to manage crucial financial information. It can be challenging to monitor their performance and ensure that the work is being done accurately and efficiently.

Another potential issue is a need for more direct collaboration with your accountant. When working with an outsourced accountant, communication may be limited to email or phone calls, making it more difficult to establish a close working relationship and receive timely and personalized support.

Make the Switch by Choosing the Right Partner

Choosing the right financial partner is vital to a successful accounting transition. With the right support, the process can be smooth and effective. If you want to ensure that you choose the best fit for your business, consider the following qualities when selecting an accounting firm.

Proactivity

A good accounting firm should be proactive in helping you transition from in-house accounting to outsourcing as seamlessly and stress-free as possible. If they aren’t offering support during this stage, it may be a sign that they are not the right fit for your business.

Communication

A strong communication style is crucial in any business relationship. Look for responsive, clear, and proactive communication from the accounting firm.

Expertise

Make sure the accounting firm you choose has the experience, knowledge, and technology to meet your needs. You will want to consider their track record and reputation in the industry.

Customer Focus

A quality accounting firm should be in tune with your needs from the start. You want them to be committed to making your life easier. Your prospective accounting firm should be customer-focused and dedicated to your success.

Get an Early Start With the Right Plan

When transitioning from in-house accounting to outsourcing, you need to plan and budget enough time for the process. You want to ensure that your financial statements and reports are received promptly. Keep in mind that the switch may take several weeks to complete. To make the transition as smooth as possible, plan to spend two to four weeks gathering your financial records and documents for your new accounting firm.

Once you’ve handed over your financial records to your new accountant, they should be able to provide you with an estimate of how long it will take to start monthly accounting services. Remember that if you need to catch up on bookkeeping or taxes, your accountant will need to complete them before moving forward with future financial statements. On average, it takes 60-90 days to complete one year’s worth of back taxes.

You should be cautious of accountants who make unrealistic promises, such as claiming the transition will be “a breeze” or take “no time.” These promises may be a sign that the accountant needs to be more serious about the financial health of your business. On the other hand, if they finish the work too quickly, you might want to be skeptical of the quality of their work.

Set Achievable Goals

Before transitioning to outsourced accounting, you will want to understand and communicate your specific pain points and goals. Knowing why you want to outsource and what you’re nervous about can help establish clear expectations and ensure a successful partnership with your new accountant.

To get the most out of your accounting relationship, take the time to list everything that frustrates you about your current accounting process and your future financial goals. By providing this information to your accountant, they will better understand your needs and tailor their services to meet those concerns.

A quality accounting firm will have established processes to ensure your success, including meetings designed to help you establish best practices and a plan for working toward your financial goals. Your accountant should thoroughly understand your business and be equipped to provide the guidance and support you need to succeed.

Find an Accountant

Transitioning from in-house to outsourced accounting can be a significant step for your business. Whether you have an in-house accountant or use a combination of an in-house bookkeeper and an external accounting professional, there are certain advantages to working with an outsourced accounting service.

By following these tips, you can be better equipped to smoothly transition to outsourced accounting and enjoy the benefits of working with a professional and experienced South Jersey accountant.

Choose TMD Accounting for Your Small Business

We are a family-owned and -operated accounting firm. We have helped numerous clients over the years. Whether you need help with payroll or taxes, we are here to assist you. Schedule a consultation by calling 856-228-2205.

How to Find the Best CPA Bookkeeping for Your Startup or Small Business

Small Business

As a small business or startup owner, you want to ensure your enterprise thrives. While you may want to focus on your company, you need to take care of those other matters, such as financial planning and taxes. It may be time to seek professional help. Working with a certified public accountant (CPA) is an excellent way to ensure you make the most of your financial success.

Not only will an accountant help you with the necessary forms and paperwork, but they can also provide you with valuable advice on financial planning and projections. Together, you can get help to set realistic and achievable financial goals for the future, ensuring continued success for your business.

Do You Need a CPA for Your Business or Startup?

Knowing when to hire a certified public accountant is half the battle. While there is no set time for every small business owner to hire a professional, some signs indicate you might need one.

No Experience With Financial Matters

If you are starting your business and are unfamiliar with accounting basics, a CPA can help you develop your financial strategy, teach you how to manage your finances, and ensure that you avoid mistakes that could cost you in the long run.

Need to Establish a Legal Structure for Your Business

When deciding on your company’s legal structure, an accountant can explain the options available, helping you choose the best one for your business or startup. Many business owners need to become more familiar with business taxes since most have only filed personal taxes in the past. A CPA can ensure you pay the right taxes for your business type and industry. They can also help you take advantage of tax credits and deductions to save money.

Require Help With an IRS Audit

If your business is growing rapidly, an accountant can manage your cash flow, help you use your money more effectively, and identify areas where you can cut expenses. Unfortunately, there are times when you could face an audit from the IRS. In that scenario, a certified public accountant can guide you through the process and ensure that you comply with tax laws.

Find Funding for Your Business

Finally, if you need a small business loan, an accountant can help you prepare the financial documents required by lenders and ensure that your loan application is well-organized and detailed. When looking for a company that offers small business accounting services, here are a few tips to choose the right professional for the job.

Finding the Right CPA for Your Situation

A business accountant can benefit your company at every stage of its growth. From managing finances to providing valuable insights and advice, the right accountant can be your business’s trusted advisor. You want to ensure you find the right fit for your small business or startup.

Search for Referrals

First, ask for referrals from lawyers, business advisors, bankers, and other professionals. Many of them have worked with CPAs that they trust for their financials. You may even want to attend local business events hosted by your Chamber of Commerce. Also, utilize your existing networks, such as family, friends, and colleagues. Someone is bound to know a reputable CPA to help your business or startup.

Skip the Internet

Finding a trustworthy business accountant is crucial for the success and growth of your company. While you may come across multiple options by doing a quick online search, you may want to avoid hiring someone you find on Google or online directories. Some CPAs may pay to add their names to a list of local business professionals. However, you don’t have to discount an online search completely. If you cannot find a personal referral, use the internet to read reviews about the local CPAs in your area.

Choose a Certified Public Accountant

Keep in mind that not all accountants are the same. Working with a certified public accountant can provide numerous benefits for your business’s financial health. CPAs have passed a rigorous examination and must be licensed. That ensures they possess the necessary knowledge and experience to provide reliable financial advice.

Additionally, a CPA’s certification must be periodically renewed to keep their skills and knowledge current with the industry’s standards. Many business owners and startups want to work with a CPA to get a handle on their business finances.

If you’re looking for a CPA, you can start your search by reaching out to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The AICPA maintains a directory of CPAs, accounting firms, and accounting organizations that can connect you with the right professional.

Once you have found a CPA, ask them a few questions. First, find out the accountant’s experience with small businesses or startups. A qualified accountant should understand the complexities of running a small company. Along with that, they should have references from past clients. Also, ask if the accountant has experience in your specific industry. You will want to work with someone who understands your business’s needs.

Make sure to also inquire about their services. Many of these professionals provide tax and auditing assistance. However, other CPAs can offer to help with bookkeeping, business valuation, or budgeting. Additionally, ask about the billing process. Most accountants charge by the hour or offer a monthly retainer.

Need an Accountant for My Small Business?

At TMD Accounting, we provide you with the flexibility, dependability, and affordability you need in an accounting firm. With over 40 years of experience serving Gloucester County, we have helped numerous small businesses and startups manage their financial health. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call us at 856-228-2205.

How to Use a Comparative Income Statement for Your Small Business

Small Business

While running your business, you might not have time to analyze financial numbers. However, knowing how decisions affect your company’s financial health is crucial. When you review your books and records, you can make plans to grow your business. It is time to become familiar with a comparative income statement if you want to boost your profits. Here is how this financial statement can help your small business.

 

Is This Document the Same as an Income Statement?

Some people may refer to an income statement as a profit and loss statement. No matter the name, the report shows your sales minus any expenses. At the top of the statement, you will see the number of sales earned in a period. After that, the business expenses are deducted, giving you a net profit at the bottom of the statement. This income statement can show how your business decisions affect the net income for that period.

Looking at an individual statement will only give you the results for one specific period. In many cases, you will want to compare one period to another to see the long-term effects of your decisions. That is where a comparative income statement can help. If you need help compiling an income statement, any company offering small business accounting services can assist you with that document.

 

Is a Comparative Income Statement Important?

A comparative income statement will combine the information from several statements into a single report. This statement can help you measure your business performance and identify financial trends. It also allows you to compare your profits and losses to other businesses. The statement is usually organized into two or three columns representing an accounting period. The most recent periods are usually closer to the left side of the page.

 

A comparative income statement can assist with many types of accounting tasks, such as:

 

  • Provide a review of the business’s performance
  • Compare profit and losses to previous periods
  • Determine a pattern in sales
  • Measure your business against others

 

A comparative income statement makes an excellent tool for business owners. For instance, an income statement might tell you that sales dip every April. You can boost your marketing efforts for the month when you have access to that specific information.

When you compare several financial statements, you can see a trend in performance. Comparing reports is time-consuming and confusing, but this statement allows you to track your business’s performance trends. With a comparative income statement, you will not have to flip between the documents. You have all that information right in front of you.

 

How to Read a Comparative Income Statement

If you want to understand your business’s financial data, take a look at your comparative income statement. You will want to analyze the information in two ways: horizontally and vertically. With these types of analyses, you can understand the business’s performance. Additionally, the statement can help you see patterns to help predict future trends.

 

Horizontal Analysis

The horizontal analysis examines your business’s trends over a period of time. It can help you see growth patterns. To calculate growth rates, you need to analyze the change percentage between accounting periods. If you want to find the change in the percentage between two numbers, you need to determine the difference in dollar changes for each period. For example, if you gain $55,000 in 2021 and $60,000 in 2022, then your business’s dollar change is $5,000.

You can divide the dollar change amount by the year’s profit. For example, if the base year profit is $55,000 for 2021, then the result is 0.09 ($5,000 / $55,000 = 0.09). After getting that number, you will want to multiply the result (0.09) by 100. With that, you will have the percentage of change. For this specific example, there is a 9% change.

 

Vertical Analysis

Vertical analysis helps compare the size of different line items in a financial report. To use vertical analysis, you have to divide each line item by the total amount of revenue from a product or service. After that, you can multiply that number by 100 to get your business’s percentage. With that, the number tells you what percentage of each dollar was earned as profit.

 

Why Are Comparative Income Statements Crucial?

You have to measure performance when you are a small business owner. When you don’t understand a comparative income statement, you might not know whether your decisions work for your business. Additionally, these statements help you track profitability over several periods.

The comparative income statement shows you how your business has performed. For example, you can compare your return on investment (ROI) from last year to the current year. When it comes time to sell the company, some buyers will use comparative income statements to determine whether the business is a good investment.

Accounting is a challenging part of running a business. However, it can be an eye-opening experience, especially when you review your financial statements. You want to know whether the time and effort are paying off for your business. A comparative income statement will provide detailed insight into your business’s financial health.

 

Contact the Professional Team at TMD Accounting

When you need an accountant for my small business, call TMD Accounting. We’ve served the Gloucester County area for over 40 years. Our team assists small business clients with their bookkeeping and accounting needs. To learn more about what our professionals can do for you, give us a call at 856-228-2205.

Top 5 Small Business Accounting Errors You Might Be Making [+ Tips to Find Them]

Accounting

Many businesses use software programs for their bookkeeping and accounting. These methods have made bookkeeping and accounting easier for small businesses. Unfortunately, it has also made errors in bookkeeping more common. Some accounting errors are minor and unimportant, while others are more significant and might have a negative effect on your business’s financial health. Here are the top five small business accounting errors and how you can find and fix them.

#1- Listing Potential Profit as Current Cash Flow

Many businesses believe that profit is the same as cash flow. For example, if you have closed a deal for $40,000, you might assume the initial dollar amount could be considered pure profit. However, that is not always the case. Remember, the costs to complete the deal or other problems could cut into those profits. Plus, it will take money and resources to complete the deal. As a result, you may lose a significant portion of the profit before the project finishes. While it is tempting to write down all income as a new cash flow, it gives your business a false sense of security that you are operating a financially healthy business.

#2 – Forgetting to Record Transactions

Accountants must keep a meticulous record of all transactions. From small payments to large ones, it is crucial to ensure that every detail is recorded and categorized in the correct account. Bookkeeping is just as important for small companies as it is for large ones. With the proper accounting and bookkeeping practices, you can access information to assess your business’s financial health.

To keep your business financially secure, you need to establish a serious bookkeeping and accounting system that accurately categorizes your assets and liabilities. It is also important to check your books and accounts monthly. When you are not serious about these duties, it can lead to financial troubles.

#3 – Failing to Reconcile Books With Bank Accounts

You need to check your bank balance against your ledger frequently. This practice is called reconciliation. When you frequently check your record against the bank accounts, it ensures your account balances are accurate.

It can be easy to forget to record small costs and expenses, which can cause problems later. Reconciling your accounts will allow you to track your financial situation. Every time you pay for something, ensure the receipt is recorded in your business’s accounts. This will help you keep track of your business’s financial health.

#4 – Not Communicating With Your Bookkeeper or Accountant

These professionals need to be aware of all the transactions in your business. For that reason, keeping good records of your company’s financial information is essential. In addition to that, you will want to ensure those records are available to your bookkeeper or accountant. When it comes time to monitor your income and spending, you should keep a paper record of all transactions. Communication will help prevent any problems regarding your accounts and books.

#5 – Managing Bookkeeping and Accounting Responsibilities by Yourself

Are you a small business owner who handles your bookkeeping and accounting in-house? It can be tempting to save money by doing these tasks on your own, but it may not be worth the time and effort. While some might think that managing their own accounting is an excellent way to save money, it could cost them more than they realize. Hiring an accountant involves upfront costs, but it will be worth it for your business in the long run.

When you hire an accountant to manage your accounting, you give yourself a chance to save money. Accountants often know about certain tax deductions and can spot errors in your company’s books. You may be hesitant to hire a professional to handle these tasks, but small business accounting services provide many benefits.

How to Prevent and Fix Errors

Now that you know the common errors, how do you find them? Here are a few tips to follow.

Keep an Audit Trail

An audit trail is a set of documents that confirms the transactions you record in your books. You base the entries on your company’s purchases, sales, and expenses when you record transactions. The audit trail details all the information about transactions so you can use it to cross-check your bookkeeping.

Use a Consistent Process

It is important to review your books regularly to spot errors. While the frequency of your bookkeeping review depends on your business, you should conduct a checkup at least once a month. Even small mistakes can snowball into bigger problems when you do not catch them. If you don’t currently have a regular accounting process in place, consider starting one to catch accounting mistakes early and prevent future issues.

Have Someone Else Look at the Books

When it comes to your accounting, you are better off having someone else check your books. After all, you’re a business owner, not an accountant or bookkeeper. If you want to catch mistakes, save money, and prevent headaches, ask an experienced professional to help with these tasks.

Need an Accountant for My Small Business?

When you need help with your small business accounting, reach out to TMD Accounting. For over 40 years, we have served the Gloucester County community and surrounding areas. Whether you need assistance with bookkeeping or accounting services, we can help you get a handle on your finances so that you can focus on operating your business. Schedule a consultation by calling 856-228-2205 today.

What Startups Should Know About Accounting Practices

Accounting

As an entrepreneur, it can be exciting to open a new startup. Making sure that your accounting processes are established correctly can make a difference in the success of your business. It is rarely a good idea for new business owners to try to manage their accounting because of the potential for errors and the penalties they could face for mistakes. Here is what you need to know about establishing good accounting practices from TMD Accounting.

Bookkeeping vs. Accounting

Bookkeeping and accounting are not the same things. You must understand the differences between these essential functions so that your financial records can be kept properly.

Bookkeeping involves keeping track of daily transactions. Bookkeepers typically do not analyze a company’s finances but simply record transactions. The tasks of a bookkeeper include the following:

  • Record and categorize daily transactions
  • Create and send invoices
  • Record when invoices are paid
  • Follow up with clients who owe unpaid invoices
  • Process payroll
  • Reconcile bank statements
  • Prepare financial statements
  • Provide financial statements and tax documents and give them to the accountant

Bookkeeping doesn’t require any certificate or license and is relatively simple to do.

By contrast, accounting is much more analytical and subjective. Accountants must be certified. Some of the tasks that an accountant might do include the following:

  • Adjust entries to balance books
  • Analyze financial statements
  • Assess a business’s financial health
  • Advise business owners about financial decision-making
  • Prepare and file business tax returns
  • Complete audits

Accountants are generally required to hold Bachelor’s degrees in accounting and/or be certified public accountants (CPAs). They have more experience and education than bookkeepers.

Managing Accounting for Startups

To establish accounting practices for your small business, you should do the following things:

  • Open separate business checking and savings accounts
  • Avoid commingling business and personal funds
  • Choose either the cash basis or accrual basis accounting method
  • Establish your bookkeeping system
  • Purchase accounting software
  • Create your business’s chart of accounts
  • Decide your business’s accepted payment terms
  • Keep thorough transaction records
  • Financial Records to Retain

You will need to create and retain the following important financial records as a startup business:

1. Balance sheet – A snapshot of your company’s finances and can be updated or prepared at any time

2. Profit/loss statement – Summary of your company’s expenditures and revenues over a set period to monitor your business’s growth

3. Cash flow statement – Report used to predict whether your business will meet its obligations and includes both variable and fixed expenses

4. Accounts payable/receivable reports – Provide detailed information about your outstanding invoices and how long they have not been paid as well as what you owe and to whom it is owed

5. Business tax returns – Prepared, filed, and retained for seven years

Other records to retain include the following:

  • Forms 1099-MISC
  • Invoices, gross receipts, receipt books, and bank deposit records
  • Purchase records and receipts
  • Expense records, including proof of payment, canceled checks, credit card receipts, account statements, and paid invoices
  • Documentation of business assets, including acquisition dates, purchase prices, how they are used, when disposed of, selling prices, and improvements
  • Employment tax records for at least four years

Why Good Accounting is Important

Startups need to have good accounting practices to help them understand their financial situations at all times. When you implement good accounting from the beginning, it can help you establish good business habits that can benefit your business and facilitate its growth.

Many startups fail because of a lack of cash flow. Proper accounting can help you monitor your business’s cash flow and the rate at which it spends money. Your accountant can identify trends in your business’s cash flow and cycles during which your cash flow might be heavier or lighter. They can also help you identify areas in which you are spending too much and offer advice for how you to reduce your business’s spending.

Good accounting also helps your business to comply with the tax law and avoid potential IRS audits. When you have small business accounting services in place for your startup, your accountant will prepare your business taxes for you and ensure they are correct. They can also help you understand the deductions and credits for which your business might be eligible and the types of documentation you will need to support them. If the IRS selects you for an audit, your accountant can guide you through the process and communicate with the IRS for you.

A good accountant can review all of your records and help to identify all potential deductions and credits. This can help to reduce your taxable income and the taxes you might have to pay.

Find an Accountant for My Small Business

If you are preparing to open a new business, establishing your accounting practices can help to keep your company on track. The professional accountants at TMD Accounting can help you implement a sound accounting and bookkeeping strategy to help your business grow. Call us today for more information at 1-856-228-2205.

Common Mistakes in Small Business Tax Preparation

Small Business, Tax Planning

Tax planning and preparation are major challenges for small business owners. While you might be an expert in your area of business, that doesn’t mean that you are also an expert in the intricacies of Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules and tax laws. The U.S. Tax Code is highly complex, and there are many ways that small businesses can encounter problems with their taxes. Here are some of the most common mistakes made by small businesses and encountered by TMD Accounting that you should avoid.

1. Choosing the Wrong Business Entity Structure

There are several different types of legal entity structures that you can choose for your business. Each of these structures has advantages and disadvantages. When you choose the wrong one, your business structure can expose your company to potential liability and result in higher taxes. The following types of structures are the most common:

  • Sole proprietorship
  • Limited liability company (LLC)
  • S-corporation
  • C-corporation
  • Partnership
  • Limited liability partnership (LLP)
  • Nonprofit

Some businesses choose the wrong tax entity while others fail to choose a structure at all. Either of these errors can greatly impact the future of your business. For example, while a sole proprietorship is the simplest structure for a business to form, it doesn’t provide any personal liability protection. Choosing a C-corporation structure for your company comes with many reporting and documentation requirements and can double the taxes you might owe. When you prepare to open your business, getting small business accounting services from TMD Accounting can help you select the most advantageous structure for your company.

2. Failing to File Taxes Or Send Proper Payments

When you need to file different types of taxes and send payments to the IRS will vary based on your business’s structure, your industry, and whether you have employees. There are many different forms that might be required, and you might also need to file different forms with the state as well.

Certain taxes must be filed every quarter, including payroll, estimated income, and sales taxes. Others must be filed annually, and you must also send your employees and contractors other forms directly so that they can file their tax returns.

Failing to file the right forms and submit payments on time can get your business in trouble. You might face high penalties from the IRS that could cripple your business. In certain cases, failing to file business tax returns or remit tax payments when they are owed could also expose your business to criminal liability.

3. Classifying Workers Improperly

Many businesses improperly classify their workers. For example, you might decide to classify your workers as independent contractors to try to save money on your tax bills. However, if you improperly classify workers, it could result in significant penalties. Make sure you understand the classification rules and follow them to avoid serious tax problems.

4. Underestimating Taxes or Underreporting Income

If you file your taxes as an S-corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship, you will likely have to make quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS. While you aren’t expected to guess how much your business will owe exactly, you are expected to be reasonably close. If you fail to make quarterly estimated tax payments or greatly underpay them, you could face a stiff penalty. If you understate the amount you owe by a substantial amount, the IRS might believe you were negligent and force you to pay a 20% penalty. If the IRS believes you tried to intentionally defraud the government, you could face a fine of up to 75% of the amount owed as well as criminal charges.

5. Commingling of Personal and Business Expenses

A major mistake that many small business owners make is mixing their personal and business funds and expenses. The IRS has strict rules against commingling personal and business funds. You can only deduct business expenses from your income and not personal expenses. To prevent you from deducting the wrong expenses, you must ensure your personal and business finances are kept separate. This means having a separate bank account for your business and only using a business credit card for business purchases and not your own. If you do use personal assets to operate your business, including your vehicle or a home office, you must keep detailed documentation to support your deductions.

6. Poor Organization and Record-Keeping

Failing to keep good records throughout the year can make tax time difficult. If you leave everything until the last minute, you’ll likely miss out on business deductions you would otherwise have been able to claim. Disorganized records and poor documentation can also result in higher small business accounting services fees when it’s time to prepare your business tax returns.

To prevent these problems, make sure you have a system to track your expenses and income on a continuing basis throughout the year. Each month, your cash flow, credit card statements, and bank account statements should be reconciled. You can use software to help manage your bookkeeping so that tax time will be smoother for both you and your accountant.

7. Taking Improper Deductions

The deductions you can claim for your business are those that are involved in the ordinary process of operating your company. You can review IRS Publication 535 to learn what is deductible. If you claim deductions for things that are improper, you could face an audit and potentially severe penalties. Even if you claim legitimate deductions, you could be penalized if they are out of sync with your business’s income or the deductions claimed by similar businesses in your industry.

If you report a loss for your business several years in a row, the IRS could decide that your venture is a hobby instead of a business. If that occurs, your ability to claim deductions could be disallowed completely.

Find an Accountant for My Small Business

The best way to avoid potential tax issues is to be honest and remain organized. Working with TMD Accounting can also help you avoid potential mistakes in preparing your taxes and claim all of the deductions to which your business should be entitled. To learn more, contact us today at 1-856-228-2205.

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