What Is Financial Planning Why It Is Important In Business?

Tax Planning

Do you need a financial plan for your small business? Creating these types of plans is a crucial step for any business owner. Financial planning can help you to make daily decisions for your business. By comparing numbers to actual results, you can make those crucial decisions regarding your financial future. Even with a one-person company, you should have a financial plan in place. Why are financial plans so important? Keep reading to learn more.

Financial Planning for Your Business

Financial planning is very vital to the success of your business. This planning usually allocates funds to specific areas of your business. Also, financial planning will determine how a company can achieve different objectives and goals. While you might think establishing a business is hard, creating a financial plan can be just as challenging without the right help. Businesses in all industries need to focus on financial planning. However, many small businesses will not use a financial planner because they think those services are too costly.

Financial planning is essential to the overall business operations. Small businesses can’t be financially stable and operate without confidence in their financial plans. Unfortunately, many companies will fail. In some situations, those failures are tied to a lack of financial planning.

What Can Financial Planning Do for Your Business?

There are many ways that a financial plan can affect your business. Small business accounting services can help implement a plan for you. Here is a look at a few of these benefits to financial planning.

Cash Management and Budget

When you have a financial plan in place, you can help organize your short-term budget. Many small businesses will experience variations in revenue on a monthly or seasonal basis. In simple terms, that can translate to a period when there is strong cash flow or a time when a shortage occurs.

Budgeting is a critical task for any business. When you plan out a budget, you can make those financial decisions and allocate funds for different projects. A smart budget will help generate profits while cutting losses and costs. Creating a reasonable budget without a financial plan can be challenging.

Financial plans can assist those struggling small businesses in getting a handle on their budget. Additionally, that financial plan gives companies deeper insight into funds, making it easier to see the bigger picture. You can even break down a complicated budget into more manageable, smaller steps.

Small business owners can consider these cycles by building a solid financial plan. During those slow times, these businesses can monitor those expenditures for low revenue periods. In many cases, poor cash management results in negative consequences, such as not making payroll for your employees.

You should structure your financial plan to have a cash cushion in case of downtimes. With a cash cushion, your small business can take advantage of special opportunities, including purchasing reduced-priced inventory from suppliers.

Long-Range View

On a daily basis, your small business may have to deal with issues or crises. It can be easy to focus on those problems, but that leaves you not thinking about any long-term goals. Unfortunately, that can take away from planning for the future, preventing businesses from growing. A financial plan allows a small business owner to see what expenditures are needed to keep the company on track and stay ahead of the competition. Think of a financial plan as a blueprint to implement the company’s performance for both short- and long-term goals.

Spot Trends

Over the course of a month, a business owner must make critical decisions. Often, it can be hard to tell if those decisions were successful. When you prepare your financial plan, you can set those quantifiable targets to compare with actual results throughout the year. For example, the owner can see if their increase in advertising expenditures led to more sales for the business. These sales trends for individual products can help the owner make decisions about allocating money for marketing.

Prioritizing Expenditures

When you allocate your capital and conserve those financial resources, it can lead to a successful business. These benefits of financial planning can help owners identify their most important expenditures, which can help improve efficiency, productivity, and marketability. Those decisions are often only made when cash is plentiful for the business. Even those well-capitalized corporations will prioritize their expenditures.

Measure Progress

During those early stages of the business, many owners will deal with numerous changes and have to work long hours. Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell whether any progress is being made or if serious problems are on the horizon. Seeing those actual results help small business owners to feel more confident in their decisions. On the other hand, if there is an issue, the owner can take the appropriate steps to correct it. A chart displaying steady revenue growth for each month is a great motivating factor for both new and experienced business owners.

Talk To an Experienced Accountant

If you need help with your financial planning, turn to TMD Accounting. We are a family-owned and -operated business that focuses on helping companies in all industries plan for the future. We offer a flexible, affordable, and convenient way to handle those financial responsibilities. You need to focus on growing your business, and we are the ones to help you.

Need a South Jersey accountant for my small business? Our accounting team is ready to help. Schedule your consultation by calling 1-856-228-2205.

Why Does my Small Business Need an Accountant?

Small Business

You just started your own business. Do you need an accountant, or should you handle those responsibilities yourself? Many successful companies work closely with an accountant. These professionals will be able to guide your business through every financial stage. Here are a few reasons why your small business needs an accountant.

When To Work With an Accountant

Working with an accountant saves small businesses from lost time and money. Plus, they can alleviate some of the headaches when tackling financial responsibilities. Business owners should ask for help right from the start. Take a look at these vital points in your business when you need an accountant.

Forming Your Business

You should work with an accountant during those first stages of your business. These professionals can help you write a business plan. A plan can put your goals down on paper rather than taking the wait-and-see approach. Along with that, the accountant can advise you on the best entity structure for your business. You might think that a sole proprietorship is the best option, but an LLC could have additional benefits. Many accountants can even assist with bookkeeping services or help you set up the right software for the job.

Compliance and Tax Issues

After you have your business plan and bookkeeping software, you still need help from an accountant. Many businesses have to worry about compliance issues. These problems can be stumbling blocks for many owners. You might want to ask for assistance from an accountant. Sales tax compliance is a sore spot for many businesses. You must comply with local tax laws if you are shipping any products over a state line. While some bookkeeping apps can help, you need an accountant to get started.

Payroll is another consideration for many businesses. Labor and wage compliance issues have been known to sink profitable companies. Tax programs and apps can ensure you are always compliant with these issues. However, you will want an accountant to check in on a quarterly basis.

There are other reporting requirements to consider. You must send those reports to local licensing agencies or creditors. For those with complex tax issues, you might be liable for other types of taxes or fees. If you need to report on your financial position for credit purposes, make sure to work with a firm offering small business accounting services.

Do You Need an Accountant?

You might think that you can handle these responsibilities by yourself, but accounting is not a DIY task. Small businesses are more successful when they work with an accountant. Yes, you might be able to take on those basics, but you should consider working with an accountant for those complicated matters. These individuals are financial professionals who can help keep your business on track as you plan for the future.

You will want to work with an accountant throughout the year, not just during tax time. Many accountants will meet with you at the end of the year. They will go over your finances and discuss any issues concerning your taxes. Tax planning is not the only reason an accountant needs to meet with you. Specific compliance issues, such as payroll tax underpayments, are easier to fix before filing those year-end reports.

Don’t forget to take advantage of your accountant’s expertise throughout the year. Planning for your business should be a year-long process. It could be too late to prepare your small business for penalties or fees when tax time is nearing.

Accountants are there to help every step of the way. You should meet with your accountant on a quarterly basis. These meetings will ensure that everything is on track and that your business is growing correctly. Sometimes, a company can grow too fast, leading to problems down the road.

You always have to worry about your quarterly tax payments. As the income increases, so do tax liabilities. Your initial estimated tax payments may not be sufficient if you experience a surge in your business. By scheduling regular meetings with an accountant, you can avoid those underpayment surprises at tax time.

Often, business owners are too close to some problems. Yes, business owners know their company better than anyone, but looking past those blind spots can be difficult. With an accountant’s help, you can take a look at the big picture, which can help the business continue to grow.

Find a Small Business Accountant

Now that you know the importance of working with an accountant, you need to find the right one for the task. Even if you want to handle your finances by yourself, you should have an experienced accountant on hand to get solid advice. Think of an accountant as a small investment for your business. With their help, you can make the right decisions for your business. Remember, many successful companies work with an accountant for their financial needs. Now is the time to find a qualified accounting professional to assist with those financial duties for your small business.

Need an Accountant for My Small Business?

At TMD Accounting, we understand the needs of small businesses. Our family-owned and -operated accounting firm has been serving the residents of Gloucester County for over 40 years. We provide you with affordable, reliable, and convenient options for your small business accounting needs. Our team can help with taxes, bookkeeping, and payroll services. Don’t handle those essential responsibilities by yourself. Schedule your consultation by calling 1-856-228-2205.

Where Can I Find Accountants in South Jersey that Specialize in Small Business?

Small Business

Do you need an accountant for your small business in New Jersey? Some owners might think that a software program or an app is the less expensive alternative. However, you need a seasoned professional to help with those expenses. An accountant helps save you money and makes your life so much easier. Now that you know the importance of a small business accountant, where can you find one in South Jersey?

Finding an Accountant That Specializes in Small Businesses

There are a lot of reasons for hiring a business accountant. When it comes to finding one that specializes in the needs of a small business, it can be a challenging task. You want to work with someone who has your best interests at heart. Also, they need the right experience to help manage those finances.

Search for a Small Business Accountant

If you do a quick Google search, you will see plenty of ads for small business accountants. While the internet can help kickstart that search, you don’t want to see the first person and hire them. An experienced accountant needs to provide you with sound advice about how to manage your business and money. You need the right type of small business accountant for those vital duties.

Consider looking for an accountant through referrals. You can ask your lawyer, banker, or business advisor to recommend a great accountant. Remember that not every accountant is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). For an accountant to be a CPA, they must pass a specific exam. When you work with a CPA, you can be confident that the person is experienced and well-trained. CPAs need to renew their certification regularly. Those re-certifications provide their clients with the best up-to-date knowledge.

Hire Someone With Small Business Experience

Yes, hiring someone with small business experience makes all of the difference. Managing the finances of a small business can be complex. When you work with a business accountant, they can help you handle any complications that come with a small business.

Also, you will want to know if the accountant has experience in your particular industry. Some accountants will specialize in certain types of businesses. If your business is in a specific sector, you want to work with an advisor who can meet those needs. Always ask if the accountant has experience working with structured companies like yours. LLCs, sole proprietorships, and corporations all have different accounting requirements.

Ask About Other Services

Many accounting firms will offer both tax and auditing services. However, others may assist customers with bookkeeping, budget, payroll, risk assessment, and business valuation. Some highly qualified accountants will do more than those basic services.

You should think of your accountant as a valued advisor for your business. Professional small business accounting services become beneficial advisors. They can help you understand your financial capacity. When you work with an accountant that understands your small business, they can create a financial model from the beginning, helping expand your business in the future.

Discuss Billing

Finally, you need to know how much the accountant will bill for their services. Some will charge by the hour, ranging from $100 to $275. On the other hand, a few accountants do work on a monthly retainer. Like a business purchase, you can always shop around for options. Yes, accounting firms do quote their services. Take those quotes to look for the best one for your needs. Keep in mind that an expensive option is not always the best. However, when an accountant charges more, that individual will usually provide you with more services.

Hire Your Business Accountant in South Jersey

After talking to a few South Jersey accountants, you can move on to the next steps. If you have shopped around, you might be able to negotiate the fees. Remember that many accountants have a set pricing structure. Asking for a special rate is fine, but don’t expect it.

Once you have agreed on the price, consider drafting out the terms of an agreement in writing. With this document, you can outline the exact services, fees, and duration of work provided by the accountant. Detailing the terms will define the relationship between the accountant and your business. That document allows both parties to know what to expect from each other.

Finally, you can grow your business with the help of your accountant. If you want to make the most of your business relationship, make sure to communicate on a regular basis. You should try to talk to your accountant at least once a month. Following up with them can prevent any issues or surprises down the road.

Choose the Right Business Accountant for Your Small Business

With these steps, you can find the right small business accountant to help you save money and provide valuable financial advice. You could try to manage your finances by yourself, but that can take away from growing your business. A small business accountant will help with financial management, taxes, and many more business duties. You can invest your free time in improving and growing your business with their assistance.

Do I need an accountant for my small business? The answer is yes. At TMD Accounting, we offer flexible, reliable, and affordable ways to manage your small business finances. We have been in business for over 40 years in the Gloucester County area. Small businesses throughout South Jersey trust us with their financial services. You can schedule a consultation by calling 856-228-2205.

Tax Planning vs. Tax Preparation: What is the Difference?

Tax Planning

Most taxpayers want to find ways to reduce how much they might have to pay in taxes. A good way to reduce your tax burden is to work with a tax professional. However, many people confuse tax preparation with tax planning. While both types of services are important, they have separate purposes. Here’s some information about the differences between tax preparation and tax planning from the accounting professionals at TMD Accounting.

Understanding Tax Preparation

Most Americans of working age are required to file income tax returns every year. However, the tax filing process can be complicated, leaving many people uncertain about how to file their tax returns properly. Mistakes made on your tax returns could result in you owing more money than you anticipated. Tax preparation services help with filing your tax returns and ensuring they are correct. Most tax preparers will offer help with filing your returns with local, state, and federal tax authorities.

Tax preparers use your financial information to fill out your income tax returns while complying with relevant laws. They also check to see whether you might qualify for deductions or credits that can reduce your tax bill. If your tax situation is complicated, hiring a professional tax preparation service can be helpful. Doing so can also be important if you have undergone recent changes in your life, including a job or household size change.

Understanding Tax Planning

While tax preparation is completed before you file your income tax returns, tax planning is a service that helps you to plan ahead to optimize your situation to minimize or avoid any tax consequences that you might face as a result of your financial decisions. Tax planning can help you make financial choices that are better for your overall financial situation.

Tax planning is geared toward helping you make proactive decisions about specific areas of your finances, including investments, retirement accounts, inheritances, estates, businesses, and charitable contributions that could impact your tax situation. While tax preparers might give you advice when they prepare your tax returns, their advice is typically general and not intended for you to use for proactive decision-making.

Accounting professionals that provide tax planning services thoroughly research to gain a solid understanding of both your current finances and your future goals so that they can make specific recommendations. If you want tax planning, you will need to ask your accountant specifically for this service so that they understand what you are wanting.

If you already use a tax preparer, you might need to look for a different tax professional for tax planning. many tax preparers are only trained to help their clients comply with their tax obligations and might not know enough about the system to make informed and knowledgeable recommendations.

Tax Planning Vs. Tax Preparation

Since you likely are required to file annual income tax returns, you will likely benefit from tax preparation services. You can either choose to complete and file your return by yourself or get help from a tax preparer. If your tax situation is complex, it might be worthwhile to get professional help to prepare your tax returns. A professional tax preparer can ensure you complete your tax returns correctly and claim the deductions and credits for which you are eligible. This can help you to save money.

While tax planning is not essential for everyone, it is worthwhile for many people. Many decisions you make about your finances could have a large impact on your taxes for years. Understanding the impacts your financial choices might cause can help you make better decisions that can also play a role in your overall financial planning.

Why the Assistance of Tax Professionals Is Beneficial

Tax professionals offer a substantial amount of knowledge about the tax laws and how they can impact both how much taxes you might owe and your overall financial picture. Taxes are complicated, and the federal tax code contains more than one million words. Most people do not have a good understanding of the U.S. tax system and the rules that you can use to save money.

Tax professionals can help to eliminate a lot of uncertainty. Even if you only work with a tax preparer, they can help you claim credits and deductions that you were not previously aware of. If you hire a tax planning professional, you might derive even greater tax benefits. A tax planning professional can help you understand how to plan for retirement, invest, and leverage charitable contributions for the greatest benefits. They can also help you understand how your financial goals might affect your tax situation.

Working with tax professionals also offers you some peace of mind. You won’t have to worry nearly as much if you are selected for an audit. A professional is less likely to make errors on your tax return.

Finally, tax professionals can help to optimize your financial plans. When you work with a tax planning professional, you might find that it is easier to make otherwise stressful financial choices and follow through with them because you will know what the likely outcomes will be.

Both tax preparation and tax planning can offer numerous benefits that you can benefit from. However, they are different services. Understanding your financial needs can help you determine which of these services you might need or possibly help you to determine that you might need both.

Contact TMD Accounting to Find an Accountant for My Small Business

If you want help with tax planning and tax preparation for either yourself or your small business, you should reach out to the professional accountants at TMD Accounting. We offer small business accounting services and individual tax planning services and can help you understand your tax situation and guide you toward reaching your financial goals while minimizing your tax burden. Call us today to schedule an appointment at 1-856-228-2205.

Assets vs. Liabilities: The Complete Breakdown

Accounting

As a business owner, you want to keep an eye on your finances, including your expenses. When you process any transaction, it needs to be recorded in the books. For that reason, you need to know the difference between liabilities and assets. Here is a complete breakdown of these terms and what they mean for your small business.

The Difference Between Assets and Liabilities

Before you can know the differences, you need to understand these terms’ meanings. Liabilities are existing debts that a business owes to a vendor, organization, employee, lender, another business, or government agency. Many of these liabilities will help the business owner finance their company, such as a loan. On the other hand, assets are the resources or sums of value that a business owns. These assets can provide long-term benefits to the owner and also help to generate revenue.

You must list all liabilities and assets on a balance sheet, which is a vital financial document for any business.

What Is a Balance Sheet?

The balance sheet is one of the three fundamental financial statements for a business, along with a cash flow statement and income statement. The balance sheet lists the business’s total assets and how those assets are financed. Balance sheets could be called a statement of financial position or net worth.

The balance sheet will be divided into two sections. All the company’s assets remain on the left side. A list of the liabilities and equity stays on the right. The liabilities and assets are separated into two categories: current and noncurrent. Liquid accounts, such as cash and inventory, are considered part of the current category. Property, equipment, and long-term debt will end up in the noncurrent categories.

Liabilities Examples

Liabilities are either long- or short-term. As previously mentioned, short-term liabilities are current liabilities, and those long-term ones are considered noncurrent. Current liabilities often include credit card balances, accrued expenses, unpaid invoices, and payroll taxes. Noncurrent liabilities are leases, deferred tax payments, and mortgage loans. You must pay those short-term liabilities within one year of incurring the debt. Long-term liabilities are often paid over several years.

Examples of Assets

Similar to liabilities, businesses can also have noncurrent and current assets. A current asset is known as a short-term one, while noncurrent assets are long-term. Current assets include investments, accounts receivable, cash, and inventory. Those noncurrent assets include equipment, trademarks, and patents. All of these items provide continual, long-term value to the businesses. However, you cannot convert noncurrent assets into cash within a year. Additionally, these long-term assets tend to depreciate over a period of time.

Along with that, assets are intangible or tangible. Intangible assets are non-physical items you cannot convert to cash, including trademarks, business licenses, logos, and patents. Tangible assets are physical items that you can easily convert to cash. These assets include bonds, equipment, and inventory.

Assets, Liabilities, and Equity

Once you figure out what you owe compared to what you own, you will want to know how much value is left over. That term is known as equity. You can figure that out by totaling your assets and subtracting those liabilities. For small business owners, your equity is the business’s net worth. If you have a partnership or sole proprietorship, the equity is often called the “owners equity” on the balance sheet. In a corporation, this equity is referred to as “shareholders’ equity.”

No matter the name, equity is vital to your company’s relationship between liabilities and assets. On the balance sheet, the assets equal the total returns plus the total equity. There are several accounting equations to use to determine these figures, such as:

  • Equity = Assets – Liabilities
  • Assets = Liabilities + Equity
  • Liabilities = Assets – Equity

With those equations, your small business accounting services can determine if the business finances through debt or uses its own funds to operate the company. However, these equations will only work for those who use the double-entry bookkeeping methods for their books.

Equity can affect both sides of these equations. If the business only has figures for equity and assets, it can easily calculate liabilities with no issues. Remember that bookkeeping and accounting can be tricky for any business owner. For that reason, hiring a professional to help calculate your assets, liabilities, and equity may be a good idea.

Do These Calculations Matter?

Liabilities, assets, and equity are essential for your business accounting system. With these numbers, you know how much you own, how much you have, and what is left over for your business. You will know where your money is at any given point in your business. These numbers ensure you do not make mistakes in recording those transactions.

Balancing liabilities, assets, and equity is the foundation of double-entry bookkeeping. Without knowing these calculations, you will not be able to understand your business’s finances. As a result, you could have a strong cash flow, but you may have an outstanding debt that eats away at your profits. With a better understanding of these terms, you can confidently know the financial health of your business.

At TMD Accounting, we help you track your assets, liabilities, and equity. Our experienced team can assist with your small business’s accounting, bookkeeping, and tax matters. We are a family-owned and -operated business that has been serving the Gloucester County area for over 40 years. You can count on us when you need an accountant for my small business. Schedule an appointment by calling 1-856-228-2205.

How to Find the Best Business Accountant for Your Small Business in South Jersey

Accounting, Small Business

Running your business is difficult enough without including managing your business’s finances and books. Financial management of your company can involve potential landmines. If you make a wrong choice, your business could lose money, face penalties, and deal with tax consequences. To make sure that you avoid accounting errors and ensure your books are accurate, you might consider hiring an accountant. Finding the right firm for your small business accounting needs will require you to know the steps to take. Here is some information to get you started from TMD Accounting.

Why Do I Need an Accountant for My Small Business?

If you’ve never worked with an accountant, you might not understand whether you need one for your business. There are multiple reasons why you should work with an accountant to help with your business’s finances. Some of the benefits an accountant can offer include the following:

  • Ensure the accuracy of your books
  • Assist your business with budgeting
  • Simplify tax filing
  • Provide strong device for business decisions
  • Answer your accounting questions
  • Ensure your bases are covered in the event of an audit

An accountant can ensure that your books are current and accurate. While accounting software can help with tracking day-to-day transactions, you should partner with an accountant to review your books on a regular basis.

Why Do I Need an Accountant for My Small Business?

Identify the Accounting Services You Need

Once you’ve decided that you should find an accountant, you will need to determine which accounting services you will need. Some of the types of services accountants offer include the following:

After you have determined which services your business needs from an accountant, you can move forward with searching for the best accounting firm to meet your needs by taking the following steps.

Ask for Referrals From Other Business Owners

A great way to narrow down your list of potential accountants is to ask others you trust for referrals. Ask your family, friends, and fellow business professionals for their recommendations of the accounting firms they trust. You can also ask your attorney or your banker for recommendations and ask members of your business network.

Once you have gathered several referrals, research the options by reading online reviews. Make sure the reviews you read are authentic by checking their consistency over time and the validity of the profiles that the reviews are attached to.

A business owner holding a compass and navigating through a sea of accounting service symbols, symbolizing the journey of finding the right services.

Research on Your Own

Whether or not you receive quality referrals, it is also a good idea to research on your own to find the best accountant. Try searching online, reading reviews, and looking at a business directory. When you read reviews, be sure and read both those that are positive and those that are negative. This can provide you with a picture of the experiences of others. If you identify accountants in a business directory, follow up by searching the firms online to read about others’ experiences. Once you have done your homework, you should have a list of a few prospective firms.

Interview Prospective Accountants

Once you have a list of a few accounting firms, schedule time with each one to interview them. This can help you see which accounting firm will be the right fit for your company. Prepare some questions to bring with you so that you know what to ask. Some of the types of questions you should consider include asking about their services, their fees and fee structures, any additional fees they charge for specific services, their communication methods, and the types of clients they typically do business with.
You should also ask about the accounting programs they use, their credentials, and their experience with businesses in your industry. You should ask more questions than you might think are necessary because doing so can help you identify red flags. For example, if an accountant overpromises, doesn’t have credentials, or seems to embellish their accomplishments, you might want to steer clear. Make sure to interview several accountants so that you can compare the pros and cons of each before you decide.

Choose Your Accounting Firm

Once you have interviewed potential accountants, you will need to make a decision about which one to hire. In addition to weighing the pros and cons of each one, make sure to consider whether you are compatible with the accountant you are considering. You will need to work closely with your accountant, so picking one you trust and believe you can do business with is important. After you decide on a firm, contact the accountant to get started.

Contact TMD Accounting

If you are searching for an accountant for your small business, it is important to take the necessary steps to research and interview several potential firms to ensure you find one that meets your business’s accounting needs. TMD Accounting has provided small business accounting services to many different businesses throughout New Jersey for 40 years and has extensive experience helping companies in a variety of different industries. To learn more about the services we can provide, contact us today to schedule a consultation by calling 1-856-228-2205.

Why Your Law Firm Needs a Specialized Accountant

Accounting

Law firms have unique financial needs that must be addressed differently than how other types of businesses handle their finances. A law firm’s need for specialized accounting applies to both the firm’s business and accounting strategies and how they track and manage various types of accounts. Because of the requirements law firms have, they can benefit from working with accounting firms that offer small business accounting services to attorneys. TMD Accounting provides accounting services that focus on the unique accounting needs of law firms and can help your firm stay on track.

Help With Income Forecasting

Most law firms use billable hours to determine how much to charge clients. Many attorneys charge for their time in six- or 10-minute increments. Tracking billable hours can be a headache for many attorneys. To ensure that your firm is accurately determining its billing, we can help you transition to tools in the cloud to track your lawyers’ hours. Using the cloud can help you to accurately and efficiently track billable hours for every client while reducing or eliminating time losses. Many small- and mid-sized law firms contend with income fluctuations, which make managing your firm’s cash flow important to your success. Our accountants help law firms to manage accounts payable, create forecasts, and reduce the time involved with receiving payments for accounts receivable.

Optimizing Taxes

Employment agreements with attorneys can be structured by law firms in different ways. Some firms pay attorneys as independent contractors. Others hire lawyers as full-time, salaried employees. Some agreements might include profit-sharing or bonuses. What might work for your firm will depend on several factors. An accounting firm that specializes in providing services to law firms can help you choose the structure that works the best for your business.

In addition to your employment agreements, you also need to ensure that you have the right business structure. The business structure you choose for your law firm can affect the taxes you might pay. We can help you choose the structure that will provide you with the most tax advantages.

Tracking Trust Funds

Law firms must keep their clients’ funds in separate trust accounts and cannot commingle them with their other money. Many firms ask for retainers upfront before they begin work. Firms must follow strict rules when they hold client funds in a trust account for recordkeeping and client notification. It is critical for you to avoid commingling the funds with your firm’s money or using one client’s money to pay for services you provide to another client. If you mismanage your trust accounts, deposit funds in the wrong account, or fail to meet your recordkeeping and reporting requirements, you could face significant penalties, including the possible suspension of your law license. A specialized accountant can help to track client funds to ensure you avoid these types of mistakes.

Matter Cost Tracking

Law firms have both direct and indirect costs. You must correctly identify which costs are direct and indirect. The accounting for direct and indirect costs must be handled differently. Our accountants can help to identify which costs are direct or indirect and account for them properly.

How to Choose the Right Accounting Firm

Choosing the right accounting firm to handle your law firm’s accounting needs is important. Here are some tips to find the right legal accountant for your firm.

1. Ask About the Company’s Experience

While finding an experienced accountant is important, you want to find an accounting firm that has significant experience working with legal clients. Ask a prospective accounting firm about its experience working with law firms.

2. Ask About the Services Provided by the Firm

You will want to know about all of the services the accounting firm offers to law firms and their levels. For example, you will need to determine the degree of control you want to give the accounting firm over your bookkeeping. If you want comprehensive accounting services, you will want to look for a full-service firm. Some firms have bookkeepers to handle daily transactions. Others might charge more if you need to hire a certified public accountant to handle regular bookkeeping tasks.

3. Ask About Audit Support

It is a good idea for you to find an accounting firm that offers help in case your law firm is audited by the state or the Internal Revenue Service. The state licensing body can audit law firms to ensure they are accurately tracking and handling client funds, and the IRS audit can happen to anyone. Undergoing an audit can be stressful. If you have a trusted accountant’s help during an audit, it can greatly reduce your stress because you can feel confident in the accuracy of your financial data.

4. Ask About Fees

Accounting firms have different payment structures. Some charge flat fees for each task performed while others charge by the minute. You will want to understand your accountant’s fee structure so that you will know whether your accountant’s bill will increase each time you make a phone call or whether it will be calculated by task.

5. Ask for References

It is a good idea to ask other law firms about their experiences working with the accounting firm you are considering. Word-of-mouth referrals can help you determine which firms are known to provide good specialized services to law firms. You can also ask the firm you are considering to provide you with references from law firms that have used or currently use their services. Follow up with any references you are provided to ask about their experiences.

Talk to an Accountant for My Small Business

As an attorney, it is critical for you to carefully track your firm’s and your clients’ money. Working with an experienced accountant at TMD Accounting can help to ensure you meet your regulatory requirements and grow your practice. Contact us today for a consultation by calling 1-856-228-2205.

Cash vs. Accrual Basis of Accounting – What’s Best For Small Business?

Accounting, Small Business

Choosing the right accounting type for your small business can be a challenge. Cash and accrual accounting might seem similar, but choosing the wrong one can hurt your financial reports. When you know which one works for your purposes, you can keep all your books in order. Here are the differences between cash and accrual accounting.

What Is Cash Basis Accounting?

Before choosing the right accounting method, you need to know the basics. Let’s start with cash basis accounting. When you use these methods, you will record the income as it is received. All expenses are recorded when paid as well. With cash basis accounting, you only record the money when it enters or leaves the account. For example, if you have a restaurant that purchased supplies on credit for June but will not pay the bill until July, it is recorded as a July expense. With these accounting methods, you will not have any accounts payable or accounts receivable.

Since cash basis accounting is a simple way to track your financial records, many small businesses and sole proprietors use this method. If you make less than $25 million in annual sales with no direct-to-consumer merchandise, then cash basis accounting could be a good option. Cash basis accounting has a shorter learning curve than accrual accounting. There are a few items to record, making tracking your revenue and expenses more manageable.

Unfortunately, cash basis accounting does not provide you with the most accurate financial picture. You might think you have a high cash flow when it is just the result of your previous month’s work. Cash basis accounting does not conform to the GAAP standards. If you think your business will grow in the future, you might not want to choose this method.

What Is the Accrual Method?

With the accrual accounting methods, all expenses and incomes are recorded when earned and billed. This method abides by the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). With these methods, you will have a clearer picture of your finances. For example, if your business bills a client for $1,000 in March, you record that income for the month, even if the funds don’t reach your account until April. The same is done for expenses.

Some small businesses use accrual accounting as their primary method. However, if your company produces over $25 million in sales revenue during a three-year period, you must use the accrual method.

Many small business owners avoid accrual basis accounting because it is resource-intensive. There will be plenty of extra steps and paperwork associated with this method. You will need to have an adequate cash flow to ensure all bills are covered from month to month. Unfortunately, this method does not provide an accurate short-term view of your financial health.

Accrual Vs. Cash Basis: Which Is Better for Small Business?

Now that you know the basics of these accounting methods, it is time to choose the right one for your small business. If you have a small business that primarily takes cash transactions and does not have a large inventory of products, then the cash basis method might be the right choice for you. This method is a reliable, convenient, and easy way to track your expenses and revenue without knowing much about bookkeeping.

Accrual accounting is definitely the better option if you want an updated and accurate accounting of your company’s financial health. For the most part, accrual accounting can be a little intimidating. You can always hire small business accounting services to help with your finances. Here are some other factors to consider when choosing your accounting method.

Sales Revenue

You should take a look at your sales revenue. If you have more than $25 million in annual revenue, you must use the accrual methods according to GAAP. Many small businesses might not have hit that amount, but it could be a possibility in the future. Keep that in mind for your business.

Complexity of Your Business

Depending on the complexity of your books and industry, one accounting method might be the better choice. For example, you should avoid the cash-based accounting method if your business has multiple accounts, various LLCs, and hundreds of employees. With those methods, you will not be able to gather information about your financial picture from the balance sheets, cash flow statements, or income statements.

Public Company

According to the GAAP guidelines, if you have a public company or one that will go public in the future, you need to use the accrual basis. These types of businesses have to report an accurate view of their financial health to shareholders.

Final Word

Before choosing the right small business accounting method, you must thoroughly examine your company. While you can always switch the methods later, it can be a hassle and disrupt business. Many accounting tools and professional services help you accurately account for your financials. Whether you choose accrual or cash basis accounting, you always want to select the right option that will work for your business. Plus, you must make sure to stay compliant with those GAAP standards.

Do you need an accountant for my small business? Reach out to TMD Accounting. Whether you choose the cash basis or accrual accounting method, we will make sure you have an accurate record of your financial health. We have helped small businesses throughout Gloucester County for over 40 years. Schedule your consultation by calling 1-856-228-2205.

How to Change Accountants 

Accounting

As a small business owner, you likely understand the importance of working with an accountant who understands your business and works to help you meet your goals. If your current accountant is not the right fit, you might wonder about how to go about switching to a new accounting firm. At TMD Accounting, we have provided small business accounting services to many companies over the past four decades. When we meet with new clients, many express they were frustrated with their former accountants because of poor communication. We always maintain strong communication with our clients to ensure they understand their finances and where they are at. Here is some information about steps you can take to change accountants with minimal disruption to your business’s operations.

1. Know Why You Want to Change Accountants

If you feel dissatisfied with your current accountant but are hesitant about switching, think about the reasons why you are considering a change. Business owners choose to change accountants for many reasons, including poor performance, lack of communication, or failure to provide good advice. Some businesses hesitate to change accountants because of fear. However, it doesn’t have to be difficult to switch to a new accounting firm. Small issues you are currently experiencing with your accountant can grow if you put off changing to a new firm. Understand why you want to switch and move forward with the process. You will likely feel relieved once you do so.

2. Find a New Accountant

Once you understand your reasons for wanting to change accountants, you will want to find a new firm before you end your relationship with your old one. Some of the characteristics you should look for in a new accounting firm include good communication skills, experience in your industry, the right credentials, excellent reviews, and the right types of services for your business.

A good accountant should allow you to contact them as often as you need without charging extra. Quality accountants understand that allowing their clients to ask questions means that they will not have to fix as many things later. Other firms charge clients by the minute for asking questions. Schedule a consultation with a prospective firm to help you determine whether the accountant is a good match for you.

You will also want to find an accountant who has experience working with companies in your industry. This helps you to ensure your regulatory compliance. Working with an accountant who understands your business and your industry also helps them to provide strong business advice.

The firm you choose should also have the right credentials. Look for a firm with accountants who are certified public accountants or enrolled agents. Ask the firm about the continuing education their accountants attend and what they do to remain current with changes in the tax laws.

Looking at reviews of a prospective accountant is also a good idea. However, make sure the reviews you read are authentic by checking whether they are provided by people with real profiles, are specific, and are posted over time instead of bulk reviews that suddenly appear all at once.

Finally, make sure the accounting firm you are considering offers all of the types of accounting services your business needs. If you are outsourcing multiple services, choosing a firm that offers all of them can help to simplify how many companies you have to regularly contact.

3. Notify Your Current Firm

It might be difficult for you to notify your current firm that you are moving on. While it might seem awkward, you still need to have the conversation. Your new accounting firm might assist with the process by helping you choose the service end date with your current firm, settling unpaid bills, and facilitating the exchange of records. Some businesses avoid this step because of its awkwardness, but you must notify your current firm of your planned move to ensure your records are transferred smoothly without any problems for your business.

4. Set Expectations With your New Firm

When you first start working with your new firm, you should make certain your accountant understands your reasons for switching to them and the expectations and goals you have for your business and your partnership. Establishing your goals and expectations at the outset can help to ensure that both you and your accountant will be able to focus on growth opportunities and stability for your company. You should expect to have meetings with your accountant to make sure that you are set up to succeed. Your accountant will want to understand your business completely to help you create a goal plan and establish best practices.

Find an Accountant for My Small Business

While realizing that you need to change accountants might feel intimidating, you should trust your instincts and move forward. Working with an accounting firm that is a better match for your business can make a world of difference in your business’s success and growth. It is not as difficult as you might think to change accounting firms. When you approach the process professionally, it can be fairly smooth. TMD Accounting provides a full menu of services for businesses in numerous industries and can help you determine whether we might be the right fit for you. To learn more about the benefits of switching from your current firm to us, contact us to schedule a consultation at (856) 228-2205.

How to Prepare Tax Records for Your Accountant

Tax Planning

When it comes time to prepare your income tax returns, you need help from an accountant. Most business owners don’t have the time to file taxes or want to make a costly mistake. An accountant can sort through all those records, but they need a little help from you. You must bring the proper documents and forms to help your accountant during tax time. Here are some ways to prepare your tax records for your accountant.

What To Bring

Before you head over to your accountant, you need a few essential documents. First, you must bring identification information. These documents will prove your identity. You should bring your Social Security card and a photo ID. Along with that, take a copy of your most recent tax return.

In some cases, you might not qualify for the same write-offs or deductions as the previous year. However, these documents can help your accountant access certain information and calculate deductions. If you are working with a new accountant, your past tax return will allow them to discover any discrepancies between those previous tax returns.

Don’t forget about those wage statements. If you are an employee at a company, you should bring your employer’s W-2 wage and tax statement. Freelancers and independent contractors are considered non-employees. While they don’t receive the traditional W-2s, these workers often get a 1099-MISC from each client. You should send these forms to your accountant.

All dividend income from investment, unemployment, and Social Security income will need to be reported. You should have received a statement for those sources of revenue. Bring those documents to help your accountant.

Any real estate documents are essential. When it comes to real estate, there are many deductions. You should deliver all documents related to proof of paid mortgage, home equity loan interest, a recent home purchase, or paid personal property taxes to your accountant.

You want to get all those credits and deductions during tax time. Always have your proof of expenses. These documents include IRA contributions, invoices, medical bills, charitable contributions, self-employment expenses, mileage logs, and job hunting expenses. You would rather bring too much documentation to your accountant rather than miss critical pieces of information for tax time.

Common Business Records

There are plenty of tax documents you will want to bring for your accountant. First, you need all those financial statements for your business. These documents include balance sheets, cash flow records, and profit-loss reports. If you have employees, payroll information is another vital document for your accountant.

If you have any business expenses, take those records and hand them to your accountant. These expenses can include rent, utility, office supplies, telecommunication, internet, advertising, and travel costs. For those businesses that have vehicles, you will need to record all of the motor vehicle expenses, including driving logs and operating costs. You will need to keep track of asset additions and disposals involving machinery, buildings, and land.

Make the Process Easier for Your Accountant

When you use small business accounting services, you will want to make their job easier. In most cases, you pay the accountant by the hour. If they have to search for information, it could lead to frustration for all parties. Plus, it adds to your expenses. Here are a few ways you can help your accountant.

Speed Up the Process

With all of that information, documentation, and receipts on hand, your accountant will have an easier time with your tax returns. Remember that accountants are busy and work on several tax files during tax time. When you have all of your information, it can help them efficiently prepare and file your taxes.

Stay Organized

Whether you are a sole proprietor or operate a large company, you always need to stay organized. You should keep all receipts together. With the proper organization, your accountant does not have to spend time shifting through boxes of receipts. Those unsorted documents will increase your accountant’s time spent on your taxes.

Summarize Your Expenses

Consider providing your accountant with a summary of your records. All of your checks, business expenses, and invoices should be totaled and categorized. When everything is indexed, it will make your accountant’s job much easier for tax season.

Keep Personal and Business Expenses Separate

If you have several businesses, always separate each company’s revenue and expense documents. In addition to that, you never want to mix both your personal and business expenses together. Once again, if you do that, it will take time for your accountant to separate those expenses for your tax returns.

Don’t Wait Until Tax Time

When you work with an accountant, they can provide advice throughout the year. You do not have to wait to ask questions for the tax season. These professionals will be able to provide answers to your business questions. Plus, they can maximize your credit and deductions. In addition to that, they can analyze your financial health to plan for the future.

Come Prepared

Every year, filing tax returns can be complicated. Accountants know how to handle these tasks, but you can make their jobs easier by preparing the proper documentation. You can take the stress out of the season by staying organized when working with an accountant.

Final Thoughts

When you need an accountant for my small business, reach out to TMD Accounting. We have helped small and large companies for the past 40 years in Gloucester County. Our family-owned and -operated business can assist with your payroll, taxes, and bookkeeping services. Schedule your consultation by calling 1-856-228-2205.

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