Small Business Accounting - Financial Statement and Tax Information¹
While it may not be the most exciting part of your business, keeping proper small business accounting records and financial statements is clearly one of the most important things a business owner can do. At some point, you may need to raise capital from a financial institution or lender, and if your books are not current or accurate it can jeopardize or risk losing your financing. In addition to keeping your records up to date, paying and recording the proper taxes are imperative, so as not to risk penalties and fines from the state and federal government.
Getting Started (Basic Accounting)
- How to Create a Business Plan - Many would-be entrepreneurs shudder at the prospect of putting together a business plan, but the task need not be daunting.
- Cash Budgets - Learn to develop cash budgets to create a plan for operations, and a capital budget to evaluate major capital investments.
- The Difference Between Cash-Basis and Accrual-Basis Accounting For Your Business - Learn to maintain your books and to keep track of your income and expenses through the cash or accrual methods.
- The Difference Between Major Business Structures - The three major business structures are Sole Proprietorship, Limited Liability Company, and Corporation.
Understanding Standard Financial Reports
- How to Create and Read a Balance Sheet - The Balance Sheet describes the overall health of a business: What it owns and what it owes. This article is a guide to preparing and evaluating a balance sheet.
- How to Create and Read an Income Statement - An Income Statement or Profit and Loss (P & L) statement measures a company's sales and expenses over a specified period of time. Use this guide to create one for your business.
Analyzing Financial Performance
- Metrics to Help You Understand Profitability - Learn about Financial Metrics like Gross Profit Margin, Net Profit Margin, Quick Ratio, and Accounts Receivable Turnover... and how they can help you analyze your business.
- Metrics to Help You Manage Cash - Learn how Financial Metrics like Return on Investment, Debt to Equity Ratio, Economic Value Added, and Asset Turnover Ratio can help you analyze your business.
- Metrics to Help You Manage Debt, Assets, and Investments - Learn about Financial Metrics like Return on Assets, Return on Equity, Inventory Turnover Ratio, and Profitability Index.
Making Smart Financial Decisions
- The Basics of Budgeting and Forecasting - You cannot plan without forecasting. Learn the basics of forecasting sales, production and cash.
- Developing a Pricing Strategy - So, what should you be charging for the product or service your business provides? This is no time for guessing. It's time to learn how to develop a pricing strategy.
- Company Vehicles: Lease vs Buy - Company vehicles can be purchased or leased; this article will help you determine which method of ownership is right for your business and your needs.
- Using the Break-Even Analysis Formula to Assist With Making Financial Decisions - Are you making or losing money with your pricing or management decisions. This article will help you make sound financial decisions.
- Understanding How to Borrow Money To Finance Your Business - Finding a banker and determining whether to seek short- or long-term financing can be daunting. This article will help you determine what might be best for you.
- Depreciation - You should hire an accountant to help you with your taxes. This section gives you basic information on depreciation to help you when talking with your accountant.
- How the IRS Determines Independent Contractor Status - This information will help you determine whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor.
- How to Deduct Your Vehicle Expense - Yes, you can deduct vehicle expenses for your company. What you need to understand is which of the two accepted methods you should use.