
- #How to do simple accounting for small business for free
- #How to do simple accounting for small business how to
So while I use a local bank for my business checking account, I opened a Capital One Spark Business Savings Account for my business savings accounts.Ĭapital One offers much higher interest rates than my Chase Bank Business account. Unfortunately, many local banks don’t offer high-interest rates for their business savings accounts. You may find some economies by having personal and business accounts at the same location. I also have a Chase Bank consumer checking account. And you want to avoid as many fees as possible.Ĭhase Bank has numerous locations near me, which makes Chase Bank Business Checking an excellent solution for my business. In general, you want your business checking account to be conveniently located so you have access to customer service and other banking needs.

I recommend opening a business checking account with a local branch to make it easier to deposit checks and handle other tasks. Open Business Savings and Checking AccountsĪs previously mentioned, separating your business savings and checking accounts from your personal accounts is usually a good idea.
#How to do simple accounting for small business for free
You can apply for free at the IRS website. Obtaining an EIN from the IRS is free and easy and takes about 5 minutes. This is also the number you give to people you do business with, so it is a good way for sole proprietors to avoid identity theft. A specific tax number for your business is helpful when opening business savings and checking accounts, self-employed retirement plans, and separating income for tax purposes. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)Īn Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a specific tax number for your business, similar to an SSN for your individual taxes. ( *A Sole Proprietorship is not a legal business entity, it is considered an extension of the person running the business). I recommend speaking with a business lawyer or doing further research on your own if you are unsure of which legal business structure you should use for your small business. Some banks or financial institutions will allow you to open a business account as a sole proprietor *, but many require you to have a business formed as an LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, or other legal business entity. The how’s and why’s for that decision will be left for another article, but one of the main reasons I did it was to create a clear legal entity for my business and facilitate opening a business savings account.

Shortly after my small business became profitable I decided to incorporate it as an LLC. Regardless of whether or not you decide to separate your funds, you need to keep accurate financial records for tax reasons, tracking income and expenses, and other business reasons. For example, if you have what could be considered hobby income (arts and crafts, part-time web design, and similar endeavors). You aren’t required to separate your personal and business finances, but it is generally a good idea if you are bringing in a decent income.ĭepending on the size and nature of your business, you may not need to separate your personal and business funds. It also makes it easier to handle your taxes on an annual basis. Separating your funds may offer you protection and will make it easier to sell your business if you ever decide to sell (determining valuation, tax reasons, etc.). I recommend using separate accounts for your personal and business funds. Separation of Personal and Business Funds
#How to do simple accounting for small business how to

