Five Mistakes Startups Make

Five Mistakes Startups Make Following the American Dream and starting your own company can put you on the fast track to success, but it can also lead to the deep end of failure if not done correctly. Here are five accounting mistakes many startups make that hinder their potential.

1. Mixing business and personal finances – So many startups utilize their personal expenses for business use and vice versa.  Open a bank account for your business, transfer money, and keep the costs separate.  This will help minimize any negative tax consequences.
2. Entity type – A partnership can take many forms, an LP, LLC, LLP, S-Corp, or C-Corp.  There are certain entities that are better for certain businesses.  In addition the number of owners can effect which type of entity you should use.   Not all businesses can distribute earnings in the same way.  Pick an entity that best suits your business by asking a qualified advisor.
3. Not knowing obligations – That’s right, good old Uncle Sam and most states want theirs.  If you don’t have a reseller’s license, you will owe the state sales tax.  If you own an LLC and distribute guaranteed payments rather than W-2 wages, know that you will owe taxes on compensation received. Know your obligations.
4. Have the right tools – Use an accounting system that fits your company needs.  Do you need software to track your client relationships, email blasts, etc…? Make sure you use technology that fits your company and helps it grow.
5. Planning – Many startups think that they will be generating revenue from day one.  They find that it is harder to get off the ground than anticipated and they run out of money before they even start.  Make sure that you have enough money saved to live while you build your business.

And one for the road:

Consider and 83b election when forming your C-Corp.  It needs to be filed within 30 days of incorporation.   The election will minimize immediate tax consequences and lock-in your basis.

dbbmckennon is a full service CPA firm with offices in Orange County and San Diego focused on providing quality accounting and consulting services at reasonable rates. For additional complimentary information regarding this topic or other questions you may have please call one of dbbmckennon‘s offices located in Southern California or contact us here.

Minimize Business Taxes Before Year End

Minimize Taxes before year end If you find that your Company has been profitable during the year and it is looking at a hefty tax bill after the year end, there are a few things you can do to minimize your businesses taxes.  Note however, that you should consult your CPA to determine if these action items are right for you.

1. Make payments - Pay all your payables and payroll before year end.  Remember, cash expenditures during the year qualify for deduction.  If you normally would run payroll on January 2, consider running that payroll on December 31 instead.
2. Prepay - Prepay certain expenses normally due on the first of each month.  Traditionally, recurring bills such as rent and insurance are due on the first of the month for the following month.  Take advantage of prepaying these items to push the deduction to the current year rather than the next year.
3. Buy equipment – Certain types of businesses can accelerate depreciation for tax purposes during the year of purchase.  For instance, if you have a construction related business and buy a qualifying truck, you can accelerate the depreciation on that truck and take the total value as a deduction to businesses income.

Remember that your businesses may have NOL (Net Operating Loss) carry-forwards and getting extra deductions in a given year may not be needed.  In addition, law changes can effect when and how you should spend money.  Contact your CPA to determine what is best for your company.

dbbmckennon is a full service CPA firm with offices in Orange County and San Diego focused on providing quality accounting and consulting services at reasonable rates. For additional complimentary information regarding this topic or other questions you may have please call one of dbbmckennon‘s offices located in Southern California or contact us here.

Small Business Fraud Series - Importance of Physical Cash and Inventory Counts

As your small business grows, your internal control structure must grow with you and a sound control environment becomes more critical. One of the most important controls in a small business is conducting surprise counts of assets in which are easily susceptible to theft such as cash and inventory.

 Cash - For retail or cash transaction heavy businesses, periodic cash counts are vital to an effective fraud prevention process whether performed by an internal audit department or by management. Generally, the simplest procedures are the most effective. Some procedures in which can assist in the identification of fraud include reconciliation of deposit slips to the vouchers provided with cash payments, reconciliation of cash receipts to cumulative cash register readings, spot audits of cash drawers, etc. A good program to follow when performing cash counts can be found here. This program can be tailored to your specific needs.

Inventory - Depending on the product, inventory is generally the most susceptible asset to fraud. Inventory counts can be made periodically or perpetually. Periodic counts are generally performed quarterly or on an annual basis whereby 100% or close there to of the inventory is counted. Perpetual accounts, referred to as cycle counts, are generally performed throughout the year with only a small percentage of the population being counted at each count. Inventory counts are important as they can assist in the identification of missing, misplaced, excess, obsolete, etc inventory. A link explaining steps to a successful inventory count can be found here.

To be successful in these areas designate a specific individual with the responsibility of these task. This individual should be independent to the cash and inventory process. Consistently and following up is important.  You must make a commitment to the procedures in order to assist in the deterant of fraudulent behaviors.

dbbmckennon is a full service CPA firm with offices in Orange County and San Diego focused on providing quality accounting and consulting services at reasonable rates. For additional complimentary information regarding this topic or other questions you may have please call one of dbbmckennon‘s offices located in Southern California or contact us here.

Five Accounting Resolutions for 2013

Improving your company should be a constant effort.  Here are fie resolutions to make for 2013 to improve your company's accounting and business.

1. Outsource the work that doesn't benefit your top or bottom line – Business owners should not spend one, two, three or four or more hours a day doing administrative work that doesn't directly impact the company’s growth and future.  Business owners are the face of the company and shouldn't spend all their time behind a computer and a stack of paper.  Outsource the accounting work to a qualified accountant that can take over receivables, payables, and general oversight of the company’s accounting needs.  Use a payroll company that can also help you with HR related issues.  Don’t try to wear all the hats in the organization.
2. Review – Create a monthly or quarterly review process.  Review margins, receivables, payables, and cash forecasts.  Sometimes business owners aren't as profitable as they think they are.  You may get a great margin on a sale, but are you thinking about your overhead costs, how long the product sat on the shelf, etc?  Are your prices to low/high?  Your product/service may need price adjustments.  Reviewing these items regularly will ensure your company doesn't fall behind needlessly.
3. Automate – As your business expands, make sure that efficiencies are found where available.  Credit card processing, storing bank information for clients, or automating payments can assist in becoming more efficient.  Upgrading your accounting software or billing practices can also help.
4. Plan – Speak with your CPA a few times throughout the year not just at year end.   Planning with your CPA can help minimize taxes.  Planning expenditures, creating retirement plans, and taking advantage of certain deductions can all help minimize taxes.
5. Take action – Most resolutions never get off the ground.  Make a concerted effort to do at least one thing that will help your accounting in 2013.  The first step is usually the hardest!

dbbmckennon is a full service CPA firm with offices in Orange County and San Diego focused on providing quality accounting and consulting services at reasonable rates. For additional complimentary information regarding this topic or other questions you may have please call one of dbbmckennon‘s offices located in Southern California or contact us here.