Every small business person has to face up to it: keeping financial records. Most of us would do anything to avoid having to set up an accounting system!
Here’s my simple rule: Don’t track anything you don’t have to.
- Do track data that helps you make better decisions.
- Do meet all legal requirements.
If you won’t use the data to make better business decisions or to meet legal requirements, why are you spending time to track it? You might be surprised the level of detail some small businesses keep, but never refer to!
What records do I need to keep in my small business?
In the USA, get out the tax form you will file, and see what income and expense categories it asks for. Please note, it is worth it to invest in a little time with an income tax accountant to figure out what parts apply to your business and whether you might have any other legal requirements. Make sure you research the regulations from each agency your business must report to, like your state tax commission or department of revenue.
Once you know the categories, keep receipts and totals for those items.
“Meat and Potatoes”
The specifics of implementing these ideas will be part of a series on simplified accounting. First up will be side businesses and micro enterprises.
New to SmallBizSurvival.com? Take the Guided Tour. Like what you see? Get our updates. Want more stories? Read our shared stories from all over.
- Improving Rural Housing: turning blighted dilapidated houses into new homes - May 7, 2021
- Are marijuana shops good or bad for small towns? - April 22, 2021
- Downtown is your town’s core: How to make your case - February 22, 2021
- Zoom Towns: attracting and supporting remote workers in rural small towns - December 10, 2020
- In an economic crisis, spend your brainpower before your dollars - November 25, 2020
- Video: How to fill empty car dealership buildings for the holidays - November 6, 2020
- How has 2020 changed the challenges rural small towns face? Tell us here - October 20, 2020
- The Idea Friendly Method to surviving a business crisis - October 6, 2020
- Join me for the Rural Renewal Symposium online Oct 13 - September 26, 2020
- Cheap placemaking idea: instant murals - September 11, 2020
