Bookkeeping is a task that many business owners may dread, but it's a vital part of owning a business. It's more than just a way to stay organized. It can help you save money, grow your business, and run a successful company. Here are some of the benefits of bookkeeping:
Make life easier for tax time
When you file your taxes, you will need up-to-date financial records detailing your income and expenses. If you're not on top of your bookkeeping, you will be scrambling to find all your receipts and invoices come tax time. Keeping your books up-to-date will alleviate some stress during this time of year. Plus, your CPA will be very happy with you!
Be prepared in case of an audit
In the event of an audit, you will need to have financial documents available for review. Having an efficient and accurate recordkeeping system will make it easier to find what you're looking for to get through an audit. If you can't provide substantial documentation for an audit, then you may be required to pay additional taxes and penalty fees.
Keep track of your cash flow
As a business owner, it's important to keep track of the money coming in and out of your account. Implementing proper bookkeeping practices will help you visualize your cash flow and find areas you can save money.
Create financial statements
Financial statements such as your Profit & Loss Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statement are essential for understanding your business from a financial standpoint. Reviewing these documents on a monthly or quarterly basis helps you get a snapshot of how your business is performing, check for accuracy in accounting/bookkeeping, and make future decisions about spending and tax planning.
Catch errors and fraud
Reconciling your books every month will help you catch errors or fraud in their tracks. Every transaction will be accounted for to determine if there are discrepancies between your statements and what's been recorded in the books.
These are just a few ways that bookkeeping can benefit your business. If bookkeeping is something you don't want to do yourself, consider outsourcing a bookkeeper! This can be an affordable and efficient way to keep your books in order. Give us a call at (360) 756-5020 to get started today.