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Showing posts with the label bookkeeping tips

Day 13: What to Know About 1099-NEC & Contractors: A Simple Guide for Businesses and Freelancers

🧾 Day 13: What to Know About 1099-NEC & Contractors: A Simple Guide for Businesses and Freelancers In today’s flexible work landscape, hiring independent contractors can be a smart move—offering agility without the long-term commitments of traditional employment. But with this freedom comes responsibility, especially when it’s time to tackle tax forms like the 1099-NEC . Let’s break down what you need to know about using this form and working with contractors, without the tax jargon overload. πŸ“Œ What Is the 1099-NEC? The 1099-NEC (Nonemployee Compensation) is an IRS form used to report payments made to nonemployees for services. It replaced the old use of Form 1099-MISC for service payments starting in 2020 . You’ll need to issue this form if you paid: $600 or more in the calendar year To an individual or business not classified as an employee For services (not products or rent) Who is not incorporated—i.e., a sole proprietor or LLC taxed as such It goes to both t...

πŸ“ Day 10: How to Organize Receipts Without Stress

 πŸ“ Day 10: How to Organize Receipts Without Stress Small habits, big peace of mind. Receipts are tiny pieces of paper with enormous potential for overwhelm. Whether you're tracking expenses for tax season, managing a side hustle, or just trying to stay on top of your budget, an unorganized pile can quickly feel like a personal nemesis. Today’s goal is simple: turn receipt chaos into calm with a system that honors your structured and minimalist nature. 🌿 Why Receipt Organization Matters Reduces anxiety over tax deadlines or budgeting surprises Saves time when preparing reports or reconciling expenses Supports financial clarity , especially for business owners and freelancers πŸ› ️ Step-by-Step: Creating Your Receipt System 1. Choose Your Format—Digital or Physical Select a method that aligns with how you naturally operate: Digital : Scan receipts using apps like Adobe Scan or Microsoft Lens. Save them to cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive, OneDrive) in labeled folders by...

πŸ“… Day 5: How to Track Mileage Without the Stress

  πŸ“… Day 5: How to Track Mileage Without the Stress If you drive for business — even occasionally — tracking your mileage could lead to real tax savings. But let’s be honest: nobody wants to carry around a paper logbook or guess their odometer reading every day. Good news: there are smarter (and simpler) ways to do it. πŸš— Why Mileage Matters The IRS allows you to deduct business-related driving at the standard mileage rate , which in 2025 is $0.67 per mile (subject to updates). That means: 100 miles = $67 deduction 1,000 miles = $670 deduction For many solopreneurs, that’s hundreds or even thousands of dollars in write-offs — if you track it properly. ✍️ What Trips Can You Count? Driving to meet a client Picking up business supplies Visiting a vendor or coworking space Attending a business conference or training 🚫 Personal commutes don’t count (like from home to a regular office location). πŸ“± 3 Stress-Free Ways to Track Mileage Mileage Apps (automated, low eff...

πŸ“… Day 3: What Actually Counts as a Business Deduction?

  πŸ“… Day 3: What Actually Counts as a Business Deduction? “Can I write this off?” As a CPA, I hear this question all the time — and honestly, it’s a good one. Business deductions aren’t just about saving money on taxes; they’re also about understanding what counts as an ordinary and necessary expense in your field. Here’s a simple breakdown to help make sense of it: ✅ The IRS Rule (in plain English) To be deductible, an expense must be: Ordinary : Common in your industry Necessary : Helpful and appropriate for your business It doesn’t have to be essential — just reasonable. πŸ’Ό Commonly Deductible Business Expenses Office Supplies & Software : Pens, printers, QuickBooks, Canva Pro Marketing Costs : Website hosting, email tools, social media ads Business Meals : 50% deductible when dining with clients or for business travel Professional Development : Courses, certifications, books related to your work Phone & Internet : Pro-rated for business use Mileage o...

Bookkeeping Categorization/ νšŒκ³„ λΆ„λ₯˜

Mastering  Bookkeeping Categorization : The Foundation of Financial Clarity Whether you're running a startup, managing freelance income, or just trying to keep your side hustle organized, one of the most overlooked—but absolutely critical—parts of financial management is bookkeeping categorization . Properly categorizing your financial transactions is more than a clerical task—it's the key to informed decision-making, tax compliance, and business growth. What Is Bookkeeping Categorization? At its core, bookkeeping categorization involves labeling each transaction (income, expense, asset, liability, or equity) so it fits into a well-defined chart of accounts. These categories help paint a clear picture of your financial health, ensure accurate reporting, and simplify tax time. Example: Date Description Amount Category 2025-05-03 Shopify Sales $1,200 Income 2025-05-05 Google Ads $300 Advertising 2025-05-07 MacBook Purchase $2,000 Equipment Why Is It Important? 1. Tax Deduc...