6 Steps to Starting a Small Business
Conduct Market Research
Market research will tell you if there’s an opportunity to turn your idea into a successful business. Gather information about potential customers and businesses already operating in your area. If you are unsure about your innovative ideas, we will provide honest feedback and help you dream of an idea you are passionate about!
Create a Business Plan
Your business plan is the foundation of your business. We will help you create a roadmap for how to structure, run, and grow your new business. We want to help you start your business, but your company's growth is important to us too!
Choose your Business Structure
The legal structure you choose for your business influences your State & Federal business registration requirements, how much you pay in taxes, and your personal liability. During your first appointment with us, we will discuss and determine the best decision for you!
Register your Business
It is important to make your new business legal and protect your brand. If you’re doing business under a name different than your own, you’ll need to register with the federal government, and state government. At this office, you will find that I can even accommodate you with experience in multiple states!
Get State and Federal Tax IDs
Your new employer identification number (EIN) is like a social security number for your business. It's important for things like opening a bank account and paying taxes. With my help, we will organize your application and assist you with additional services related to your EIN, and Washington State, your UBI#.
Open a Business Bank Account
A small business checking account helps you handle legal, tax, and day-to-day issues. At our office, we make it easy for you to set one up by having the right registrations and paperwork ready to go.
Opening up your new business can feel overwhelming! With my help, your headaches will be relieved. Not only will we provide the best advice to starting your business, but we will also stand by you and help your company grow!
Avoid Becoming a Scam Victim
You can't go to jail for not paying taxes unless you are Al Capone and don't claim stolen funds!
Thieves are always increasing their scam attempts and create sneaky methods to do so with today's new technology. They try to obtain peoples’ Social Security numbers, account information and passwords. To avoid these scams, remember these signs!
The IRS and authorized private collection agencies will never:
- Call to demand immediate payment using a specific method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. Normally, the IRS mails a bill and the payments are made payable to the U.S Treasury. Never make checks to other parties
- Threaten to immediately bring in the local police or other law-enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying
- Demand that taxes be paid without giving the taxpayer the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed
- Ask for credit/debit card numbers over the phone
- Use email, text messages, or social media to discuss personal tax issues, such as those involving bills or refunds
If you believe you may owe taxes, then you can: View tax information online at IRS.gov to see the exact amount Call the number on the billing notice Call the IRS at 800-829-1040. IRS workers can help!
Learn More
Many taxpayers fall prey to identity theft. To bring as much awareness as we can bring, my blog posts often include reminders on how to identify a scam. Click the button below for additional articles!
Why You Should Become An S Corp
Are you thinking about starting your business or do you think your business couldn't be running any better? Whatever your business ownership position is, start thinking about turning your business into a corporation. An S Corp is a: "is a closely held corporation that makes a valid election to be taxed under Subchapter S of Chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code." Being an S Corp protects your personal liabilities from any business losses. There are more benefits to becoming an S Corp, such as income tax and deductibility of certain benefits not available to a sole proprietor. Here are some reasons why you should consider becoming an S Corp:
❖Save money on self-employment tax
❖W2 at year end (loan officers prefer to deal with employee/employer relationships for income documentation
❖Deductibility of wages & payroll tax, employer portion
❖Rent expense paid to the shareholder for office in home
❖Liability protection
❖Perpetual existence
❖Costs
To understand how this applies, the table on the side demonstrates the accounting differences between a Sole Proprietorship and an S Corp.
Start growing your business and your success! If you have any doubts, my staff and I offer the best advice for your unique circumstance!
Green Initiatives
Go Paperless
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
Ink and Toner Cartridges
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
Ink and Toner Cartridges
Get Rid of Batteries
Biodegradable Cleaners
Ink and Toner Cartridges
Biodegradable Cleaners
Biodegradable Cleaners
Biodegradable Cleaners
Green Web Hosting
Biodegradable Cleaners
Biodegradable Cleaners
