Restaurant owners have to make countless decisions, from menu creation to staffing. One choice that often gets overlooked is which accounting method to use. Cash and accrual accounting each have pros and cons, and the right fit depends on your restaurant’s size and goals, including the decision of using accrual accounting for your restaurant. Cash...
Freelancers love the freedom to set their own hours, but many struggle with accounting. Here are five common mistakes and simple solutions: Mixing personal and business funds. Opening a separate business bank account makes it easier to track income and expenses and simplifies tax filing. Ignoring receipts. Keep digital copies of every expense, no matter...
Non‑profits often work with tight budgets and multiple funding sources. Keeping track of donations and grants can be challenging. QuickBooks Online (QBO) offers tools to simplify nonprofit accounting. Set up your chart of accounts. Start by creating categories that reflect your programs and funding sources. For example, separate income accounts for donations, grants and membership...
Running a small business in Seattle means juggling sales, customer service and paperwork. When the year is ending, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by tax prep. This checklist is a step‑by‑step guide to help you close your books and get ready for tax season. Reconcile every account. Start by matching your bank and credit‑card statements...
A former bookkeeper at Highgate Medical Group in Amherst recently pleaded guilty to embezzling over $1.8 million from the medical practice, highlighting the critical importance of proper financial oversight and professional bookkeeping services for small businesses. This incident raises alarms about the vulnerability of companies to internal fraud, emphasizing the necessity for robust financial protocols...
When facing QuickBooks Online accrual basis cleanup with numerous outstanding checks, start by creating a comprehensive list of all uncleared transactions, use systematic color-coding or sorting methods to track timing differences, and focus on matching transaction dates to when expenses were actually incurred rather than when checks were cashed. The key is understanding that in accrual...
QuickBooks Online (QBO) users are primarily frustrated with the forced subscription model, significant price increases, performance issues, and feature limitations compared to Desktop versions. Many users report a 400-600% cost increase while experiencing reduced functionality. Solutions include exploring alternatives like Xero or Zoho Books, working with Certified ProAdvisors, and implementing specific workarounds for missing features....
Are you considering filing as an S Corporation to save on taxes? While the potential tax savings can be significant, it’s important to understand both the benefits and the hidden costs before making this decision for your business. The Alluring Tax Benefits of S Corporations “File as an S Corp! You can save SO MUCH...
As a bookkeeper who’s worked with countless service businesses, I’ve seen firsthand how seemingly minor issues can significantly impact bottom lines. Many business owners focus on increasing revenue but overlook the critical leaks draining their existing profits. Left unchecked, these issues can cost your business thousands of dollars annually. Let’s examine the seven most damaging...
As a business owner, payroll tax compliance can feel like navigating a maze blindfolded. One wrong turn—like mismatching your Form W-3 and tax return—could lead to IRS penalties, delayed refunds, or even an audit. If you’re wondering, “What line on the W-3 for wages has to match the tax return? Is it Box 5?” you’re not alone....
Many entrepreneurs assume bookkeeping is merely crunching numbers or managing spreadsheets. In reality, it’s a structured approach to documenting every financial activity within a business. Accurate bookkeeping provides critical insights into performance, empowering companies to make informed decisions and achieve long-term growth. This guide explores the fundamentals of bookkeeping, its advantages, and actionable tips to...
Is your business ready for the 2025 tax season? Picture this: It’s April 2025, and you’re scrambling to find receipts, reconcile accounts, and dodge IRS penalties. Sound familiar? For many entrepreneurs, tax season feels like a high-stakes race against time. But what if you could turn chaos into calm? Meet CentsIQ—your secret weapon for stress-free,...
If you’re self-employed and considering forming an LLC taxed as an S Corp, you’ve probably heard it can save you money on taxes. But how exactly does it work? Let’s break it down with a real-life example—no jargon, just clear numbers—so you can see how business expenses, salaries, and distributions affect your bottom line. Meet Alex: A...
The Shocking Tax Savings of an S Corp in Bellevue If you own a business in Bellevue, WA, you might be paying way more in taxes than necessary. The reason? Self-employment taxes are eating up your income. Many business owners don’t realize that switching to an S Corporation (S Corp) can legally slash their tax...
Running a restaurant in Seattle isn’t easy. You already deal with food costs, staffing, and keeping customers happy. Now you need to handle the books without adding stress. This article gives you a clear guide on bookkeeping in Seattle, WA for restaurant owners in 2025. You’ll learn what to do and how to do it...
CentsIQ is a bookkeeping and financial services provider. We serve businesses in Seattle WA (Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Renton, Kent, Maple Valley, Covington) , Portland OR, Memphis TN and beyond.
