Finance Archives - JLD Bookkeeping https://jldbookkeepingservices.com/category/finance/ Mon, 19 Jan 2026 01:29:16 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://jldbookkeepingservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/cropped-Screenshot-c-32x32.png Finance Archives - JLD Bookkeeping https://jldbookkeepingservices.com/category/finance/ 32 32 Free Download: 2026 Tax Survival Guide https://jldbookkeepingservices.com/year-end-bookkeeping-cleanup-guide-for-2025/ https://jldbookkeepingservices.com/year-end-bookkeeping-cleanup-guide-for-2025/#respond Mon, 19 Jan 2026 01:02:58 +0000 https://jldbookkeepingservices.com/?p=1712 Get ready for tax season with accurate bookkeeping. Learn how clean books save time, reduce stress, and lower costs for small business owners.

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]]> Download the Free Tax Survival Guide

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Survive 2026 Tax Season Without the Stress

A clear, practical tax season guide for small business owners who want to feel prepared — not panicked.

Running a business is already a lot. Tax season shouldn’t add unnecessary pressure, confusion, or second-guessing.

Download our 2026 Tax Season Survival Guide to get organized, understand what’s required, and approach tax season with more clarity and less stress.

What This Guide Helps You Do

This guide was created for busy business owners who want straightforward guidance — not tax jargon or overwhelm.

Inside, you’ll find:

  • A breakdown of 2026 tax deadlines based on your business structure

  • Clear checklists to help you get organized step by step

  • An overview of which tax forms apply to your business

  • A bookkeeping review checklist to catch common issues before filing

  • A tax preparation checklist so nothing gets missed

  • Helpful resources and reminders to avoid common mistakes

Everything is designed to help you feel more confident and prepared — even if you’re starting later than you hoped.

Who This Guide Is For

This guide is especially helpful if:

  • You’re a small business owner juggling growth, clients, and personal life

  • You’re unsure which tax forms apply to your business

  • Your bookkeeping feels messy, behind, or uncertain

  • You want to avoid last-minute scrambling or costly errors

  • You want a clear place to start, without judgment

You don’t need to have everything figured out before downloading this guide. That’s the point.

What Makes This Different

This isn’t a generic tax checklist.

It’s written from real-world experience working with business owners every day — people who are doing their best but don’t always have the time or clarity they need.

The focus is on:

  • Clarity over complexity

  • Practical steps you can actually follow

  • Reducing stress, not adding pressure

No fluff. No scare tactics. Just guidance you can use.

Enter your information below and we’ll send you the 2026 Tax Season Survival Guide straight to your inbox.

Download the Free Tax Survival Guide

Select list(s) to subscribe to

Download the Free Tax Survival Guide

Select list(s) to subscribe to

The post Free Download: 2026 Tax Survival Guide appeared first on JLD Bookkeeping.

]]> https://jldbookkeepingservices.com/year-end-bookkeeping-cleanup-guide-for-2025/feed/ 0 I Don’t Actually Know How Much Money I Made Last Year https://jldbookkeepingservices.com/cash-flow-tracking-for-service-businesses-without-the-stress/ https://jldbookkeepingservices.com/cash-flow-tracking-for-service-businesses-without-the-stress/#respond Sat, 10 Jan 2026 14:40:15 +0000 https://jldbookkeepingservices.com/?p=1701 Get ready for tax season with accurate bookkeeping. Learn how clean books save time, reduce stress, and lower costs for small business owners.

The post I Don’t Actually Know How Much Money I Made Last Year appeared first on JLD Bookkeeping.

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If you run an established business and still find yourself thinking, “I don’t actually know how much money I made last year,” you’re not behind, and you’re certainly not alone, no matter your stage of business.

In fact, this question tends to surface after a business reaches a certain level of growth.

At higher revenue levels, the issue usually isn’t understanding basic financial concepts. It’s that the business has become more complex – more transactions, more expenses, more people, more processes – and the financial systems that once worked no longer suffice.

What used to feel clear now feels… murky.

Why this happens as businesses scale

Most businesses in the $250K+ range didn’t get there accidentally. You likely understand revenue, expenses, margins, and cash flow at a conceptual level. But as volume increases, clarity doesn’t scale automatically.

Common friction points at this stage include:

  • Owner compensation that evolved informally over time
  • Financial reports that are accurate, but don’t clearly support pricing, hiring, or growth decisions
  • One-off expenses, investments, or growth initiatives distorting the picture
  • Books that are maintained, but not reviewed strategically and/or consistently
  • Numbers that don’t feel trustworthy

The result isn’t ignorance. It’s lack of confidence in the data.

And without confidence, even strong businesses hesitate to make big decisions.

When knowing the basics isn’t enough

At earlier stages, it’s often sufficient to know whether money is coming in and bills are getting paid. At higher revenue levels, that’s no longer enough.

Established businesses need to answer more nuanced questions:

  • Was last year profitable after accounting for owner pay and true operating costs?
  • Did growth actually improve margins, or just increase workload?
  • Is profitability sustainable, or was it driven by temporary factors?
  • Can the business support additional hires, investments, or expansion?

These answers don’t come from surface-level numbers. They come from well-structured financial data and consistent review.

How to assess how much money you truly made last year

Rather than starting from scratch, focus on depth and accuracy.

  1. Review profitability and clarify owner compensation
    If owner pay is inconsistent or unclear, profit becomes hard to interpret. Clarity here is essential at scale.
  2. Look for patterns, not just totals
    A full-year view is helpful, but trends matter more than end-of-year numbers. Consistency, volatility, and seasonality all tell a story.
  3. Separate operational performance from one-time events
    Large purchases, cleanup projects, or unusual revenue spikes can skew perception. Understanding what’s repeatable is key.
  4. Evaluate whether your reports support decision-making
    If your financials don’t help you confidently answer questions about pricing, hiring, or growth, the system may need refinement.
  5. Notice where confidence breaks down
    If you hesitate to rely on your numbers when making decisions, that hesitation is a signal worth paying attention to.

When it’s time to bring in support

For many established businesses, this stage marks a transition, not a failure.

The business has outgrown informal systems and needs a higher level of financial stewardship.

Working with a bookkeeper or accountant can help:

  • Clean up and normalize financial data
  • Ensure profitability is being measured accurately
  • Translate reports into actionable insights
  • Create systems that scale with the business

The goal isn’t just compliance or clean books. It’s confidence to make the decisions that matter the most for your business in the long run.

Final thought

Not knowing how much money you made last year doesn’t mean you lack financial understanding. It often means your business has reached a level where clarity requires stronger systems, deeper analysis, and consistent maintenance.

And addressing that now is what allows growth to continue, intentionally.

The post I Don’t Actually Know How Much Money I Made Last Year appeared first on JLD Bookkeeping.

]]> https://jldbookkeepingservices.com/cash-flow-tracking-for-service-businesses-without-the-stress/feed/ 0 How Small Businesses Can Reach Break-Even https://jldbookkeepingservices.com/notary-for-business-documents-the-forms-we-see-most/ https://jldbookkeepingservices.com/notary-for-business-documents-the-forms-we-see-most/#respond Tue, 07 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000 https://jldbookkeepingservices.com/?p=1507 Every business owner should know their break-even point. It’s the number that tells you how much you need to sell before you start making a profit. Once you pass it, every sale adds directly to your bottom line. Here’s a simple example for a service business: Imagine you run a consulting business. Here’s the formula: Break-Even Point = Fixed Costs ÷ (Sales Price – Variable Costs) 4,000 ÷ (200 – 50) = 26.6 That means you need to deliver 27 sessions per month to break even. Anything above that is profit. Why does this matter? Because when you know your break-even point, you can: Your break-even point isn’t just a number, it’s a tool that gives you clarity and control over your business. Of course, to get the most out of this, you’ll need accurate numbers. That’s where we come in, we make sure your bookkeeping is clear and reliable so you can make the right decisions going forward. Schedule a call to learn more!

The post How Small Businesses Can Reach Break-Even appeared first on JLD Bookkeeping.

]]> Every business owner should know their break-even point. It’s the number that tells you how much you need to sell before you start making a profit. Once you pass it, every sale adds directly to your bottom line.

Here’s a simple example for a service business:

Imagine you run a consulting business.

  • Your fixed costs like rent, software, and insurance are $4,000 per month.
  • You charge $200 per session.
  • Your variable costs such as materials, travel, or admin support are $50 per session.

Here’s the formula:

Break-Even Point = Fixed Costs ÷ (Sales Price – Variable Costs)

4,000 ÷ (200 – 50) = 26.6

That means you need to deliver 27 sessions per month to break even. Anything above that is profit.

Why does this matter? Because when you know your break-even point, you can:

  • Price your services with confidence, knowing you’re covering costs.
  • Set realistic sales goals that actually align with your expenses.
  • Decide when it’s the right time to expand, hire, or invest in new tools.

Your break-even point isn’t just a number, it’s a tool that gives you clarity and control over your business.

Of course, to get the most out of this, you’ll need accurate numbers. That’s where we come in, we make sure your bookkeeping is clear and reliable so you can make the right decisions going forward. Schedule a call to learn more!

The post How Small Businesses Can Reach Break-Even appeared first on JLD Bookkeeping.

]]> https://jldbookkeepingservices.com/notary-for-business-documents-the-forms-we-see-most/feed/ 0 Hiring Your First Employee and Payroll Simplified https://jldbookkeepingservices.com/payroll-bookkeeping-for-small-teams-a-practical-routine/ https://jldbookkeepingservices.com/payroll-bookkeeping-for-small-teams-a-practical-routine/#respond Tue, 16 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000 https://jldbookkeepingservices.com/?p=1492 Ready to take the leap from solopreneur to employer? Hiring your first employee is exciting but can feel overwhelming. Let’s break down when it’s the right time and how to handle payroll without losing your sanity. You’re ready to hire when you’re consistently turning down good work because you don’t have time. If you’re working 60+ hour weeks for months and still can’t keep up with demand, it’s time to get help. Look at your finances too. Can you afford to pay someone for at least 6 months, even if business slows down? Start by identifying what tasks eat up most of your time that someone else could handle. Administrative work, customer service, or routine tasks are often good starting points. Don’t hire someone to do the work only you can do, hire them to free you up for high-value activities. Also consider, could you outsource specific tasks to freelancers or contractors? This gives you flexibility without the commitment of payroll, benefits, and employment law compliance. Once you’ve decided to hire, payroll becomes your new reality. Payroll software makes this manageable. Gusto is excellent for small businesses. It handles all tax calculations, files your payroll taxes automatically, and even helps with benefits if you want to offer them. The interface is clean and they have great customer support when you’re figuring things out. QuickBooks Payroll works well if you’re already using QuickBooks for your accounting. Everything integrates seamlessly, and you can run payroll right from your accounting software. You’ll need to set up workers’ compensation insurance, unemployment insurance, and potentially offer benefits. Each state has different requirements, so check with your local Department of Labor or consult with an accountant. Set up a payroll schedule and stick to it. Most small businesses pay bi-weekly or twice monthly. Whatever you choose, consistency is key. Your employees need to know when they’re getting paid, and you need to plan your cash flow accordingly. Keep detailed records of everything. Hours worked, overtime, sick days, vacation time, document it all. This protects both you and your employees, and you’ll need these records for tax purposes. Your first employee is a big step, but it’s also the foundation for growth. Take your time to find the right person, set up proper systems, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Got questions about managing your books? Schedule a call and let me know what you’re struggling with, we’re here to help!

The post Hiring Your First Employee and Payroll Simplified appeared first on JLD Bookkeeping.

]]> Ready to take the leap from solopreneur to employer? Hiring your first employee is exciting but can feel overwhelming. Let’s break down when it’s the right time and how to handle payroll without losing your sanity.

You’re ready to hire when you’re consistently turning down good work because you don’t have time. If you’re working 60+ hour weeks for months and still can’t keep up with demand, it’s time to get help. Look at your finances too. Can you afford to pay someone for at least 6 months, even if business slows down?

Start by identifying what tasks eat up most of your time that someone else could handle. Administrative work, customer service, or routine tasks are often good starting points. Don’t hire someone to do the work only you can do, hire them to free you up for high-value activities. Also consider, could you outsource specific tasks to freelancers or contractors? This gives you flexibility without the commitment of payroll, benefits, and employment law compliance.

Once you’ve decided to hire, payroll becomes your new reality. Payroll software makes this manageable. Gusto is excellent for small businesses. It handles all tax calculations, files your payroll taxes automatically, and even helps with benefits if you want to offer them. The interface is clean and they have great customer support when you’re figuring things out.

QuickBooks Payroll works well if you’re already using QuickBooks for your accounting. Everything integrates seamlessly, and you can run payroll right from your accounting software. You’ll need to set up workers’ compensation insurance, unemployment insurance, and potentially offer benefits. Each state has different requirements, so check with your local Department of Labor or consult with an accountant.

Set up a payroll schedule and stick to it. Most small businesses pay bi-weekly or twice monthly. Whatever you choose, consistency is key. Your employees need to know when they’re getting paid, and you need to plan your cash flow accordingly. Keep detailed records of everything. Hours worked, overtime, sick days, vacation time, document it all. This protects both you and your employees, and you’ll need these records for tax purposes.

Your first employee is a big step, but it’s also the foundation for growth. Take your time to find the right person, set up proper systems, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Got questions about managing your books? Schedule a call and let me know what you’re struggling with, we’re here to help!

The post Hiring Your First Employee and Payroll Simplified appeared first on JLD Bookkeeping.

]]> https://jldbookkeepingservices.com/payroll-bookkeeping-for-small-teams-a-practical-routine/feed/ 0 Business Income-Related Red Flags https://jldbookkeepingservices.com/common-notary-mistakes-that-delay-your-documents/ https://jldbookkeepingservices.com/common-notary-mistakes-that-delay-your-documents/#respond Tue, 19 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0000 https://jldbookkeepingservices.com/?p=1480 Nobody wants a surprise letter from the IRS. And when it comes to your business income, there are a few red flags that could draw attention even if you’re not doing anything wrong. Here are some of the most common income-related red flags we see and how to avoid them: If the numbers are off or things aren’t tracked clearly, it can look worse than it is. And that’s where we come in. Need a second set of eyes on your books? Let’s get your numbers clean and audit-ready, without the stress.

The post Business Income-Related Red Flags appeared first on JLD Bookkeeping.

]]> Nobody wants a surprise letter from the IRS. And when it comes to your business income, there are a few red flags that could draw attention even if you’re not doing anything wrong. Here are some of the most common income-related red flags we see and how to avoid them:

  • You forgot to include side or payment app income. Platforms like Stripe, PayPal, Venmo, and Square report that income now. If you’re only counting what hits your main bank account, it’s easy to miss something.
  • Your deposits don’t match your sales. If your bank shows more (or less) than your actual sales, it can look like you’re underreporting even if it’s just messy tracking.
  • You’re writing off a lot with barely any income. Big deductions with small revenue can raise red flags. Make sure your numbers make sense and match your actual business activity.
  • Your numbers look different every year. Sudden drops (or spikes) in income without a clear reason could get noticed. Good records help you explain the “why.”
  • Mixing personal and business income. Depositing personal funds into business accounts (or vice versa) without proper documentation makes your financials messy and harder to defend if questioned.
  • Inconsistent reporting across documents. What you report on your tax return should match your bookkeeping. Discrepancies between forms, reports, and filings can create unnecessary scrutiny.
  • Cash-heavy businesses not properly tracked. If you run a business that handles a lot of cash (like hospitality, beauty, or retail), the IRS pays closer attention. Proper logs and consistent records are essential.

If the numbers are off or things aren’t tracked clearly, it can look worse than it is. And that’s where we come in. Need a second set of eyes on your books? Let’s get your numbers clean and audit-ready, without the stress.

The post Business Income-Related Red Flags appeared first on JLD Bookkeeping.

]]> https://jldbookkeepingservices.com/common-notary-mistakes-that-delay-your-documents/feed/ 0