| So you've got a small business going or you're just | | | | programs you can purchase that will meet your needs. |
| about to launch out on your own so you can be your | | | | But before you spend, do some research comparing |
| own boss and not someone else's employee. | | | | the products. Some will have features you may not |
| Don't forget to figure out how you're going to do your | | | | need to pay for. For example, if you use a payroll |
| bookkeeping for tax time. It's not a fun thing to keep on | | | | company, then you may not want to buy a software |
| top of, but when quarterly taxes are due or it's the end | | | | package with payroll and all the associated payroll tax |
| of the year, you'll be very glad you have everything in | | | | features. |
| order all year long. | | | | But, if you write payroll checks to a few employees by |
| But what should you do? Can you keep track of | | | | hand, having it available in software will simplify your |
| everything with pen and paper? Do you need a | | | | recordkeeping. |
| spreadsheet? Do you need accounting software? Do | | | | Accounting software packages do have many |
| you need to hire a full time bookkeeper or accountant? | | | | features that can simplify your business and save you |
| A large part of your decision on what to use depends | | | | time and money. You might need to spend some time |
| on the size and scope of your business. It also | | | | getting used to the program, but it can pay off greatly |
| depends on the time you have to devote to money | | | | in a short amount of time. |
| tracking, plus your computer knowledge. | | | | Software packages include features like payroll, |
| If your business is just you and you do mostly cash | | | | invoicing, customer account records, income, accounts |
| business, say for lawn care, daycare, window washing | | | | receivable, bills you owe, check writing, and even |
| or the like, then you might do just fine with pen and | | | | inventory control. |
| paper or even a simple Excel or other spreadsheet. | | | | If your business is big enough or if you really, really |
| This is especially true if you only have one or two jobs | | | | don't want to deal with any of this yourself, you can |
| a day (about 50-60 a month, maximum). You just need | | | | hire a bookkeeper (even part time) or box up your |
| to keep track of income and some small expenses. | | | | receipts regularly and take them to an accountant. |
| But if you have inventory or employees, you need | | | | No matter what you choose, don't delay on getting |
| something more sophisticated to keep good track of | | | | some system in place and research what will work |
| records, payroll, taxes, income, and expenses. | | | | best for you from the beginning. |
| There are several good accounting software | | | | |