10 Common Bookkeeping Mistakes Small Business Owners Make

Hey there, fellow small business owner! Let’s chat about something that might not sound too exciting but is absolutely crucial for the success of your business: bookkeeping. We know you didn’t get into business to look at your books all day, but mastering a few quick bookkeeping tasks can save you time and stress as your business grows. So, grab a cup of coffee, get cozy, and let’s dive in!

Mixing Personal and Business Finances: One of the biggest mistakes we see many small business owners make is not keeping their personal and business finances separate. Using the same account for both might seem convenient, but it can quickly become a mess at tax time. So, open a separate business bank account and use it exclusively for your business transactions. Also, if you want to protect personal assets from potential lawsuits, if you mix business with personal the prosecution could go after personal as well as business.

Neglecting Regular Updates: It’s easy to let those receipts pile up or procrastinate on entering transactions into your accounting software. But keeping your records up to date regularly will save you a ton of time and stress in the long run. Set aside some time each week to reconcile your accounts and update your financial records. Whether you use a paper planner or a digital one, pencil in a bookkeeping date between yourself and your financial records. 

Forgetting to Track Expenses: Every penny you spend on your business should be tracked and recorded. Don’t overlook those small expenses thinking they don’t matter. Whether it’s a cup of coffee or a business lunch, keep track of every expense so you can accurately assess your financial health.

Ignoring Reconciliation: Reconciliation is like giving your financial records a reality check. It involves matching your bank statements with your accounting records to ensure everything adds up. Skipping this step can lead to discrepancies and errors in your financial reports.

Misclassifying Expenses: Properly categorizing your expenses is essential for accurate financial reporting and tax preparation. Be diligent about assigning the correct categories to each expense to avoid confusion and potential tax issues down the line.

Overlooking Tax Deadlines: Tax deadlines are not something you want to mess with. Missing deadlines can result in penalties and fines that can eat into your profits. Make sure to mark important tax dates on your calendar and set reminders to ensure you file and pay on time.

Failing to Back Up Data: Imagine losing all your financial records in a computer crash or data breach. Scary, right? Don’t let it happen to you. Regularly back up your accounting data to a secure location to protect it from loss or theft.

Not Seeking Professional Help When Needed: While it’s great to handle your bookkeeping, there are times when you might need expert advice. Whether it’s navigating complex tax laws or setting up your accounting system, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional accountant or bookkeeper.

Ignoring Financial Reports: Your financial reports contain valuable insights into your business’s performance. Don’t just file them away and forget about them. Take the time to review your reports regularly to identify trends, spot areas for improvement, and make informed decisions about your business. If you need assistance on how to read your financial statements in order to glean valuable data to strengthen your business strategies, find a trusted accountant or bookkeeper to guide you.

Procrastinating on Tax Preparation: Tax season can be stressful, especially if you’re unprepared. Don’t wait until the last minute to gather your documents and file your taxes. Start early, stay organized, and consider working with a tax professional to ensure everything is in order.

Mastering bookkeeping might not be the most glamorous part of running a business, but it’s one of the most important. By avoiding these common mistakes and staying on top of your finances, you’ll set yourself up for success and keep your business on the right track. Happy bookkeeping!