Starting a Business Should Be Exciting—Not Confusing.
Whether you’re starting a side business, becoming self-employed, or opening your first LLC, you’re probably facing questions you’ve never had to consider before. I’ll help you understand what needs to happen and explain your options in plain English so you can move forward with confidence.
Starting a Business Brings New Questions
Starting a business often begins with an idea, a customer, or an opportunity. Before long, questions about taxes, recordkeeping, and business structure begin to follow. You’re not expected to know all the answers—that’s why I’m here.
You May Be Wondering…
- How should I keep track of my income and expenses?
- Should I open a separate business bank account?
- How much should I set aside for taxes?
- What expenses can I deduct?
You May Also Be Wondering…
- Do I need to make estimated tax payments?
- Do I need an LLC, and how would it affect my taxes?
- Would an S corporation make sense?
- What records should I keep?
You don’t have to figure everything out before you get started. A conversation early can save time, money, and unnecessary frustration later.
How I Can Help
My role is to help you understand the tax and filing responsibilities that come with starting a business so you can make informed decisions from the beginning.
Understanding Your Business Structure Options
I’ll help you understand how different business structures and tax elections may affect your taxes, including operating as a sole proprietor, forming an LLC, or electing S corporation status.
Understanding Your Tax Responsibilities
I’ll help you understand self-employment tax, estimated tax payments, filing deadlines, and the records you should keep throughout the year.
Separating Business and Personal Finances
I’ll explain practical ways to separate your business and personal finances, keep good records, and make tax time much easier.
Planning Ahead
We’ll look ahead at tax withholding, estimated payments, deductible expenses, and other tax considerations so you are less likely to face surprises later.
Making informed decisions from the beginning is usually easier than fixing problems later.
When Is It Time to Talk?
The best time to ask tax questions is before important decisions are made. A short conversation early can often prevent costly mistakes later.
- You’re starting a side business or freelance work.
- You’re considering forming your first LLC.
- You’re unsure whether an S corporation makes sense.
- You’re unsure how much to set aside for taxes.
- You’re preparing to hire your first employee or contractor.
- You’re not sure what registrations or tax accounts your business may need.
- You’re unsure what records you should keep.
- You’d like the confidence of getting started the right way.
Good tax planning usually begins before your first tax return is ever filed.
What Happens Next?
Starting a business can feel overwhelming when you’re not sure what should happen first. I’ll help you work through it one step at a time.
1. We Start With a Conversation
We will talk about your business, your goals, and the questions you already have. My first job is to understand what you are trying to accomplish—not overwhelm you with tax rules.
2. We Discuss the Important Decisions
If there are choices to make about business structure, estimated taxes, recordkeeping, or other tax matters, I will explain the options and considerations in plain English.
3. You Leave Knowing What Comes Next
Whether you decide to handle the next steps yourself or ask me to help, you will leave with a clearer understanding of what needs to happen now and what can wait until later.
My goal is to help you get started with confidence—not confusion.
Questions I Hear Every Day
Starting a business comes with plenty of questions. Here are a few I hear most often.
Do I need an LLC before I can start my business?
Not always. An LLC is not required for every business, and forming one does not automatically change how you are taxed. We can discuss your situation, the available options, and whether an LLC may make sense for you.
Should I open a separate business bank account?
In most cases, yes. Keeping business and personal activity separate makes recordkeeping easier, helps you understand how the business is performing, and provides clearer support for the amounts reported on your tax return.
How much should I set aside for taxes?
The amount depends on your expected profit, other household income, filing status, and business structure. We can estimate an appropriate amount and discuss whether estimated tax payments may be needed.
Can you help if I’ve already started my business?
Yes. Although this page focuses on brand-new businesses, it is not too late to improve your structure, recordkeeping, estimated payments, or tax planning. We will begin with where your business stands today.
When should I make estimated tax payments?
Many self-employed people make estimated tax payments during the year, but the requirement depends on your complete tax situation. We can review your expected income and determine what may apply to you.
When does an S corporation make sense?
An S corporation may make sense once your business is consistently profitable enough that the potential tax savings justify the additional payroll, tax filings, and administrative requirements. It isn’t automatically the best choice for every business. I’ll help you compare the tax implications and added responsibilities so you can decide whether an S corporation makes sense for your situation.
Do you prepare business tax returns too?
Yes, in certain situations. I prepare Schedule C returns for sole proprietors and single-member LLCs as part of an individual tax return. I may also prepare S corporation returns for businesses where I provide the ongoing bookkeeping. We can discuss your situation during our initial conversation and determine whether my practice is a good fit.
You Don’t Have to Figure Everything Out Alone.
Whether you’re still exploring an idea or getting ready to launch your business, I’d be happy to answer your questions and help you move forward with confidence.