Small Business Financial Consulting

A Certified Public Accountant in Reno Reminds Business Owners to Seek Help

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As a small business owner you may find yourself overwhelmed and distracted with tasks that are necessary to run your business, but may not be your specialty. I thought I would take some time to talk about the help that a CPA can provide. At some point in time, it becomes necessary for most business owners to call in a certified public accountant to provide small business financial consulting. However, when should this be done? There are certain things or red flags that should prompt such action. These include spending too much time on the accounting side of the business, making mistakes that will lead to an audit, declining assets, draining resources, stagnating revenue and missing productivity.

Failing to Focus on Your Passion

Small business financial consulting services in Reno need to be sought whenever the time spent on the accounting side of the business is greater than the time spent on the business. Chances are that the passion of the owner is really the specialty of the business. For example, a landscaping business probably loves being outside and the creative side of the business. Spending more time hunched over a computer spreadsheet is a sure sign that a certified public accountant in Reno is needed.

The Dreaded Audit

It is a well-known fact that the IRS targets small businesses. If that isn’t enough to get audited, perhaps filing late or other things that the IRS looks for will warrant that dreaded letter from the IRS. Since an audit strikes fear in the heart of every small business owner, this is sure to elicit a call to a certified public accountant in Reno. However, it is a good idea to make the call whenever you realize that the books are a mess and forms are being filed late.

Declining Assets

Another problem that may cause an owner to seek small business financial consulting is what to do with declining assets. Tangible assets like furniture and vehicles can cost a business a small fortune. Plus, there are also intangible assets that may decline such as franchise rights or leases. These can become a complicated issue that can drain a company of valuable resources. Most owners may be aware that these can be tax write-offs, but how to calculate them is another matter.

Stagnant Revenues

No business can stay in business if it is not making money. However, the owner may be scratching his or her head trying to figure out where the problem is. The products or services are excellent and in demand. The advertising seems to be adequate. There just doesn’t seem to be a reason for the lack of success. That’s why many small businesses need to seek the help of a certified public accountant in Reno. They may be able to supply the answers that can really turn the business around.

Lack of Employee Productivity

Every small business owner knows that payroll can be one of the largest expenses facing their business. However, that doesn’t have to be the case. It shouldn’t drain the business of all of its valuable resources. That’s especially true if the work can be done more efficiently or could potentially be outsourced. If it can then a certified public accountant may be able to help guide some of these decisions or find how to make the work more efficient.

So if you are small business owner, you may want to ask these questions. Is the passion being drowned by the drudgery of accounting? Are mistakes being made that can lead to an audit? Are declining assets draining resources? Are revenues stagnant? Do employees seem to lack productivity? If the answer is yes to any of these, consider consulting a certified public accountant in Reno for financial advice.

Reno’s Best CPA,

Tim Nelson

A Certified Public Accountant in Reno Reminds Business Owners to Seek Helpencpaswp2016-09-22T21:01:13-07:00

A CPA in Reno Reminds Business Owners to Seek Help (Part 2)

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In part one of this series (A Certified Public Accountant in Reno Reminds Business Owners to Seek Help), the signals that should drive small business owners to seek financial advice from a CPA in Reno were discussed. These include spending too much time on the accounting side of the business, making mistakes that will lead to an audit, declining assets draining resources, stagnating revenue and missing productivity. However, don’t despair because a certified public accountant can usually resolve each of these situations easily.

Shifting Focus

The first thing a CPA in Reno can do for business owners is help them put the emphasis back on their passions. It is frequently said that if you want to be successful, do what you love. The problem is that most owners don’t love doing payroll, accounting, or tax preparations. The certified public accountant can take care of all of that. For someone like a landscaper, this allows the owner to put their focus back on their business.

The Dreaded Audit

As long as a certified public accountant is consulted before the IRS targets the business for an audit, the CPA can often avoid them completely. That is because they can avoid those red flags like little or no sales with high expenses. Something like that will catch the attention of the IRS every time. A CPA in Reno can also help avoid late filings and all of the late fees associated with them. Plus, if an audit is called, the accountant will be invaluable during the process.

Declining Assets

Business owners also need the financial advice of a CPA for things like declining assets. These often drain the resources of a company, but that doesn’t need to be the case. Certified public accountants can carefully analyze all of the assets. By doing so they can track each asset and how much it declines. They can then plug this info into a formula and take the depreciation off as a tax-deductible expense over the lifetime of the assets. This can be a substantial savings.

Stagnant Revenues

Stagnant revenues can also be an area that a CPA in Reno can provide valuable advice. Accountants can help the owner create a system so that revenues and expenses can be tracked. Using this system and analysis gleaned from tax returns, they can identify trends and create reports that the owners can use to guide future decisions. They are also able to help the owner understand the reports so that the most can be made from the information.

Lack of Employee Productivity

While employee productivity may not seem like an area where a certified public account can provide financial advice, they can. Think of the reports that are generated through payroll and the tale those reports can tell. Tax returns and payroll can yield a wealth of information including comparing hours worked with the amount of sales. In addition, an accountant might be able to suggest jobs that could be outsourced.

So if any of these situations apply to your small business, do not worry. A CPA’s services can help free up your time so that you are able to return to your passion. He or she can also help prevent an audit or provide expert backup in the event of an audit. The accountant can also carefully analyze reports on assets, revenue, and productivity to provide the business owner with a complete picture of the business. Plus, the accountant in Reno is there to help the owner understand just how those reports can guide the business.

Reno’s Best CPA,

Tim Nelson

A CPA in Reno Reminds Business Owners to Seek Help (Part 2)encpaswp2016-09-22T20:55:55-07:00

A Reno Accountant Talks About the Different Types of Businesses

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There are many things to consider when starting a business. One of the first concerns should be organizing the business itself. There are many ways to organize a business in the United States. Each type of business has its advantages and disadvantages for taxes and operations. Here is some business tax advice from a Reno accountant about making the right choices for your company.

Sole Proprietorships

The Sole Proprietorship is the most common kind of business in the US. In this type of business, one person is responsible for everything. This includes daily tasks, owning assets, profits, losses and taxes. The owner would need an accountant to give business tax advice. The advantages of a sole proprietorship are that it is easy to set up and run, the profits do not have to be divided, and the owner calls all the shots. Disadvantages are that the business and its owner are inseparable according to the law. This means that if the business gets into legal or tax trouble, your personal property could be forfeit.

Partnerships

Another common business type is the partnership. Partnerships involve two or more running the company and sharing responsibility. As in proprietorships, the partners’ personal property can be forfeit if there are problems with taxes or lawsuits. Partners need to have clear legal agreements, to prevent disagreements about profit sharing, personal contributions, and inheritance. An accountant will tell you that partnerships’ advantages are that the work and troubles of running the business are shared, as are the taxes. Partnerships are usually short-lived, ending with the death or departure of one partner.

Corporations

The corporation is a more complex way to organize a business, but it has many advantages over other models. A corporation is an “entity” that is formed and registered in its home state. A business charter sets forth the corporation’s purpose, as well as whom its shareholders, or owners, are. The shareholders elect a corporate board, which directs the company’s operations. A Reno accountant is needed to give corporate business tax advice and to ensure that state and federal tax laws are followed. Taxes are generally higher. Corporations allow the owners limited legal and financial responsibility in lawsuits, debts or even bankruptcy.

Limited Liability Companies (LLC)

The LLC is a newer business class that works like a hybrid of a partnership and a corporation. LLC owners are listed as “members” and organizational paperwork is filed that sets out its purpose and terms. The main tax benefit for an LLC is that it is taxed at individual rates instead of higher corporate rates. Members also have limited legal and financial liability. An LLC cannot have more than two corporate features, like continuity of the agreement, management centralization, asset ownership, and ownership transferability. If it has more than two of these, it is re-classified as a corporation.

Before starting a business, talk to a Reno accountant about how to begin. Get good business tax advice and figure out your goals. If you have modest goals and do not want to share profits, a sole proprietorship is best. If you and someone else share the desire to make a business work and are committed to it, a partnership could benefit you. More upward-minded businesses should organize into corporations or LLC’s, depending on how they want to structure operations. Remember to ask about taxes, as each method’s tax liability varies.

A Reno Accountant Talks About the Different Types of Businessesencpaswp2016-09-22T18:11:52-07:00

A CPA In Reno Discusses Cost Behavior

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Cost behavior is an important tool for businesses to examine their success and actual profits. It can be used for many purposes, including strategic planning to determine effective price points that are above the break-even point. A qualified CPA in Reno can help a business use this principle to manage budgets more effectively.

What is Cost Behavior?

Cost behavior is often explained by CPAs in Reno as the study of how costs change in a business when there is a change in the activity level. Every company has a variety of costs, although there are four types that come up the most. Cost behavior analysis is used to predict costs over time and can help a business in many areas. Typically, businesses of all sizes hire a CPA to manage this aspect.

Variable and Fixed Costs

Variable costs are usually defined as those that change depending on the level of activity. A good example of a variable cost in a business is sales commissions paid to employees of the store. Because employees earn a percentage of the sales, the cost is variable based on the total sales in the store. Fixed costs, on the other hand, will not change with a difference in the level of activity. Examples of fixed costs in a business include rent and insurance premiums.

Step Costs and Mixed Costs

The step costs of a business are unique because they stay the same for a certain amount of activity. When the level of activity is surpassed the costs jump. These costs don’t apply to every business, but an example is payment to a service representative that has reached their maximum number of customer calls. At this point, a new employee must be added, and the cost of compensation jumps. Mixed costs, however, are a combination of variable and fixed costs. An example of a mixed cost is a telephone bill for the company. Generally, the charge is always the same unless the level of service is exceeded. At this point, an additional variable cost is added.

Why Cost Behavior is Important

A trained CPA in Reno can help a business fully use cost behavior for a number of purposes. Cost behavior is usually used for strategic planning in a company and is the only way to accurately predict cash flow over time. A CPA can also use this idea to determine the company’s break-even point for any cost, allowing management to create a proper selling price. Other uses in the company’s strategic planning include the determination of dividend payments and the preparation of budgets.

Every business has a variety of costs it incurs regularly. Understanding and planning for these costs is vital to ensure the company maintains profits and grows over time. All businesses should consult with a CPA to analyze the cost behavior of their company. A good analysis can lead to everything from the right selling price for goods to accurate dividend payments for stockholders.

Reno’s Best CPA,

Tim Nelson

A CPA In Reno Discusses Cost Behaviorencpaswp2016-09-22T17:42:09-07:00

An Accountant in Reno Explains Synergy In Relation to Business

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Synergy may seem like a strange term to be thrown around in a business conversation, but it has become the focus of many small businesses and financial consulting institutions seeking to improve their total output and product quality. The basic premise of synergy is that by combining two separate companies, the positive qualities of each can be utilized to maximize potential. The concept of small business synergy further acts to increase productivity and financial profits, while also merging with a congruent and complementary business.

Small Business Financial Connectivity

Synergy ultimately acts as a connector for small businesses seeking to grow their companies. By combining two companies, the emerging company that results possesses the ability to access and service all of the combined business contacts. This connectivity not only extends to include the good will fostered between companies, but also reaches out to all of the costumers and connections previously associated with both businesses. Through the momentum of synergy, connectivity is increased and utilized to grow the newly formed business. It does this by extending the reach of its costumer pool to include new contacts, as well as more extensive financial consulting.

Collection of Skills

A major benefit resulting from synergy is the addition of new skills for workers. Through the combination of businesses, employees are introduced to new and more efficient methods of accomplishing the same old task. Overall, these combined increases most often prove to benefit the new company’s productivity and the accountant’s profit margins. Furthermore, without the combined momentum of the newly formed and improved work force each of the individual companies would be unable to duplicate the increased productivity and profits had they remained separate entities.

Elimination of Duplication

As any accountant of a small business in Reno can appreciate, the implementation of synergy enables the elimination and duplication of products and services. Often, when products and services are too readily available, prices are driven down. Through the combined synergy of small businesses, coupled with effective financial consulting, prices become fixed and steady as supply no longer out balances the demand. Accountants in Reno especially appreciate the leveling out of prices as it ensures a company’s continued existence at its current level and provides room for expected future growth.

Leadership Issues

Leadership is a major consideration before implementing synergy within two individual companies. Superiors must take into consideration issues such as rank structure and seniority. Later on, it will become necessary to establish exactly how the new hierarchy of leadership will be determined. In addition, employees and superiors should observe a grace period in which adjustments and kinks can be worked out of the new system. In any business setting, it needs to be understood that companies, which were once separate, are not just going to fall into sync with each other automatically.

Synergy is a genius concept in business that allows small businesses to piggyback off another as they are merged into singular businesses. This springboard effect serves to create a profit for both companies due largely to the combined effort of two workforces coming together as one. It is important to remember that along with continued financial consulting, time is also necessary to establish a new business rhythm. However, the combined financial gains, increased productivity and overall company morale can prove exponentially beneficial in the end.

Reno’s Best CPA,

Tim Nelson

An Accountant in Reno Explains Synergy In Relation to Businessencpaswp2016-09-22T17:38:04-07:00

A CPA Helps Business Owners Understand Payroll Taxes

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Payroll taxes can be a headache for business owners. Employers are required to withhold some types of payroll taxes from an employee’s paycheck. Some payroll taxes must be paid by both the business owner and the employee, while some are the responsibility of the business owner alone. Along with understanding the different types of payroll taxes, employers must stay up-to-date on the amount of each tax, as well as the most current legislation regarding taxes. Many business owners consult a Reno CPA to make it easier.

What Are Payroll Taxes?

There are federal and state payroll taxes. A CPA can help business owners understand both types, but state payroll taxes usually create more problems for employers because the requirements are different depending on the location. In Nevada, there are no state income taxes. Individuals and business owners are only required to pay federal income taxes, social security tax, and Medicare. Like most states, Nevada does have an unemployment tax that business owners must pay. Nevada also requires many employers to pay an additional payroll tax, known as the Modified Business Tax.

Federal Payroll Taxes

The amount of federal income tax that a business owner takes out of an employee’s paycheck is determined by an IRS W-4 form. Employers are required to have every employee complete a W-4. Generally, social security and Medicare taxes (FICA) are shared equally by the employer and the employee. But in 2011, the employee tax contribution rate was lowered to 4.2% for social security. Business owners are still required to pay 6.2% on all wages less than $106,800. Medicare tax rates are still 1.45% for both parties. A CPA can keep business owners stay informed about current tax rates.

Unemployment Taxes

Unemployment taxes are collected by the federal government, as well as individual state governments, to fund the unemployment program. Most business owners are required to pay unemployment taxes by filing a Form 940 with the IRS. As of July 1, 2011, the federal unemployment tax rate is 6%, but a credit of 5.4% is available for employers who pay state unemployment taxes. In Nevada, the state unemployment tax is referred to as unemployment insurance tax, or UI tax. Calculating the UI tax rate depends on several factors that are best explained by a Nevada CPA.

UI Tax Rate

Any business owner in Nevada who pays at least $225 in wages within one calendar quarter is subject to UI taxes. The amount of the tax is a percentage of every employee’s wages, up to $26,400 (2012 wage limit). New businesses pay 2.95% for the first 14 to 17 quarters in operation. After this period, the UI tax rate is determined by Nevada’s ‘experience rating.’ Depending on how much a business pays in UI taxes and the unemployment benefits its employees receive, the UI tax rate can range from 0.25% to 5.4% of the total taxable wages the business has paid.

Modified Business Tax

On October 1, 2003, the state of Nevada made it a requirement for business owners to also pay an excise tax on their paid wages. The Modified Business Tax is a quarterly payroll tax based on an employer’s gross wages and paid to the Nevada Department of Taxation. This tax is in addition to the UI tax that is paid to the Employment Security Commission. The current Modified Business Tax rate is 0.63%, and there are no wage limits or caps to benefit the business owner. There are deductions available to reduce the tax. Most of these credits are associated with health care payments.

Many business owners are unsure of the legislation concerning payroll taxes, but failing to comply with state and federal tax laws can be detrimental to a company. An experienced Nevada CPA is the best resource for learning more about federal payroll taxes, as well as current information on the UI and Modified Business taxes.

Reno’s Best CPA,

Tim Nelson

A CPA Helps Business Owners Understand Payroll Taxesencpaswp2016-09-22T16:33:50-07:00

A Certified Public Accountant in Reno Can Help You See the Big Picture

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Small business owners have a lot of tax filing requirements that have to be met, from filling out specific forms to keeping thorough records on everything. At times, the whole process can be very frustrating. It is easy to become fixated on one issue as you try to work things out, and it can quickly become problematic if you cannot determine how to make numbers match up or if there are pieces of the puzzle missing. Small business financial consulting with a certified public accountant in Reno is a great way to relieve the stress and make sure everything is filed correctly.

The Technical Help

One of the most important advantages of having a certified public accountant for financial consulting is that they take over the tedious, frustrating work of crunching the numbers and keeping expenses and profits organized. This allows small business owners to focus on more important things, like running their businesses. Whereas keeping up with things like this can be very frustrating for some individuals, CPAs are trained to do it, so it’s second nature to them. As long as they’re provided with the data, they can keep track of it in order to show the important information a business needs for tax preparation and for the day to day practices of running a business.

Expert Advice

Another important service a certified public accountant provides is avoiding audits. While a CPA can’t guarantee you won’t be audited, they can make sure your tax papers are all correct and error-free. This is one aspect of ensuring that you’re not targeted for an audit by the IRS. They also have the unique ability of looking at the entire financial picture rather than simply focusing on just one aspect. This is priceless, because they can use the information they receive to give you advice about the way your business is performing and different moves you can take to improve profits or reduce expenses.

Communication

Finally, with small business financial accounting in Reno, a certified public accountant can help you fully understand the numbers and what they mean. This gives you a unique advantage in business, and it can actually help improve your business. When you communicate with your CPA, you can learn a lot, without having to do the tedious job that your CPA is handling for you.

When it comes to small business finances, it’s more than just saving receipts and adding up profits. Having a CPA can help ensure that your numbers are thoroughly organized and that your business is on the up and up with the IRS.

Reno’s Best CPA,

Tim Nelson

A Certified Public Accountant in Reno Can Help You See the Big Pictureencpaswp2016-09-22T16:31:38-07:00

Business Consulting | Start Up Businesses

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Have you recently opened a business? Are you starting to find some holes, or need help in your processes and aren’t sure how to fix them? A Reno CPA can help you find the best ways to ensure your business adapts to all rapidly changing needs a new business can go through.

Meeting with your CPA quarterly can keep you on track too. Are you aware you have to pay income taxes on an individual basis for your business earnings? What do you need to do with a person who is helping you out–should they be an employee or a general contractor? Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of both will help you make the best decision for your business—and bottom line.

Evans Nelson & Company CPAs is here to help you with these kinds of questions, decisions and choices. Our business experience and knowledge can help you ensure your new business is financially sound with smart choices that will better enable you to manage your business instead of worry about it.

Say it’s Dec 28th and you realize you have a huge tax liability. What can do you do to avoid paying this? Should you delay income, spend more income, or increase your expenditures before the end of the year to save money? Purchasing capital equipment, or a computer you need may help to actually save money, and help keep your business financially sound.

Many new business owners may not know these effective ways to save money, minimize your tax liability, and many other things that can affect the business long and short term, tax wise and financially. Certified Public Accountants can help businesses that have gotten started but really don’t have a good handle on where they can save money and avoid problems. Reno CPAs are here to help move your business forward to that next level of success.

Business Consulting | Start Up Businessesencpaswp2016-09-22T16:08:55-07:00

Starting Your New Business

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Are you starting a new business but need some direction? Many potential and new business owners aren’t sure what questions to even ask!

Starting a new business can be exciting adventure or a wide awake nightmare. Think of it as a journey to a place you’ve never been before, while getting there in a borrowed car.

You can try to wing it, maybe jump in the car and just drive. But where do you end up when you don’t have a map to follow? Taking the wrong turn can be painful. Do you really understand the tax consequences of some of the new business choices you are thinking of making?

You may have driven a car before, or even owned another business, but learning and getting answers to questions you should ask before you start, or even while you are on your way, help make any journey (or business) more fun and productive.

There are many frequently asked questions potential and new business owners ask, such as “What business should I choose?” and “What is a business plan and why do I need one?” with plenty of standard answers and advice.

But what about the questions new business owners should ask when they are just starting out? “How much should I pay myself” is a frequently asked question, but the question you should ask is “How should I pay myself?” Or even “Should I pay myself?” How you compensate yourself can have tax ramifications that may be delayed, avoided or eliminated if the propershould askquestions are asked beforehand.

Choosing the right entity during the development stage of your new business can have huge tax implications in the future. A CPA can help you determine the best choice for your business and situation. At Evans Nelson, we have several members of our staff with the business background you need to help inform you of the choices and alternatives. We know what the should ask questions are; determining those answers can help save you valuable time and money!

Get a map for your next adventure. Talk to a Reno CPA with small business consulting experience before starting your new business, ask those frequently asked questions, and be open to the should ask questions–they can help you from getting lost!

Starting Your New Businessencpaswp2016-09-22T15:46:16-07:00

Small Business Consulting: Fresh Eyes Equal Fresh Savings!

Why is small business consulting a necessity? Starting a business and running a business are difficult tasks. There are many different things to worry about, and financial issues are one of the main ones. Without a full understanding of all the financial aspects of a business, owners could potentially lose money or face even more dire consequences. A CPA can help with financial consulting in Reno, Nevada and ensure that the business is on track to succeed.

Defining Business Structures

One of the most important small business consulting roles a CPA can play happens when you are starting your business. You will need to decide on the best structure, and the structure you choose will affect several different things. This includes taxes and what you will owe to the state you live in, and much more. A CPA can ensure that you choose the correct structure for your personal situation and the correct structure from a financial and tax standpoint.

Creating a Legal Tax Strategy

CPAs understand tax laws in-depth, meaning that they can help you create a legal tax strategy that accomplishes two things: keeps you in compliance with state and local laws and allows your business to keep as much money as possible. With financial consulting from a professional CPA in Reno, Nevada, you will understand exactly what taxes your business must pay, when they must be paid, and what deductions your business can claim as well. This will allow you to keep every cent possible in a legal manner, so you are covered without paying in unnecessary money.

Determining Investments

Another important thing a CPA can do during small business consulting is help you determine what kinds of investments your company needs to make and can afford to make. From marketing to other business ventures that can eventually help the growth and success of your business, a CPA can help advise you on what the best choices are while staying within your investment budget.

Annual Tax Return Preparation

One of the things a CPA is most known for is preparing the annual tax returns. This is especially important for businesses, because there are certain forms that must be filed and certain types of taxes that must be paid. Your CPA can also set up different types of tax payment plans and ensure that you are fulfilling all of your legal obligations and that you do not owe the IRS anything.

For small business consulting, a fresh pair of eyes will equal a lot of savings and can make sure your business is stable and financially secure.

Your Reno CPA,

Tim Nelson

Small Business Consulting: Fresh Eyes Equal Fresh Savings!encpaswp2016-08-31T21:34:02-07:00