Friday, January 17, 2014

Cool Ideas For Running A Home Based Business!

By Lanora Sasseville


So, you have just established a home business, and you are ready to get it up and running. However, you could still use a little help finding your way. This article is full of useful tips to help you navigate the waters as you start out on your entrepreneurial journey.

If you are running a business out of your home, it is vital that you keep excellent records and documentation of all of your business expenses. Keeping a good record of everything you spend on your business will provide you with the proof you need should you home business be audited by the IRS.

Pay attention early on to your home office organization. In fact, map it out prior to purchasing anything for your office. If you don't, you can easily find yourself overwhelmed with various folders, shelving units and inbox solutions that will simply slow down your work. Take the time to maximize your efficiency.

Keep separate business checking accounts and business credit cards it makes it much easier to track money and you'll surely appreciate that at tax time. If you are on a shoestring budget, keep meticulous records and your needs are simple (i.e. sole proprietor), this may be optional. Get final advice from a trusted Certified Public Accountant.

If your home business entails ingredients or supplies, try to purchase them in bulk from a wholesaler. Buying your supplies at wholesale prices will reduce your overhead, which should increase your profit. When you buy wholesale you may even be able to lower your prices for promotional sales, while still making a nice profit.

Turn a room of your house or apartment into a home office. Then, write it off on your taxes as a business expense; calculate the value by determining what fraction of your space the office takes up, and writing off that fraction of your rent/mortgage and utilities. The good work space will help you get organized, and careful calculations are necessary in case you are ever audited.

Keep a record of your business related mileage. You can use this information to receive a tax break. They credit you per mile that you drive, which adds up to a nice sum at the end of the year. Create a spreadsheet to help you with this process and keep a copy in your car to remind you to write down your information at the end of a trip.

Turn a room of your house or apartment into a home office. Then, write it off on your taxes as a business expense; calculate the value by determining what fraction of your space the office takes up, and writing off that fraction of your rent/mortgage and utilities. The good work space will help you get organized, and careful calculations are necessary in case you are ever audited.

Think about how you are going to handle your business and if you can. When you first start out it's easier and less expensive to run it yourself. You should ask yourself if you can handle all the responsibilities on your own before diving into starting your own business.

Running a business from your home is a big, life-changing endeavor. You are sure to face lots of challenges along the way. With a little guidance, all of your hard work can pay off. Try out some of the tips you have learned from this article, and make the most of your home-based business.




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