For many small-business owners, taxes are a point of stress. Changing guidelines and regulations can make the process of filing a difficult process for small-business owners, but hiring an experienced team of accountants can take the worry and stress out of tax season. Here are a few signs it’s time to hire an accountant.
The Business Is Growing
All owners strive to have a growing business, but this can spell confusion come tax time. As revenue increases, tax liability increases. However, the number of deductions the business may qualify for can increase as well. An experienced team of accountants can help determine which deductions will benefit the business and make recommendations for future deductions based on the projected growth of the company.
Managers Are Too Busy for Bookkeeping
The path towards proper tax preparation depends upon accurate bookkeeping. If the enterprise is too busy or growing rapidly, an accountant can help with bookkeeping. The right firm will be able to keep track of the books so the managers and owners can devote their time to growing their client base. The more time they can spend on operations and management, the better the company can function.
Profits Aren’t Increasing Along with Revenue
An increase in revenue does not automatically mean an increase in profits. Accountants do more than handle tax preparation-they examine overhead costs and look for areas of improvement. If they see a particular expense that can be eliminated or reduced, they’ll advise the company.
Demanding Investors
Investors place their money in a company if they believe it will be successful, but their support is often contingent on a degree of involvement. Many investors expect the owner to provide them with professionally prepared financial statements. These statements should give the investors an idea of the company’s performance, the way their contributions have impacted the business and if they can expect any returns on their investment. Unless the owner or management team is familiar with preparing these statements, the process can take a while.
The Government Requests an Audit
Audits strike fear in the hearts of many taxpayers, and when individuals are unprepared for them, it can seem like the most daunting part of being a business owner. A team of financial professionals who are familiar with the audit process can help companies navigate the process, reducing the stress associated with government audits. Best of all, they understand the tax code and will work to make sure the audit is done correctly.
When companies are starting out, they may struggle to keep up with the financial expectations required by the government. For financial professionals, the goal is to help the business be as successful as possible by reducing the strain and stress associated with bookkeeping, taxes and financial records. Owners should be able to focus on running and growing their client base, not on keeping track of expenses and overhead costs. A dedicated team of financial professionals will help operations of any size continue to grow and thrive.
