Online Business Accounting Tips For New Entrepreneurs [LNIM137]

New to online business and confused about money? Should you form a corporation? Do you need accounting software? How do you even keep track of business expenses? In this episode, Mark offers straightforward online business accounting tips that cut through the confusion, covering when to incorporate, why separating your finances is critical, and which bookkeeping tools to use.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• Whether you need to form an LLC or corporation when you are just starting out
• Why keeping business and personal finances separate is the most important thing you can do
• Three reasons separate finances protect you: taxes, monthly P&L tracking, and liability
• How to handle bookkeeping as a non-accountant
• Which accounting tools to consider: QuickBooks, FreshBooks, or WaveApps
• A pro tip on setting up a proper chart of accounts

Episode Summary

Mark tackles the financial questions that trip up almost every new online entrepreneur. His advice is practical and direct.

On forming a corporation: Do not rush it. Most part-time entrepreneurs are not making enough from their side business for incorporation to matter tax-wise. You will file a Schedule C and pay what looks like regular income taxes whether or not you have an LLC. When you are making real money, consult a tax attorney. Until then, focus on creating value rather than getting tangled in corporate paperwork.

On separating finances: This is non-negotiable. Open a separate business checking and savings account, create a separate PayPal account, and get a dedicated credit card if needed. Separate finances protect you with the IRS, make monthly profit and loss analysis possible, and create a liability shield between your business and personal assets.

On bookkeeping: Start with a spreadsheet if you must, but move to proper software early. QuickBooks Online, FreshBooks, and WaveApps (free) are all solid options. If bookkeeping is not your strength, hire an inexpensive virtual bookkeeper. And regardless of who does your books, pay an accountant to set up a proper chart of accounts so the foundation is solid when your business grows.

Key Takeaways

• Do not rush to form a corporation. Focus on creating value and incorporate when revenue justifies it.
• Separate your business and personal finances completely, from day one, even as a sole proprietor
• Use accounting software: QuickBooks Online, FreshBooks, or WaveApps (free)
• Pay an accountant to set up your chart of accounts properly
• Consider a virtual bookkeeper if you are not comfortable managing books yourself
• Treat your side business like a real business with monthly profit and loss tracking

What's Changed Since This Episode

LLC formation is now easier and cheaper than ever through services like Stripe Atlas and Firstbase. Many entrepreneurs form an LLC early for liability protection. Accounting software has improved dramatically with AI-powered categorization and bank feed automation. The 2018 Wayfair Supreme Court decision means ecommerce sellers may need to collect sales tax in multiple states, making tools like TaxJar essential. Mark's core advice to keep finances separate and use proper bookkeeping tools remains the most important financial step you can take.

Resources Mentioned

• QuickBooks Online
• FreshBooks
• WaveApps (free)
• 15% of Google Searches Are Brand New (Search Engine Land)
• LNIM136 — Procrastination Tips

Related Episodes

If you found this episode helpful, you might also enjoy:

• LNIM137 Transcript — Accounting Tips Deep Dive
• LNIM140 — How To Get Started Online
• LNIM136 — Procrastination Tips: Overcoming Fear

Listen and Subscribe

Listen to Late Night Internet Marketing on Apple Podcasts or subscribe at latenightim.com/internet-marketing-podcast/. Have a question for Mark? Call the digital recorder at 214-444-8655 or drop a comment below.