How to Set Up Your Business Legally and Prepare for Tax Season:
Legal and Tax Tips for Your Lash, Makeup, and Beauty Biz: Insights from Pro Entrepreneurs
Hey there, fellow beauty business owners! We made it through tax season. Or if you scheduled an extension you are almost there! Let's talk about something that may not be as glamorous as a new makeup launch or a lash breakthrough, but is just as important for the success of your business: setting it up legally and preparing for tax season. As a fellow entrepreneur, I know how overwhelming and confusing it can be to navigate the legal and financial aspects of running a business.
That's why I'm here to share some insights and advice from not just me but a fellow beauty business owner who has been through it all. From forming an LLC to managing your finances with a separate bank account, utilizing QuickBooks and Square for accounting, and navigating tax season, we've got you covered.
So grab a cup of coffee, relax, and let's dive into the nitty-gritty of running a beauty business legally and financially sound. I’m excited to share our experiences and help you avoid some of the mistakes we made along the way. Let's get started!
Lash Out at Legal Troubles: A Beauty Business Owner's Guide to Setting Up an LLC and Protecting their Assets
“If you're going into business for yourself, you should always set up an LLC. LLC, always, because it's going to limit your liability.” — Sierra
If you're anything like me, you probably wish you had all the information you know now when you first started your business. I know firsthand how important it is to have your business set up legally, especially when it comes to protecting your personal assets. That's why I'm here to help you navigate the process of setting up an LLC for your beauty business.
So, what exactly is an LLC? It's a legal structure that separates your personal and business finances, providing personal liability protection for business owners. This means that your personal assets are protected if your business gets sued or goes bankrupt. Plus, it helps you stay organized when it comes to your finances.
As a beauty business owner, your business is your baby, and you want to do everything you can to protect it. That's where establishing an LLC comes in handy. It's not as hard as it may seem, and I'm here to break it down for you.
First things first, you'll need to choose a unique business name and file Articles of Organization with your state's Secretary of State. You'll also need to obtain a business license, and an EIN, and open a separate business bank account. And let's not forget about obtaining business insurance and seeking professional advice from a lawyer or accountant.
Establishing an LLC may seem overwhelming, but it's a crucial step in protecting your beauty business. Trust me, It’s better not to learn this the hard way. As my co-host said,
"I wish I knew the information that I know now... it really set me back because my first couple of years in business, I didn't have things situated the way that I should have." — Destiny
Don't make the same mistake. By following these steps, you'll set yourself up for success and ensure the longevity of your beauty business.
Keep Your Beauty Business Finances in Check: Separate, Budget, and Conquer!
I totally get how stressful it can be to keep your finances in order. That's why I want to share some tips on how to make things easier for you. As my co-host said,
"Keeping everything organized and in place really helps... It's so freaking stressful." — Destiny
One of the best things you can do to keep your business finances separate from your personal finances is to set up a separate bank account for your beauty business.
Using a separate bank account has several benefits. First, it helps you stay organized by keeping your business expenses and income separate from your personal expenses and income. This can make it easier to track your finances accurately and prepare for tax season. Plus, having a separate bank account for your business shows that you take your business seriously and are committed to keeping your finances in order.
It is also extremely important to do so because in order for your LLC to be effective in protecting you, you can not mix the business money with your personal money. The second you double dip you loose the ability to limit your liability. Do not mix these two.
To get started, open a business bank account with a reputable bank that offers low fees and good customer service. Then, consider using accounting software like QuickBooks to track your finances, create invoices, and generate financial reports. Keeping detailed records of your transactions, setting a budget, and reviewing your finances regularly are also important steps to managing your beauty business finances effectively.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't be afraid to reach out for help. Hiring a professional accountant or bookkeeper can take some of the stress off your shoulders and ensure that everything is in order for tax season.
Remember, managing your beauty business finances doesn't have to be a source of stress. By using a separate bank account and following these tips, you can keep your finances organized and thriving.
Streamline Your Beauty Biz Finances: QuickBooks + Square = Winning Combo!
Let's talk about one of the biggest headaches of running a business: managing your finances. It's easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of transactions, invoices, and expenses you have to keep track of. But fear not, there are tools out there to make this task a lot less daunting, and two of the most popular ones are QuickBooks and Square.
QuickBooks is an online accounting software specifically designed for small businesses. It helps you track your income and expenses, create invoices and estimates, and generate financial reports. With QuickBooks, you can connect your bank accounts, credit cards, and even payment processors like Square to automatically import transactions.
Now let's talk about Square. This company offers a range of payment processing tools for small businesses, including credit and debit card processing, online ordering, and appointment scheduling. When you sign up for a Square account, you can accept a variety of payment methods, including Apple Pay and Google Pay.
But the real magic happens when you combine QuickBooks and Square. By integrating the two, you can automate your accounting and payment processing, which can save you time and headaches down the road.
So how can you use QuickBooks and Square together? Here are some ideas:
Automate transactions: When you connect your Square account to QuickBooks, all of your Square transactions will be automatically imported into QuickBooks. This means you won't have to manually enter every transaction, which can save you a lot of time.
Create and send invoices: QuickBooks allows you to create professional invoices and estimates, which you can then send directly to your clients from the software. When your clients pay through Square, the payment will be automatically recorded in QuickBooks, and the invoice will be marked as paid.
Track expenses: QuickBooks lets you track your expenses and categorize them by type. When you make a purchase using your Square account, the transaction will be automatically imported into QuickBooks and categorized accordingly.
Generate financial reports: QuickBooks provides a range of financial reports, including profit and loss statements and balance sheets. By integrating your Square account, you can ensure that all of your transactions are accounted for, giving you a complete and accurate view of your business's financial health.
Getting started with QuickBooks and Square is easy. Just follow these steps:
Sign up for a QuickBooks account. You can try it out for free or purchase a subscription.
Connect your bank accounts and credit cards to QuickBooks. This will allow you to automatically import transactions.
Connect your Square account to QuickBooks. From the QuickBooks dashboard, click on "Apps" and search for Square. Follow the instructions to connect the two accounts.
Customize your settings. In QuickBooks, you can customize your settings to fit your business's needs. This includes setting up payment reminders, creating custom invoices, and choosing which reports to generate.
Combining QuickBooks and Square can be a game-changer for small business owners. By automating your accounting and payment processing, you can save time and ensure that your financial records are accurate. So if you're looking for a way to simplify your finances, give QuickBooks and Square a try!
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5 Easy Tips to Breeze through Tax Season Like a Pro!
Tax season can be a little overwhelming, but don't worry, I've got you covered. With a few simple tips, you can breeze through tax season with confidence. Let's dive in!
First things first, make sure you're keeping accurate records. This means keeping track of all your financial transactions, including income, expenses, and receipts.
Using accounting software like QuickBooks or Square can make this process much easier, but if you prefer a good old-fashioned spreadsheet or ledger, go for it!
Next up, it's important to understand your tax obligations. As a beauty business owner, you'll likely be responsible for federal income tax, self-employment tax, and state and local taxes. If you sell products you may need to pay tax monthly to cover you bases as-well. Do your research and make sure you're paying the right amount of tax on time to avoid any penalties.
Speaking of penalties, let's talk about estimated taxes. If you're self-employed, you may need to make estimated tax payments throughout the year. Use your accounting software to calculate how much you owe, or work with a tax professional to make sure you're on track.
Organizing your receipts and invoices can save you a ton of time and stress come tax season. Keep them in a safe place, and consider using digital tools like QuickBooks to scan and store them. Being organized will also help you claim all the deductions you're entitled to, which can reduce your tax liability.
Finally, don't be afraid to seek professional advice. Tax laws can be complicated, so it's always a good idea to work with a tax professional or accountant who has experience working with small businesses. They can help you identify deductions and credits you may be eligible for, make sure you're meeting your tax obligations, and even provide advice on financial planning and business growth.
With a little preparation and knowledge, you can navigate tax season like a pro. Keep accurate records, understand your tax obligations, plan for estimated taxes, organize your receipts and invoices, and seek professional advice. You've got this!
Payment Processing Systems: Choosing the Perfect Match for Your Beauty Business!
Starting a beauty business is a thrilling adventure, but it comes with its own unique set of challenges, especially when it comes to managing your finances. One of the most important decisions you'll make as a beauty business owner is choosing the right payment processing system. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to figure out which one is the best fit for your
business. That's why I’m here to help!
First things first, let's talk about security. As a business owner, you want to ensure that your client's information and transactions are safe and secure. Look for a payment processor that uses the latest security technology, like encryption and tokenization, to protect sensitive information.
Of course, the cost is another significant factor to consider. Payment processing systems come with different pricing structures, so it's crucial to consider the overall cost of the system, including transaction fees, monthly fees, and any other fees that may apply. You want to choose a payment processor that fits within your budget.
Integration with other tools can be a game-changer when it comes to streamlining your business operations. Make sure to look for a payment processor that offers easy integration with other tools you use, like your accounting software or customer relationship management (CRM) software.
Customer support is also a vital factor to consider. You want to be able to get help when you need it, so choose a payment processor that offers excellent customer support with multiple channels of support, like phone, email, or live chat.
Finally, the user experience is key. You want a payment processing system that is easy to use and navigate for both you and your clients. Look for a payment processor that offers a user-friendly interface and provides clear instructions on how to use the system.
Based on these factors, here are some popular payment processing systems to consider for your beauty business:
Square: This is a great option for businesses that want to streamline their financial management processes. Square is easy to use, offers affordable transaction fees, and integrates with QuickBooks and other accounting software.
PayPal: PayPal is a widely recognized payment processing system that is secure and easy to use. It also offers a range of additional features, like invoicing and e-commerce capabilities, making it an excellent choice for businesses that sell products or services online.
Stripe: This is a popular payment processing system that offers easy integration with other tools, like accounting software. Stripe also provides a range of features, like recurring billing and subscription management.
Authorize.net: This payment processing system offers a user-friendly interface and multiple payment options, making it a great choice for businesses that want to offer flexibility to their clients. Authorize.net also provides a range of features, like fraud detection and prevention, to protect your business and your clients.
Choosing the right payment processing system is crucial for effectively managing your finances as a beauty business owner. Don't forget to consider factors like security, cost, integration with other tools, customer support, and user experience when making your choice.
By selecting a payment processor that meets your needs, you can streamline your business operations and provide a great experience to your clients. Good luck!
Our “Legally Glam” Key Takeaways from Our Episode
Starting and managing a beauty business can be challenging, but with the right legal and financial knowledge, you can protect your business and streamline your operations.
From setting up an LLC to separating your personal and business finances and using payment processing systems that meet your needs, there are various strategies you can implement to ensure your beauty business's success.
Remember to keep up-to-date with tax laws and regulations and seek professional advice when needed. With dedication, hard work, and a sound financial plan, you can turn your passion for beauty into a profitable and thriving business.
Curious about more? Check out our latest episode here.
Meet the Hosts of the Blended Podcast:
Destiny and Sierra are on a mission to create an authentic community within the beauty industry. As two female entrepreneurs deeply passionate about beauty and business, they strive to provide education in an accessible way as well as make sure every person has a place to call home. Blended’s goal is to provide beauty professionals – both new and experienced - with an inspiring yet relatable platform full of helpful tips, fun stories, and support that is much needed within the beauty industry.
Follow us on Instagram @blended_podcast
Follow Sierra @sirokilashstudio
Follow Destiny @destiny.works