Happy New Year! I hope everyone has their W-2 and 1099 forms ordered. Remember, they must be postmarked by January 31st.

Today is the final deadline to file your 2015 corporation, S-corporation, partnership, or estates/trusts tax return if you filed an extension. It is also the due date for third installment of 2016 estimated tax payments.

We hope today goes smooth for you! Remember, taxes should be easy and not stressful with accurate and current record keeping!

Are you ready for the upcoming deadlines?

October 1, 2016

Final deadline for self-employed persons or small employers to establish a SIMPLE-IRA for the year 2016.

October 15, 2016

Final deadline to file individual tax returns for the year 2015. (Forms 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ.) This is also the last day the IRS will accept an electronically filed tax return for the year 2015. If filing after October 15th, you'll need to mail in your tax return for processing.

Final deadline to fund a SEP-IRA or solo 401(k) for tax year 2015 if you requested an automatic extension of time to file.

If this tax season has not been a smooth and stress free process for you, give us a call! Not only can we help you get ready for the upcoming deadline, but we can also show you step by step how stress free the process can be for 2017!

Happy 1st of March! Let the countdown begin...only 45 more days until your taxes are due. Are you ready? Do you have a plan? Have no fear, it is never too late to create a strategy to help save your business money!

Is your bookkeeper or accountant a ProAdvisor? Stay tuned for more information on why you should hire a ProAdvisor as well as tips and tricks for finding the right fit for your business.

What is a ProAdvisor?

ProAdvisors help businesses customize QuickBooks for their unique needs and help them get the most out of the software. They are typically CPAs, accountants, small business advisors or consultants. Is there a difference between a ProAdvisor and a Certified ProAdvisor?

Find out next time the difference and what it means for you and your business.

Why should I consult with a Certified ProAdvisor?

Certified ProAdvisors are experts that have invested in their business and taken the certification exam provided by Intuit. This allows small businesses to learn, use, and customize QuickBooks. Often they are also experts in accounting and tax. Businesses are even more satisfied with QuickBooks after working with a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor, and feel they are a valuable investment.

The accounting field is such an unregulated industry. Consulting with a Certified ProAdvisor will help ensure that you’re dealing with a professional who is invested in providing the best service possible as well as offer stability for you and your business.

First thing first, what is the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant? I get asked this question more often than not and I agree, it can be a bit convoluted to understand. They are interchangeable to a point and can be challenging to define. A bookkeeper is quite literally someone who keeps your books. Typically an entry level position with minimal schooling and/or experience.

Accountants still perform the same tasks as a bookkeeper. But they have more schooling and experience and provide further resources to a company such as financial management functions.

How do you pick an Accountant?

Picking the right accountant is potentially one of the most important decisions you make for your business. Business owners are often amazed (possibly not, depending on their experience in this area) of the horror stories I have heard from clients. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you do not become one of these stories:

~Listen to your gut. As you are talking with a potential bookkeeper or accountant, how do you feel? If they make you feel relaxed and at ease that is a great thing!

~Ask for references. Any established firm will be able to give you several references to contact.

~Ask for proof of E&O Insurance. This is standard, any individual or firm that is practicing should carry this insurance.

~Certification. Do they have any? Don’t be afraid to ask.

~Language. Accounting terminology can be confusing to say the least. Are things being explained in a way that you understand?

~Communication is very important when dealing with finances. Ensure you both see eye to eye and understand each other.

MONEY MONEY MONEY!!! This topic requires more attention and will be discussed next time. Until then…

The ever important topic of money!

Why does this topic need special attention? Based on what I have seen over the years, there are many fictitious ideas that people have about the cost of outsourcing accounting. See if these sound familiar:

~We aren’t a big enough business.

~Accountants cost too much money.

~I can do the books myself. (My personal favorite)

~I am such a small business, I don’t need an accountant.

You may have heard other business owners say things similar, or you may have even said them yourselves. Many business owners believe Accounting is too expensive. In reality, accountants are proficient at tailoring specific services to fit within a client’s budget. The fact is that you will ultimately save money in the long run with help and guidance along the way.

Some examples and tips would be great! Check out our next post for these.

How can I save money by hiring a bookkeeper/accountant when my business is just getting off the ground?

Taking the steps to consult with a professional in the beginning is significant. But how? First, your accountant can help you to set up your “books” properly. This will not only help ensure you are getting all the proper tax deductions, but will also prevent a “clean up” of your books a few years down the road. The cost to clean up files far exceeds the initial set up fee.

Stay tuned for more money saving tips...

Here are some helpful cost savings tips:

Tip #1 – Hire someone to set up your books correctly with a little training on the software your company will be using.

Tip #2 – Meet with your professional at least on a quarterly basis. This will keep costs down and will also make sure that any errors are caught early.

Tip#3 – Ensure regular meetings are scheduled to review that the scope of work is being completed in a timely manner, and you and your accountant are satisfied.

Remember, you hold the key and have the power. Knowledge will empower you and your business. You have every right to ask all the questions you want, and we want you to!

Money Part 2:

Here’s a test for you. As a small business owner, would you hire a bookkeeper/accountant who charges you hourly or based on a monthly fee? If you said monthly fee, you are CORRECT! Congratulations!!!!

Why? So many bookkeepers charge hourly, why does it matter? The term “you get what you pay for” fits perfectly here. An accountant with the experience that you want will be able to sit down with you and know approximately how long the scope of work will take them. Charging clients monthly allows the client to better budget and prepare for the future.

No more surprise bills!

Accounting systems! Where to start? What to use? HELP!

It’s ok if you are overwhelmed by what software to use. There are so many free online programs today it is tempting to “go it alone”. When you sign up with an accounting firm, they typically will provide the software for you. Most companies will use Quickbooks. It has become the leader in accounting software for small businesses. If the firm you are hiring is not using Quickbooks, there are two very important questions to ask:

#1 - If I choose to switch firms, how will I retrieve my data? Make sure that you can get a file that can easily upload into a mainstream program such as Quickbooks. This is where things can get messy. If the firm is using a specialized program you may have to recreate the data into a different system when and if you choose to move on. This can be very costly.

#2 – If the firm is using a specialized program, how much of that cost is rolled into the price you are paying? Some software programs can cost upwards of $2,000 per month for a small firm. This must be recouped by you, the customer, which results in higher monthly fees.

Welcome to the first issue of Financial Focus! We hope that you find this monthly newsletter informative and can find inspiration within the content to take financial control of your business. Happy reading! 

Financial Focus Volume 1 Issue 12

It's time for Tuesday Tips! Tune in each week on Tuesday for a new helpful tip. This week we will begin our month long journey to the 12 Tips of Christmas. If you would like a sneak peek, don't forget to check out our newsletter, Financial Focus, released yesterday.

Tip #1: Vendor List. Why do I need to be concerned with my vendor list in December? There is always so much to do in January with year end close-out it is always my recommendation to get the smaller things out of the way to free up your time come January. What are some things to look for? First and most important, ensure that you have a current W-9 on file for all eligible vendors. It is also important to review any credit lines that you have and request a credit increase based on your business needs. Don't forget to clear out any vendors that you no longer do business with to keep your list current. Have all vendor invoices been paid? Find out in a future tip why this could be helpful!

"OK, so I need W-9's and 1099's???" We know that it can be challenging enough to remember all the forms that need to be filed at year end and now you are expected to know where to find these forms? Here are a few resources that will help with your vendor year end close out:

W-9 - This is what all eligible vendors will need to complete.

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf

1099 Forms - These will be completed in January, however, we recommend placing your order in December. You may even find a discount by ordering early!

https://intuitmarket.intuit.com/tax-forms/1099-forms

We look forward to providing our next tip to help align your business for a successful start in 2020!

Your clients are the backbone of your business. It is important that you keep all client records as current as possible. Accurate client lists ensure that all your marketing efforts are being received, and we all know how important those personal touches are. While you are updating your list, it is the perfect time to create a schedule of clients you anticipate receiving a 1099 from as well as the amounts to be reported. As you start to receive your own 1099s in January, you want to have a verification method set up. This will allow you to spot any inaccuracies in a timely manner. The most crucial task in analyzing your client list is reviewing any contracts that you may have as well as auditing your job costing reports to verify that your profit margins are where they should be. If you are not able financial audit your business, you are unable to see not only where you have been but ultimately, you are blind to where you are going.

Happy Aloha Friday! Only 3 weeks left until the end of the year...WOW...can you believe it? We hope that everyone has a wonderfully relaxing weekend enjoying all the things that rejuvenate you. We don't know how you feel, but this gloomy weather in Kona today sure has us ready for the holiday season. Who thinks we will have a white Christmas again this year?

The worst time to find out that you have insufficient insurance coverage is when you actually need it. Our third tip brings up to insurance. Now is the perfect time to review your current coverages as well as rates. As your business grows your insurance coverages should match your growth to protect what you are working so hard to build. Prepare your staff for any annual audits that will need to be completed. I know how easy it can be to over look these, however, you will always end up paying a higher premium without the audit being completed. With a little preparation, these audits can become easy to complete with minimal time taken away from daily tasks. 

The gloomy clouds never last long! Did everyone get out and enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend? It was a perfect day for a little Waveriders soccer on Saturday. We could not be more proud of Oriana Tremaine for scoring 2 out of the 5 goals. Congratulations to the entire team for the big WIN this weekend.

What are source documents? Why are they important? What should I do with them? Source documents pertain to any backup documentation for all assets and liabilities that are currently on your books. This includes old as well as new accounts such as bank and credit card accounts, loans, asset purchases, etc. Gathering these documents and providing them to your CPA or EA with explanations will not only ensure that your deductions are not skipped on your taxes, but will cut down on the amount of questions your tax professional has which ultimately leads to a reduced fee for tax preparation. Who doesn't love saving money!?!

It's Tuesday again! You know what that means...another Tuesday Tip. We know this month is jam packed with the 12 Tips of Christmas, however, we still wanted to bring you smaller time saving tips for your day to day activities. 

Take advantage of the attach feature in Quickbooks to add any supporting documents to a transaction. Setting aside a few minutes each week to attach these documents saves a great deal of time in the long run, from needing a receipt for a basic return to gathering your source documents at year end as we discussed in tip #4. Let's not forget the one thing that we all hope never happens... AN IRS AUDIT! Yikes!!! You can make a painful audit a little less painful by having the necessary documents available within your accounting system. No more searching through dusty old boxes with your fingers crossed that the document your are searching for was not misfiled. We hope you adapt this helpful tip in 2020, we know you wont regret it!

While we may not be handing out 5 golden rings today, the information we are providing with tip #5 is just as valuable, if not more. Auditing your financials in December can prove to be invaluable, even more so if this is not a monthly task that you currently perform. Once the audit is complete and you have corrected any errors that were located you can feel confident that you are reviewing a clean set of financials. This step is key in preparing you for the next few tips. We have all heard the term, garbage in, garbage out...this is your opportunity to take out the trash! 

Now that you have an audited set of financials you can start to compare how the business performed vs what was forecasted. Review your 2019 budget as well as business goals. How did you do? Can you pin point the areas where you fell short and the areas you excelled? How will you adjust for 2020? Empowering yourself with the knowledge of where your company has been and where you are currently will help position you to set the vision on where you want to go.

We made it through another fantastic week friends! It's Friday the 13th and we can't wait to see what the day brings. We hope the end of this work week ends smooth for each of you and who knows, maybe we will see some of you out and about this weekend with all the holiday festivities starting. Whatever your plans may be, stay safe and enjoy each moment!

Lucky number 7! Setting goals for your business can become a fun and exciting process allowing you to direct your business where you want it to go. While you may know the "SMART" method when setting goals, we like to take it to the next level. When setting your goals, be SMARTER!

Specific

Measurable

Attainable

Realistic

Time-Bound

Ethical

Recorded

What a jam packed weekend! There were so many activities happening in Kona this weekend, we hope you were able to enjoy some if the entertainment provided from our community. If you are like me and are now looking at your pile of Christmas gifts and dreading wrapping them, then head down to Walmart today! Shibui Dojo will be in front wrapping gifts for donations. Check all that wrapping off your list and support the keiki all in on trip! We look forward to seeing you today!

Just one month remains until your final estimated tax payment is due for 2019. You may be wondering why we are reminding you so far in advance? Did you know that you may not have to pay your final estimate tax? Wait, what?!? Tell me more!...Tune in for our Tuesday Tips tomorrow to find out how to keep that money.

I know, I know! Everyone can't wait to find out how to keep that final estimated tax payment. It is easier than you may think...see what great things can happen as we start to plan early in December! If you file your Income tax return by January 15th and pay the tax liability by January 31 then you are not required to pay your estimated tax. If you continue to follow our 12 Tips of Christmas by the end of the month you will have done all your analysis to know if this is a business decision that will benefit your business. Knowledge is power! 

Tip #8 starts to bring everything together. Now that we can see the benefits of planning ahead, let's talk about how we make those business decisions. Tax planning is such a key part of this process. Everything you have done to this point was leading you here! Now you have all the tools needed to know how your business did (thanks to those audited financials!) as well as where you want to take your business in 2020 (that budget is looking sweet!). Take all of this information to your CPA and start planning!

Don't forget that your Hawaii State General Excise Tax G-45 filings and payments are due tomorrow. Did you know that you can file your reports early and schedule your payment on the due date? Take the stress out of taxes, get them done early so you can enjoy your Aloha Friday! 

We made it through the last full week of the year! Is everyone else as excited as we are for all the possibilities a new year brings? We can not wait to watch everyone crush all the goals they are setting. Enjoy another beautiful weekend!

We are nearing the end of our 12 Tips of Christmas, but have no fear! We still have a ton of great tips heading your way, including tip #9. At this point, you have done your tax planning and know what steps to take to help minimize your tax liability. Now is the time to decide who gets the bonuses and what assets are you going to acquire. What a fun position to be in...you have worked hard all year and now not only does your business benefit by upgraded equipment, but your employees get a reward as well. You should be beaming with pride! Still operating at a loss? Don't fret! We have all been there. Stick around and follow some of the advise we offer here and you will be in the black in no time!

 Need a few last minute gifts? We will be heading down to the Pure Kona Green Market in South Kona today to pick up a few last minute local made gifts as well as some ono grinds. The waffles at Pizza Rovers are the best on the island...and that breakfast pizza is made of dreams! 

We will keep tip #10 short and sweet this Monday morning. Now that your tax planning is complete you know if you will be filing a tax extension or not. Although these forms are not due for quite some time, we recommend preparing them as early as possible. Filing these forms early will prevent a last minute rush or the worst case scenario, forgetting altogether! For reference we have included the IRS extension forms as well as the deadline dates below. Please consult your accounting professional for any assistance with the forms. As a reminder to all of our clients, don't worry, we have all your tax related issues covered!

2019 Individual Tax Extension Due April15, 2019

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4868.pdf

2019 Business Tax Extension Due March 15, 2019

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f7004.pdf

Working today? Getting to start you holiday early with today off? Either way, we hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas Eve. The office will be closed today, but we will return on Thursday. Let the merriment begin! 

Mele Kalikimaka! We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Holiday however you celebrate. May you, your family, and ohana have continued blessings into the new year. 

Who's ready for work today? If you are still in the holiday slump, we are right there with you! Let's get right back into the swing of things with Tip #11, tax deadlines. Since we have spiced things up a bit this year you may be paying your taxes at a different time than normal. Please make sure you mark your new tax deadline on your calendars. You wouldn't want to miss that deadline after all your planning and hard work!

Happy Aloha Wedne....no...Tuesda....no, that's not it...Friday!?!? Are you in the confusion slump between Christmas and New Years too? What day is it? What should I be doing? Do your very best to take this down time to rest and enjoy time with those you love. We know how challenging it can be to slow down and decompress, however, the flip side of the downside is rejuvenation going into the new year. YOU must come first so that you can be the best version of yourself. Enjoy the final Aloha Friday of 2019!

Congratulations! You have made it to the final tip in the 12 Tips of Christmas. If you have followed along all month then all your year end wrap up is as prepared as possible. How does that feel? Most of our clients appreciate the lack of stress they feel moving into the new year. Now what? Isn't everything done? Your business has either prepared all the documents and reports discussed in the 12 Tips of Christmas in house or by a professional accountant. No matter which method best suites you, now is the time to meet face to face with a professional. I can't stress how important this step is and unfortunately it is usually the one that is overlooked the most. This meeting is even more crucial if you are preparing documents and reports in house. The key is to have your trusted professional review what you have produced and provide feedback to ensure your plan is solid and in line with your industry. If your accountant has prepared the documents and reports, then you will want to meet with them to make sure you approve of everything...across the board! You should walk out of that meeting with a clear idea of the health of your business as well as a plan of where you are going. Ask questions! If you are confronted with resistance, this is a red flag. This is your business and you have the right to ask any question you have. Don't have a trusted professional? Feel free to contact us, we would be more than happy to guide you through your questions. 

The final Sunday of the year! We would love to hear everyone's plans on this beautiful Sunday. We plan to rest and prepare for next month which historically tends to be our busiest month of the year. How do you like to prepare for your busy times?

How did the 12 Tips of Christmas make you feel? It is our hope that you were able to find a few tips to implement into your current practices for a smooth and painless year end close out. Feeling overwhelmed by the info? If our tips have pointed out the mounting pile of work in order to close out the year then you are not alone! Stay tuned for our Newsletter being released on January 1st, all of January is dedicated to saying goodbye to those bad habits in 2019 and taking small steps towards setting yourself up for financial success in 2020!

Here we are...sitting in the last few hours of this decade. For some, the journey has been smooth sailing, others may be looking around wondering how they actually made it here in one piece. Inevitably, you will see a barrage of motivational posts today promising of new beginnings. Whatever resonates with you, we hope that it fuels the fire that we know is already there. You can achieve any goal that you set your mind to and it is our humble privilege to watch your dreams unfold. To all of our loyal customers, we appreciate each and every one of you and can not wait to watch your visions continue to prosper in 2020!

Saying goodbye to 2019! Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and more blessings in 2020 than you could dream of. Please enjoy this months newsletter, all month long we will be bringing you ideas on how to become more profitable in the new year. Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou!

Financial Focus Volume 2 Issue 1

It is the time of year for resolutions, goals, and BIG dreams! While we all feel that welcomed heat from that fire lit from within, it is also important to remember to take time for yourself. Set aside the time you need to recharge, this will allow you to be fully present and show up as the best version of yourself. With a clear mind and a full cup, you will be amazed at what you can achieve!

Aloha Friday already??? If you had to work this week, we feel your pain! If you were graced with the week off, congratulations! Let's take this weekend to re-group, re-charge, and re-energize ourselves for the first full week of the new year. What big plans do you have for this month?

Have you updated your tax rates? Just a friendly reminder to make sure you have updated your system with the new tax rates before we head into our first full week. Having trouble updating your rates? Message us with the system you are using and we will send you step by step instructions. 

These are the moments. Why we do what we do. Watching our clients achieve all they set out to accomplish is such an honor to be a part of. Our hearts are bursting with pride for you Jeff & Brandy and we can not wait to see all you accomplish in 2020!

Ahhh...but is there a plan? Inevitably we have all written down our goals or at minimum given them a thought or two. What now? You must know how to put your goals into action. Create a plan and attack it! "A goal without a plan is just a wish" -Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Let's talk deductions. Are you maximizing yours? 

***MONEY SAVING TIP*** 

Do I have your attention now? While you may already be performing an annual audit to catch any deductions, this is a sure fire way to allow something to slip through the cracks. A lost receipt. A forgotten cash purchase. A purchase mis-categorized. This list goes on and on. Performing a monthly audit will ensure all deductions are captured while the purchases are fresh in your mind...saving you money!

The benefits to performing a monthly audit of your financials are endless. As we discussed yesterday, catching money saving deductions is nice, but why else would we take time to audit each month? Finding errors and omissions is a given, what about analyzing your job costing reports? Are you making money or losing money? Can you specifically pin point the areas you are thriving and the areas that may need some extra attention? What are the signs that you are veering off your path and need to course correct? It is ok if you are not able to answer these questions, as long as someone on your team can. The more current, up-to-date information you have about the health of your business the better equipped you are to make informed business decisions. 

How did the first full week of the year treat everyone? Business energy is buzzing right now! We love all the excitement and change in the air. Have you felt a shift in your business? Remember to recharge your batteries this weekend after such an exciting week. Let's keep this momentum going!

Despite not being able to stay dry today, we certainly hope everyone was able to stay safe! That little storm sure packed a punch. A cozy, stormy Sunday at home always seems to fix everything. Is everyone else feeling refreshed and ready for the week ahead?

How could your life and business be different if you made one small change? Start small. We all impulse buy...we all have a love hate relationship with Target! What if there was a small change that you could implement that would allow you to take control over impulse buying? Why don't we take a look at the possible results first.

Taking control over your finances

Proper management of your budget

Accurate planing for future goals

Goal achievement

MORE MONEY!

Missing any of these in your life? Set a dollar amount based on your budget that represents 10% of your entertainment/fun money. This becomes your spending threshold. If you are wanting to make a purchase above that amount, wait 3-4 days before spending your hard earned money. Do research. Can you find it at a lower cost? Does it fit into your budget? Do you REALLY want it? Most of the time we forget about that item within 5 minutes of walking away. After the "cooling off" period if you choose to purchase the item you can do so knowing that you are getting the best quality at the best price. What a great feeling! 

For my Hawaii Ohana, we know the struggles of shopping on Big Island! Our solution is to purchase the item before it disappears forever but don't open or use it for the same amount of time. Keep your receipt and return it if you decide you don't need it!

Did you take care of your payroll tax liabilities? Don't forget to get those payments into the IRS today! No one wants to start out the year with penalty and interest charges. You still have time to prepare your annual 940...and we may even have a tip coming soon on how to extend that filing date if you need the extra time. 

What a welcome to Monday...State Excise Taxes are Due! But wait...are they? We know January can be full of added tasks to your list so if this one seemed to slip through the cracks have no fear. Today is a holiday and you are therefore given an extra day to file your general excise tax. Happy filing!

Aloha Friday and Valentine's Day all wrapped into one! No matter how you look at it, there is something to be grateful for. We hope everyone has a beautiful day and is reminded of how blessed we truly are. Thank you for your patience while we stepped away from social media for a few weeks to focus on our clients. We are back and ready to bring you even more education filled content!

We are beyond honored to be included in an amazing line up of women for the 1st Annual LAM Women's Conference. What an exciting event for our island! A huge Mahalo to Aesha and Ally for spearheading such an amazing event.

Do you have your ticket yet? This is one that you wont want to miss!