This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase from one of these links I will receive a commission. Please read my full privacy policy for more information.
Imagine if you had an easy way to track your business income, expenses, and accounts. I have three Free Business Tracking Printable Templates to help you get your business life in order!
When I started blogging, I couldn’t believe how many accounts I had to open. In the beginning, blogging was just a hobby. I never expected it to turn into an online business. Now that it is a business, I am so glad I kept track of all my income, expenses, and business account information when I started.
Regardless of your intentions to turn your blog or online business into a full-time income, it’s important that you track everything from day one. In most places, you have to claim any money you make as income. Can you imagine if you had to go back and separate out every single transaction that was made throughout the entire year for taxes?
Not good! Don’t let that happen to you. It’s super simple to keep an accurate log of all your transactions and business accounts that you set up from day one.
#1 Track your affiliate accounts
#2 Track your business income and expenses
#3 Plan out your blog posts
#4 Plan your year in quarterly increments
Don’t forget to keep your business income and expenses separate from your personal accounts!
Even if you don’t expect to make a lot of money in the beginning or if you are a sole proprietor, it’s still an extremely good idea to keep your business and personal finances separate.
3 Quick Financial Tips for Starting Your Own Business
#1 Get a free Employment Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS
Starting your own business, even as a sole proprietor, has tax implications. You will be asked to fill out many W9 forms for things like affiliate marketing payments or client payments. You do not want your Social Security Number (SSN) put out there for everyone to see.
The EIN replaces your SSN in business transactions. It’s best to file for an EIN right away. It’s a simple process that can be done online through the IRS. Just use the search box and type: apply for EIN.
#2 Name Your Business and Apply for a Business License
In most cases, you will need to file for a business license with your County Clerk’s Office. This is especially true if you plan on using a Doing Business As (DBA) name for your business.
For example, when I was a sole proprietor, I used Redefining Mom as my business name. I filed a $30 business certificate with my County Clerk’s Office registering the DBA name as Redefining Mom.
Since I had already obtained my EIN, I also called the IRS to update my EIN with the DBA name.
To learn more about business license requirements in your state, read State Licenses & Permits.
Be sure to check with your state/county/town for additional laws related to operating an online business from your home.
#3 Create Separate Business Accounts
Keeping your personal and business expenses separate is critical to running a successful business. If you choose to go the LLC route, it will be mandatory.
Separating your personal accounts from your business accounts ensures for an easier audit process, should the IRS ever audit you. It also makes it easier to work with a tax advisor or CPA to submit your taxes at the end of the year.
Most importantly, it builds credibility with vendors and clients. When you register your business name, you can open up a checking account with your business name on it and write checks as a business.
Accounts to consider opening
- Business PayPal account
- Separate checking account for business income and expenses
- Separate credit card
The Ultimate CEO Business Planning Spreadsheet™
Are you ready to confidently take control of your business and make informed decisions?
Our Ultimate CEO Business Planning Spreadsheet will help you take your business to the next level!
21 power-packed tabs that will help you with…
YES! I NEED THE BUSINESS PLANNING SPREADSHEET!
Pin it!
Thanks for sharing! This is helpful information. I am starting a freelance business and keeping things organized definitely one of those areas that I could use a little help!
thank you for all your information, very detailed. I have a capital one 360 account as well for my personal account, we are about to start up a small business, do we open up another capital one 360 account or use the one we have and create another account within the one we already have?