Navigating the Sale of Your Business | CPA Baton Rouge

Couple with accountant sitting at table Consultant Baton Rouge

There is no doubt that starting a successful business is one of the greatest achievements a person can achieve in their lifetime. Not only have you earned a living, but you have also contributed to society in a way that was previously unimaginable. You may want to consider selling your business when it becomes successful so you can capitalize on the hard work you have put into growing your business. The process, however, is not without its own set of difficulties.

Regardless of whether or not you are considering selling your business, you will need to make sure that any bookkeeping processes you use are up to date. In order to ensure that your revenue and profit are accurately depicted, you will have to audit past financial statements. In the event that you fail to do so, your buyer may decide to back out or even accuse you of fraud. You should consult your Accountant in Baton Rouge for more detailed information on this matter.

It is wise to set aside various documents that are relevant to advertising your sale once you have audited your financial statements. Among the types of documents you might be asked to provide are income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and a summary of your current clients. By having all of these documents on hand, you will be able to accurately advertise your sale. In addition, you will be able to ensure that you are putting your best foot forward at all times. Having a clear understanding of your business’s financials is very important when it comes to maintaining transparency.

Most often, an intermediary is recommended to assist in the sale of a business. In order to reduce unwanted bargaining, it is important that both parties act fairly. Following the selection of this intermediary, you will work with them to determine the value of your business and reach an agreement that meets your needs. When dealing with these intermediaries, you will often find that they will press you harder for the documentation you provide in order to ensure that every client is treated fairly. If you feel uncomfortable about this process or are unsure of how it should be conducted, you should consider the advice of an accountant. 

To learn more about the process of selling your business and the financial aspects involved, please contact us today. Our team of Baton Rouge Financial Consultants will be able to provide you with expert advice regarding the sale of your business.

Apple Guerin Company LLC
Phone: (255) 767-1020
Url: http://appleguerin.com/
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg. A, Ste. 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Getting the Most Out of Your Business Expenses | AG Company

Woman working on balancing financials AG Company

Tax season is one of the most stressful times of the year, especially if you are dealing with specific deductions. It is critical that you keep a record of your business expenses, even if it is a tedious process. A business owner, however, can end up being audited or overpaying taxes in the event that they fall behind with their tax management.

To effectively manage these deductions, the first step is to use proper bookkeeping practices. If you are able to properly track all of your business expenses, it will be easier for you to determine which of them are tax-deductible. If you want to grow your business, you will need a strong accounting department that uses streamlined systems. Some of these strategies include using accounting software, utilizing digital receipts, utilizing specific bank accounts, and regularly reviewing the business finances.

If you are looking to utilize accounting software, you’ll need to see which options fit your business. The right software will help you automate many aspects of your bookkeeping while maintaining financial integrity. These software systems can also categorize your expenses to better understand what should be deducted. If you are struggling to find a software solution, it may be best to consult with a dedicated accounting organization. 

If you choose not to utilize dedicated accounting software, you’ll want to still digitize as much as you can. Paper records can be difficult to store and organize in a reliable manner. For any business receipt you utilize, be sure to digitize it in some way. It may also be wise to store these files on a cloud-based system to ensure there isn’t a single point of failure. If all of your receipts are stored on your home computer, you may be in trouble if disaster strikes.

At the end of the day, none of these tips will be of use if you do not regularly review your finances. Proper bookkeeping will always include regular reviews to ensure that no mistakes were made the first time around. Be sure to audit your own finances on a quarterly basis at a minimum. If you have the resources to do this even more frequently, you’ll be ready when tax season approaches.

If you are having difficulty keeping up with your business bookkeeping, you might want to consider inviting an accountant to help you before it is too late. Please contact us today for more information.

Apple Guerin Company LLC
Phone: (255) 767-1020
Url: http://appleguerin.com/
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg. A, Ste. 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

The Road Map to Your Financial Future | AG Company

Baton Rouge Accountant

A financial advisor is a partner in your financial planning. Assume you want to retire in 20 years or send your child to a private university in ten. To achieve your objectives, you may want the assistance of a competent expert with the necessary licenses; this is where a financial advisor comes in.

Together with your advisor, you will discuss a wide range of topics, including how much money you should save, the types of accounts you should maintain, the types of insurance you should have, and estate and tax planning.

They are not only financial advisors but also teachers. Among the advisor’s responsibilities is providing guidance on how to achieve long-term financial goals. A variety of financial topics may be discussed in detail during the educational process. Early in your relationship, budgeting and saving may be discussed. As your expertise grows, you will be able to understand more complex tax, investment, and insurance issues.

Prior to providing you with financial advice, it is essential that they first understand your financial situation. You cannot prepare for the future if you do not know where you are today. In most cases, you must submit a detailed written inquiry with your financial details. Providing this helps the advisor better understand your situation and ensures that important information is not missed.

Your financial advisor will gather information about your assets, obligations, income, and spending. In addition, the information provided should include future pensions and income sources, estimate retirement needs, and outline any long-term financial obligations. Simply put, you will create a list of all of your existing and future assets, pensions, gifts, and sources of income.

By providing investment information, an advisor can examine more personal matters, such as risk tolerance and risk capacity. When it comes time for your investment advisor to determine your asset allocation, knowing your risk can be helpful. It is also important that you make sure you explain your investment preferences to the advisor.

Financial advisors combine all of this preliminary information into a comprehensive financial plan that serves as a road map for your financial future. The initial assessment consists of reviewing the most important findings from the information you provided, followed by assessing your current financial situation, including your net worth, assets, liabilities, and cash or working capital. Additionally, a financial plan summarizes the objectives discussed with your advisor.

If you wish to learn how a financial advisor can help you with your financial goals, please contact us today. Our Baton Rouge CPA team is here to help you.

Apple Guerin Company LLC
Phone: (255) 767-1020
Url: http://appleguerin.com/
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg. A, Ste. 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Planning Your Retirement | Consultant Baton Rogue

Accountant Baton Rouge

Ensuring financial stability in the present is just as vital as planning for the future. There are, unfortunately, many people who neglect to plan for retirement and find themselves in a tricky situation as a result. You can avoid these headaches by planning early for your retirement. There are a couple of great steps to handle this process.

Estimate your needs:

You’ll want to make sure you have solid goals for the future. Having a specific amount in mind isn’t necessary, but it may help with planning your retirement. You can do this by looking up the average cost of living for the area you are in, and then accounting for inflation the best you can.

Start Saving

One of the simplest ways to plan for retirement is to start saving early. Every time you receive a paycheck, put some aside into a separate account to remove the temptation to spend. You should start small and then increase your contributions over time. The sooner you begin the process, the more time your money has to grow. It is never too early to start. You can place these funds into a basic savings account, but there may be more effective ways to invest this money, as we will discuss further on.

Contribute to a 401(k) plan.

Some employers will offer a savings plan that will quickly start your retirement. These companies will often match the amount of money you wish to contribute, with certain limits in place. If you utilize this properly, you can automatically contribute money to your plan while making free money from your employer. The specifics of this plan will differ depending on your employer, so be sure to read the fine print.

Contribute to an IRA

Similar to a 401(k), an IRA is a plan that will grow over time to plan for retirement. Some employers will also match these contributions. These funds are invested in the market in various ways, which will differ depending on your plan. You will also need to determine if an IRA is best for you, as opposed to a Roth IRA. Both options are great, but you will need to examine the tax differences.

These are just a few ways to plan for your future. Oftentimes, it is beneficial to consult an accountant to find the best plan for your needs. There are many options available, and you’ll want to optimize your plan. Contact our Baton Rogue Financial Consultant today for more information on these accounting services.

Apple Guerin Company LLC
Phone: (255) 767-1020
Url: http://appleguerin.com/
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg. A, Ste. 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

How to be Financially Successful When Working From Home | AG Company

Accountant in Baton Rouge

When switching from an office to a home office, you will have to get used to a familiar yet new environment. In any work from home scenario, you must scrutinize your habits and finances more deeply.

Maintain a record of your business expenses. It is recommended that you keep a record of all of your business expenses. Find out which costs will be covered by your employer and which you will pay for. An accounting firm can significantly assist in these situations.

Time management is essential. It allows you to maximize your productivity. Your employer and future will only benefit if you stay productive when working from home. You can measure how long you stay focused by using productivity apps. The apps limit the amount of time you spend on social media, so you will not be tempted to check Instagram on the job. It would help if you were disciplined, a beneficial quality that permeates your professional and personal lives.

Financial automation is a good idea. The easiest way to automate your financial life is to get your paychecks automatically deposited. If your employer offers a retirement plan, enroll; your contribution is automatically deducted. Try various investment apps or seek independent advice from your accountant. Build up your savings by setting up automatic transfers from your checking to savings accounts.

Education is the key to your future. Working at home gives you time to do chores during lunch and break times. The convenience of proximity makes vacuuming, washing, and preparing meals much more accessible. You can also learn new skills while working from home during your breaks. You can learn what you need to know to be successful online and at a meager cost: how to master a specific type of software, brush up on management skills, and refine your financial skills.

You might want to consider adding insurance. Office insurance covers you, but how about your home office? Working from home may add some additional liability for some people. Consult your accountant or insurance agent to find out if you need additional insurance, such as an umbrella policy. It can cover some of your legal fees if you are sued on your property or if someone is injured on your property.

Some people find working from home challenging, while others find it rewarding. An experience like that allows you to experience work-life balance from a different perspective and reevaluate your financial health and work habits. Contact our CPA Baton Rouge office today if you have other questions about taxes or financial tips for working at home.

Apple Guerin Company LLC
Phone: (255) 767-1020
Url: http://appleguerin.com/
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg. A, Ste. 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

 How to Boost Profits at Your Business | Consultant Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge Consultant

You have a responsibility as a business owner to ensure your company’s success. The sense of accomplishment is a significant aspect of owning a business that is so fulfilling. All business leaders need to make sure their businesses are profitable, no matter whether they own a business or belong to an investor group. 

To stay on top of overhead, revenue, and marketing strategies, you must have a solid grasp of them. Check out these tips to increase profits for your business.

Calculate your expenses.

If you wish to increase your profits, make this a priority. The leadership must create a detailed expense report each month. Equipment, salaries, liability insurance, and rental costs or property taxes are all included in this category. Look over this list regularly to see if there are any places you can save money. 

Look for items that your business overspends on or that are not strictly necessary. According to your business needs, you might be able to lower your overhead by lowering specific supplies, finding ways to reduce your insurance payments, or even writing off more expenses to reduce your taxes. 

You can lower your overhead in a variety of ways. Start by carefully going over all your expenses. If you don’t have the time to do this task yourself, it is a great idea to hire a certified public accountant who specializes in your type of business. 

Establish goals for growth.

To avoid becoming complacent, you have to have specific goals. Without clear goals, you will stagnate and see decreased profits. For a company to be profitable, CEOs need to plan where they want the company to go in the future. Develop strategies that get you to define the number of clients you hope to gain during each period.

Promote your company online.

Utilizing search engines is one of the most common ways for people to find your business. A study found that 93 percent of Americans use search engines to find local businesses. You are likely among them. If you want your business website to be seen by as many eyes as possible, what can you do to stand out? A search engine optimization (SEO) campaign is the answer to online marketing. Getting as high a ranking on Google as possible is the purpose of this kind of marketing. 

This is a crucial step in today’s marketplace, where Google, Yahoo, Amazon, and Bing are the dominant search engines. Contact us today for expert advice on these and other ways to make your enterprise as profitable as possible. Our team of professionals has excellent experience in helping businesses grow.

Apple Guerin Company LLC
Phone: (255) 767-1020
Url: http://appleguerin.com/
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg. A, Ste. 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Your Team Benefits from a CPA | CPA in 70808

CPA in 70808

Making sure your business succeeds is a high priority for anyone who owns a company or is in a partnership. Succeeding means running your business in the most efficient manner possible, finding ways to grow revenue, lower overhead, maximize deductions, and minimize tax liabilities. With the help of our CPA in Baton Rouge, your business can achieve these goals so that you can concentrate on running the business. 

Financial specialists can help.

A business CPA specializes in corporate finance, just as you do in your field. CPAs who practice in your industry have an up-to-date understanding of the typical expenses, trends, and ways to lower tax obligations for your business. In addition, they understand where to purchase new equipment or inventory that offers the best return on investment and have the ability to save money every year by reducing depreciation on asset types specific to their industry.

Assess the financial health of your firm.

Generally, people think of CPAs in relation to tax matters. Choosing the right certified public accountant can provide your business with more than just tax advice; they can also apply their expertise to the overall model of your company. An experienced CPA can determine how to reduce expenses and increase profits. Accountants trained in this area can identify oversights and areas of inefficiency specific to a particular field.

An accountant will be able to make meaningful, actionable suggestions after analyzing your business finances for just a few months.

Tracking metrics and benchmarks: What’s the best way?

Benchmarking refers to a company’s performance metrics as compared to competitors and industry standards. A competent CPA does. An example would be, Ohio based businesses may not know how their business compares with those in California, Texas, or New York, but a competent CPA does. Analysts know the key performance indicators (KPIs) that govern each industry. This section includes client loads, profit margins, and active clients.

It’s common for business leaders to become captive to their customers’ needs and day-to-day operations; they may never pay attention to benchmarks or key performance indicators, which effectively frame and understand your company.

Accounting professionals are better suited to utilizing tools. They have experience in many industries. Our experts offer your industry-specific benchmarks, tax strategies, wealth building, and more. Learn additional information about how a CPA can assist you in growing your business by contacting our accounting office in Baton Rouge, LA today.

Apple Guerin Company LLC
Phone: (255) 767-1020
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg. A, Ste. 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Revitalize Revenues by Increasing Investment | Baton Rouge CPA

CPA in 70808

A business’s revenue tends to increase and decrease over time. A business owner who sees new business slow and income declines often cut back on marketing, as it is the item in the budget they deem most expendable. However, this is usually not the best decision according to our CPA in 70808

You will see a drop in revenue when you cut your marketing budget. You are effectively shutting the door to new business by cutting your marketing budget. There is fierce competition among companies, and many cannot afford to become obscurantists. When you are one of the few with little to no competition, you need to make sure people know you’re out there, what you offer, and any new services or products. Adding e-commerce to your marketing strategy requires reaching out to your target audience.  

Businesses cannot rely solely on word-of-mouth referrals in today’s competitive marketplace. It’s not enough to send postcards and emails once or twice a month to get new clients or customers. A scattershot approach is ineffective. Keeping yourself visible is crucial.

Your goal should attract new clients and engage and maintain your current clients’ loyalty. New services, specials, and the latest developments in your field should all be discussed. You can keep people informed quickly by using multi-pronged social media campaigns or email blasts.

Marketing efforts that are consistent and effective help you accomplish both goals.

As your marketing budget increases, your revenue increases as well. Your business should allocate a certain percentage of its budget to marketing based on the following factors:

  • Is your business new? Until you develop a client base, you may have to invest more.
  • Do you want to keep your business growing? Calculate your existing budget’s effectiveness by comparing the number of new clients acquired to the number lost each year.
  • Are things improving or deteriorating? At least until the trend reverses, consider investing an additional 5 to 10 percent.
  • Where does your local market stand in terms of competition? More investment is required to compete effectively in a competitive market.

Indeed you are aware of the latest marketing trends, and perhaps you have done your outreach, but is it the most effective way to utilize your time? Running the day-to-day operations of a business requires much time, and business owners are usually very busy. Outsource your marketing to professionals who understand your business. 

Contact our accounting office in Baton Rouge, LA to learn how to help plan your marketing budget and increase your business growth.

Apple Guerin Company LLC
Phone: (255) 767-1020
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg. A, Ste. 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

An Accountant Can Help You File Your Taxes | CPA Baton Rouge LA

cpa 70808

A business’s revenue tends to increase and decrease over time. A business owner who sees new business slow and income declining often cuts back on marketing, as it is the item in the budget they deem most expendable. However, our CPA in 70808 shares that this is usually not the best decision. 

You will see a drop in revenue when you cut your marketing budget. By cutting your marketing budget, you are effectively shutting the door to new business. There is fierce competition among companies, and many cannot afford to become obscurantists. When you are one of the few with little to no competition, you need to make sure people know you’re out there, what you offer, and any new services or products you may have. Adding e-commerce to your marketing strategy requires reaching out to your target audience.

Businesses cannot rely solely on word-of-mouth referrals in today’s competitive marketplace. It’s not enough to send postcards and emails once or twice a month to get new clients or customers. A scattershot approach is ineffective. Keeping yourself visible is crucial.

Your goal should be to attract new clients and engage and maintain your current clients’ loyalty. New services, specials, and the latest developments in your field should all be discussed. You can keep people quickly informed by using multi-pronged social media campaigns or email blasts.

Consistent and effective marketing efforts help you accomplish both goals.

As your marketing budget increases, your revenue also increases. Your business should allocate a certain percentage of its budget to marketing based on the following factors:

  • Is your business new? Until you develop a client base, you may have to invest more.
  • Do you want to keep your business growing? Calculate your existing budget’s effectiveness by comparing the number of new clients acquired to the number lost each year.
  • Are things improving or deteriorating? Consider increasing your investment by 5 to 10% until the trend reverses.
  • Where does your local market stand in terms of competition? More investment is required to compete effectively in a competitive market.

Indeed, you are aware of the latest marketing trends, and perhaps you have done your outreach, but is it the most effective way to utilize your time? Running the day-to-day operations of a business requires a lot of time, and business owners are usually very busy. Outsource your marketing to professionals who understand your business. 

Contact our accounting office in Baton Rouge, LA to learn how we can help plan your marketing budget and increase your business growth.

Apple Guerin Company LLC
Phone: (255) 767-1020
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg. A, Ste. 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Avoid Employee Embezzlement | Baton Rouge Accountant

Baton Rouge Accountant

As a business owner, you have a lot of responsibilities. Overseeing staff, monitoring financial transactions, and catering to clients’ demands can be overwhelming. You can avoid the risk of employee theft by putting safeguards and internal controls in place. It may seem hard to imagine that the smiling face you hired to welcome customers could be stealing from you, but business owners have suffered the loss of thousands of dollars annually with this kind of naivety. It can be challenging to prevent employee theft, but you can minimize the possibility of it happening by educating yourself and implementing measures to boost your financial security. Here are a few suggestions recommended by our Baton Rouge CPA.

Know Who You’re Hiring 

It’s not enough to hire someone based on their resume or personality. Anyone you consider hiring will likely handle confidential information, so a thorough background check is essential. Contact information for their past employers should also be requested. 

Learn as much as your employees.

Over time, employees can figure out which clients pay with cash, who writes checks, how much money is deposited daily and weekly, and what comes in from outside sources. You should also know this information. Request that your employees record these details in your accounting software, and ask your accountant to assist you in creating a system that includes a check and balance system with daily opening and closing reports. Therefore, only you or your accountant can run and analyze these reports-never an employee.

Create Shared Responsibilities

You should establish and implement a team-based approach to these tasks so that no single individual in your office controls the entire financial process from start to finish. In this way, you will know who recorded which transactions and will create a sense of accountability among your employees.

Be on the lookout for common red flags

Always be on the lookout for common signs that an employee might be stealing from the practice. Pay attention to anyone whose spending suddenly exceeds their budget, is always the first in and the last out of the building, or is overly protective or secretive of their work. 

Arrange a third-party audit

A victim of embezzlement can suffer significant financial damage, so it’s important to periodically hire an outside accountant to review your finances and look for irregularities. Using this person, you can monitor your employees’ work to catch errors, mistakes, and theft.

You shouldn’t tell anyone on your staff that something is amiss in your business, since the suspect may discover this and destroy incriminating evidence.  A trusted CPA can put a fool-proof process in place so you can catch your thief and get your money back where it belongs — in your business. We can answer your questions or schedule an appointment at our Baton Rouge, LA accounting firm for you to learn more.

Apple Guerin Company LLC
Phone: (255) 767-1020
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg. A, Ste. 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808