The real cost of ignoring your taxes isn’t just what you pay in penalties; it’s the money you leave on the table through missed deductions and overlooked credits. Many consultants worry that professional help is out of reach, but that’s a common misconception. The truth is, affordable tax planning for consultants is not only possible, it’s essential for building a financially sound business. This guide will walk you through DIY strategies you can implement today, from tracking expenses to choosing the right retirement plan, and show you when investing in an expert actually saves you money in the long run, giving you a clear path to financial confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Treat Taxes Like a Business System, Not a Chore: Create a simple, year-round process for your finances. This means consistently tracking expenses, setting aside money for quarterly payments, and reviewing your financial health regularly to avoid surprises and maximize savings.
- Separate Your Finances and Track Everything: The simplest way to maximize deductions is to open a dedicated business bank account. Use it for all business-related spending and keep detailed records—every legitimate expense, from software to client coffee, reduces your taxable income.
- Recognize When DIY Isn’t Enough: A significant income jump, hiring help, or working across state lines are clear signs it’s time for professional help. A tax expert acts as a strategic partner, offering planning that saves you more than their fee and frees you to focus on your clients.
Why Consultants Need a Tax Plan
As a consultant, you’re the CEO, the creative director, and the coffee maker. With all that freedom comes a whole new set of financial responsibilities, and taxes are at the top of the list. It’s easy to push tax planning to the back burner when you’re busy landing clients and delivering great work, but treating it as an afterthought is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. A solid tax plan isn’t just about compliance; it’s a fundamental part of your business strategy that directly impacts your bottom line.
Think of it this way: every dollar you save on taxes is a dollar you can reinvest in your business, save for the future, or use to enjoy the life you’re working so hard to build. Proactive tax planning helps you make informed decisions throughout the year, not just during a frantic scramble in April. It allows you to anticipate your tax liability, manage your cash flow effectively, and take advantage of every opportunity to lower your bill. Understanding the benefits, challenges, and the real cost of getting it wrong is the first step toward building a financially sound consulting business.
How smart tax planning saves you money
A smart tax strategy is about more than just filling out forms correctly; it’s about actively lowering your taxable income throughout the year. By strategically using business deductions and saving through retirement plans, independent consultants can significantly reduce their tax bill and build wealth over time. When you have a clear plan, you can make decisions with confidence, knowing you’re taking full advantage of the tax code. This proactive approach transforms tax season from a source of stress into an opportunity to see your hard work pay off. A thoughtful business tax planning strategy ensures you keep more of what you earn.
Tax hurdles every consultant faces
One of the first things new consultants notice is the self-employment tax. Because you’re both the employee and the employer, you’re responsible for both halves of Social Security and Medicare taxes. As a result, “self-employed people do pay a bit more in Social Security and Medicare taxes (an extra 7.65%).” But don’t let that number scare you. The key is that “self-employed people can use business write-offs (deductions) to lower their taxable income.” This is where meticulous business accounting and management becomes your best friend. Diligently tracking your expenses allows you to offset that higher tax rate and can even put you in a better financial position than a traditional employee.
The real cost of ignoring your taxes
Putting your head in the sand when it comes to taxes can lead to some serious financial headaches. The most obvious costs are late-payment penalties and interest charges from the IRS, which can add up quickly. But the hidden costs are often greater: missed deductions, overlooked credits, and the constant stress of not knowing if you’re doing things right. An unexpected audit can be disruptive and costly, pulling your focus away from your clients. Investing in professional help often pays for itself. In fact, the money you save by using a professional tax preparer can be five times more than what you pay them. Getting expert tax notice and audit representation can provide peace of mind and protect your bottom line.
DIY Tax Strategies You Can Use Today
Taking control of your taxes doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few smart strategies, you can start making a real difference in what you owe. The key is to be proactive and treat tax planning as a year-round activity, not just a frantic scramble in April. These are some of the most effective steps you can take right now to organize your finances and legally lower your tax bill. Think of them as the building blocks for a solid financial foundation for your consulting business.
Choose the right business structure
How your business is legally structured is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make. It affects everything from your personal liability to how much you pay in taxes. As a consultant, you might start as a sole proprietor because it’s simple, but that means your personal assets aren’t separate from your business. Forming an LLC or an S Corporation can provide liability protection and potentially significant tax savings, especially on self-employment taxes. The main goal is to lower your tax bill by using legal deductions and smart savings. Making a change requires careful consideration, but getting your business accounting and management structure right from the start can save you headaches and money down the road.
Master your expense tracking
If you aren’t tracking your expenses, you’re leaving money on the table. Every legitimate business expense you record is a potential tax deduction that reduces your taxable income. Keep records of every business expense, from your morning coffee with a client to the software that runs your business. The best way to do this is with dedicated accounting software. Tools like QuickBooks or FreshBooks can help you categorize spending and see where your money is going. Getting comfortable with one of these platforms is a game-changer for staying organized. If you’re unsure where to start, getting help with accounting software implementation and support can set you up for success from day one.
Plan for your retirement
As a consultant, you are your own retirement plan. The good news is that you have access to powerful retirement accounts that let you save for the future while cutting your tax bill today. Money you put into accounts like a SEP-IRA or Solo 401(k) reduces your taxable income for the year. You can often save much more than in a typical company 401(k)—sometimes up to $69,000 or more per year, depending on your income. This is one of the best ways to build wealth and reduce your tax burden simultaneously. Integrating retirement contributions into your overall business tax plan ensures you’re making the most of this incredible opportunity.
Deduct your home office and equipment
If you work from home, you can likely claim the home office deduction. This allows you to deduct costs for the part of your home used exclusively for business, along with a portion of your utilities like internet and electricity. The key is that the space must be your principal place of business and used regularly and only for work. Beyond your office space, remember that purchasing new laptops, cell phones, and other necessary equipment for your business is a standard and accepted deduction. Keep your receipts for any tech, furniture, or supplies you buy for your work—it all adds up to reduce what you owe when you file your individual income tax return.
Write off professional development costs
Investing in yourself is an investment in your business, and the IRS agrees. You can deduct the cost of software subscriptions and courses that help you learn new skills or improve your business operations. This includes industry conferences (both virtual and in-person), online courses, professional certifications, subscriptions to trade journals, and even books related to your field. These expenses are considered a necessary part of doing business because they help you stay competitive and effective. Just be sure to keep clear records connecting each expense to your consulting work. It’s a straightforward way to turn your professional growth into tangible tax savings.
Time your income strategically
As a consultant, you don’t have an employer withholding taxes from each paycheck. That responsibility falls on you. If you expect to owe more than $1,000 in taxes for the year, you should make estimated tax payments quarterly to avoid penalties. This requires you to project your income and expenses throughout the year. It also gives you some flexibility. For example, toward the end of the year, you could strategically delay sending an invoice to push that income into the next tax year or prepay an expense in December to claim the deduction now. Managing your cash flow this way helps you avoid surprises and a dreaded tax notice from the IRS.
How to Choose the Right Tax Tools
Picking the right tax software can feel like a chore, but the right tools do more than just help you file on time—they can transform how you manage your business finances all year. Think of it as finding a digital partner that simplifies your financial life, tracks your expenses effortlessly, and helps you make smarter decisions. As a consultant, your needs are unique, so it’s worth spending a little time finding a system that works for you, not against you.
What to look for in tax software
When you’re comparing options, look for software that goes beyond basic tax returns. The best tools offer features for comprehensive tax planning, allowing you to model different scenarios and create long-term strategies. This helps you see the bigger picture of your financial health. A user-friendly dashboard is also a must—you shouldn’t need an accounting degree to understand your own data. Look for robust reporting features that give you clear insights into your income, expenses, and potential deductions. The goal is to find a platform that helps you proactively manage your taxes, not just react once a year.
A look at popular software options
You’ll find a wide range of tax tools on the market, from simple apps designed for freelancers to more complex systems for growing businesses. Many consultants start with popular cloud-based accounting software that includes tax support, as these platforms offer a great all-in-one solution. As you evaluate your options, focus on the capabilities that will actually help you run your business. Do you need invoicing? Time tracking? The ability to handle multi-state income? Don’t get distracted by flashy features you’ll never use. Instead, make a short list of your must-haves and find the software that checks those boxes.
Organize receipts without the headache
Let’s be honest: no one enjoys digging through a shoebox of faded receipts. A good tax tool makes this a thing of the past. Look for software with a mobile app that lets you snap a photo of a receipt and instantly digitize and categorize it. Cloud-based storage is another critical feature, as it keeps your records safe, secure, and accessible from anywhere. This creates a clean, digital paper trail that makes filing your taxes a breeze. Plus, having organized records is your best defense if you ever need audit representation, giving you peace of mind.
Check for important integrations
To truly streamline your finances, your tax software should play well with the other tools you use. Seamless integration with your business bank accounts, credit cards, and payment processors is essential. This allows the software to automatically import transactions, which saves you hours of manual data entry and reduces the risk of errors. If you’re already using an accounting platform, make sure your tax tool can connect to it. This kind of accounting software support is critical for creating an efficient and accurate financial workflow, giving you more time to focus on your clients.
Find a tool that fits your budget
As a consultant, every dollar counts. Tax software comes in a range of price points, from affordable monthly subscriptions to one-time purchases. Before you start shopping, identify the key features you absolutely need and set a realistic budget. Many companies offer free trials, which are a great way to test-drive a platform before you commit. While it can be tempting to go for the cheapest option, remember to consider the value. A slightly more expensive tool that saves you hours of work and helps you maximize your deductions is a smart investment in your business tax planning.
Find Every Deduction and Credit You Deserve
One of the best parts of being a consultant is the sheer number of deductions available to you. But you can’t claim what you don’t know about. The main goal is to lower your tax bill by using every legal deduction and credit you’re entitled to. Think of it as a treasure hunt where the prize is keeping more of your hard-earned money. Let’s make sure you’re not leaving anything on the table by exploring some key areas where consultants can save. From industry-specific write-offs to the cost of your morning coffee with a client, every little bit adds up.
Uncover deductions for your industry
As a consultant, your business expenses might look different from a traditional storefront. Your biggest assets are your brain, your time, and your network. That means you can deduct expenses related to maintaining them, like industry journal subscriptions, professional association dues, marketing costs, and software licenses. The key is to be proactive in identifying and leveraging deductions that can significantly reduce your taxable income. A solid business tax planning strategy involves looking at both your everyday business deductions and long-term savings plans like retirement accounts.
What to know about state and local taxes
Your tax obligations don’t stop at the federal level. State and local taxes can take a significant bite out of your income, and the rules can vary dramatically depending on where you live and work. For consultants in states like California, the cost of living is higher, which can also mean higher state income taxes and more complex local tax laws. Understanding your specific obligations is crucial. If you work with clients in different states, you may also have to file multiple state tax returns. This is one area where getting professional advice can save you from major headaches down the road.
Optimize your business expenses
Every dollar you spend on your business is a potential tax deduction. Are you working from home? You can deduct costs for the space you use exclusively for business, plus a portion of your home’s utilities. Purchasing new laptops, cell phones, and other necessary equipment for your business is a standard and accepted deduction. Don’t forget smaller items like office supplies, business cards, and website hosting fees. The key is to have a system for business accounting and management that tracks these expenses throughout the year, so you’re not scrambling to find receipts in April.
Don’t miss these overlooked deductions
It’s easy to remember the big expenses, but small, recurring costs can add up to significant savings. Think about bank service fees on your business account, liability insurance premiums, and the cost of tax preparation services themselves. Even the interest on a business loan or credit card is deductible. The most important habit you can build is to keep detailed records of every single business expense, no matter how small. Using business write-offs is the best way to lower your tax liability, so be diligent about documenting and claiming every eligible expense.
Claim your travel and entertainment costs
If you travel to meet clients, attend conferences, or conduct research for your consulting work, those expenses are generally deductible. This includes airfare, lodging, and a portion of your meal costs. However, the IRS pays close attention to these deductions, so it’s essential to keep detailed records to avoid issues. You can deduct some of these costs, but be careful and maintain thorough documentation, as these can sometimes trigger an audit. If you ever find yourself in that situation, having professional audit representation can make all the difference.
Build Your Year-Round Tax System
Tax season doesn’t have to be a frantic scramble. By treating tax planning as a year-round activity instead of a once-a-year chore, you can reduce stress and make smarter financial decisions for your consulting business. Creating a simple system to manage your finances throughout the year will help you stay organized, avoid surprises, and feel confident when it’s time to file. It’s all about building consistent habits that pay off in the long run. Think of it as setting your business up for success, one small step at a time. This approach ensures you’re always prepared, whether you’re tracking expenses or planning for quarterly payments.
Set up a simple tracking system
The foundation of any solid tax plan is a reliable tracking system. Your goal is to keep a clear record of every dollar that comes in and goes out of your business. This means tracking every single business expense, from software subscriptions to client lunches. While you can start with a spreadsheet, using dedicated software is often much easier. Tools like QuickBooks or FreshBooks can automate much of this work, categorizing transactions and generating reports. If you’re unsure which platform is right for you, getting expert help with accounting software implementation can save you a lot of headaches. A good system doesn’t just simplify tax filing; it gives you a real-time view of your business’s financial health.
Your quarterly tax planning checklist
As a consultant, you’re responsible for paying your own taxes throughout the year, not just in April. If you expect to owe more than $1,000 in taxes, the IRS requires you to make estimated tax payments each quarter to avoid penalties. A quarterly check-in is a great way to stay on track. At the end of each quarter, run through a simple checklist: review your income and expenses, calculate your estimated tax payment, and see if any new deductions have come up. This is also a perfect time to connect with a professional for ongoing business tax planning to ensure your strategy is still aligned with your goals.
Manage your estimated tax payments
Once you know you need to make quarterly payments, the next step is managing them effectively. A common rule of thumb for self-employed individuals is to set aside 25-30% of your income for taxes. To make this easier, open a separate savings account dedicated solely to your tax funds. Every time you get paid, transfer a percentage into that account. This simple habit prevents you from accidentally spending the money you owe the IRS. While the 25-30% figure is a good starting point, your actual tax rate may differ. Working with an accountant on your business accounting and management can help you determine a more precise savings goal based on your specific financial situation.
Keep the right documents on hand
Even with the best digital system, keeping physical and digital copies of important documents is essential. You should always hold on to receipts, especially for larger purchases, as well as bank statements, client invoices, and copies of contracts. These records are your proof if you ever face questions from the IRS. Having everything organized and accessible makes filing your return smoother and provides critical backup in case of an audit. If you do receive a notice, having an expert in tax notice and audit representation on your side is invaluable, and they’ll need these documents to best support you.
Never miss a critical deadline
For consultants, tax deadlines extend beyond April 15. You also need to remember the four quarterly estimated tax payment due dates: April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year. Missing these can result in penalties that eat into your profits. Mark these dates on your calendar and set reminders for yourself a week or two in advance. If managing deadlines feels like one more thing on your already-full plate, this is a clear sign it might be time to hire a professional. The cost of a tax advisor is often far less than the penalties and stress you’ll avoid by ensuring your individual income tax return is filed correctly and on time.
Know When to Call a Tax Professional
While DIY tax tools are powerful, there comes a point in every consultant’s journey when calling a professional is the smartest move you can make. It’s not a sign of failure; it’s a sign of success. Your business is growing more complex, and that’s a great thing. Handling everything yourself can lead to missed deductions or costly mistakes. Knowing when to ask for help is key to protecting your business and your peace of mind. A tax pro can offer clarity and a strategy that goes far beyond what software can do alone.
Signs it’s time to hire an expert
So, what are the tell-tale signs you’ve outgrown your DIY software? A sudden jump in income is a big one, as it can push you into a new tax bracket with different rules. Other triggers include hiring your first employee, working with clients in multiple states, or expanding your services. If you’re spending more time worrying about taxes than serving your clients, that’s your cue. And if an intimidating letter from the IRS lands in your mailbox, don’t panic—and don’t ignore it. Getting professional audit representation immediately is the best way to resolve the issue correctly and with minimal stress. An expert can speak the IRS’s language and handle the process for you.
What to expect from a tax pro
Hiring a tax advisor isn’t just about filing your annual return—it’s about having a strategic partner in your corner all year long. A great professional provides proactive business tax planning to help you make smart financial decisions that minimize your tax liability down the road. They can advise you on which business structure is best for your situation, help you plan for major purchases, and ensure you’re setting aside enough for quarterly payments. Tax laws are complex and constantly changing, and an expert’s job is to stay on top of it all for you. This allows you to focus on what you do best: growing your consulting business.
How much do tax services cost?
The cost of hiring a tax professional can vary, so it’s important to understand the common pricing models. Many advisors charge an hourly rate, which can range from $100 to $400, depending on their experience and the complexity of your finances. Others may offer flat-fee packages for specific services, like preparing your annual tax return, which makes budgeting easier. For ongoing support, some professionals work on a monthly or quarterly retainer. Don’t hesitate to ask for a clear fee structure upfront so there are no surprises. Think of it as an investment in your business’s financial health. Plus, the fees you pay for tax preparation and advice are typically a tax-deductible business expense.
Find the right advisor for your business
Finding the right person is about more than just credentials. While you should look for qualifications like CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or EA (Enrolled Agent), it’s crucial to find someone with experience working with consultants in your specific industry. They’ll understand the unique deductions and challenges you face. During your search, ask potential advisors about their communication style and how they work with clients. You want a partner you feel comfortable asking questions. A good fit is someone who can provide tailored business accounting and management advice, not just plug numbers into a form. The goal is to build a long-term relationship with a trusted advisor.
Weigh the cost vs. the benefits
It’s easy to get stuck on the upfront cost, but the real value of a tax pro lies in the long-term savings and security. A skilled professional can often uncover deductions and credits you didn’t know you were eligible for, potentially saving you far more than their fee. Some reports even suggest the savings can be five times greater than what you pay them. Beyond the numbers, consider the non-monetary benefits: less stress, more time to focus on your clients, and the confidence that comes from knowing your finances are in order. An expert doesn’t just save you money; they buy you peace of mind, which is priceless for any business owner.
Avoid These Common (and Costly) Tax Mistakes
As a consultant, you’re juggling clients, projects, and your own business development. It’s easy for tax details to slip through the cracks. Unfortunately, small oversights can turn into expensive problems down the road. The good news is that most of these mistakes are entirely preventable with a little bit of planning and organization. By building good habits now, you can save yourself from future headaches, penalties, and a whole lot of stress when tax season rolls around. Let’s walk through some of the most common missteps consultants make and how you can steer clear of them.
Keep your records straight
The foundation of a stress-free tax season is solid record-keeping. If your idea of organization is a shoebox full of crumpled receipts, it’s time for an upgrade. You need to track every single business expense, from your morning coffee with a client to your annual software subscriptions. Using a tool like QuickBooks can make this process almost automatic, helping you categorize expenses as they happen. This isn’t just about being organized; it’s about making sure you claim every deduction you’re entitled to. Proper business accounting and management ensures you have a clear financial picture year-round, not just in April.
Separate business and personal expenses
Mixing your personal and business finances is one of the quickest ways to create a bookkeeping nightmare. Did you buy that new laptop for work or for watching movies? Was that dinner with a friend or a potential client? The IRS wants to see a clear line between the two. The simplest way to do this is to open a dedicated business bank account and get a business credit card. Use this card for all business-related purchases only. This simple step makes tracking your expenses incredibly straightforward and provides a clean paper trail, which is invaluable for accurate tax filing and financial planning.
Stay on top of quarterly payments
When you were a W-2 employee, your employer withheld taxes from each paycheck. As a consultant, that responsibility now falls on you. If you expect to owe more than $1,000 in taxes for the year, the IRS requires you to make estimated tax payments throughout the year, typically every three months. This “pay-as-you-go” system helps you avoid a massive tax bill in April and, more importantly, helps you avoid underpayment penalties. A solid business tax planning strategy will include calculating these quarterly payments so you’re never caught off guard.
Prepare for a potential audit
The word “audit” can send a shiver down anyone’s spine, but it doesn’t have to be a catastrophe. An audit is simply the IRS’s way of verifying that your tax return is accurate. The best way to prepare for a potential audit is to behave as if you’re always being audited. This means keeping meticulous records and holding onto hard copies or digital scans of all your receipts and important documents. If you do receive a notice from the IRS, don’t panic. Having professional tax notice and audit representation can help you handle the process with confidence and ensure a fair outcome.
Dodge common filing errors
Sometimes, the biggest tax mistakes are the simplest ones. A transposed number in your Social Security number, a small math error, or forgetting to sign your return can all lead to delays, rejections, or even trigger a closer look from the IRS. Double-check every detail before you file. If you’re using software, review the final forms carefully. While these errors are often unintentional, they can create unnecessary complications. Keeping good records throughout the year makes filing less frantic and reduces the chance of making a last-minute mistake under pressure.
Make Tax Planning a Year-Long Habit
Taxes aren’t just a spring-time headache. For consultants, treating tax planning as a year-round activity is the secret to keeping more of your hard-earned money and avoiding stressful surprises. When you break it down into smaller, manageable steps, it becomes a simple part of your business routine. This proactive approach helps you make smarter financial decisions throughout the year, not just when a deadline is looming.
Think of it as building a financial habit, just like tracking your project hours or sending invoices. A little effort each month and quarter adds up to significant savings and peace of mind. By staying organized and strategic, you can turn tax season from a frantic scramble into a calm, predictable process. Let’s walk through how to create a simple, effective system.
Your monthly tax to-do list
Set aside an hour each month to check in on your finances. This simple habit is the foundation of a stress-free tax year. Start by reviewing your income and categorizing all your business expenses. Using accounting software can make this a breeze, ensuring every potential deduction is captured. This is also the perfect time to transfer a portion of your income—a good rule of thumb is 25-30%—into a separate savings account specifically for taxes. This consistent practice prevents you from being caught off guard by a large tax bill. Getting into a rhythm with your business accounting and management makes tax time feel like just another month.
What to review every quarter
Your quarterly review is a chance to look at the bigger picture and make strategic adjustments. This is when you’ll make your estimated tax payments to the IRS. Check your year-to-date income and expenses to see if your payments are on track. If you had a surprisingly good quarter, you might need to pay a bit more. If things were slower, you might be able to adjust downward. For consultants with investments, this is also a good time to consider tax-loss harvesting. This strategy involves selling investments that have lost value to offset gains from your profitable ones, which can lower your overall taxable income.
Your year-end tax planning playbook
The last few months of the year are your final opportunity to make moves that will lower your tax bill. This is the time to max out contributions to your retirement accounts, like a SEP IRA or Solo 401(k). You can also consider making strategic purchases, like buying new office equipment or investing in professional development courses before the year ends. By actively using business deductions and saving through retirement plans, you can significantly reduce what you owe. A solid business tax planning strategy focuses on making these smart, end-of-year decisions to optimize your financial position.
Mark your calendar with key deadlines
Missing a tax deadline can lead to unnecessary penalties and interest, so it’s crucial to have key dates on your calendar. For consultants, the most important ones are the quarterly estimated tax payment deadlines, which typically fall on April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year. If you expect to owe more than $1,000 in taxes for the year, you should be making these payments. Set reminders a week or two in advance to give yourself plenty of time to prepare. Knowing these dates helps you plan your cash flow and ensures you stay compliant without the last-minute rush.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I just deal with my taxes once a year like I did as an employee? When you’re a consultant, you become your own payroll department. Unlike a traditional job where your employer withholds taxes from each paycheck, you’re responsible for paying them yourself. This means you need to make estimated tax payments to the IRS throughout the year. Treating taxes as a year-round activity helps you manage your cash flow, avoid a huge bill in April, and steer clear of underpayment penalties.
I’m overwhelmed by all the possible deductions. What’s the most important first step? Before you worry about specific deductions, focus on creating a clean system for tracking your expenses. The single best thing you can do is open a separate business bank account and use it for all your business income and spending. This simple habit creates a clear record of your finances, making it much easier to spot every potential write-off and ensuring you have the proof to back it up.
I’m just starting out. Do I really need to form an LLC or S Corp right away? Not necessarily. It’s perfectly fine to start as a sole proprietor, which is the simplest structure. However, as your income grows, forming an LLC or S Corp can offer significant benefits, including protecting your personal assets and potentially lowering your self-employment tax bill. The right time to make a change is a strategic decision, and it’s one of the best reasons to have an initial conversation with a tax professional.
Is there a simple rule for how much money I should save for taxes from each client payment? A great starting point is to set aside 25-30% of every payment you receive in a separate savings account just for taxes. This percentage is a safe estimate that generally covers your federal and state income taxes, plus the self-employment taxes for Social Security and Medicare. While your exact rate might be different, this habit ensures you always have the cash ready when quarterly payments are due.
My business is still small. Isn’t hiring an accountant an unnecessary expense? Think of it as an investment rather than an expense. A good tax professional does more than just file your return; they provide a strategy. They can find deductions you didn’t know existed, advise you on the best business structure, and save you hours of stress and research. The money they save you often far outweighs their fee, and it frees you up to focus on what you do best—serving your clients.