How To Make Tax Time Easy On Your Blog Or VA Business

This post is sponsored by Xero.com. All opinions are my own.

When I first started blogging I didn’t keep good money records. Yikes! I keep great records in my personal life, but the blog was something different. It was new. And basically I was only spending money, so I didn’t think it mattered to keep track.

Then tax time rolled around and it was sooooo hard! I didn’t have to PAY taxes (still it was a loss). But I needed to know how much of a loss to claim (and be able to back it up in case of an audit).

That was stressful! I vowed not to be so scattered next year.

That’s where Xero.com comes in. It’s an online accounting software that helps you keep track of your business.

Here’s a video that shows you how it works. It’s so simple. And you don’t need to have employees or a team to use it and make it work. It’s great for solopreneurs too.

Also interesting:
Overcoming A Financial Crisis As A Family

Top Reasons To Use An Accounting Software such as Xero

(instead of just writing in a notepad or using Excel)

Trust me, I know. I LOVE Excel. I use it for everything. But it’s just not enough for keeping track of your blog or VA business.

Reason #1 – Make Tax Time Easy Peasy

It won’t take you months of sifting through emails and receipts to find out much you made and spent on your blog because it will all be in ONE PLACE.

Reason #2 – Keep track of the money

Know what you’re spending your money on and where you’re making money. Use easy to view charts and graphs to make sense of your business and make smarter choices.

Reason #3 – Make your invoices look a bit more professional than Paypal

There is nothing wrong with starting with Paypal, but Xero can make your invoices too so professional. You only get one chance for a first impression!

Also interesting:
Apply For A Birth Certificate - What You Need To Know About The Birth Certificate

Get 30% off your first 6 months now.

Don’t wait until your blog or VA finances are a complete mess. Start keeping track of things now.

Top Tips To Keep Your Blog Finances Together

Tip #1 – Do it now!

Here is my biggest tip when using any software to keep track of your business expenses – Enter it right away!

Don’t think – “I’ll remember it.” or “I’ll enter it later”

You WILL forget. Sorry, it’s true.

I keep all finance emails in my Inbox until I’ve entered the expense or income in Xero.

Whenever I get paid, it goes into my checking account app and Xero.

Whenever I buy something, it goes into my checking account app and Xero.

Tip #2 – Keep everything separate

If you don’t have one already, get a separate email address with your domain (you can get one easily through Google now), set up a separate checking/credit account and a separate business Paypal account.

Also interesting:
Time Management: How to Schedule a Productive Day

It is so much easier at tax time, when everything is already separate! It will make the IRS happy and it will make you happy since you have less work to do.

Tip #3 – Set up Xero right away

You might be sensing a theme here. Personally I am a recovering procrastinator. I don’t know about you, but I know when I tell myself I will do it later, there is a 50% chance it will never get done.

So, a lot of my advice is always just – do it now. Get it done and then fix it later if you have to.

Don’t procrastinate. Set up your accounts right away so you can start using Xero right away. The sooner you get your blog finances organized, the sooner you can focus on doing more of what you love – blogging, right?

When you make your finances a habit – you set yourself up to win.

The best products for you and your baby.

Baby monitor

With a baby monitor, you can use your time flexibly, sleep peacefully at night and still know at all times that your baby is doing well.

Nursing pillow

A good breastfeeding pillow has several advantages, because it helps you not only to breastfeed, but also to fall asleep and is also suitable as a nest.

Diaper bags

A diaper bag offers you a lot of storage space, so that you have everything you need for your baby on the go - from the changing pad to the bottle.

Pucksack

A pucksack gives your baby the feeling of security, like in the womb, and thus supports a peaceful and restful sleep.

Bicycle trailer

Bicycle trailers can be used in combination with a baby seat shortly after birth. They are not only safer than child seats but also more comfortable.

Playpen

A playpen can be very practical in everyday life! Which model is suitable for your needs, you can read in my guide.

Baby bed

The first bed accompanies your child for years. Fortunately, there are beds that grow with your child. I have made for you on the search for the best baby beds.

Stroller

A stroller is a worthwhile purchase. But there are the most diverse models on the market. Find out which is the right one.

Radiant heater

Radiant heaters provide your child with the necessary warmth when changing diapers or after bathing.

Extra bed

Side beds are very practical and offer both mother and baby a lot of advantages, because for babies, especially in the first months of life, it is reassuring to be able to sleep next to their parents.

Leave a Comment