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Business

Accurate bookkeeping is essential for every business, regardless of its size. But keeping track of transactions and maintaining organized records can be a daunting task.&nbsp;
Fortunately, there are plenty of free bookkeeping tools available that can simplify<a href="https://www.realcheckstubs.com/blog/accounting/the-ultimate-guide-to-smb-accounting"> accounting</a> for small businesses, helping you stay on top of your finances. This article will explore a few of the best options.&nbsp;
<h2>The Best Free Bookkeeping Tools&nbsp;</h2>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100.027%;" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 3.51789%;">No</td>
<td style="width: 17.1855%;">Bookkeeping Software</td>
<td style="width: 79.2702%;">Highlights</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 3.51789%;">1</td>
<td style="width: 17.1855%;">CloudBooks </td>
<td style="width: 79.2702%;">CloudBooks offers a free plan for freelancers and small businesses, assisting with invoicing and reporting. </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 3.51789%;">2</td>
<td style="width: 17.1855%;">ZipBooks </td>
<td style="width: 79.2702%;">ZipBooks lets you send an unlimited number of invoices</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 3.51789%;">3</td>
<td style="width: 17.1855%;">GnuCash </td>
<td style="width: 79.2702%;"> It&rsquo;s compatible with Linux </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 3.51789%;">4</td>
<td style="width: 17.1855%;">Wave </td>
<td style="width: 79.2702%;">Its integration with bank accounts, credit cards, and other financial institutions is quick and easy.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 3.51789%;">5</td>
<td style="width: 17.1855%;">Front Accounting </td>
<td style="width: 79.2702%;"> It handles work order entries and work center inquiries and can prepare bills of materials.&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 3.51789%;">6</td>
<td style="width: 17.1855%;">SlickPie</td>
<td style="width: 79.2702%;">Supports the management of multiple companies</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 3.51789%;">7</td>
<td style="width: 17.1855%;">TrulySmall Invoicing</td>
<td style="width: 79.2702%;">Multiple currencies are supported</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h3>CloudBooks</h3>
CloudBooks offers a free plan for freelancers and small businesses, assisting with invoicing, expense management and reporting. What&rsquo;s more, it comes integrated with Stripe and PayPal so you can accept online payments for your invoices (you can also set up automated payment reminders and charge late fees). There is no limit to the number of invoices you can send with CloudBooks.
The bookkeeping app supports multiple users and even assists with project management, helping to track project progress and ensure everything stays within budget. Your employees can log time spent on individual tasks and invoices can be generated based on time entries. You can also track project expenses and view a range of project reports.&nbsp;
All in all, CloudBooks is a versatile system that handles a range of core business processes, saving you the need to use separate programs for each task. All that&rsquo;s left is to incorporate an instant <a href="https://www.realcheckstubs.com/generateStubs">check stub maker</a> and all your time and money management needs are covered.&nbsp;
<h3>ZipBooks</h3>
ZipBooks offers a free plan specifically designed for small businesses. It provides features like expense tracking, invoicing, and financial reporting, as well as a time tracking feature that lets you accurately bill clients based on hours worked. The tool also integrates with PayPal and Square.&nbsp;
Like CloudBooks, ZipBooks lets you send an unlimited number of invoices. However, you need to have a paid plan if you want to automate billing and reminders, as well as use the time tracking features.&nbsp;
<h3>GnuCash</h3>
GnuCash is a powerful open-source bookkeeping software that caters to businesses of all sizes, and even freelancers. Its features include:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Double-entry accounting</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Transaction scheduling</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Bank account tracking</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Expense tracking</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Investment tracking (including stocks and other commodities)</li>
</ul>
It also supports various other financial instruments such as bonds and mutual funds.&nbsp;
Another advantage of GnuCash is that it&rsquo;s compatible with Linux (along with the more common operating systems). It&rsquo;s also available in many languages.&nbsp;
However, it&rsquo;s not as easy to use as some of the other platforms we&rsquo;re reviewing here and it has a steeper learning curve.&nbsp;
<h3>Wave</h3>
Wave is another popular web-based accounting tool that offers a comprehensive set of features tailored for small businesses and freelancers.&nbsp;
It enables you to track income and expenses, create and send professional invoices and generate financial reports.&nbsp;
Its integration with bank accounts, credit cards, and other financial institutions is quick and easy, letting you import transactions automatically and reduce manual data entry. Compared to GnuCash, it&rsquo;s easier to use and has a more intuitive interface.&nbsp;
They don&rsquo;t offer any paid plans &ndash; all the essential features are free. The way they profit is through optional extras such as<a href="https://www.realcheckstubs.com/blog/paystubs/choosing-the-right-payroll-software-program-for-your-business"> payroll processing</a>, coaching, and customized services.&nbsp;
Manager
Manager is another free bookkeeping software that provides a comprehensive range of accounting features, as well as features for tax functions. It&rsquo;s also available in a broad range of languages.&nbsp;
The catch is that only the desktop version is available for free &ndash; you&rsquo;ll need to use the cloud version for $39/month if you want:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Remote access</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Access via tablets and other mobile devices</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Multiple user accounts&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The option to set user permissions.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Automatic backups and updates</li>
</ul>
If you need to use your bookkeeping software on the move (and not on a laptop), this won&rsquo;t be the option for you. However, its comprehensive functionality suits many users that have no problem using the desktop version.&nbsp;
<h3>Front Accounting</h3>
Front Accounting is an open-source accounting system that&rsquo;s available in multiple languages and supports various currencies. Another plus is that you can manage multiple companies within your account.&nbsp;
The software offers features including:&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">General ledger</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Budget management</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Accounts payable and receivable</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Inventory control</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Financial reporting.&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Purchase orders, sales orders, invoices and credit notes</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Online payments</li>
</ul>
A handy addition to the list is a set of features designed for manufacturing companies. It handles work order entries and work center inquiries and can prepare bills of materials.&nbsp;
<h3>SlickPie</h3>
SlickPie caters to small businesses and freelancers, offering features such as invoice creation, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, financial reporting, sales tax management, and so on.&nbsp;
Other benefits:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Supports multiple currencies</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Supports the management of multiple companies</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Automation features&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">You can accept payments via credit card, PayPal and Stripe</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Well-designed user interface</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Available as a Chrome extension for the ultimate convenience&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Despite these benefits, some users have complained about poor customer support and limited invoice customizations. What&rsquo;s more, integrations are limited &ndash; so it&rsquo;s definitely not suitable for larger or expanding businesses (or those with more complex operations).&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>TrulySmall Invoicing</h3>
Another option well suited to freelancers is TrulySmall Invoicing. Their free plan takes care of all your invoicing needs &ndash; you can create and send invoices using professional invoice templates (customizable to suit your branding), as well as track invoices and set up automated payment reminders. Multiple currencies are supported and you get chat support with this plan, but not phone or email support.&nbsp;
Unfortunately, if you need more comprehensive bookkeeping functionality, you&rsquo;d need to use their paid version &ndash; TrulySmall Accounting &ndash; at $20/month, which provides tools for income and expense tracking, sales and sales tax tracking, and accepting online payments. You also get access to phone and email support.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Another handy feature of the paid plan is receipt scanning &ndash; simply take a photo of your receipts and match it to an existing record or create a new one. Better yet, all your transactions are automatically categorized into IRS and CRA-approved categories &ndash; perfect for a hassle-free<a href="https://www.realcheckstubs.com/blog/tax/small-business-tax-deadlines-for-2023"> tax season</a>.&nbsp;
<h2>Conclusion - Final Verdict</h2>
Efficient bookkeeping is crucial for the success of any business and there are abundant free tools available for small businesses and freelancers alike. Making use of these tools lets you simplify your financial management processes, save time, maintain accurate records, and avoid any complications with the tax man.&nbsp;
Whether you opt for Wave's user-friendly interface, CloudBooks&rsquo; project management tools, or ZipBooks' unlimited invoices, these tools will streamline your small business accounting so you can focus on growing your business.&nbsp;
Taking the stress out of bookkeeping doesn&rsquo;t end with accounting software though &ndash; you need a quick and easy way to generate paystubs for your employees. Check out our<a href="https://www.realcheckstubs.com/generateStubs"> instant paystub generator</a> here with its professional paystub templates and simplify your payroll processing today!
&nbsp;

Blog

Accounting

The Best Free Bookkeeping Tools

This article provides a quick rundown of the top free accounting tools and best free bookkeeping software for small businesses.

Top 7 Free Accounting & Bookkeeping Tools for Small Business

<img src="https://dev-v2-rcs.realcheckstubs.com/storage/posts/strategies-for-financial-independence6.jpg" alt="How to Become Financially Independent In 5 Years (7 Strategies)" width="1280" height="720" />
Are you one of those individuals who have made a timeline of traveling the world after earning for a lifetime? Probably in your sixties? Let's be honest; even if you make it happen, you won't fully enjoy the bliss due to aging health concerns.&nbsp;
Things have changed! Unlike in olden times, you have many opportunities for achieving financial independence and planning your retirement in your forties or thirties, depending on when you start working toward your goal. Many of us want to enjoy financial stability, but we fail to achieve this goal due to a lack of understanding and timely awareness.&nbsp;
Here is how to become financially independent and everything else that you need to know:
<h2>How to be financially independent?</h2>
Whether it's the debate about financial freedom vs financial independence or finding the most paid job, the goal is always the same for everyone, i.e., bringing economic stability to lives. Every since the pandemic has given rise to global inflation, people have become more inclined to be mindful of their expense management and more concerned about securing their future financially.&nbsp;
To be honest, you cannot learn to save money and become rich in a year or two. You must adopt certain habits, make tough choices, and put intense effort into reaching your goal. It is safe to say; five years will be enough to help you attain that level where you will not have to worry less about running to work, or your salary might be deducted for late.
Here are seven best tried and tested strategies that will let you reach your financial goals:
<h2>Knowing Your Finances:</h2>
<img src="https://dev-v2-rcs.realcheckstubs.com/storage/posts/image3_080723.webp" alt="Knowing Your Finances" width="854" height="480" />
We are often so caught up with life and work that we ignore our finances or pay attention to our expenses. We prefer keeping things as they are without realizing their impact on our future until it's too late!
You need to have a keen look at your expenses, spending patterns, and income. Look carefully at what you buy monthly and how much you spend unnecessarily. Start with the saving process and make a financial independence plan by drawing a clear line between your luxuries and necessities. There might be things you might be paying for but not having enough time to use, such as a gym membership or Netflix/Amazon primes prime subscription.
Having a sound knowledge of how much you earn, how much more you need to make, which expenses are a must, and which ones can be excluded can help determine your subsequent strategies. If you can get through this process successfully, consider yourself one step closer to your goals.&nbsp;
<h2>What Does Becoming Financially Independent Mean to You:</h2>
<img src="https://dev-v2-rcs.realcheckstubs.com/storage/posts/image6_080723.webp" alt="What Does Becoming Financially Independent Mean to You" width="854" height="480" />
We all have different aspirations and visions of the future for us. Some of us prefer a minimal lifestyle, while others aim for bigger houses and luxury. We all have different definitions of financial independence shaped by our inspirations and experiences. You must ask yourself questions such as what lifestyle do you want? How much money will you need to support it? At what age do you want financial independence and early retirement?
Sorting out your expectations and setting goals is one of the success-leading steps to financial independence. Get into the details by setting up milestones along with deadlines to get there.&nbsp;
<h2>Finding a Better Working Opportunity and Increasing Income:</h2>
<img src="https://dev-v2-rcs.realcheckstubs.com/storage/posts/image8_080723-2jjywf.webp" alt="Finding a Better Working Opportunity and Increasing Income" width="854" height="480" />
Sticking to one job for years is never good for your productivity and finances. It might seem convenient, but one workplace cannot offer you a sufficient annual raise. Keep looking for better opportunities to get good pay raises.&nbsp;
Cutting down your expenses or simplifying your lifestyle is not solely enough for savings. It would help if you found ways to increase your income. You can also consider finding a part-time job, starting a small business, or adding a share to someone you know to get profit, even if it does not seem more significant. Relying on one source of income cannot lead to financial years, either in five years or a lifetime.&nbsp;
<h2>Invest, Invest, Invest:</h2>
<img src="https://dev-v2-rcs.realcheckstubs.com/storage/posts/strategies-for-financial-independence1.webp" alt="" width="853" height="480" />
Saving surely is a great habit and does add to your wealth. However, if you want to know how to be financially independent in five years, you must hear this out 'Just saving won't make that happen.'&nbsp;
Save money as much as you can and invest strategically to make it double and generate passive income for the rest of your lives. Kudos to the technological evolution that offers plenty of investment options such as blockchain or cryptocurrency. Putting your money is also considered to be one of the risky yet effective ways of making money.&nbsp;
Besides, you can use your saving to either start a business or invest it in a reliable business venture. The best investment also includes buying a commercial property and renting it out. Moreover, you hire an expert to get word on how to make the best investment considering your savings and retirement plan.&nbsp;
<h2>Live for Yourself:</h2>
<img src="https://dev-v2-rcs.realcheckstubs.com/storage/posts/strategies-for-financial-independence3.webp" alt="" width="853" height="480" />
Are you eyeing an expensive dress to wear to a next party and have all eyes on you? Are you impressed by an expensive luxury car your friend just bought? Do overly costly home d&eacute;cor items tempt you? Beware, you might be close to getting broke!
Falling prey to all these glittery things around and seeing your financially stable friends and acquaintances are pretty common and easy. However, trying to keep up with their way of life while earning half the amount they are can make you go broke, not just today but for the next five years too.&nbsp;
Start living life for yourself, your future, and mental peace rather than trying to impress others and opting for a lifestyle you cannot afford at the moment. Draw a clear line between things you want and things you need. Living below your means is the key to your success.
Do not get demotivated; you will get there with more effort and persistence!&nbsp;
<h2>Do a Market Research before Buying Stuff:</h2>
<img src="https://dev-v2-rcs.realcheckstubs.com/storage/posts/strategies-for-financial-independence4.webp" alt="" width="853" height="480" />
Every single penny you spend counts because you might be one step away from saving an extra buck but couldn't due to lack of market knowledge and stuff. Even if you want to maintain a good lifestyle currently, you can try finding places to buy stuff at lower prices.&nbsp;
For example, try exploring thrift stores to buy furniture or home d&eacute;cor items. Visit factory outlets of famous brands to purchase clothing and make it work for you. Avoid eating out; however, if you still want to, explore the places that offer good quality food at lesser prices rather than heading to overly expensive restaurants.&nbsp;
Likewise, if you want to travel, book your tickets after doing a comparison of all the available airlines. It would be great to book your tickets months before for lower pricing.&nbsp;
When shopping, do not hesitate to bargain where ever you can. In short, use all the possible ways to save as much money as possible to enjoy a comfortable and stress-free living later.&nbsp;
<h2>Why is financial Independence Important?</h2>
<img src="https://dev-v2-rcs.realcheckstubs.com/storage/posts/strategies-for-financial-independence7.webp" alt="" width="853" height="480" />
You might be young, enthusiastic at the moment and will have lots of energy and time to work and build your career. However, that motivation and potential to make a big start getting fade as you age and get burdened by responsibilities. Therefore, you need to plan ahead to keep your finances stable so you can have much time and energy to enjoy your time with friends and family and have time to live the life of your dreams.
Moreover, the recent pandemic has made us all learn an important lesson. Jobs are an unreliable channel to earn a livelihood. The globally massive layoffs and highly increased unemployment should be enough to motivate you to secure your future financially. It would help if you focused on generating a passive income to avoid getting stuck in a situation where losing a job will be your biggest fear.&nbsp;
<h2>What Else To Know?</h2>
We often become so invested in reaching our financial goals that we overlook the fact that health is also one of the fundamental forms of wealth. You won't realize the importance of a healthier, happier mind and body when you no longer have one. As we age, we become prone to developing physical and mental health concerns, and with the aim of becoming financially stable, you may have moments that will make you feel stressed and demotivated.&nbsp;
However, do not forget that you can only enjoy today's efforts if you stay alive and healthy to live through your dreams. Make your health your priority no matter what age group you belong to. Develop healthy eating habits and make workouts mandatory. Try getting sound sleep every day and keep your mind calm and less stress-free.&nbsp;
Poor health can lead to short-term and long-term consequences that will affect your financial goals notably. In severe cases, it can also result in early retirement, which will be a blow to your future goals. Therefore, keep yourself focused and maintain a healthy balance between work and life.&nbsp;
The Verdict:
Becoming financially independent in five years is neither a far-fetched reality nor something impossible. All you need is some vigilance, motivation, knowledge, and consistency to enjoy a future free from the stress of keeping up with a 9 to 5 job and planning to make your dreams come true between paychecks. These strategies may not work as a recipe for becoming rich; however, the habit they will help you develop will ensure a financially stable future.&nbsp;
Make sure to use your time and energy wisely and reap the benefits of your life choices later. You surely will not want to wait to travel till your back starts hurting!

Achieve financial independence within 5 years by implementing these 7 proven strategies. Take control of your finances and pave the way to a secure and abundant future.

How to Become Financially Independent In 5 Years (7 Strategies)

A pro forma income statement is a financial document that predicts the expected financial performance of a business over a specific time period. As such, it&rsquo;s a useful tool that business owners may use to estimate what their future expenses, revenue, and profits will be.
Pro forma income statements may be used for a variety of purposes including budgeting, financial planning, and forecasting. They may also be used by lenders and investors to determine a company&rsquo;s financial health and growth potential.
As well as discussing the uses of pro forma income statements, this article will cover pro forma budget documents, pro forma managerial accounting, pro forma invoices, and the advantages and limitations of using pro forma statements in financial reporting. Finally, we will outline the steps involved in creating a pro forma statement.
&nbsp;
Why Do You Need a Pro Forma Income Statement?
You can use a pro forma income statement to estimate your company's financial performance for a specific period, based on projections and assumptions. Doing so serves multiple purposes, such as evaluating the financial feasibility of a business plan, forecasting future revenues, and assessing the potential impact of operational or financing changes. Additionally, these statements are a valuable resource for businesses seeking financing or making investments.
Pro forma income statements are created by projecting the company's future sales, cost of goods sold, and operating expenses based on market trends, historical data, and other relevant factors. The statement includes line items for revenue, cost of goods sold, operating costs, gross profit, operating income, net income, taxes, and earnings per share. These line items provide valuable insight into a company's profitability and financial position.
This statement can be prepared for any period, such as a fiscal year, quarter, or month. They may also be updated periodically to reflect changes in the company's operations or financial situation.
It is important to note that pro forma statements are only estimations and not actual financial statements for the company. The data presented is based on projections and assumptions and may differ from actual financial results.
Other Pro Forma Statements and Documents
As well as pro forma income statements, there are some other types of pro forma statements to be aware of.
Pro Forma Budget Documents 
A pro forma budget document is a financial planning tool that helps businesses estimate future revenues and expenses for informed decision-making. It's typically created during budgeting to allocate funds and evaluate profitability by covering all expected line items such as sales, salaries, rent, utilities, and operating expenses.
Pro Forma Managerial Accounting 
A pro forma managerial accounting document provides a detailed view of a company's financial situation, helping businesses to identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions about financial strategies.
It projects expenses, revenue, and profits based on historical data, trends, and other factors, highlighting areas of concern or opportunity. Management can adjust operations or financial strategies based on these projections in order to improve performance.
Pro Forma Financial Accounting 
A pro forma financial accounting statement estimates a company's financial future and aids management in decision-making. It may include projected revenues, assets, liabilities, expenses, and equity and can be used with other financial statements like <a href="https://www.realcheckstubs.com/blog/accounting/income-statement-vs-balance-sheet">income statements and balance sheets</a>.
These pro forma statements are useful for assessing new business plans, forecasting financial performance, and evaluating operational or financing changes.
Pro Forma Earnings Projections 
A pro forma earnings projections statement estimates a company's future earnings over a specific period and aids in planning and decision-making. These statements cover projected revenues, expenses, and earnings per share (EPS) and are created for varying time periods, such as quarterly, annual, or multi-year. They are valuable for assessing the feasibility of new business plans, evaluating the potential impact of operational changes, and forecasting future performance.
Pro Forma Invoice 
A pro forma invoice is a preliminary sales document that is issued to customers before the shipment of goods or delivery of services. It provides an overview of the transaction, including details such as the description and quantity of goods, their value, and other pertinent information required by customs officials.
Unlike a commercial invoice, a pro forma invoice does not require immediate payment. Rather, its purpose is to serve as a binding agreement to sell the goods at a specified price. These invoices are commonly used when applying for import licenses, arranging transportation of goods, or securing payment.
&nbsp;
The Benefits of Pro Forma Statements 
Some benefits associated with using pro forma statements are as follows:
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li2">Pro forma statements offer a useful benefit to businesses by helping with the challenge of forecasting their <a href="https://www.realcheckstubs.com/blog/finance/what-is-unearned-revenue">revenue</a>. These statements provide realistic assumptions which can help companies create accurate projections for their income, cash flow, and balance sheets.</li>
<li class="li2">Pro forma income statements estimate a company's financial status pre-transaction, like an acquisition's impact.</li>
<li class="li2">Pro forma profit and loss statements calculate financial ratios and exclude one-time expenses for accuracy.</li>
<li class="li2">Pro forma statements are particularly useful for companies in the telecom and cable industries to present accurate financial performance.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
What are the Limitations of Pro Forma Statements? 
Investors should be aware that a company&rsquo;s pro forma statements may contain figures and calculations that do not comply with the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (or GAAP), the standards that public companies follow for their financial statements.
In fact, pro forma and GAAP statements vary greatly when it comes to their calculations. Pro forma statement results may have adjustments to GAAP numbers so they may highlight important aspects of a company&rsquo;s operating performance.
It&rsquo;s important to keep in mind that using a pro forma statement to grossly misconstrue GAAP results and mislead your investors is deemed fraudulent and punishable by law according to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Here are some other limitations associated with pro forma statements:
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li2">Pro forma statements are projections and subject to uncertainty and depend on the underlying assumptions made. Flawed assumptions can result in inaccurate planning and execution.</li>
<li class="li2">Some pro forma statement formats exclude unsold inventory, indicating inefficient management of production.</li>
<li class="li2">Pro forma income statements for new businesses may not yield intended outcomes due to insufficient data, particularly if operating for a brief period.</li>
<li class="li2">Investors and analysts should carefully review pro forma income statements and exercise caution while evaluating what is and isn't included, as not all companies manipulate their earnings.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
How Do I Create a Pro Forma Statement? 
Below is a simple step-by-step guide on how to create and calculate the different aspects of a pro forma income statement. When you make one of these statements, be sure that you use as many details as possible throughout the entire process.
1. Create Your Baseline
The first step is to establish a baseline by analyzing the current and previous fiscal years. This baseline will serve as a reference point for your current financial status and will help you understand your revenue and cost growth rates if you make no changes to your current state assumptions.
2. Add in Assumptions 
The next step is to establish your assumptions for the next 3 to 5 years. To do this, you will need to consider your internal and external factors.
Internal Factors 
By using your current year, or the last 12 months, as a benchmark, think about the present and future drivers for revenue for your business.
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li2">Do you plan on increasing your sales efforts or do you want to invest in other marketing channels?</li>
<li class="li2">How will these changes impact on your company&rsquo;s revenue?</li>
<li class="li2">What is the lead time before these factors show an impact on your business revenue?</li>
</ul>
If you plan to expand your sales team, for instance, you will need to account for the startup time before it actually begins to have an impact on your revenue.
External Factors 
Think about any market, competition, and regulatory changes you anticipate within the next few years that will impact on your company&rsquo;s growth. (Market reports are a helpful resource when considering how industry trends, new technologies and other external factors may impact your revenue.)
It&rsquo;s helpful to create a revenue model that allows you to input your assumptions and analyze all figures to ensure they are reasonable before you input them in your income statement.&nbsp;
3. Gather Details From Your Income Statement 
While determining your growth assumptions, it's important to also consider the associated costs and revenue impact that it may have on your business. To create an accurate pro forma income statement, you will need to include both sides of the equation.
Make sure to identify and categorize your costs correctly such as cost of sales, salaries of your salesforce, and marketing expenses so that they are placed into the right areas of your projected income statement.
4. Test Your Assumptions 
The accuracy of your assumptions depends on the quality of your baseline data. Therefore, ensure that your revenue, expenses, and growth numbers are logical and free of errors. If some of your planned initiatives have not yielded the expected results, it is unlikely that they will in the future unless something changes.
Get multiple team members to review your model and assumptions. Creating various scenarios such as conservative, likely, and ambitious can help you identify the range of possible outcomes, set targets, and plan for stable progress.
&nbsp;
In Closing 
A pro forma income statement can help businesses to estimate their upcoming expenses, revenue, and profits, which can assist in financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting. As a result, it is an essential financial document that can aid business owners in planning and forecasting their financial performance.
Pro forma income statements are also beneficial for investors and lenders that need to determine a company&rsquo;s financial health and growth potential.
The various types of pro forma statements all have their advantages and disadvantages but it&rsquo;s important to keep in mind that they are just estimates and their accuracy depends on the correctness of the underlying assumptions. As such, be as thorough as possible and consider all internal and external factors when creating such statements.
To further improve your business&rsquo;s financial processes, consider using our pay stub generator &ndash; it makes it easy to keep payroll organized and provides your employees with downloadable pay check stubs instantly. You can learn more about our pay stub generator and templates by clicking <a href="https://www.realcheckstubs.com/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=18627765762&amp;utm_term=real%2520check%2520stubs&amp;device=c&amp;placement=&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw27mhBhC9ARIsAIFsETFU8J7oB0-5_sFdITdjSG2dv_OYWbAgdH_CmEE368eEdwIVf57LqhsaAsJkEALw_wcB">here</a>.

Read this guide to learn how and why lenders use your pro-forma. What role this report plays in your business and how to stay on top of it.

Our guide shows you how to read this important report like a professional

What is a Pro Forma Income Statement?

Get the ultimate guide to SMB accounting and take control of your finance. From bookkeeping to taxes, our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know

The Ultimate Guide to SMB Accounting

Unearned revenue is a common phenomenon among those requiring a prepayment for their services. It can also occur often whenever a company provides subscription-based solutions to its clients. Without an exception, unearned revenue is a liability.

What’s Unearned Income?

Unearned revenue is only recognized whenever a company has a contract with a client that necessitates the provision of a certain product or service. The contract also has to highlight whether the obligation is subscription-based and if the client has to make advance payments.

When Is Unearned Revenue Recognized?

No. Unearned revenue cannot be considered an asset. Unearned income is money a company receives from a client before the delivery of an item or service. Unearned income is reported on a balance sheet as a debit to the cash account and a credit to the unearned revenue account.

Can unearned revenue be an asset?

Unearned revenue is first recorded as a debit to the cash account and a credit to the unearned revenue account in the books. As is customary in double-entry bookkeeping, the credit and debit are the same amount. Furthermore, every transaction is always recorded in two accounts.

Is unearned revenue a credit or debit?

Unearned income is accrual. Unearned income is payment received by a company for products or services that have yet to be delivered. Until the contract is executed, it is reflected as a liability on the company's balance sheet.

Unearned income is it cash or accrual?

Is unearned revenue a liability? The short answer is yes. Here’s everything about unearned income and how it’s recorded.

What Is Unearned Revenue [Definition Examples Calculation]

Is Unearned Revenue a Liability and How’s the Calculation Made

&nbsp;
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/hRSBud9U1lIQwLT5y45Jcf_dgX9jH_fwL6gnLe5enMdg2F37awwQZo3E2cENolxgQCQ8LCgTaCo-ixvbhtdSaQ9tJSt8YfsYpy_2GYwZB2RAHeK-L3skURB-UuRBD7wgBOrorJDTabM_n1H-IltkRpAkX5NgPhIX1KYggLj4jxxhW3pAsVqPPDJpyCmvmNsK" alt="Income Statement vs. Balance Sheet " width="624" height="444" />
&nbsp;
As a business owner, the income statement and balance sheet are both vital business documents. However, they are not one and the same, although a good income statement usually translates to a good balance sheet. In some cases, a business may have a great income statement but not a good balance sheet. Sadly, many business owners mix up these two documents, wondering what the difference is between the two.
A balance sheet and an income statement are fundamentally two separate documents. And we&rsquo;ll be looking at them both to see how they differ from and relate to each other.
<h2 id="h_422308018165751667392236223" dir="ltr">What Is a Balance Sheet?</h2>
A balance sheet is a run-through of a company&rsquo;s assets and liabilities at a given point in time. It is a financial statement that covers the company&rsquo;s assets, its liabilities, and the investor&rsquo;s equity. The balance sheet shows a company's financial position at a given time and shows its net worth. The balance sheet is used along with other financial documents to make analysis and financial decisions.
<h2 id="h_919340002167801667392242928" dir="ltr">The Balance Sheet: What Does It Cover?</h2>
The balance sheet covers three things, primarily: assets, liabilities, and equity. They are usually arranged in order of liquidity, with the easiest to convert topping the list.
Assets&nbsp;include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, inventory, and property.
<ol>
<li dir="ltr">
Cash and cash equivalents: this describes the cash value owned by the company. It also includes cash equivalents like marketable securities.
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
Accounts receivable: this refers to the debt owed to the company for goods or services already delivered. This is included in the current assets section of the balance sheet.
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
Inventory: finished goods ready to be taken to the market and raw materials in the store are inventories and are accounted for in current assets.
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
Property: Plants, trademarks, and copyright belong here. They are the most illiquid of the company&rsquo;s assets.
</li>
</ol>
Liabilities are the company&rsquo;s debts. It includes accounts payable, loans, pending taxes, etc.
<ol>
<li dir="ltr">
A company&rsquo;s debt is the total amount owed (to banks, lending services, etc.). Debts could be short-term (current) or long-term (non-current) liabilities.
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
Accounts payable: this includes the money owed to suppliers, vendors, or outsourced partners in the production process. These debts are short-term and considered current liabilities.
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
Pending taxes: this is the company&rsquo;s deferred tax liability, i.e., tax due but unpaid.
</li>
</ol>
Equity: The sum of money initially invested in the company, and also net earnings minus any payments made to owners, is referred to as equity.
<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/L-iX7lYj6mAI37kzqDjlEbmH478G9Db5A7RVH3xPb2VmFO-O3or-9exTwFdmzU-K7LdlSvTU_farStaa5jd-h3Z-uIp_0xakzDV5RK_veuILjVAr-II2il7l8Mhj0PZv9p1OZhFASDKPl483BNf_sRwFBXlAa_UW8GMntVgt9iMdIqoO-0COckDgglJBOqOq" alt="The Balance Sheet: What Does It Cover?" width="624" height="769" />
The balance sheet is basically a balance with two sides. That is, assets = liabilities = equity.
The balance sheet portrays how a firm uses its assets and how those assets relate to the company's liabilities. It is vital to keep the balance sheet updated.
<h2 id="h_811179231169841667392247733" dir="ltr">What Is an Income Statement?</h2>
An income statement is a financial document that depicts a company&rsquo;s account health over a given time period. It is also known as the profit and loss statement (P&amp;L statement) or an earnings statement, and it shows the company&rsquo;s expenses and revenues over a period of time.
The income statements are one of the key documents tendered by a public<a href="https://www.realcheckstubs.com/blog/business/pros-and-cons-of-a-limited-liability-company-llc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> limited liability company</a> periodically. The P &amp; L statement gives an insight into the company&rsquo;s profitability or lack thereof. It also shows its income sources, budget, and expenses.
The income statements are especially important because they show the company&rsquo;s trend and possible trajectory, especially when studied across various periods. As such, investors pay special attention to a business's financial statements when deciding whether or not to invest. The P &amp; L statement also gives an experienced financial analyst deep insights into the company&rsquo;s profitability relative to its sales and expenses.
<h2 id="h_663394400171871667392252923" dir="ltr">Income Statement: What Does It Cover?</h2>
The income statement primarily accounts for revenue, expenses (including the cost of goods sold), and net income or loss.
Revenue is the total amount earned by the company over a given time period. A company&rsquo;s revenue may be grouped as operating revenue (from the company&rsquo;s primary operations or production) and non-operating revenue (from other sources that are not directly related to production).
Other income includes gains gotten from non-recurring sales. For example, when a property is sold, or an asset is disposed of,
Expenses: this refers to all the costs incurred during the production process. It includes the cost of labor, raw materials, and administrative costs.
Net income/loss: This is what is left after the total expense has been subtracted from the gain realized and is also referred to as the bottom line.
<h2 id="h_314835712173891667392258944" dir="ltr">8 Steps to Prepare an Income Statement</h2>
<h3 id="h_886718741175901667392264142" dir="ltr">Step 1: Determine your reporting period</h3>
The first step in preparing your financial statement is to decide on your reporting timeframe. You may choose to prepare your financial statements monthly, quarterly, or annually.
<h3 id="h_543096301177901667392270039" dir="ltr">Step 2: Calculate the total revenue</h3>
Now that you have a reporting period in mind, it&rsquo;s time to calculate the total revenue your business generated during that period.
<h3 id="h_72553895179891667392274415" dir="ltr">Step 3: Determine the Cost of Goods Sold</h3>
Next, determine the total cost of goods sold. Consider all of the direct and indirect costs that contributed to your revenue, i.e., all of the costs associated with producing and selling your products or services. The cost typically includes labor costs, raw material expenses, distribution costs, and other production-related costs.
<h3 id="h_516487508181871667392280334" dir="ltr">Step 4: Determine your gross profit</h3>
Next, calculate your gross profit by subtracting the cost of goods sold from your total revenue.
<h3 id="h_835443630183841667392287928" dir="ltr">Step 5: Calculate your operating expenses</h3>
After calculating your gross profit, it&rsquo;s time to determine your operating expenses.
Operating expenses refer to costs incurred from doing the business but are not directly related to production. These expenses are not directly influenced by production. For example, your rent is not dependent on the level of production. Operating expenses include rent, utilities, legal fees, etc.
<h3 id="h_321463191185801667392295520" dir="ltr">Step 6: Subtract your operating expenses from your gross profit</h3>
Now, calculate your income by subtracting the operating expenses from your gross profit. The value obtained is your business' pretax income or earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT).
<h3 id="h_429007127187751667392302947" dir="ltr">Step 7: Calculate the interest and taxes</h3>
Next, calculate your interest and taxes.
Interest is the cost of borrowing, i.e., what you pay over your owed debts. To calculate this, you must first determine your total debt and interest rate.
Calculate your company&rsquo;s accrued tax for the reporting period.
<h3 id="h_294130677189691667392309236" dir="ltr">Step 8: Calculate your net income</h3>
The last step in preparing your income statement is to calculate your net income. To determine your net income, subtract your interest and taxes from your <a href="https://www.realcheckstubs.com/blog/business/ebitda-calculation">earnings before interest and tax (EBIT)</a>. The value obtained is the available amount that can be returned to the business. It could be redirected towards production, kept as a reserve, or used for other purposes.
<h2 id="h_606353861191621667392323186" dir="ltr">P &amp; L vs. balance sheet: What&rsquo;s the difference between the balance sheet and the income statement?</h2>
<h3 id="h_787500437193541667392340421" dir="ltr">Timing</h3>
The balance sheet shows a company&rsquo;s financial status at a specific point in time. An income statement, on the other hand, represents the company&rsquo;s health over a period of time.
<h3 id="h_915250320195451667392349004" dir="ltr">Reporting</h3>
The balance sheet covers assets, liabilities, and equity, while the P &amp; L statement covers revenue, running costs, tax expenses, and net profit/loss.
<h3 id="h_378612434197351667392357702" dir="ltr">Performance</h3>
While the balance sheet doesn&rsquo;t show a business's performance, the income statement gives more insight into performance.
<h3 id="h_596899666199241667392369491" dir="ltr">Usage within the company</h3>
Within the company, the balance sheet is used to determine whether or not the company is fit to meet its financial obligations, given the assets available.
<h3 id="h_401948495201121667392378715" dir="ltr">Relative importance</h3>
The balance sheet and income statement are both important documents, and their relative importance varies depending on who&rsquo;s considering them. However, the income statement is considered more important than the balance sheet because it is more detailed and gives a better insight into the company&rsquo;s financial health.
<h3 id="h_300480354202991667392392148" dir="ltr">Financial Analysis</h3>
The balance sheet aids in the evaluation of metrics such as the current ratio, debt-to-equity ratio, and return on shareholders' equity. Meanwhile, the income statement helps determine operating margins, gross margins, and price to earnings.
<h3 id="h_237440733204851667392401981" dir="ltr">Usage</h3>
Lenders use the balance sheet to determine whether or not a company is worth credit, i.e., they weigh the availability of property for collateral. Then, investors use income statements to foretell the future prospects of a business.
<h2 id="h_964997850206701667392415188" dir="ltr">Do They Have Anything in Common?</h2>
Both documents complement each other and are crucial in making financial decisions within a company.
<h3 id="h_252489990208541667392425548" dir="ltr">Accuracy</h3>
Both documents need to be accurately computed as they make up the core of financial reporting. An error in the balance sheet affects the financial statement and vice versa. So, an error in either will result in overall inaccuracy.
<h3 id="h_362478045210371667392437859" dir="ltr">Accounting cycle</h3>
The financial statement and balance sheet both follow the same accounting cycle, with the only difference being that the balance sheet is only prepared after the financial statement has been made.
<h3 id="h_136168080212241667392447070" dir="ltr">Essential</h3>
Both are essential financial documents and rely on each other for effective financial record-keeping.
<h2 id="h_987939399214051667392456330" dir="ltr">Make your Paycheck Stub with the Instant Paystub Generator</h2>
The balance check and loss and profit statement are crucial documents. An <a href="https://www.realcheckstubs.com/blog/paystubs/best-paystub-generator-2022">effective pay stub generator</a> allows you to create pay stubs for your employees easily and account for labor costs. This makes it easier to get running cost value, which is needed to prepare an accurate financial statement. It also portrays you as a professional at what you do.

A balance sheet is a run-through of a company’s assets and liabilities at a given point in time. It is a financial statement that covers the company’s assets, its liabilities, and the investor’s equity. The balance sheet shows a company's financial position at a given time and shows its net worth. The balance sheet is used along with other financial documents to make analysis and financial decisions.

What Is a Balance Sheet?

An income statement is a financial document that depicts a company’s account health over a given time period. It is also known as the profit and loss statement (P&L statement) or an earnings statement, and it shows the company’s expenses and revenues over a period of time.

What Is an Income Statement?

Know the difference between a balance sheet and an income statement and make the most of these important financial documents.

Income Statement vs. Balance Sheet | Real Check Stubs™

Income Statement vs. Balance Sheet: Know the Difference

One dilemma that many self-employed individuals face is the burden of proof of income, especially when applying for loans or claiming benefits, and even paying taxes. This is where a self-employment ledger comes into play.
This article would help you understand self-employment ledgers and their use for your business.
<h2>What is a Self-Employment Ledger?</h2>
A self-employment ledger is a detailed record demonstrating a self-employed individual&rsquo;s income and expenses relevant to a business&rsquo;s operation. Self-employment ledger documentation could come in various forms such as
<ul>
<li>a handwritten ledger book,</li>
<li>a computer-generated spreadsheet,</li>
<li>accounting software,</li>
<li>anything that catalogs someone&rsquo;s self-employment income and expenses.</li>
</ul>
As a self-employed person, there are various reasons why you might find a self-employment income ledger useful. For example, when you need to estimate and verify your income to qualify for government healthcare benefits. You could use a self-employment ledger template through accounting software to generate your records. An income ledger would also serve as a way to track and file your income statements, especially for individuals who choose to work independently.
Need to Know: <a href="https://www.realcheckstubs.com/blog/paystubs/self-employed-pay-stub-as-a-freelance-proof-of-income">Proof of Income For Freelancers: Self-Employed Pay Stub&nbsp;</a>
Although a self-employment income ledger is not an official record such as your tax returns, it could still serve as corroboration for your income statements.
<h2>Is a Ledger Proof of Income?</h2>
A self-employment ledger should contain records of your income as well as your expenses. This documentation serves to corroborate your income statements along with your generated paystub for self-employed individuals.
Banks and lenders would require you to present proof of income when applying for a loan or securing capital and investors. A self-employment income ledger allows potential investors and lenders to gauge and have an idea of your estimated and even forecasted income. Health insurance applications on the health exchange also welcome self-employment documentation as an acceptable form of income verification.
This gives you all the more reason to maintain an updated record, as it would also help you manage your finances and budget better.
Good to Know: <a href="https://www.realcheckstubs.com/blog/paystubs/proof-of-income-everything-you-should-know-about-it">Everything you need to know about proof of income&nbsp;</a>
<h2>Why Do You Need a Self-Employment Ledger?</h2>
Owning your own business gives you the advantage of being your own boss. However, being self-employed does come with more responsibilities, especially regarding accounting, bookkeeping, and financial matters that would otherwise fall on professionals hired by bigger organizations.
As a self-employed individual who considers various income sources, your self-employed ledger essentially needs to be precise and complete. Along with its functionality and ease of use, your self-employment ledger documentation would provide you with the ability to track your taxable self-employment income.
Good and effective documentation of self-employment income allows you to prepare and file taxes in a much simpler process. It also helps you to corroborate your income and expenses for when you need to apply for loan applications or government healthcare benefits. Additionally, an organized self-employment ledger documentation could improve your forecasting, allowing you to develop a more calculated and more accurate tax plan.
<h2>How to Complete the Self-Employment Ledger Form?</h2>
Searching for a self-employment ledger example on the internet would give tons of results with self-employment ledger templates available for free. You might find that some forms are more or less detailed than others. However, each one should include sufficient information for you to decipher accurately and quickly.
Self-employment ledger forms frequently include columns for the date, service, or goods provided and the customer or client&rsquo;s name. This is why some individuals choose to use straightforward self-employment ledger templates consisting of only the most crucial information. When setting up or filling out a template, consider whether you could keep the form up to date easily.&nbsp;
Feel free to tweak and change the design and format of any template you prefer to use to fit your preferences and needs better. There is no standardized form, so most institutions would generally accept it as long as the document is easy to follow and contains accurate information.
As such, there is also no single accepted process of filling out self-employment ledger documentation. However, most individuals follow general steps when filling out their self-employment income ledger.
<h3>1. Document your gross incomes&nbsp;</h3>
Write down all <a href="https://www.realcheckstubs.com/blog/paystubs/how-to-calculate-adjusted-gross-income-from-pay-stub" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gross income amounts</a> you earned in each month as soon as you receive them. Record every payment for a service or product, the type of income, whether accounts receivable, cash, or check, and the date you receive or collect them. Group these amounts in your self-employment income ledger according to a month in an orderly manner for easier review.
Log only the dates when you received your income and not when you completed the work or provided the product.
<h3>2. Log business expenses</h3>
Completing your self-employment ledger documentation involves recording all accepted business expenses, as they have a significant impact on the amount of taxes you pay. Documenting all your tax-deductible expenses would help guarantee that you receive the best possible tax returns.
Self-employed individuals could deduct their accepted business expenses from their self-employment income. Deductible expenses could include major business-related purchases, including machinery, tools, software, and other long-lasting commodities. It could also comprise a certain percentage of home expenses and the rate of real work accomplished.
Write down the date for each expense accrued and describe where the specific expense went, totaling monthly expenditure. You could always consult a tax professional if you have doubts about which costs can be deducted.
If your business&rsquo;s location is the same as your domestic residence, there are alternatives you could elect for housing deductions. This includes mortgage, home real estate taxes, or house insurance. You could choose to claim a certain percentage of the actual domestic expense and consider it the &ldquo;cost of doing business&rdquo; for self-employment.
You could also claim another percentage of the total real housing price as a subtraction in the SNAP budget. Meanwhile, when you use your domestic house as the same location for your business, do not include consumption expenditures. Although, you could include incurred business-related telephone charges.
Your self-employment ledger expense category should not include depleted items, deprecation, taxes, retirement plans, personal domestic expenditures, private internet and telephone charges, and consumption costs for domestic-based self-employment expenses.
Each self-business structure possesses its own unique set of rules defining which expense is accepted in a business. In some cases, there could be expenses that may not be applicable to one business program but are accepted in another program.
<h3>3. Review and add up your totals</h3>
Keeping up-to-date self-employment ledger documentation is essential at the end of each month. Review your ledger and check for any unintentional omissions or inaccuracies. Add up your total income and expenses, and record those amounts in a separate column or section.
However, you may not always have the luxury to take away your focus from other business-related tasks to fill out each column or add up total amounts. This is where professional online check stub makers come in handy, helping you to ensure that essential details and information do not get lost in the mix.
<h2>Self-employment Ledger Templates</h2>
A self-employment ledger shows investors and lenders the details of your payments and expenses. It contains details of transactions and invoices, so keep in mind the items you need to consider when creating or tweaking a self-employment ledger example.
- Name and Address
Always include your name, the name of your business, and your business address. For some self-employed individuals, the address is the same as their home address. You and your business are the same entity, which means one cannot exist without the other.
- Invoice Numbering
Write down the invoice numbering of each transaction in an orderly manner. A key to a reliable self-employment ledger is having consistency in your recording.
- Tax Avenues
A self-employment ledger template must contain your tax avenues that should not differ from the form&rsquo;s date.
- Payment Terms
Decide on your payment terms before working on a specific project or providing services or goods, especially for large companies or bigger clients. It would be best to be critical on these terms as some clients prefer that you include them in your self-employment documentation.
- Bank Details
Include your bank details on this critical document. Forgetting to consider them is a common mistake that some self-employed individuals make.
- Order Number or Referencing
The &ldquo;Purchase Order Number&rdquo; acts as a reference for your clients or individuals who hire you for your services. The order number allows you to identify costs on specific projects, budget, or total pricing at the end. This is mainly used with larger clients with multiple succeeding projects, ensuring that payments are not delayed or confused.
- Value Added Tax (VAT)
Specify whether you are VAT registered. This would give you a clear understanding of the rates on your self-employment ledger template. Take note of the dynamics of VAT rates and be vigilant as it could sometimes get confusing.
Copies
Constantly create and keep multiple copies of your self-employment ledger templates and forms. Some may still create handwritten templates. However, handwritten documentation can be easily lost or destroyed, and making them could become tedious. Use soft copies so you can easily save and transfer them to your computer. Keep a backup device such as a portable hard disk just in case.
Keeping Records
You could always use the services of online bookkeeping systems to help you with your self-employed ledger documentation. However, suppose you cannot afford their services. In that case, you could always create your own self-employed ledger template with the following important items in the ledger document: client or employer&rsquo;s name, details of the project or work, VAT and other total amount deductions, invoice date and number, and the date of payments received.
It is ideal for any self-employed individual to provide and create their own self-employment ledger template and form. This would always ensure that you and your investors or clients have sufficient records showing the works and projects accomplished and performed and payment completed. It makes it easier for you to monitor and calculate your monthly and yearly income and expenditures.
<h2>Professional Check Stub Builder for Self-Employment Ledger</h2>
A reliable and efficient self-employment ledger is essential to maintaining accurate documentation, providing you fast and easy auditing and review. <a href="https://www.realcheckstubs.com/new/9/Self-Employed+Pay+Stub+as+a+Freelance+Proof+of+Income" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Real Check Stubs offers an easy-to-follow process for generating paystubs for self-employed individuals </a>so that you can easily track and monitor your hours worked and payment received.
Self-employed generated paystubs allow individuals to present them as proof of identification, proof of income, and employment. These documents carry the same authority as those issued by established businesses to employees.
A professional check stub builder for self-employment ledger documentation would provide you with the necessary information to keep your records up to date and accurate. Your independence does not necessarily mean that you have to do everything yourself. Help from a check stub maker would go a long way for your business.
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
As a self-employed individual, verifying your income could be more challenging as you do not always have a regular paystub to serve as documentation for your payment. Consequently, the burden of corroborating your income and crunching numbers falls solely on self-employed individuals. Although it is not the most desirable task when doing business, it is imperative from an accounting viewpoint.
Luckily, you could use a self-employment ledger to help you record, track, and monitor your income, as well as your expenses. It could help you plan your finances and secure the services your business needs to succeed.
A reliable and efficient self-employment ledger documentation allows you to verify your income in different situations. You could use a ledger when applying for a loan, applying for healthcare, or qualifying for government subsidiaries. Your self-employment income ledger acts as an adequate record of your income.
Visit our website, Real Check Stubs, and <a href="https://www.realcheckstubs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">check out our professional check stub builder for self-employment ledger</a> and other must-read blogs that would greatly help the self-employed individual.

A self-employment ledger is a detailed record demonstrating a self-employed individual’s income and expenses relevant to a business’s operation. Self-employment ledger documentation could come in various forms such as a handwritten ledger book, a computer-generated spreadsheet, accounting software, or anything that catalogs someone’s self-employment income and expenses.

What is a Self-Employment Ledger?

A self-employment ledger should contain records of your income as well as your expenses. This documentation serves to corroborate your income statements along with your generated paystub for self-employed individuals.

Is a Ledger Proof of Income?

Owning your own business gives you the advantage of being your own boss. However, being self-employed does come with more responsibilities, especially regarding accounting, bookkeeping, and financial matters that would otherwise fall on professionals hired by bigger organizations.

Why Do You Need a Self-Employment Ledger?

Using a self-employment ledger for documentation allows self-employed individuals to monitor, review and track their income and expenses.

What is a Self-Employment Ledger | How to Track Your Income

What is a Self-Employment Ledger and Why It’s Important for You?

If you own a business or are just about to start one, you may have probably realized rather quickly that there are tons of details to consider. Most small business owners do not have a background in accounting, making it overwhelming for them. However, they still have to learn its ins and outs if they want to succeed in their business.
&nbsp;
While there is a growing to-do list, the good news is that business accounting for small companies is fairly simple. As a small company with a simple business structure, you would need to have three accounting priorities, including ensuring your revenue exceeds expenses, keeping your books clean and updated, and paying the correct taxes on time.
&nbsp;
Accounting practices you would implement in your small business would significantly affect performance and growth. With that in mind, here is small business accounting advice you need to consider to help ensure your success and lead to better decision-making.
Good to Know:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.realcheckstubs.com/blog/payroll/best-payroll-advice-for-small-businesses">Best 9 Payroll Tips For Small Businesses </a><img src="https://dev-v2-rcs.realcheckstubs.com/storage/posts/small business owner tips and advice.jpg" alt="small business accounting advice you need to consider to help ensure your success and lead to better decision-making" width="6720" height="4480" />
<h2>1. Separate Business and Personal Bank Accounts</h2>
After successfully registering your business or company, one of the first steps a small business needs to do is to set up a separate bank account for the company. After obtaining your <a href="https://www.realcheckstubs.com/blog/paystubs/where-to-find-fein-number-on-pay-stub" target="_blank" rel="noopener">company's Employer Identification Number (EIN)</a>, legally required to create a different bank account for business purposes.
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Start by opening a business checking account and then a savings account. This would help you organize and plan your funds and taxes. Additionally, consider applying for a business credit card so you could start building business credit.
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A business checking and savings account could help you manage taxes, and bills and even help build wealth for future investments. It also allows you to save precious hours of work when accounting cash flow, such as deductible expenses. A dedicated business account will also help you limit your legal exposure to business debts if you have an LLC or corporation.
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Always be conscious of spending decisions. Ensure that business-related costs only come from business accounts as much as possible. The same principle also applies to personal accounts and personal expenses.
<h2>2. Track Every Business Expense</h2>
A quick and straightforward small business accounting advice is to keep track of everything. Record every receipt, business expense, transaction, invoices, etc., in one place so that you could easily manage and monitor them. While it is an essential and easy primary part of bookkeeping, tracking the ins and outs of your finances through your business' bank account could quickly become comprehensive and tricky. This makes it an integral cog in your company's machine.
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One of the best ways to track business transactions and keep records is through cloud accounting software. If you have extra cash to spare, utilize them to your advantage. Store and keep tabs of digital copies of all dealings and separate expenses into a variable, fixed, intermittent, and discretionary. This also makes it easier for tax planning, and you would see where most of your money goes.
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Pay particular attention to out-of-town business travels, home office receipts, vehicle-related expenses, and gifts. They could easily be forgotten or misplaced, and hunting down receipts when filling out a tax form could become troublesome. Divide your receipts and file them immediately so you can track expenses accurately.
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<img src="https://dev-v2-rcs.realcheckstubs.com/storage/posts/small business accounting advice.jpg" alt="Track Every Business Expense" width="4928" height="3264" />
<h2>3. Differentiate between Receipts and Invoices</h2>
Mixing receipts and invoices can make business accounting for small businesses a headache. When balancing your books and you cannot tell what has been completed and what is in progress, your company could suffer from confusion. Ensure that you record and identify each receipt and invoice correctly.
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<h3>- Receipt</h3>
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You give receipts to customers once you complete a business transaction with them. It serves as proof for dates and expense details for every purchase made, making it extremely helpful for future references.
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Organize each receipt according to a category instead of just putting them all into a single folder. This makes things easier to accomplish, especially when tax season comes around.&nbsp;
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<h3>- Invoice</h3>
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Invoices provide customers with detailed bills that outline every service the customer received from your business. You send invoices to customers to remind them how much money they owe and prompt them to make payments on time. Invoices help speed up cash flow and keep financial records, making sure that you receive your pay.
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Accurately recording invoices could help you monitor which client consistently completes or fails to make payments based on an agreed-upon timeframe. They also help you to stay organized. Another small business accounting advice is to never add to an existing invoice as this could cause confusion from your side, your client's side, as well as your accountant if you have one.
<h2>4. Consider Hiring a Professional Accountant or Bookkeeper</h2>
A bookkeeper, an accountant, or a financial advisor can make a big difference in your business in the long run. Even for a few hours a week or month, <a href="https://www.realcheckstubs.com/blog/business/hiring-for-small-businesses-a-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hiring a professional</a> could help keep your books in order. However, such professionals would cost your business, but the upside is greater than the risk.
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Bookkeepers and accountants concern themselves with recording and classifying expenditures and income, but accountants also help you file taxes and strategic business planning. Professionals will maintain orderly and updated records and give small business accounting advice regarding loopholes, potential fees, or tax deductions, giving you a financial advantage and saving you time.
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Remember that when you do hire a professional, make sure that you can understand each other.
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<img src="https://dev-v2-rcs.realcheckstubs.com/storage/posts/small business accounting tips.jpg" alt="Consider Hiring a Professional Accountant or Bookkeeper" width="4240" height="2832" />
<h2>5. Keep Your Books Updated Periodically</h2>
Periodically updating your books and tracking your profit &amp; loss (P&amp;L) statements would give you the easiest way to track how well your business is performing. This small business accounting advice would provide a clear picture of your company's financial state.
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You can see your business' progress by comparing statements from two different periods. Companies that have periodic activity and inactivity might prefer making quarterly or yearly statements. One way of tracking and ensuring your books are updated is by automating invoice and receipt capture. This saves time and labor to accomplish.
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Some accounting software offers direct integration to banks, making it easier for business owners to manage and complete business accounting for small businesses. You could download credit card and bank statements and manually import them as CSV files.
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Do not underestimate the importance of properly recording and <a href="https://www.realcheckstubs.com/blog/accounting/income-statement-vs-balance-sheet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">updating your balance sheet,</a> cash-flow statements, and P&amp;L statements, as they would give you an in-depth look at your business's performance.
<h2>6. Understand and Stay On Top of Tax obligations and Deadlines</h2>
To avoid getting caught short and inviting many penalties, you need to understand and plan your tax obligations. Familiarize yourself with the type of taxes that apply to your business and the processes involved in filing them. Remember, personal income tax differs from business tax with different requirements and deadlines.
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Tax obligations depend on your business's legal structure. Is it an LLC, or a partnership, or are you self-employed, in which case you need to claim business income on your personal tax return? The structure could determine how and when you need to file for income tax and withhold taxes (if applicable).
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Another good small business accounting advice is to consult with a professional tax return accountant. The Internal Revenue Services' (IRS) website provides a tax calendar for businesses, which you can synchronize with a cloud-based calendar. The calendar includes actions and deadlines for every month. You could even sign up for email reminders. Doing these steps would significantly cut the time you spend preparing for tax returns.
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<img src="https://dev-v2-rcs.realcheckstubs.com/storage/posts/small business tax accountant.jpg" alt="Understand and Stay On Top of Tax obligations and Deadlines" width="1920" height="1102" />
<h2>7. Monitor Accounts Receivables Closely</h2>
Accounts receivable refers to the money your business should receive from the customers you provided with goods or services. Simply, it is your business' fuel that keeps it running, and when customers do not pay on time, it can dry up fast.
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Unpaid and late bills would affect your cash flow, making it hard to continue operating your small business. However, if you take longer to send out invoices, the more time it would also take payments to come in.
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Develop a solid process for following up on accounts receivables. Pay attention to the deadlines of your receivables and contact customers falling behind on payments. Conduct a monthly review of the percentage and total amount of outstanding revenue. Ensure that you document everything for when you need to follow up on payments through the court or a collection agency.
<h2>8. Automate Accounting Processes Whenever You Can</h2>
One of the best small business accounting advice you should consider is to use cloud-based accounting software. Automate whatever process you can to help you get organized properly. You can synchronize your software with your business bank account to have up-to-date and accurate records. Additionally, using a cloud-based tool would create a safe off-site backup of your financial data.
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Automation could even help you track income, expenses, and taxes, allow sending and paying invoices, and generate reports, saving you countless hours of manual labor. It makes it a lot easier and faster for you to manage your business accounting for small businesses.
<h2>9. Determine Total Labor Costs Before Hiring</h2>
If you do hire employees, expect that you would need to pay more than just their wages. You need to calculate and come up with the funds for their monthly benefit and income tax payments. Setting a budget for these expenses would give you an idea of how many people you should hire.
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When eagerly expanding your team without considering labor costs, you might realize that they add up fast, especially for small businesses. This could turn into a problem, and you would find yourself behind on payments. Some owners cut compensation to accommodate new hires. Avoid this practice as it makes employees feel cheated and unappreciated.
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<img src="https://dev-v2-rcs.realcheckstubs.com/storage/posts/bookkeeping services for small business.jpg" alt="Determine Total Labor Costs Before Hiring" width="1920" height="1440" />
<h2>10. Perform Quarterly Reviews</h2>
Take a deep and thorough look at your bookkeeping and accounting records at the end of each quarter. Keep an eye on trends in your business accounting for a small business, including growing and falling sales, year on year revenue, and the number of on-time and late-paying customers. Taking your time to perform this step would help you better prepare for future budgeting needs and other financial preparations.
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Quarterly reviews could tell if you are ready to expand, buy new equipment, or relocate to a bigger space. Hiring a financial professional is also an excellent step to do as they could help in whatever your small business needs.
<h2>11. Establish a Payroll System</h2>
As your business grows from a one-man army to a team, you need to determine and set a payroll system that would cater to all existing and future employees. Establish a payroll schedule and make sure you withhold and report correct tax returns.
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A small business accounting advice is to set up a system with the help of an accountant, and you could use online payroll and paystub software to make your work easier and faster. Automating your payroll system would make the process much simpler and the review more precise.
<h2>12. Update and Upgrade Business Plans</h2>
Review over a previous year and look for areas where you can upgrade business and marketing plans. Update financial goals and make preparations for the following year. Have you hit your financial goals for the current year? If so, set new ones to fulfill. This would ensure that your business grows over time. This may be apparent small business accounting advice, but it is something that you should not take lightly.
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Remember that one key to success is always planning for your company's future, looking ahead, and preparing for any eventuality.
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<img src="https://dev-v2-rcs.realcheckstubs.com/storage/posts/business plan for owner.jpg" alt="Update and Upgrade Business Plans" width="2800" height="1867" />
<h2>13. Plan for Major Financial Expenses and Investments</h2>
Projecting financial obligations and creating a budget for major expenses and investments help businesses estimate future income, possible financing, or capital expenditures. Account for expenses such as office supplies, repairs and maintenance, and inventory so your business functions efficiently and continuously. You could also review monthly sales and set aside a budget to pay for taxes. Proper planning would help you avoid a backlog in your books and even penalties.
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Forecasting financial projections would aid owners in estimating cash flow and whether or not to upgrade or change business plans. It provides essential information to lenders, investors, or other external business stakeholders.
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
Business accounting for small businesses may not be the greatest part of owning and operating a small business. However, this part of the job as the owner is one of the most essential items on your to-do list. Each small business accounting advice listed above would help your company grow and perform better when executed properly.
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Never underestimate accounting details as mistakes in your books could become troublesome, and could even cause penalties. If you are overwhelmed and in need of help, you could always hire an accountant or bookkeeper.
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You give receipts to customers once you complete a business transaction with them. It serves as proof for dates and expense details for every purchase. Invoices provide customers with detailed bills that outline every service the customer received from your business.

How Can I Differentiate between Receipts and Invoices?

As a business owner, consider and review each small business accounting advice and implement them for a successful and growing business.

Top 13 Accounting Advice for Small Business

Top 13 Small Business Accounting Advice To Save Your Money

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