Simple advice that could save you thousands (and your sanity)
Most accountants are great at filing your taxes. But when it comes to running your business day-to-day, many leave out key advice that could save you stress, confusion, and serious money.
The truth is, accountants are often focused on compliance — not cash flow, strategy, or simple systems to help you stay organized. That’s where many business owners fall through the cracks.
Here are the most important tax tips your accountant probably didn’t mention — and how you can implement them today.
Save for Taxes as You Earn
Your accountant might tell you how much you owed last year. But they rarely give you a simple system to avoid future surprises.
The easiest fix? Move 25–30% of your net income into a separate Tax Account as the money comes in. Not once a quarter, not once a year — every time you get paid.
This tax-saving habit is core to The Small Business Planner’s system and helps you avoid scrambling when payments are due.
Use a Separate Business Bank Account Now
Even if your business is just starting out, you should never run it from your personal account. It muddies your records, increases audit risk, and makes tax prep ten times harder.
Set up at least one separate business checking account — ideally more. Our Core 4 system uses:
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Income Account
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Business Expenses Account
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Owner Pay Account
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Tax Account
This structure keeps your business finances clean, clear, and easy to manage at tax time.
Track Business Mileage and Home Office Use
If you drive for business or work from home, you may be missing out on big deductions. Many accountants won’t ask unless you bring it up.
Keep a log of:
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Business miles driven (apps like MileIQ help automate this)
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Square footage of your home office
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Percentage of your home used regularly and exclusively for business
These details can result in meaningful deductions — especially for solopreneurs and remote founders.
You Might Be Eligible for a Retirement Contribution Deduction
Most business owners don’t know they can reduce their tax bill and build wealth by contributing to a SEP IRA, Solo 401(k), or SIMPLE IRA.
These accounts let you deduct contributions from your business income. If you’re profitable and don’t need all your cash immediately, it’s a smart way to lower your tax liability while setting up future freedom.
Ask your accountant before year-end to make sure contributions count for this tax year.
Quarterly Tax Payments Can Be Flexible — But You Need a Plan
Missing a quarterly payment doesn’t automatically mean disaster. But without a system, you could end up with penalties, interest, or a cash shortage.
Instead of guessing, review your income monthly and calculate your estimated taxes based on what you’ve actually earned. Then set calendar reminders to make your payments on time — or work with a bookkeeper to handle it for you.
Profit Isn’t Just What’s Left Over
Your accountant might give you a number at the end of the year, but if you don’t understand how your money moves month to month, you can’t make confident decisions.
Inside The Small Business Planner, we teach you how to:
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Forecast income using your bank balances
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Set revenue goals based on personal expenses
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Build a money routine that includes taxes, pay, and profit
When you see the full picture, taxes stop feeling like a mystery.
Final Takeaway
Your accountant is there to file your return — but you’re the one running the business. When you understand your money and set up smart systems, taxes become predictable, not painful.
The Small Business Planner helps you create those systems — so you can save more, stress less, and make confident decisions all year long.
Explore The Small Business Planner now → https://smallbusinessplanner.com/products/planner