HOODS TAX
  • Home
  • The Hoods Family
  • Services
    • Tax Preparation
    • Bookkeeping / Payroll
    • Quickbooks Services
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Login
  • Home
  • The Hoods Family
  • Services
    • Tax Preparation
    • Bookkeeping / Payroll
    • Quickbooks Services
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Login

​Hoods Tax &
Accounting Blog


​​​THE INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE GENERALIZED INFORMATION DESIGNED FOR A BROAD SEGMENT OF THE PUBLIC; IT IS NOT PERSONALIZED TAX, INVESTMENT, LEGAL OR OTHER BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS SEEK THE ASSISTANCE OF A PROFESSIONAL WHO KNOWS YOUR PARTICULAR SITUATION FOR ADVICE ON YOUR TAXES, YOUR INVESTMENTS, THE LAW OR ANY OTHER BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL MATTERS THAT AFFECT YOU AND/OR YOUR BUSINESS. ​

Bookkeeping Basics: Part II

9/29/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Hello, readers! Welcome back to the Hoods Tax & Accounting blog! We’re delighted to be able to share up-to-date information about taxes, savings, and financial literacy—giving you the tools you need to meet your short and long term goals. Whether you’re managing taxes for your small business or wondering how to take advantage of certain tax credits, we’ve got you covered! Our previous post and the first installment of this ‘Bookkeeping Basics’ series introduced the concept of what bookkeeping is, what it's used for, why it’s important and how to begin. From the old “general ledgers,” which used red and black ink, to ultra-modern digital programs, understanding the basics of bookkeeping is an essential part of running any successful small business. As a precursor for accounting, bookkeeping provides an accurate basis for evaluating the health of your business and planning for financial growth. For these reasons, accurate bookkeeping is paramount. 
 
The first part of this series explained the difference between single-entry and double-entry bookkeeping methods. As well, we went through the various types of accounts (i.e. assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses), as well as their underlying subtypes (e.x. accounts receivable, utilities expense, interest income, etc.). We gave you a few options as far as setting up your accounts (e.g. Excel spreadsheet vs. digital bookkeeping software) along with their corresponding pros and cons. We explained the difference between a debit (Dr) and a credit (Cr) and trust us, it’s not what you think. Finally, we have a few best practices tips concerning bookkeeping to keep your books organized and accurate. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to read our last article (if you haven’t already) before delving into this second part! 
 
Today, we’ll continue our exploration into the world of bookkeeping. We’ll discuss balancing your books, preparing financial reports, then give you a few more best bookkeeping practices. When you’re alone at the computer with a bunch of receipts and numbers, figuring out how to make sense of everything can be overwhelming. Our aim is to showcase how simple bookkeeping can be when you understand the fundamentals. If you begin how you aim to finish, you should establish bookkeeping etiquette early on, as this will ensure later success. If you've been bookkeeping in a messy, roundabout way for years and fear how much effort an overhaul will require, take things one step at a time. We’ll be with you every step of the way!
 
Without further ado, let’s jump in!
 
Balancing the Books
 
This is a phrase many of us have heard thrown around throughout our lives, but what does “balancing the books” really mean? The best way to visualize balancing the books is to envision a scale. Not the scale you step on in the bathroom or the scale your doctor uses to weigh you. In this case, envision what’s called a double-pan balance scale. These types of scales allow you to weigh two things in relation to one another. When you place weights on both sides, the heavier of the two weights will sink lower. If the two weights are equal in mass, then both sides of the double-pan balance scale will appear level. Makes sense, right? 
 
In the same way, when you balance your books, the debits and credits recorded throughout a period (e.g. a quarter, a year) should “match” (which is to say they should correspond. In Part I we discussed the double-entry bookkeeping system. In this system, each transaction is recorded twice. First as a debit, or an increase. Secondly, as a credit, or decrease. For example, if Sally’s lawn company spent $3,000 on a new lawn mower, Sally would record a $3,000 debit in the left-hand side of the Equipment account. Then, Sally would record a $3,000 credit in the right-hand side of the Cash account. Both Equipment and Cash are considered asset accounts and, in this case, Sally has traded one type of asset for another type of asset. 
 
Now, these entries are akin to journal entries. They are a record of the transaction. When you balance your books, you are “posting” these entries into the general ledger in order to extrapolate the final account balances. While most bookkeeping programs will do this math for you (and point out errors in your entries at the time you make them), it’s still important you understand what’s being done. 
 
Continuing the example from earlier, Sally has redistributed her wealth between two different forms of assets in the aforementioned transaction. Thus, her Equipment account will reflect the debit, her Cash account will reflect the credit, but her overall Assets will not change because of this transaction. Now, conversely, if over the course of the month Sally not only purchased a new lawn mower but also needed to pay the firm which markets her services $2,000, the cash account balance and the overall assets would need to be adjusted down by $2,000. 
 
Once you’ve adjusted the balance of each account, you’ll have what’s called an adjusted trial balance. Assuming you’ve done everything right, when you add your company’s liabilities to your company’s equity, you’ll arrive at a figure which is equal to your company’s assets. In short:
 
Liabilities + Equity = Assets
 
Now, equity, if you’re unsure, is the value left over when liabilities are deducted from assets. (Psst! We covered equity in Part I.) This makes the equation, more accurately: 
 
Liabilities + (Assets - Liabilities) = Assets 
 
If you arrive at two different numbers, this indicates a discrepancy in your bookkeeping. You’ll need to comb back over your records, comparing debits and credits and making sure everything is indeed balanced. Once you’ve balanced the figures successfully, you’re ready to close the books and begin compiling financial statements!
 
Yay!
 
Preparing Financial Reports
 
This is one of the most exciting parts of bookkeeping, because this is the stage when conclusions can be drawn based off of the meticulous records you’ve kept. With these financial statements, you’ll be able to assess the health of your business and plan accordingly for future expansion or cutbacks. The three essential types of financial statements are: balance sheets, profit and loss “P&L” statements, and cash flow statements. We’ll provide you with a brief overview of each. 
 
Balance sheets are a snapshot of your books. They showcase the equation at work and include your current assets, liabilities, and equity. You’ll include the balances of your accounts here. When someone looks at your company’s balance sheet, they’ll be able to assess in only a moment the health of your company. Are you in the red? Or, do you have cash reserves which will facilitate expansion? 
 
Profit and loss statements, also referred to as income statements, report on revenues and expenses over a period of time. For example, a clothing company may have grossed $1.2 million in a quarter, but spent $600,000 on materials, shipping, and marketing in the same time span. Therefore, the company’s revenue was actually $800,000. By comparing multiple P&L statements, one can glean the growth (or decline) of a company. 
 
Finally, cash flow statements are a simpler version of a P&L. They focus solely on how much money the company is bringing in and sending out. By evaluating a cash flow statement, you can assess a company’s ability to pay its bills and remain afloat. 
 
Best Bookkeeping Practices
 
Sticking to a regular schedule is key to managing your books. Entering records of transactions can be tedious and time-consuming. Allowing too much time to pass between entries only makes the work unbearable when you finally do sit down. Choose a time every week, two weeks, or month, to input financial information (i.e. invoices, bill payments, revenue, etc.). Keep all of this information in one place and be sure to tackle bookkeeping when your mind is well-rested. Minor mistakes can turn into headaches later. 
 
If you’re unsure about handling the entirety of your company’s bookkeeping, there’s no shame in that! Many successful businesses outsource their bookkeeping needs, as this frees up time and mental energy. Just make sure you invest in a trusted professional to handle your bookkeeping! 
 
 
Thank you for reading the second part of the Bookkeeping Basics series! We hope we’ve demystified bookkeeping, at least a bit. Tune in for the third part of the series, where we’ll be answering commonly asked bookkeeping questions! As always, we’re happy to be able to provide you with the most relevant, up-to-date tax information for you and your family. From savings plans to tax credits to business acumen, the Hoods Tax & Accounting blog is your one-stop shop for everything you need. We offer tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll, and QuickBooks services. If you have any questions or are interested in a consultation, please reach out! We do offer virtual consultations over Zoom, as part of our effort to accommodate everyone in these trying times. We look forward to hearing from you! Until next time, thank you for reading! 
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Write something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview.

    Archives

    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    January 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    May 2017

    Categories

    All
    1040
    1040-sr
    2019 Taxes
    2020 Tax Bill
    2020 Taxes
    2020 Tax Extension
    2020 Tax Return
    2020 Tax Season
    2021 Taxes
    2021 Tax Season
    2022 Tax Day
    401(k)
    529
    529 College Account
    529 Saving Plan
    Accountant
    Accounting
    Accounting Goose Creek
    Accounting Principles
    Accounting Services Goose Creek
    Agoraplaus
    April 15 2021
    April 15th
    Asama
    ATM
    Back To School
    Bankruptcy
    Basecamp
    Basics Of Accounting
    Black Shopping Alternatives
    Bookkeeping
    Bookkeeping Basics
    Bookkeeping Goose Creek
    Bookkeeping Goose Creek Sc
    Budgeting
    Buffer
    Building A Business
    Business
    Business Consulting Goose Creek
    CARES Act
    CARES Act 2020
    College Loans
    College Planning
    College Saving
    Common Questions
    Common Tax Mistakes
    Consulting Goose Creek
    Contact Hoods Tax And Accounting Goose Creek Sc
    Contact Hoods Tax Goose Creek Sc
    Coronavirus
    COVID 19
    COVID-19
    Cryptocurrency
    Cutting Costs
    Cutting Costs At Thanksgiving
    Cybersecurity
    Debt
    Deductions
    Digital Currency
    Documenting Your Taxes
    Donations To Your 401(K)
    Economic Impact Payment
    Effects Of A Global Pandemic
    Estate Taxes
    Evernote
    Expense Tracking
    Facebook Creator Studio
    Fake Covid Scams
    Fake Emails
    Fake Phone Calls
    Fake Text Messages
    FASFA
    Filing Taxes
    Financial Aid
    Financial Preparedness
    Financial Recovery
    First Time Tax Payer
    Getting Ready For Tax Season
    Gift Taxes
    GoDaddy
    Google
    Goose Creek
    Grants
    Hidden Tax Write Off
    Hidden Tax Write-off
    Home Owner
    Home Ownership
    Hoods Tax & Accounting
    Hoods Tax And Accounting Service
    HootSuite
    How To Claim Unpaid Stimulus Money On Your 2020 Tax Return
    How To Save Money At Thanksgiving
    How To Spend Your Tax Return
    How To Stay Safe At Thanksgiving 2020
    How To Stay Safe This Thanksgiving
    Hurricane
    Hurricane Fund
    Hurricane Plan
    Important Dates
    Important Documents
    Impulse Spending
    Income
    IRS
    Itemized Tax Deduction
    Jumpstart Your Day
    Last Minute Tax Deductions
    Last Will And Testament
    Lowcountry
    Lowering Your Tax Bill
    MailChimp
    Make Donations To Your HSA Account
    May 17th Tax Extension
    Medical Expenses
    National Podcast Day
    Online Scams
    Organization
    Owning A Business
    Pandemic
    Paying Your Tax Bill
    Payroll Services Goose Creek Sc
    Pension
    Phishing Scams
    Phishing Schemes
    Phone Call Scams
    Podcast
    Preparing For 2020 Taxes
    Preparing For Your 2020 Taxes
    Preparing For Your Taxes
    Productivity
    Productivity Tools
    Protecting Yourself From Stimulus Fraud
    Protecting Yourself From Tax Fraud
    Quickbooks
    Quickbooks Services Goose Creek Sc
    Quickbooks Small Business
    Quickbooks Training Goose Creek
    Quickbooks Training Goose Creek Sc
    Recovery Rebate Credit
    ResueTime
    Retirment Taxes
    Save Money
    Saving For College
    Saving Money
    Saving Money For Thanksgiving 2020
    Savings
    SC
    Scam Emails
    Scams
    Scam Text Messages
    Scholarships
    School Shopping
    Security
    Senior Taxes
    Senior Tax Filer
    Senior Tax Payer
    Small Business
    Small Businesses
    Social Security
    Social Security Administration
    Social Security Scam
    Spending Your Tax Return
    Squarespace
    SSI Benefits
    Standard Tax Deduction
    Stimulus Check
    Stimulus Payments
    Stiumuls Scams
    Strained Finances
    Student Loans
    Summer
    Tax Brackets
    Tax Credit
    Tax Day
    Tax Deductible
    Taxes
    Tax Extension
    Tax Fraud
    Tax Implications
    Tax Info
    Taxpayer
    Tax Payer
    Tax Paying Citizens
    Tax Planning
    Tax Preparation
    Tax Preparation Goose Cree
    Tax Preparation Goose Creek
    Tax Professional
    Tax Refund
    Tax Return
    Tax Season
    Tax Season 2020
    Taxtaxes
    Tax Tips
    Tax Write Off
    Thanksgiving
    Thanksgiving 2020
    The Dangers Of Stiumuls Scams
    Third-party Reporting
    Tips
    Tips For Financial Recovery
    Tips For Saving Money
    Todist
    Toggl
    Trello
    Tsheets
    Unable To Pay Tax Bill
    Unable To Pay Your Taxes
    Unemployment
    Unemployment Tips
    Unknown Tax Facts
    What Not To Spend Your Tax Return On
    What To Spend Your Tax Return On
    Will
    Will And Testament
    WordPress
    Working From Home
    Wunderlist

    RSS Feed

Hoods Tax & Accounting Service, LLC.
​105 Etling Ave, Goose Creek, SC 29445

Phone: 
(843) 797-5153
Email: admin@hoodstax.com
Site created by Creative Consulting
Site powered by
MadeSimply
quickbooks desktop certified proadvisor logo
online quickbooks certified proadvisor logo
Hoods Tax and Accounting service logo
Hoods Tax & Accounting Service, LLC.