The Smartest Way to Save Money and Stress as a Small Business Owner
- Brainz Magazine
- May 21
- 4 min read
Manuel Aragon is an entrepreneur out of Colorado with a deep background in business, Tax Prep, advisory, and planning. Has served as a CFO, Operations Manager, Finance Director, and Consultant.
Running a small business is exciting, you get to be your own boss, create something new, and serve your clients and customers. But with all the big dreams and hard work, there's also something that can be a bit confusing and even scary: taxes.
Many small business owners just think about taxes once a year, 1st quarter up to April 15th, when it's time to file their tax return. They gather all their papers and hope for the best. But what if I told you there's a much smarter way to handle taxes, one that can save your business a lot of money and stress? It's called tax planning and tax advisory, and they're super important for any small business.
What is tax planning?
Think of tax planning like making a roadmap for your money. Instead of just looking at where you've been (your past income and expenses), tax planning is about looking ahead. It's about figuring out how to make smart choices throughout the year, so you pay less in taxes legally.
It's not about cheating the system; it's about using the tax rules to your advantage. The government wants businesses to grow, so they offer many ways for you to lower your tax bill. Tax planning helps you find and use those ways.
For example, a big part of tax planning is knowing what you can deduct. A deduction is like a discount on your taxes. If you spend money on something for your business, like supplies, rent for your office, or even part of your home if you work from there, you might be able to subtract that money from your income. This lowers the amount of income the government taxes.
Tax planning also involves thinking about things like:
When you buy big things: If you're planning to buy new equipment for your business, sometimes buying it at the end of the year can give you a bigger tax break.
Saving for retirement: Putting money into a retirement account for yourself or your employees can lower your taxable income.
Hiring family members: In some cases, hiring your kids or spouse can offer tax benefits.
Choosing the right business type: How your business is set up (like a sole proprietorship, LLC, or S-Corp) can impact how much you pay in taxes.
By planning, you can make decisions that save you money, rather than just react when tax time comes around.
What is tax advisory?
If tax planning is making the roadmap, then tax advisory is like having a skilled guide to help you read that map and navigate the journey. A tax advisor is a professional, like a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or a tax attorney, who knows all the ins and outs of tax laws.
They don't just fill out forms; they give you expert advice tailored to your specific business. They can help you understand complex tax rules, figure out which deductions and credits you qualify for, and even help you when you're thinking about big changes in your business, like expanding or selling.
Think of it this way: the tax rules are always changing. New laws come out, and old ones are updated. It's almost impossible for a small business owner to keep up with everything while also trying to run their business. That's where a tax advisor comes in. They stay up to date on all the changes and can tell you exactly how they affect your business.
Why are they so important for small business owners?
Now, let's talk about why all this matters so much for you and your small business:
Save money (Lots of It!): This is the biggest reason. Without proper planning and advice, you could be missing out on many deductions and credits that could legally lower your tax bill. Imagine what you could do with that extra money: invest in new tools, get more help, or even take a well-deserved vacation!
Avoid trouble with the IRS: The tax rules can be complicated. If you make mistakes, even by accident, you could face penalties or even an audit (where the IRS looks closely at your books). A tax advisor helps you stay compliant, meaning you follow all the rules and avoid these problems. They know what records you need to keep and how to organize them.
Better cash flow: When you plan for your taxes, you know roughly how much you'll owe. This helps you manage your money better throughout the year. No more surprises or scrambling for cash when Tax Day arrives! You can set aside money regularly, so you're ready.
Make smarter decisions: When you understand the tax impact of your business decisions, you can make choices that help your business grow. Should you buy or lease that new vehicle? Is it better to hire a contractor or an employee? A tax advisor can help you see the tax effects of these choices.
Peace of mind: Running a business is already a lot to handle. Worrying about taxes can add a huge amount of stress. Knowing you have a solid tax plan and a trusted advisor takes a big weight off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on what you do best: running your business.
In short, tax planning and tax advisory aren't just about paying taxes; they're about smart business management. They help you keep more of your hard-earned money, avoid costly mistakes, and build a stronger, more successful business for the long run. Don't wait until Tax Day to think about your taxes; start planning today!
Ready to get your small business on the path to smarter tax planning? Reach out here today! We can help you understand your options and get the expert advice you need. Call us about pricing and let us help you save money and gain peace of mind.
Read more from Manuel Aragon
Manuel Aragon, Tax Preparation, Advisory Planning, and Accounting
Manuel Aragon has elite expertise in tax preparation, accounting, finance, cash planning, and tax strategy. Manuel has delivered modern, innovative financial solutions, driving growth and efficiency to multiple companies in Colorado. His leadership and approach have solidified a reputation for excellence, onboarding, and overall client satisfaction. Continues to serve in multiple roles across the front range as a Tax Preparer, CFO, Operations Manager, Finance Director, and Consultant.
