IRS Form 8300 requires businesses to report cash payments over $10,000 within 15 days of receipt. Learn who must file, how to complete each section, civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance, and how to track related transactions to avoid structuring violations.
Your income statement reveals whether your business model actually works—not just whether the bank balance is positive. Learn every line item from revenue to net income, how to calculate all three profit margins, and how to spot cost trends before they compound.
A practical guide to setting up Excel bookkeeping for small businesses — chart of accounts, transaction logging, SUMIF formulas, pivot tables, monthly reconciliation, and the clear warning signs that you've outgrown spreadsheets.
Learn what a profit and loss statement is, how to read and create one for your small business, understand the difference between single-step and multi-step formats, calculate key profitability ratios, and avoid common P&L mistakes that could be costing you money.
Learn what a statement of retained earnings is, how to prepare one step by step, understand the retained earnings formula, calculate the retention ratio, avoid common mistakes like confusing retained earnings with cash, and know what negative retained earnings mean for your business.
Understand the key differences between a balance sheet and an income statement, how they connect, essential ratios like ROA and ROE that bridge both, common mistakes to avoid, and when to use each statement for smarter business decisions.
Learn what a balance sheet is, how to read and analyze one, the accounting equation (Assets = Liabilities + Equity), four essential ratios, common mistakes to avoid, and step-by-step instructions to create your own.
Learn what a balance sheet is, how to read one, and why it matters for your business. Includes a practical example, key financial ratios (current ratio, quick ratio, debt-to-equity), common mistakes to avoid, and tips for regular balance sheet review.
Learn the key differences between cash and accrual accounting, the pros and cons of each method, IRS requirements for 2026, and how to choose the right accounting method for your small business.
Learn how to convert from cash basis to accrual accounting step by step. Covers the four key adjustments (receivables, accrued expenses, prepaid expenses, deferred revenue), IRS Form 3115 filing requirements, Section 481(a) adjustments, common mistakes, and tips for a smooth transition.