Small business accounting is a lot more complicated than balancing a checkbook, so chances are you’re going to want some kind of help.
Your options range from low-cost and free software to an actual CPA, so shop around to make sure whatever you get meets your needs.
Intuit’s QuickBooks is one well-known option, while Sage offers a low-cost online service that also includes some business management tools.
If for some reason you’re really on a tight budget, Wave Accounting offers a free feature-packed service – and so far there’s been no catch. The company may soon launch a paid payroll service in the U.S. and may have other plans to monetize its service.
Wave also offers referrals for real, live accountants too. And look to friends, family and local business groups for referrals too if you think you need a real accountant – one may be willing to give a small business a break in hopes that it will become a big client later on.
Adapted from Entrepreneur’s Guide to Low-Cost Accounting at Small Business Computing.