Preparation – The first thing you should do is take a CPA Exam review course and study hard. There are plenty of great courses out there and a quick search on the internet will reveal them to you. Also consider a great book by Keith B. Laggos called “Take My Accounting Tax Legal Issues in Entrepreneurship”. This review will give you some excellent insider knowledge on how to best approach and conquer the business issues you will face on the CPA exam.
Patience – It can be quite challenging when you first start a small business. It’s at this point that entrepreneurs start to feel like they’re making up stories to explain to their accountants all the mistakes they’ve made during the startup process. Do not let yourself fall into this trap. Keep track of your progress as it goes along. Every time you make a mistake to write it down in a journal or email it to your accountant so they can look over it. Just don’t keep it to yourself.
Education – The next thing you need to do is get educated as much as possible on business laws, accounting standards, business strategy and how to effectively run a business. You can do this through your local library or by enrolling in a university class. The library will provide you with books and videos that will help you learn the basic skills needed to become a successful entrepreneur. You’ll find many free resources online to help you prepare for your examination. Additionally, your local library has many business related publications to help you learn about the different industries. Attend seminars and take classes at local colleges to further educate yourself about your field of choice.
Liability Insurance – When you start any type of business there is going to be liability. This is one of the major reasons people fail in business. While there is no way to prevent liability, you can greatly reduce the chances of it occurring by insuring your assets and paying your invoices on time. When doing your due diligence, ask your accountant which type of liability insurance you’re required to carry.
Prepaid Business Checks – As an entrepreneur you have probably received a tax liability notice from the IRS. If so, prepare yourself with a tax check book and some cash in case you need to pay the amount in full. You never want to take money out of your own pocket to pay a tax liability. When preparing for this portion of the test, ask your accountant which option you would choose to resolve the tax liability.
Business Structure – Another area that will be tested on the quiz is your business structure. Most individuals who are seeking to start a business or expand an existing business will likely be required to obtain a tax identification number from the IRS. This number will be needed in order to legally do business in the United States. In addition, you may also be required to establish a business entity. Ask your mentor and/or professors which options are best for you to address these issues.
When you go through this process as a business owner, you should realize how serious this matter is. Many entrepreneurs have started their businesses without even understanding the IRS regulations that govern their business. However, when you take my accounting tax legal issues in entrepreneurship quiz, you will be better prepared to handle these matters. Not only will you understand why you are being charged a tax, but you will also be better able to handle any tax disputes that may arise in the future.