Blog
Plain-text accounting insights, tutorials, and updates from the Beancount.io team. Browse by tag.
Bookkeeper vs. CPA: Which Does Your Business Need?
A practical breakdown of what bookkeepers and CPAs do, what each costs ($30–$60/hr vs. $200–$500/hr), and when to hire one, the other, or both—so you stop overpaying for the wrong professional at the wrong time.
Bonus Depreciation: The Complete Guide for Small Businesses in 2026
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act permanently restored 100% bonus depreciation for property acquired after January 19, 2025. Here's how small businesses can claim the full first-year deduction on equipment, vehicles, and qualified improvements—and when skipping it makes more sense.
Best Small Business Loans: A Complete Guide for 2026
A practical breakdown of 7 small business loan types—SBA 7(a), 504, term loans, lines of credit, equipment financing, invoice factoring, and MCAs—with current rate ranges, qualification thresholds, and a 5-step framework for matching the right loan to your specific need.
Best Online Business Checking Accounts: A Complete Guide for Small Business Owners
A practical guide to choosing an online business checking account — covering fees, transaction limits, cash deposit access, APY, software integrations, and what documents you need to open one.
Best Bookkeeping Software for Small Businesses: A Complete Guide
A practical comparison of the best bookkeeping software for small businesses—QuickBooks, Wave, FreshBooks, Xero, Zoho Books, and Sage—organized by use case, with pricing, key features, and honest trade-offs to help you choose the right tool.
Amazon Seller Taxes: A Complete Guide for Online Sellers
Amazon FBA sellers face sales tax nexus in 26+ states, 15.3% self-employment tax on profits, and a 1099-K that overstates income. This guide covers filing obligations, deductible expenses, and recordkeeping practices to stay compliant year-round.
Above-the-Line Deductions: The Complete Guide to Reducing Your Taxable Income
Above-the-line deductions reduce your Adjusted Gross Income before you choose between standard and itemized deductions—making them available to virtually every qualifying taxpayer. This guide covers all 11 adjustments for 2026, including self-employment tax, HSA contributions, IRA deductions, and the new no-tax-on-tips provisions.
The Income Statement Explained: A Complete Guide for Small Business Owners
A line-by-line breakdown of the income statement for small business owners — covering revenue, COGS, gross profit, operating income, and net income, plus key ratios and the five most common mistakes that distort results.
When and How to Hire a Bookkeeper for Your Small Business
A practical guide on when small businesses outgrow DIY bookkeeping—covering 7 warning signs, the bookkeeper vs. accountant distinction, cost breakdowns ($200–$1,500/month), and how to evaluate and hire the right person.
Types of Bank Accounts for Small Businesses: A Complete Guide
A practical breakdown of the 6 types of business bank accounts — checking, savings, money market, CDs, merchant, and trust — with a stage-by-stage framework for structuring your banking as your small business grows.
How to Read and Analyze Financial Statements: A Complete Guide for Business Owners
A practical guide to reading income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements—with the key ratios that reveal whether your business is actually healthy, not just profitable on paper.
Free Small Business Accounting Software: The Complete Guide for 2026
A practical comparison of the best free accounting software for small businesses in 2026—Wave, Zoho Books, ZipBooks, GnuCash, and Akaunting—covering what each free tier actually includes, hidden costs, and the signals that you've outgrown your free tool.