In my work with nonprofits I see that any organization without a substantial base of operating cash can experience cash flow problems. Small to mid-size nonprofits are often localized in an area without a large number of resources to draw from. The most important way to make the most of the resources your nonprofit has is to manage your cash flow.

Are you a landlord or real estate investor who pays too much in taxes? Most rental property owners already have experience owning their own homes or other business. They might be surprised by how many tax deductions and other actions they can take to reduce the tax burden for investment property like rental property.

I find that many small business owners who wait to deal with their income taxes do so out of fear of an audit. Procrastination does not help! A much better strategy is to face your business taxes without fear by avoiding some common triggers which could lead to an audit.

During this "giving season" many nonprofit organizations participate in fund raising activities. When I talk with nonprofit financial leaders, I emphasize the importance of strategically seeking appropriate funds. Why? Not all revenue sources are relevant to the mission  - some actually add cost to the programs. 

I tell all my clients that the true key to building wealth lies in building assets. Regardless of how much money you make, you can build wealth over time through assets. Think about how much of your life involves bills, taxes, purchases, contracts, etc. When it comes to financial planning, why not take advantage of the time you spend preparing for your tax filing and reconnect with your CPA to develop a financial plan for building wealth. 

I talk with clients who want to invest in real estate. Some might be starting as a part-time landlord doing much of the maintenance and work. For others, it's a significant investment, and they are running a large operation with employees and many tenants. I advise all of them how important it is to do a good job of managing finances.

The end of the year is always a busy time for business owners. I tell my clients that tax planning is one of the most important activities to schedule in the last quarter of the year. I know, there are so many competing interests, but there are important business duties that can ensure a successful year when the calendar flips over. Solid year-end tax planning helps you know where you stand in 2019 and how to prepare for 2020.

I talk with church leaders about fundraising. The end-of-year holidays are one of the most strategic times for collecting donations. We call it the giving season. Every non-profit ministry in the country will make appeals to the members of their church for financial support. What makes these appeals successful?

It's no secret that the last quarter of any year is a busy one for those who wants to get a jump on tax planning and preparation. With holidays and shopping competing for your attention it’s easy to lose your focus on long-range financial planning. I understand completely. However, it's smart to look at ways you might minimize your tax liability. 

I help many small businesses with tax planning and filing. Many new entrepreneurs have to decide between an LLC (limited liability company) and a sole proprietorship. The truth is that, although the selection of a business entity is an essential decision, there isn’t one single answer to the question of LLC vs. sole proprietor. The implications for liability and tax status are two of the issues to consider.