by Joshua Ott | Oct 29, 2025 | Bookkeeping, Budgeting, Tax Planning
What You’ll Learn in This Post Why every Tacoma business needs a cash reserve for unplanned expenses How to determine the right size rainy-day fund for your business Practical ways to build and maintain those reserves over time Common mistakes business owners make...
by Joshua Ott | Oct 21, 2025 | Bookkeeping, Budgeting, South Sound Spotlight
What You’ll Learn in This Post The key financial metrics that tell the full story of your business’s health. Why tracking these numbers helps prevent surprises and improves decision-making. Practical ways to use metrics to strengthen your cash flow and long-term...
by Joshua Ott | Oct 14, 2025 | South Sound Spotlight, Tax Planning
What You’ll Learn in This Post What the new Washington State sales tax law (ESSB 5814) means for service-based businesses. Which industries are now required to charge retail sales tax. How to adjust your contracts, pricing, and accounting systems to stay compliant....
by Joshua Ott | Oct 7, 2025 | Bookkeeping, Budgeting, Tax Planning
What You’ll Learn in This Post Why mixing personal and business funds causes serious tax and legal headaches. How commingled accounts can undermine your business valuation and credibility. Simple, practical steps to keep transactions clean and compliant. How Tacoma...
by Joshua Ott | Sep 30, 2025 | Budgeting, Business, Growth Strategy
What You’ll Learn in This Post The difference between salary, owner’s draw, and distributions for small business owners How each method affects taxes, cash flow, and lending potential Common mistakes Tacoma and Pierce County business owners should avoid Practical tips...
by Joshua Ott | Sep 22, 2025 | Tacoma Community, Tax Planning
What You’ll Learn in This Post Why CPA-ready books save Tacoma business owners both time and money. How reconciling accounts, payroll, and quarterly reports reduces errors and stress. The importance of organizing receipts and flagging outstanding invoices Steps you...
by Joshua Ott | Sep 16, 2025 | Bookkeeping, Tacoma Community
What You’ll Learn in This Post Why bookkeeping is a critical foundation for startups in Tacoma and Pierce County. Common mistakes new business owners make when setting up their books. Four bookkeeping basics every startup should establish right away. How local support...
by Joshua Ott | Sep 9, 2025 | Bookkeeping, South Sound Spotlight, Tax Planning
What You’ll Learn in This Post Why quarterly tax and wage reports are required for Washington State employers. The difference between “zero payroll” and “zero hours” — and why it matters for compliance. Key information you’ll need to include in your filings to avoid...
by Joshua Ott | Sep 3, 2025 | Bookkeeping, Budgeting
What You’ll Learn in This Post Why cash flow is one of the most common challenges for Tacoma and Pierce County business owners. How forecasting can give you an early warning system for potential shortfalls. Practical ways to tighten up invoicing and speed up customer...
by Joshua Ott | Aug 26, 2025 | South Sound Spotlight, Tax Planning
What You’ll Learn in This Post: Washington State is unique in its approach to business taxes. While there’s no corporate or personal income tax, businesses still have several tax obligations to stay on top of. In this post, we’ll break down the main types of taxes you...
