Erzinger Bookkeeping

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Erzinger Bookkeeping

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09/15/2026

🍔 Can I write off this meal?

It’s a question I get a lot, and the answer is: maybe.

For most qualifying business meals, the deduction is generally 50% of the cost, not 100%.

But buying lunch during your workday doesn’t automatically make it a business expense.

Generally, for a meal to qualify, it needs to have a legitimate business purpose. For example:

• Taking a client or prospective client to lunch to discuss business
• Meeting with a vendor or business partner over a meal
• Certain meals while traveling overnight for business

And don’t forget the documentation.

Keep track of the date, amount, who you were with, and the business purpose of the meal. A receipt alone may not tell the whole story six months from now.

The takeaway?

Not every meal you buy while working is a business meal.

Have a business expense you’re not sure how to categorize? That’s exactly the kind of question we can talk through during a free 20-minute Bookkeeping Check-In.

📩 Reach out to Erzinger Bookkeeping https://www.erzingerbookkeeping.com/contact

09/09/2026

A quick September reminder for business owners:

Your third estimated tax payment for 2026 is due September 15.

If you make quarterly estimated payments, now is a good time to make sure you know:

• What you need to pay
• Where to submit your payment
• Whether your income has changed enough this year that your estimate may need to be adjusted

And if you’re reading this thinking, “Wait… am I supposed to be making estimated payments?” that’s a conversation worth having with your tax professional.

One of the benefits of keeping your bookkeeping current throughout the year is having better numbers available when it’s time to make tax decisions.

Tax season is a lot easier when we don’t wait until tax season to start thinking about taxes.

Need bookkeeping help? Let's chat! https://www.erzingerbookkeeping.com/contact

09/02/2026

One of the biggest mistakes I see isn’t entering transactions incorrectly.

It’s waiting too long to do them.

When bookkeeping gets pushed aside:

• Receipts disappear.
• Transactions become harder to remember.
• Catching up feels overwhelming.
• Your Chart of Accounts may not be set up to fit your business.
• Your business may not be properly registered with the state or local agencies.
• Before long, you’re not sure what needs to be done next.

The good news? Every one of those things can be fixed.

Bookkeeping isn’t just about recording transactions. It’s about building a solid financial foundation so you can make confident decisions and spend more time running your business.

Sometimes what business owners really need is someone in their corner—someone they can call with questions, bounce ideas off of, and trust to help keep things moving in the right direction.

Whether you update your books every week or work with someone who does it for you, consistency will save you time, stress, and headaches.

If you’ve fallen behind, don’t worry. You’re not the only one, and it’s never too late to get back on track.

08/26/2026

You don’t have to be an accountant to understand your business—you just need to know where to look.

Here are three reports I recommend every business owner review each month:

📊 Profit & Loss Statement
See how much your business earned, what you spent, and whether you’re actually making a profit.

💵 Cash Flow
Know what’s coming in, what’s going out, and avoid surprises.

📄 Accounts Receivable
Keep an eye on unpaid invoices so money doesn’t slip through the cracks.

These reports aren’t just numbers on a page—they tell the story of your business.

If you’re looking at them and thinking, “I have no idea what any of this means,” you’re not alone. That’s exactly where a good bookkeeper can help.

Want a better understanding of your business finances? Reach out today, and let’s make sure you’re looking at the numbers that matter most.

08/18/2026

One of the questions I get asked the most is:

“Can I write this off?”

The honest answer?

It depends.

Every business is different, and whether something is deductible depends on how it’s used in your business.

Before you assume an expense qualifies, it’s always worth asking. A quick conversation now can help you avoid problems later and give you confidence that you’re handling things the right way.

If you’re ever unsure, just ask. That’s what I’m here for.

08/12/2026

Well… if the stores are already putting out fall décor and Christmas decorations, you know what that means…

It’s time to start getting your business in order, too.

It might seem early to think about year-end, but August is actually one of the best times to get your bookkeeping caught up.

Waiting until January usually means:
• Digging through months of receipts
• Trying to remember old transactions
• More stress during tax season

Instead, use the next few months to stay on top of your books, review your financial reports, and ask questions before year-end arrives.

A little work now can make tax season much smoother.... and cheaper.

08/05/2026

As a bookkeeper, I spend a lot of time helping business owners get their financial records back on track—but my favorite conversations are the ones that help prevent problems before they start.

Here are a few things I wish every business owner knew:

📌 Your bank balance isn’t the same as your profit.

📌 Keeping your books current is almost always easier (and less stressful) than catching up months later.

📌 Mixing personal and business expenses creates unnecessary headaches.

📌 Asking questions early can save you time, money, and frustration down the road.

📌 Bookkeeping isn’t just about tax season—it’s about understanding your business all year long.

My goal isn’t just to keep your books organized.

It’s to help you understand your numbers so you can make confident decisions and focus on growing your business.

Which one surprised you the most? Let me know in the comments! 👇

07/29/2026

When you first start a business, it makes sense to wear all the hats.

You’re the owner, the marketer, the customer service department… and the bookkeeper.

But there comes a point when trying to do everything yourself starts holding your business back.

If you’re constantly catching up on your books, avoiding your financial reports, or feeling stressed every time tax season rolls around, it may not be because you’re doing something wrong.

It may simply be because your business has grown beyond DIY bookkeeping.

Good bookkeeping isn’t just about staying organized.

It’s about understanding your numbers, making confident decisions, and having accurate financial records so you can focus on growing your business instead of worrying about it.

The goal isn’t to do everything yourself.

The goal is to build a business that supports you—not one that constantly pulls you in every direction.

👇 Which one of these signs have you experienced? Be honest—we’ve all been there.

07/23/2026

One of the biggest surprises for new business owners?

There isn’t one “right” way to pay yourself.

I’ve heard business owners confidently tell each other:

👉 “Just take an owner’s draw.”
👉 “You need to be on payroll.”
👉 “I just transfer money whenever I need it.”

The truth is… every one of those answers could be correct—or completely wrong.

It all depends on how your business is structured and taxed.

The same advice that works perfectly for one business could create unnecessary headaches for another.

That’s why bookkeeping is about so much more than categorizing transactions. It’s about helping you understand your business, maintain accurate financial records, and make informed decisions with confidence.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re paying yourself the right way, you’re asking the right question.

07/15/2026

A little about me…

When I started Erzinger Bookkeeping, my goal wasn’t just to reconcile transactions and run reports.

I wanted to help business owners feel more confident about their finances and spend less time stressing over bookkeeping.

As a small business owner myself, I understand how overwhelming it can feel to wear all the hats.

Whether we’re working together or you’ve just found my page, I’m glad you’re here.

Address

Columbia, IL
62236

Website

https://www.erzingerbookkeeping.com/

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