Most business owners pick their business structure the same way they pick a streaming service. Quick, random, and without reading the fine print.

But the difference between an LLC and an S Corp isn’t just paperwork. It can mean thousands of dollars in extra taxes every single year… or savings, if you choose wisely.

So let’s break this down in plain English.

Buying new equipment or upgrading your office can feel expensive, but the right tax rules can make it a lot easier.

Two of the most powerful tools small business owners have are Section 179 and the De Minimis Safe Harbor election. Both let you write off equipment and supplies right away instead of slowly depreciating them over years.

Here’s how they work and how to use them to your advantage.

Most business owners don’t realize how quickly small bookkeeping tasks pile up. Then tax season hits, and suddenly everything feels messy and expensive.

A little consistency each month saves hours of stress later. Here’s a simple monthly bookkeeping checklist that keeps your books clean and your business on track.

If your Profit and Loss Statement shows what happened this month, your Balance Sheet shows what your business owns, owes, and is worth right now.

It’s like your business’s financial selfie.

And while most people think it’s something only accountants understand, the truth is:
If you can read a pizza receipt, you can read a balance sheet.

If you own a business, your Profit and Loss statement (also called a P&L statement or income statement) is one of the most important financial reports you’ll ever look at.

It shows whether you’re actually making money, or just moving it around.

The problem? Most people glaze over five seconds in. So here’s how to read your profit and loss statement like a pro, in plain English.

Hey there! I'm Justin from Red Leaf Bookkeeping, and I get asked about AI bookkeeping almost daily. "Should I jump on this AI trend?" "Will it replace my bookkeeper?" "Where do I even start?"

Here's the thing – AI isn't some scary robot taking over your finances. It's actually a pretty amazing tool that can save you hours of tedious data entry and help catch mistakes before they become expensive problems. But like any tool, you need to set up your workspace properly before you can use it effectively.

Think of it this way: you wouldn't start painting a room without laying down drop cloths first, right? Same principle applies here. Before you dive into any AI bookkeeping software, there's one crucial step that'll make or break your entire experience.

Hey there! If you're running a small business and using QuickBooks Online, you're already ahead of the game. But here's the thing – even the best accounting software can't work miracles if we're not using it right.

I'm Justin from Red Leaf Bookkeeping, and I've seen these same QuickBooks mistakes pop up again and again with our clients. The good news? They're totally fixable, and I'm here to walk you through exactly how to get back on track.

Hey there! I'm Justin Benoit from Red Leaf Bookkeeping, and I've seen it all when it comes to small business accounting mistakes. Don't worry, every entrepreneur makes these errors at some point. The good news? They're totally fixable, and once you know what to watch for, you can avoid the headaches (and the money drain) that comes with them.

Let's dive into the most common accounting mistakes I see small business owners make, and more importantly, how you can sidestep them entirely.

Tax season can feel like navigating a minefield, especially when you're juggling everything else that comes with running a business. But here's the thing – many small business owners are unknowingly leaving money on the table or setting themselves up for costly penalties that could have been easily avoided.

I'm Justin Benoit, owner of Red Leaf Bookkeeping, and over the years, I've seen the same tax mistakes pop up again and again. The good news? Once you know what to look for, these issues are totally preventable. Let's dive into the most common tax missteps that could be costing you thousands – and more importantly, how to fix them.

"Should I do my own bookkeeping or hire someone?"

It's honestly one of the biggest decisions you'll face as a small business owner. I've seen businesses thrive with both approaches, and I've also seen them struggle when they pick the wrong fit for their situation.

Let me break this down for you in a way that actually makes sense – no fancy accounting jargon, just real talk about what works and what doesn't.

Let's be honest, most small business owners feel like tax planning is some kind of exclusive club where only the "insiders" know the real money-saving strategies. Well, I'm here to let you in on something big: 2025 brought some game-changing tax advantages that many businesses are still sleeping on.