What New Business Owners Should Do in Their First 30 Days

Starting a new business is exciting, but the first 30 days can feel like a whirlwind of decisions, paperwork, and questions you didn’t even know you’d need to answer.

The good news is that the beginning doesn’t have to be chaotic. With the right steps in place, your business can start strong, avoid costly mistakes, and become tax-ready from day one.

Here’s a simple, clear guide to what every new business owner should do in their first month.

1. Open a Separate Business Bank Account

The very first step is separating your business finances from your personal ones.

A dedicated business bank account helps you:

• Track income and expenses accurately

• Protect your personal assets

• Make tax filing easier

• Look legitimate to customers and lenders

This one step prevents months of bookkeeping headaches later.

2. Choose the Right Business Structure

Your structure affects your taxes, your liability, and how you pay yourself. The most common choices are:

• LLC

• Sole Proprietor

• S Corp

• Partnership

If you’re unsure which structure fits your goals, speak with a bookkeeper or tax professional early. Making the wrong choice can lead to higher taxes or unnecessary paperwork.

3. Register for Licenses and Permits

Most cities and states require new businesses to obtain specific licenses before selling products or services.

Check your:

• State business portal

• County clerk

• Local chamber of commerce

• Industry-specific rules

Skipping this step can result in fines or delayed approval when you try to open accounts or get insurance.

4. Set Up Your Bookkeeping System

This is where most new business owners fall behind. The first 30 days are the perfect time to set up a clean bookkeeping system so you don’t scramble at tax time.

Your bookkeeping setup should include:

• A QuickBooks Online account

• Connected bank and credit card feeds

• A clear chart of accounts

• A receipt-tracking system

Clean books lead to better decisions and fewer surprises.

5. Track Every Startup Expense

Many new owners overlook the fact that startup costs are tax-deductible.

You can deduct up to $5,000 in startup expenses in your first year, depending on your total costs.

Save every receipt for:

• Equipment

• Website setup

• Legal fees

• Software

• Training

The more organized you are, the more you save.

6. Set Up a Simple Tax Savings Plan

Taxes catch new business owners off guard. A safe and simple rule is to set aside a portion of your monthly profit for taxes.

Most new small business owners should start by saving 20 to 30 percent of their profit.

You can adjust this later, but having a tax buffer from day one prevents panic when quarterly taxes arrive.

7. Build Your Online Presence

Your first 30 days are the best time to establish your digital footprint. This includes:

• A simple website

• A Google Business Profile

• Social media pages

• Your business email

You don’t need perfection. You just need to exist online so people can find and trust you.

8. Create Your First Marketing Plan

A business without marketing is invisible. You don’t need a huge budget, only consistency.

Start with:

• Posting once or twice a week

• Direct outreach to potential clients

• A simple lead magnet

• A clear offer

The habits you build early will pay off later.

9. Understand How You’ll Pay Yourself

Your structure determines how you take money from the business.

• LLC owners typically use owner draws

• S Corp owners must pay themselves a salary

• Sole proprietors take draws but pay tax on profit, not withdrawals

Knowing this early prevents tax-season confusion.

10. Find a Bookkeeper or Tax Professional Before You Need One

Most new business owners wait until everything is already a mess before hiring help. Your financial setup is one of the most important foundations you’ll build.

A bookkeeper helps you:

• Stay compliant

• Track your cash flow

• Stay tax-ready

• Make smarter decisions

It’s far cheaper to set things up correctly than to fix a mess later.

Your First 30 Days Set the Tone for Your First Year

Starting strong means fewer headaches, better tax savings, and more time spent growing your business instead of cleaning up mistakes.

If you want support creating clean books, setting up QuickBooks, or handling your monthly financial tasks, Red Leaf Bookkeeping is here to help.

👉 Book a free Money Clarity Call today and get your business set up the right way from day one.