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Discover...The Essentials of Bookkeeping
Because Knowledge is Money

Relax, sip your cup of tea while YOU learn how good bookkeeping practices help you to TAKE CONTROL of your business finances!

Use this search feature to quickly find the information you're looking for.

Custom Search

Knowledge will put more money in your pocket. This site is for you if you wonder about any of the following questions:

image of beans falling in reference to bookkeeping and bean counting


I am here to help. ... Bookkeeping Essentials is committed to educating and providing support to the homed based small business owner who does their own bookkeeping ... and the bookkeeper just starting out who is working from home. Here are some of the things you can find on this site to assist you.

Bookkeeping Tips...........Monthend Procedures...........Portable Filing System

Compliance Due Dates...........Compliance Tax Rates



I love hearing from you!

This is a wonderful site and great information!

My bookkeeping knowledge is rusty as I've haven't used it in 20 years.

I recently applied for a job, but wasn't advised prior to the interview that bookkeeping tasks was a must. I found myself unable to answer some of the questions and didn't get the job.

With the information on your site I will be better prepared for the next interview. I've also been introduced to Quickbooks and find it so easy to use.

So, thank you for the wonderful site and for providing this information.

L. from Montreal, Quebec , Canada, December 2009






Allow me to be your private tutor to the world of small business accounting. D i s c o v e r ...

... the tools of the trade you need to absolutely take control of your small business accounting in an informal, easy to understand way. ;-) Tools that make it easier than ever to be successful at the financial management of your business.

Because the GOAL is to have a life outside your business ... not to be in business to work every day ... but to build business value. Isn't that what you really had in mind when you started on this path of entrepreneurship?

image of winter sunset on Cluculz Lake - the goal is the freedom to live year round at the lake
Photo courtesy of Joylene Nowell Butler, author of Dead Witness


Discover ... The Essentials Of Bookkeeping

Because Knowledge is Freedom

And Freedom is the Goal, Right?

YOU were the inspiration for this website and I don't want to be impolite so ...

Let me introduce myself, eh (I'm Canadian) :o)

picture of Your tutor for this web site- a bookkeeper living and working from Cluculz Lake

Hi. I'm Laura and I'm pleased to meet you. I'm also known as Lake Girl (Lake for short) as I live year round on lakefront property in British Columbia, Canada. That's my winter view above - well my neighbour's actually.

I work from home as a bookkeeper because I love the flexibility the work style gives me. On a beautiful summer day I can just take my dog and together we jump in the kayak and we're off. Yes, my dog kayaks with me and loves it! But I digress.

If you're like many self-employed, work from home business owners, one of your biggest challenges is keeping on top of your bookkeeping and business finances.

Whether your GOAL is to get your business finances in order, streamline your system for efficient money management, or reduce your taxes; it can be difficult to figure out what to do to get organized on a daily basis.

And even if you DO get your daily and weekly record keeping flowing efficiently, it still may not be an audit proof system.

Do you KNOW how to setup your record keeping system? If organized properly, you will increase the likelihood of a smooth flowing audit ... because the self-employed, unincorporated, work from home business (you've probably heard it referred to as a sole proprietor) has a greater probability of facing a tax audit than any other group of taxpayers, at least that's how it is in Canada.

If you receive a notice saying you are to be audited, what should you do then? Why not be proactive? How about doing some tax planning in advance rather than learn a costly lesson after the fact?

Let's be honest, your best laid plans to organize your books always fall to the wayside because something more pressing or more enjoyable comes along.

You need a simple, efficient bookkeeping system and management reporting package that is easy to understand, allows you to do the basic tax planning yet still help you feel confident in your business decisions.


Wouldn't it be great to be as adept with the financial management of your small business as any CEO in a major corporation, so you can ...

Learn How To

- Read financial statements.

- Evaluate the health of your business.

- Identify early warning signs of potential problems.

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... systematically look over your business finances with an eye to increasing your profits? Plus know how to get all the tax deductions you are entitled to?

You are obligated by law to pay only your fair share of tax, so why pay more?

Would having the opportunity to put more cash in your pocket legally make record keeping more enjoyable for you?

No one will take better care of your finances than YOU. Isn't it time to take control? Even if you have a bookkeeper and accountant, you still need to take time to understand and manage your business' finances.


Discover ... The Essentials of Bookkeeping
Because Knowledge is Understanding

This website is all about bookkeeping - just the essentials for YOU to manage your business efficiently.

Think of this site as the Small Business Accounting Guide for YOU and YOUR bookkeeper.

Are you ready to experience the satisfaction and confidence that comes from knowing you are "doing it right"? You'll discover ...


SBI! Order Page



My hope is that this site will provide simple, useful, basic information for YOU and your friends.

TOP 100 ACCOUNTING SITES

New pages will be added on a regular basis ... so use the tools at the bottom of the page, or bookmark it, or sign up for the RSS feed updates ... and come back often!

YOU were the inspiration for this website so ...

... please don't hesitate to contact me through my Meet your tutor Lake page. This website will adjust to your needs and grow over time. This website is for you. Let me know ...

What YOU want it to be ...

How I can help YOU succeed ...

What YOU want to learn ...

What questions YOU want answered ...

image of script writing that says -- Enjoy your visit! Your tutor Lake



P.S. How do I offer all this information to you for free?

I earn income from:

I am my own webmaster ... thanks to Site Build It!

SBI! shows you how to design, build, market and monetize your site one step at a time. It is like getting a Master's Degree in how to start and run a profitable online business.

With limited computer skills, I use their tools and step-by-step Action Guide ... instructing me every step of the way. It is like a 'paint-by-numbers' Internet success kit. If you want the freedom to work for yourself, then find out more by clicking on the 'Powered By SiteBuildIt!' button found at the bottom of every page on this website ...

... or click on the picture below that suits your particular situation whether you are a mom who wants to stay home with the kids, a student who would like to earn some money, or are ready for retirement but need some supplemental income. You'll be glad you did. :o)


Retire To Something        Students        Site Build It!



Just so you know, as an affiliate of SBI!, I earn income if you purchase a subscription through my site. Please know that I would not recommend their product and service unless I was completely satisfied ... which I am. SBI! has over delivered on everything. They add new features on an ongoing basis.

... So if you enjoyed this site or think this site would be helpful to your bookkeeping clients or friends who do their own bookkeeping ... please let them know. The more visitors to this site, the more free information I will be able to provide ... and thank you for visiting today!


P.P.S. Need a short break? Pull up a chair, relax, refill your teacup and peek ... at some the pages I've done so far.

TOP100ADD.COM - ADD YOUR SITE, BOOST YOUR TRAFFIC.


Small Business Accounting Guide
Table of Contents



Donate to Bookkeeping Essentials - Support This Site
There are a number of ways to donate to Bookkeeping Essentials and help support the continued development of this website. All donations and site participation are greatly appreciated.

The Bookkeeper's Blog ... Blogs on Good Bookkeeping Practices
Hey You ... Welcome to The Bookkeeper's Blog! ... blogs designed for the home based business owner who does their own books ... easily keep up-to-date with to the Bookkeeping-Essentials.com web site.

The Canadian Bookkeeper's Handy Reference Page
The Bookkeeper's Reference Page is for the hard working, self-employed business owner. Find February 2010 Canadian tax deadlines, the latest from CRA, offers from third parties like Intuit for ...

Small Business Accounting - Good Record Keeping Habits
Small business accounting is accomplished by practicing good record keeping habits consistently. How to get organized and stay organized. Transactions to watch for that are not expensed.

Common Bookkeeping Entries - Common Accounting Entries
How to record some common accounting and bookkeeping entries that require "special" treatment ... to assist the work from home small business owner who does their own bookkeeping.

How To Do Month End - Month End Procedures
An overview of how to perform month end. These month-end procedures are intended for work from home business owners who do their own bookkeeping.

Bookkeeping Checklist - Accounting Checklist
Small business accounting and bookkeeping checklist ... tasks that should be done daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annually ... ensuring your year end will go as smoothly as possible.

Organized Recordkeeping System - Home Based Office Filing System
What is the best recordkeeping system to get and stay organized so you can get rid of those drawers of stashed receipts? Simple choices and guidelines to eliminate stress and panic.

File Organization - A Portable Document Filing System
If you operate a part of your business from your vehicle, file organization is key. This portable document filing system is perfect for you to organize your bookkeeping records!

What About Internal Controls? Small Business Accounting Decisions
Internal controls help protect you and your business against the possibility of fraud. They also reduce the likelihood of a bad tax audit. Here are some simple internal controls to implement.

Capital Lease versus Operating Lease
Small business accounting has a lot of rules. Be on the lookout for capital lease transactions that are treated differently than you would be inclined to think ...

Canadian Bookkeeping and Tax Information - Bookkeeping in Canada
Practical, helpful Canadian bookkeeping information for work from home business owners. Bookkeeper due dates, CRA tax rates, home business tax deductions, GST Guide, audits ... at your fingertips.

Understanding Tax Audits in Canada
Reduce your fear of tax audits by understanding the process. It is your responsibility to have knowledge of and apply the tax laws correctly, whether your return was prepared by a professional or not.

GST Registration in Canada - A Guide to Understanding GST and Input Tax Credits
Should you consider Canadian GST Registration? Who must register with CRA ... How GST works, optional goods and services tax reporting methods, transitional rules ... How to register for GST/HST ...

Business Vehicle Expenses - Claim on Home Business Taxes Form T2125
Let's chat about how to claim business vehicle expenses on your personal income tax return. They are claimed on Form T2125 Statement of Business or Professional Activities.

Free Online Accounting Training and Bookkeeping Training
Accounting training for the self-employed, home based business owner. Bookkeeping essentials to help you understand and get comfortable with the numbers side of your business. Non-accountants only!

Confused About the Balance Sheet?
Learn why it matters that you understand your balance sheet. Then discover what it reveals about your business finances. The mystery is about to unfold!

The Income Statement - You Want to Understand Profitability
Learn why it matters that you understand your income statement. Then discover what it reveals about your business finances. The mystery unfolds!

Developing Your Accounting System
Your accounting system is more than just the physical bookkeeping ledger or accounting software program you use. It is the gateway to ...

Bookkeeping and Accounting Systems - Small Business Bookkeeping Systems
Small business accounting systems are numerous nowadays. How do you choose the one that is right for your business? I used three different ones in my practice ... then selected the one I liked best.

A Financial Plan is Essential for the Small Home Based Business
Every business needs a financial plan. Without a plan, how do you know where you are going … and when you get there? Strategic management of your business will keep you focused on your vision and goal

The Bookkeeping Forum - Your Meeting Place
This is where the site is opened up to readers to contribute and participate. Help and be helped on the bookkeeping forum.

Ask a Bookkeeping Question - Canadian Bookkeeping Questions
A Canadian bookkeeper answers your bookkeeping questions. If you are a work from home business owner doing your own books, you will often have a bookkeeping question. Questions and answers are here.

Bookkeeping Essentials SiteSearch
Bookkeeping essentials, basic tips and good bookkeeping practices for the work from home business owner. Search for those tips and practices here.

Small Business Bookkeeping Tips - Basic Canadian Bookkeeping Tips
Over 30 basic home business accounting tips and bookkeeping tips along with information on managing your accounting system. Bookkeeping Essentials is a free resource for your book keeping questions.

Bookkeeping Help or Do-It-Yourself Bookkeeping?
Do you do-it-yourself or hire bookkeeping help to maintain the books? How do you decide?

Lakeshore Bookkeeping Services
Through my bookkeeping services, I will work with you to get your books in order and meet your tax deadlines, without all the worry. Serving Vanderhoof - Cluculz Lake - Prince George area

Meet Your Tutor Lake
As your tutor, let me introduce myself, eh. (I'm Canadian.) :0)

Terms of Use for Bookkeeping-Essentials.com
Terms of Use - Legal Disclaimer - Privacy Statement - Advertising Links - Compensation Disclosure for Bookkeeping-Essentials.com ... Please read the terms carefully.


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