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MARCH 2008
WAHMZONE.COM
Where Business and Motherhood Meet…
Spring is just around the corner! Let’s hope, anyway. Many of us are experiencing a tad too much snow this year. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for flowers, green grass, and yes, even bugs! (Except spiders. And ants. And bees. And centipedes. And…well, let’s just say I’m ready for the butterflies.)
As we head into March, we’re also getting closer towards that dreaded tax filing deadline. This month’s Wahm article gives some great tips when dealing with the ins and outs of home business taxes.
Also this month, we’ve got two great Work at Home Mom profiles. Maybe one of their home-based businesses will be one you’d love to try.
THINKING ABOUT CREATING A WEBISTE?
Let’s face it. Being in business today practically demands that we have a website. There really is no better way to build your business and attract more customers.
WahmZone offers a wonderful and very simple Website Building program just for you. There are no set-up fees and hosting is included! There are numerous features, including FREE e-commerce, FREE shopping cart, and FREE support twenty-four hours a day. At only $17 per month, WahmBuilder provides an inexpensive way to create and maintain a professional website. Try it for 10 days absolutely FREE to see what a fabulous and easy program it is. You’ve got nothing to lose and a more successful business to gain! Check out all the details here: http://www.wahmbuilder.com
ALREADY HAVE A WEBSITE?
Why not promote it at WahmZone.com? With the new WahmZone Business Directory, you can create your own online Advertising Center. Even if you don’t yet have your own website, you can still advertise your business! In essence, The Advertising Center is a mini website designed to drive traffic to your business. To see a sample of an Ad Center page, and for a FREE trial of this wonderful advertising tool, click here: http://www.wahmzone.com/business-directory/signup.php
HAVE YOU GOTTEN CONNECTED?
Last month I talked about what a great connecting point the WahmZone forums are. The message boards offer a place to talk about whatever is on your mind, from business issues to mom stuff. You’ll not only get support and encouragement but also camaraderie with ladies just like you, who have chosen to combine two important areas of their lives: work and motherhood. Visit the forums today. We’d love to meet you! http://www.wahmforums.com
WAHM BUSINESS PROFILES
Thanks to Tara and Jo for giving us a glimpse into their at-home businesses. Perhaps one of them will appeal to you. They invite you to check out their websites and learn more about these wonderful opportunities.
FEATURED WAHM #1
NAME: Tara Burner
Company: The Gourmet Dog Bakery
How long with company: 5 yrs. This business was previously known as The Bow Wow Dog Bakery. Recently changed name to The Gourmet Dog Bakery
Approximate hours worked per week on average, including all aspects of the job: As owner, approximately 20. Some consultants only work the business a few hours a week and make steady income.
Average weekly income: Consultants earn 20% commissions, so their income can vary depending on how they work the business.
What the job consists of: As owner, I design and bake all the organic dog goodies. I also package and ship all products to customers. Consultants merely refer people to their websites or sell to local pet owners.
The best part of the job: It's fun and creative.
Most challenging part of the job: Nothing challenging about it.
Thing you love most about the product(s): The products are made of organic and natural ingredients so I know they're healthy and good for the dogs.
Why should other moms consider looking into working for this company? It offers a unique product line to dog owners. A product that's healthy and good for dogs. With all the recent dog food scares, this company offers a way for pet owners to be confident they're getting treats that are good for their pets.
Website or other link: http://www.TheGourmetDogBakery.com
FEATURED WAHM #2
NAME: Jo Legat
Company: SEND OUT CARDS
How long with company: 3 years
Approximate hours worked per week on average, including all aspects of the job: 10 hours
Average weekly income: $500
What the job consists of: Setting up gift accounts for potential customers then walking them through using the system and letting them send out 2 FREE cards so that they can see how easy it is to use the system. I also train new customers
The best part of the job: Showing people how easy it is to use the system and how much fun it is.
Most challenging part of the job: Nothing I can think of. It is so easy
Thing you love most about the product(s): The fact that everything is right on hand and anytime you need to send out a card, all you have to do is go online and go to your card manager, pick out the card that you want to send, sign it, click send, and the USPS delivers it right to the person’s door.
Why should other moms consider looking into working for this company? It is a very easy business, it is fun, there’s excellent money to make, and doesn't interfere with any other business that you are in – it only compliments it.
Website or other link: http://www.ladijocards.com
MONTHLY ARTICLE
As promised, this month’s article focuses on something most Wahms don’t like to think about but don’t have a choice: Taxes! And the filing deadline is quickly approaching - Yikes! Hopefully, this article will motivate you and give you some good tips on taxes.
Tax Tips for the Home Based Business Owner
By Jill Hart
Tax season is one of the most nerve-wracking times of the year. From putting together all of the necessary tax documents to finding the right accountant, taxes can be time-consuming, frustrating, and a major challenge. Add in a home-based business and taxes can be downright overwhelming. However, there are some things you can do to make your tax season a breeze.
Choose your accountant wisely
One of the most important decisions you’ll make as a business owner is who you will choose to help you with your bookkeeping and accounting needs. Research accountants in your area and look for one that specializes in small business taxes. Ask if they will prepare both corporate and personal returns if needed. Make sure your accountant is clear on how they charge for their time – especially for questions over the phone.
I once worked with accountants who worked with large corporations. They were used to having very little contact with their clients, however with a new corporation I had many questions about how things worked. Needless to say it didn’t go well. Our current accountant specializes in small businesses and is available by phone or email if I have a question.
Set up your business accounts properly
I was told early in my business career that I must make sure to keep my business accounts and personal accounts separate. When I first began running my own business I simply added a second checking account to use for business purposes. There was no cost to do so I was able to set my income aside in this separate account.
I also set up a savings account to set aside my taxes each month. This was a big help at the end of the year knowing that all of my taxes were set aside and I could relax instead of scrambling to come up with the money.
Keep good records
Another way to keep tax season stress-free is to keep business receipts throughout the year. I keep a separate file in the filing cabinet next to my desk just for this purpose. This way I have everything in one place when tax season arrives. If you don't have room for a filing cabinet, consider an expandable folder categorized A – Z. That way you can still divide up the taxes by topic, and won't have to do that come tax season.
Keep records of your business expenses throughout the year. Request a list of items from your accountant or tax professional, so that you will know what items to track. Be sure to ask what counts as “business expenses.” There are certain deductions that you can take for your home, car, and utilities. Consult your tax professional about these deductions.
Know Your Tax Facts
It's important to know the date that your taxes are due. Many S corporations are surprised when they discover that some of their tax forms need to be filed by March 15th and not April 15th. Another surprise to some home-based businesses is that if you pay subcontractors over $600.00 a year, you need to send them a 1099 by the end of January.
There are many places online to find more information about taxes. One great place to find more information is the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website at www.irs.gov. They have sections with helpful information on both personal and business taxes. They also list contact information for local IRS offices where you can also find help.
Don’t ignore the taxes involved with running a home-based business and hope it will all work itself out. It takes planning and effort to be prepared for tax season. Do your homework when it comes to taxes and find an accountant that you trust to guide you through the tax maze. With the right preparation and help your tax season can be stress-free.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jill_Hart
Jill Hart is the founder of Christian Work at Home Moms, CWAHM.com. Jill is a contributing author in The Business Mom Guide Book and I'll Be Home For Christmas and co-author of the upcoming book, Home Based Blessings. Jill has articles published across the web on sites like DrLaura.com and ClubMom.com. Jill and her husband, Allen of CWAHD.com reside in Nebraska with their two children.
And that wraps up this issue of the WahmZone newsletter. Thanks for choosing WahmZone as your source for all things Wahm-related.
One request: If Spring happens to make an appearance where you live, the rest of us would greatly appreciate it if you can send it our way.
Make it a great March!
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