#Ethicalbusiness #Ethicalbehavior #leadership
Yeah, I know you do not want to talk about it. But remember as Professionals with PMI certifications, we do need to obey the PMI Code of Ethics. Being honest and paying taxes that are due is part of it. And paying it on all income.
So how do I do this without taxes eating all my income.
Get a certified Accountant
Yes that is a cost, but take it as an investment. Lets now go for backstreet guys who are moonlighting. Chose a good accountant, who charges a fair rate, but is professional and honest.
Trust me, it is worth it. This accountant will help you:
- Prepare your tax compilation
- Advise you what receipts can be deducted from tax
- Help you file taxes & annual returns, you can even agree that the accountant does your own annual returns
- Guide you how to prepare invoices & receipts, or – at a fee – even prepare these for you
- Guide you on needs for statutory payments
- Guide you on any audit requirements you may have
So if you are given a professional fee, don’t shy back. These are things you do not want to do yourself, since they take a lot of time. Take time to shop around for an accountant. Charges vary and professional behavior also varies. So don’t go just automatically with the first recommendation you get. It is important that you find a person you trust.
Keeping your financial books diligently and paying taxes honestly and on time, will prevent you from getting into trouble with the taxman at a later point.
Keep receipts
If you are like me then there are certain receipts you never keep. Do you ask for the final receipt in a restaurant? Do you ask for an actual receipt at a petrol station? If not, then get used to it. The things listed below can often be deducted from the tax you pay and result in lower taxes to pay. But of course this follows certain rules as well and some things have limits on how much you can deduct in a month.
Keep the following receipts:
- Payments for any office rent you pay
- Phone bills – I changed my mobile line to postpaid with a limit, so that I get a monthly bill and pay monthly
- Internet / WiFi payments
- Parking fees
- Entertainment of colleagues, clients etc – these can be claimed to a certain limit, again your accountant can help
- Fuel costs, if you use your car for work
- Car repairs & services if you use your car for work
- Cost for any PPE – make sure the receipts show clearly that these are PPE
- Office Stationary
- Statutory payments
- Work related insurance payments
- Business License payments
- NHIF / NSSF payments
- etc.
Again follow the advice of your accountant. For mpesa payments made, keep a screen shot, but also sign up for monthly statements
Keep track of payments throughout the month
This is very important, because you can usually not replace lost receipts. I actually file my receipts at least once a week and ensure I have both hard & softcopy available. When you scan receipts, make sure you name the scan correctly. This will make it much easier at the end of the month.
Agree with your accountant on the format how he wants you to keep the receipts etc. That way you make life easier for both of you and you will have not only a better working relationship, but better kept books, that then are easier to audit.
Know your deadlines
All official payments have deadlines. This applies both to annual payments, like business licenses and insurances, and monthly payments like rent, NHIF, NSSF, payments to workers, tax etc, Make sure you know these deadlines, since missed deadlines usually attract fines.
I think you are getting the gist here. Bookkeeping and paying taxes is essential for a successful business. Knowing your rights and what you can deduct from the taxes will help you ensure you do not pay more taxes than necessary.
Know applicable laws
This is especially important when you work outside of the country or you get money from side incomes. Basically any money you earn attracts tax. For money you earn outside or online and get through paypal, you also need to know the applicable taxes. Some countries have tax agreements between each other, which prevents you from having to pay tax twice. So make sure you follow the laws and have all necessary proof that you have done so. Money earned from online work requires you to pay tax on any amount you bring into the country. So if you withdraw money from paypal, you need to know there is tax to be paid.
Forgetting to pay taxes, ignoring statutory payments or poorly kept books, can land you in big trouble, which attracts hefty fines. So let’s get it right from the beginning.
I think you are getting the gist of it! Taxes need to be paid, so better get it right from the beginning. Get your bookkeeping right and get the relevant knowledge to ensure you pay what is needed, but not more than that. Use professional help to get it right