A few years ago, my brother and I discussed opening a shop. We’d sell funky clothes, jewelry and records (records are still cool). We even scouted different neighborhoods for a location. And then it dawned on us: we had no capital, no backers, no inventory (or any idea how to get any) and we had no clue how to open, let alone run, a business. If we had consulted a Bourke Accounting pro, we would have realized the truth a lot faster. But. The dream was nice, anyway.
Most people want to open their own business because, much like my brother and I, they long for freedom from a tyrannical boss, freedom from work that isn’t that interesting and, in some cases, isn’t that lucrative. Most people want that sense of control that just doesn’t happen by being a cog in the machine.
It also doesn’t hurt that we see people like Bill Gates and ask: Well, why not me? Easy answer? Because most of us are not Bill. Sad, but true. Also, sad, but true is the amount of new businesses that fail. According to Fundera.com, “20% of small businesses fail in their first year, 30% of small businesses fail in their second…finally, 70% of small business[es]…fail in their 10th year.”
Some businesses fail because the demand isn’t there. For example, Tom + Chee had a great little restaurant in Louisville in the Highlands. Lots of foot traffic, good location, amazing grilled cheese sandwiches. But, as Eatdrinktalk.net pointed out, “grilled cheese…isn’t a whole concept, it’s a menu category.” As much as I like grilled cheese sandwiches, I wasn’t eating Tom + Chee every day. And neither was anyone else.
Tom + Chee is a great example of a point that Michael T. Deane (writing for Investopedia.com) makes: “You have to find…an unmet need within a market and then fill it rather than…force your product…in.” Evidently, Louisville didn’t feel the need for a restaurant that sold grilled cheese sandwiches exclusively. However, a company like Uber reflects Deane’s opinion very well. Uber fills a niche in college towns perfectly: low cost, lots of bars and young people who like to avoid DUIs. Uber is an almost laughably simple concept, however, in 2019 it was “targeting a valuation of $80 to $90 billion” (NPR.org). Simple? Yes. Laughable? Not anymore.
One final thing you ought to consider if you are thinking of starting a new business: what are you like? Eric Wagner, writing for Forbes.com mentions that some new business owners are guilty of “self-sabotage through extremely poor decision making and weak leadership skills.” If you’re serious about your dream, you should invest some time in management classes and figure out what kind of boss you want to be. Once you start hiring employees, you’ll want to be accessible, firm, fair and consistent. You’re not going to have a very successful business if you run off your employees.
Want to start a business? Come and meet with a Bourke Accounting expert to get real answers as to whether this is a possibility for you right now. Are you having difficulty with your new business? Sit down with one of our Bourke Accounting representatives and perhaps they can offer insight into why you are struggling and give you truthful, useful advice. If you’re planning to live your fantasy, Bourke Accounting wishes nothing but the best for you!
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
Bourke Accounting doesn’t like thieves because thieves are dirty.
Whether it’s an idiot teenager stealing $20 worth of pennies at a house party or Enron’s Jeffrey Skilling stealing millions, both are equally filthy.
It hurts more when the thief is someone who was once close to you, though.
Now that tax season is upon us, divorced couples with children have more to worry about than the average person. Particularly if the divorce has been less than amicable. For example, let’s say you have full custody of your child, you (have your Bourke Accounting tax preparer) e-file your tax return and are then met with a message “telling you that a dependent on your return has been claimed on another tax return” (IRS.gov).
Now you know that your ex has beaten you in a race to file taxes that you didn’t even know you were running. But it’s not fair! You are the custodial parent!
Calm down. First, don’t even bother asking the Internal Revenue Service who claimed your child, as they are prohibited by law from telling you (IRS.gov). Okay, well, you knew who it was, anyway, so no big whoop. As irritating as this is going to be, there are a few hoops that you’re going to have to jump through to achieve satisfaction.
You know that tax return you tried to e-file? Well, now it’s time to send a paper copy to the IRS with a lot of documentation. Be prepared to include copies of “birth certificates, proof of identity and documents that show your dependent lived with you for more than half of the calendar year” (IRS.gov). Also, you’ll want to include anything from places like the child’s school “that shows names, common address and dates” (IRS.gov). And then you get to wait. And you will be waiting.
After about 2 months, the IRS will decide to look into the matter (I’m not being snarky, this is the time frame the IRS gives!). Once they do that, you might receive a CP87A notice. This letter will tell you if you should do nothing or if you have to file an amended return. Your ex is going to receive the same letter, if both of you refuse to file an “amended return that removes the child-related benefits” (IRS.gov), then there is going to be an audit in your future.
When you sit down with your Bourke Accounting professional this year, make sure that you include any information that could possibly affect your tax return. I know talking about a nasty divorce is rough, but your Bourke Accounting expert has seen it all (sort of like an ER doctor) and won’t be put off. The more details that you can provide, the quicker your Bourke Accounting specialist can head off any nasty surprises that might be waiting for you around the next corner. And again, your Bourke Accounting tax preparer is always willing to lend a sympathetic ear.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
Bill’s two Labradors, Tess and Loretta, hang out at the Bourke Accounting office. They have comfy beds, strategically placed, along with toys here and there. There is a jar of puppy treats in the break room – Bookkeeper Barbara is notorious for spoiling the girls. These puppies are sincerely loved (if Tess, who is rather shy, says “hello” to you, consider yourself very special and count on having good luck for the rest of the day).
But. What about those dogs who aren’t quite so lucky?
Case in point: I had a pal who lived in a not-so-nice city in New Jersey. When I went to pick him up, I’d park my car, carefully scan the area, sprint to his door and ring the bell. Over and over, frantically.
When it was time to leave, we’d peek through the blinds, look for movement and, if all was clear, we’d run, full tilt, to the car.
We weren’t avoiding zombies or naughty muggers. My friend lived in a neighborhood that, among other things, showcased a roving pack of feral dogs. These were not mischievous, singing Disney strays. Oh, no. These were slat thin, sickly and vicious canines. I saw the pack, from a distance, only twice. Twice was two more than needed.
As I have always been a dog lover, it made me sad that I was frightened by these guys. Obviously, I was also upset that these dogs, who should have been snoring peacefully next to a fireplace somewhere, were shivering and eating trash. Where did they come from? Of course, some probably got out of the yard and became lost. Some, maybe, were set “free” by owners who couldn’t (or wouldn’t) care for them.
I’d hazard a guess that the majority of these dogs were born on the street.
According to Dosomething.org, “approximately 2.7 million dogs and cats are killed every year because shelters are too full and there aren’t enough adoptive homes” to care for them. While this is incredibly heartbreaking, it is also incredibly preventable. Like Bob Barker, animal activist and gameshow host, used to say at the end of every The Price is Right episode: Have your pets spayed or neutered.
Besides helping with animal homelessness, altering Little Miss Sparkle Paws has many health benefits. For example, “spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast tumors…and neutering…prevents testicular cancer and some prostate problems” (ASPCA.org). In addition, spaying ensures that you can avoid Little Miss Sparkle Paws’ lady time (seriously, no puppy wants to wear a diaper and how many times do you want to replace the carpet?).
Finally, there are behavioral advantages to neutering. Generally, the boys calm down a little, stop jumping the fence to make the acquaintance of the cute dog next door and will probably quit getting romantic with your kid’s stuffed animals.
We are animal lovers at Bourke Accounting. Pretty much everyone here has some sort of pet. Bourke Accounting experts aren’t just well-versed in proper pet care, they are well-versed in proper customer care. Our Bourke Accounting professionals will treat you just as gently as they would a shelter dog walking into her Forever Home for the first time. Our Bourke Accounting specialists won’t leave you to fend for yourself in an ever-changing and confusing world (and they won’t let you eat trash, either).
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
Sadly, most of us have to work. And, sometimes, our work schedules make getting the important things done less than easy. Take, for example, completing your tax return. How are you supposed to meet with a tax preparer if s/he only works the same exact hours that you do? Here at Bourke Accounting, we have felt your distress and aim to alleviate it.
Bourke Accounting has already extended our hours for this tax season:
We are now open Monday through Thursday from 8 AM all the way until 7 PM. Friday, we’re open from 8 AM until 5 PM.
“But, Sue,” you say, “I am only free on Saturdays to receive the best in Bourke Accounting tax preparation services!”
In that case, maybe you should swing by Saturday, from 8 AM until 2 PM. We got you.
Right now is the perfect time to call the office or email your favorite Bourke Accounting tax preparer to set up an appointment. However, if you’re too busy (or don’t want to sacrifice a Saturday), you can always drop off your documentation. If you don’t want to do that, you can even mail your information! Like I said, we got you.
Another thing that Bourke Accounting offers (besides superb accountants and bookkeeping options) is a seminar every couple of months to promote one of our clients. These guys have a lot of interesting information to offer. For example, on January 22 at 6:00 PM, Bourke Accounting is going to host a free tutorial, given by AEDs & Safety Services, LLC’s Marianna Perry, focusing on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Automated External Defibrillator, Workplace First Aid Requirements and First Aid Supplies. You never know how useful something like this can be until you’re in a very precarious situation. I’m no Florence Nightingale, so you can bet that I’ll be paying attention:
Another can’t miss seminar is being offered on March 25th by WSF Productions’ (Westside Fairytales) creator Tyler Bell. Mr. Bell hosts/writes a “horror and dark fiction anthology podcast” and, I, probably, don’t have to point out that I’ll be there with bells on.
There are two more reasons why you should really come to these free seminars: Bourke provides free food and booze. Please believe, you won’t be served Saltine crackers and Pabst Blue Ribbon (I like both…). When Bourke Accounting says “Thank you” to their much-loved clients, they pull out all the stops.
So, do you want your tax preparation and bookkeeping done right? You know that Bourke Accounting is your only choice. Want to hear worthwhile information that you can’t find anywhere else? Stop at Bourke Accounting from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, eat food, have a few drinks, learn cool stuff and meet the team!
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
My little cousin told me that she wants to grow up to be a social media “Influencer.”
As I think I’ve told you, I wanted to grow up to be a panther, so I said, “Hey, whatever’s cool, kid.” When I asked if there was any financial future in such an endeavor, I was met with the eyeroll that only a teenager can achieve: Oh, aren’t you cute?
Okay, kid, okay. Let me delve into the mysterious world of Influencers.
I don’t blame the kid for the exasperated rolled eyes. There is definitely money to be made as an Influencer. For example, PewDiePie (real name Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg) has an estimated net worth of $30 million (Wealthygorilla.com). Cara Delevingne (model and actress) “can reportedly earn…$230,000-300,000 per branded Instagram post,” according to Blog.archie.co. These guys play video games and frolic on the beach with friends. Interesting times, no?
Probably not surprising, my first thought was: how do Influencers file tax returns? Well, generally, Influencers are considered independent contractors. Stopirsdebt.com mentions that Influencers will receive a Form 1099 for every brand collaborated with ($600 and over). However, it’s pointed out that even if the Influencer is not provided with a Form 1099, the Influencer ought to know how much was earned and should report “it as part of [their] total receipts” (Vidiq.com).
Beyond reporting all income, successful Influencers are highly urged to set up quarterly estimated tax payments. As Mag.octoly.com advises, this can help the individual to “avoid paying a large lump sum at the end of the year.” This is especially important if a taxpayer can “expect to owe tax of $1,000 or more” when a return is filed (IRS.gov).
Besides just the regular independent contractor details, Influencers receive a lot of free “gifts” from companies. Usually, this isn’t a big deal if “the value of each product/service…does not exceed $100 (IRS.gov). However, if that value is over $100, the IRS cordially invites the declaration of the entire worth of the gifts to “be subjected to tax.”
Finally, there are deductions that an Influencer can claim. Like most independent contractors, these include things like home office, cell phones and travel. However, as Vidiq.com warns, the social media star has to be very sure to only claim amounts that are used for the creation of their content. I don’t think that an IRS audit would make for a very interesting post, but I could be wrong.
So you want to be a social media star? First: Create interesting content. Second: Wild success. Third: Get a Bourke Accounting professional to navigate you through ever-changing tax laws. As I’ve said before, Bourke Accounting experts keep up. Also, our talented Bourke Accounting bookkeepers can keep your books, record your estimated tax payments properly and answer any questions you might have.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
I am a simple woman.
Don’t get me wrong, I like a nice Alaskan King crab dinner here and there. I like to go to plays occasionally and I like my clothes to not be falling to the floor in tatters. However, I am not a person who feels the need for a pair of Stuart Weitzman high heels (price tag: $500,000 – seriously).
Because of this, I am rather blown away that the “3-month’s salary rule” regarding the cost of an engagement ring is still a thing. And from everything that I’ve been reading, this practice does continue to be encouraged. However, looking into this topic, I learned some interesting little facts.
First, according to Theknot.com, the De Beers diamond and jewelry company, in the 1930s, started the idea that a diamond was the only acceptable rock for an engagement ring. They did this pretty easily with the advertising campaign of “A diamond is forever” (Brides.com). It sort of implied that, if you didn’t give your woman a diamond, then, clearly, your marriage would be doomed from the start. Also, De Beers diamond rings were handed out like candy to movie stars for red carpet events and in movies to really show what glamor looked like.
Another trend started by the De Beers company was, originally, the 1-month salary rule. Whowhatwear.com informs us that De Beers, using another advertising crusade, advised would-be grooms to “spend one month’s salary on the ring to save money.” Obviously, inflation being what it is, this advisement has grown a bit more expensive over the years.
Besides suggestions on how much should be spent on a ring, I just found another bizarre rule: The Age Rule. This rule maintains that the carat size of the diamond should match the age of the woman (Financialsamurai.com). I don’t know who came up with this or even what to do with this information.
It seems to me that an engagement ring should match the personality of the person receiving it. It should be indicative of the level of understanding that the couple shares. There are a lot of antique stores out there carrying one-of-kind, inexpensive rings. Personally, I think these are more interesting than mass-produced and over-priced chain jewelry store rings. But as I’ve said, I am a simple woman.
If you are dead set on going the 3-month route, your Bourke Accounting expert won’t try to talk you out of it. Unless, of course, such a decision would make you financially insolvent; your Bourke Accounting professional won’t let that happen without a fight. If you are planning on getting engaged this year, why not meet with your friendly Bourke Accounting representative and see what options make sense for your financial future?
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
I once had a boss who berated me in a meeting for writing purchase orders wrong. When I pointed out that I, in fact, didn’t write purchase orders, he warned me to do it right the next time.
While I was working in HR, there was a woman who called out sick at least 4 times a month. That was bad enough, but then I was forced to listen to her cry over the phone about whatever new catastrophe had disrupted her life.
And now I work for Bill.
Bill, who has started an employee book club. Bill, who has started an employee book club that seems to revolve around self-help books. So far, I have read 1 and a half self-help books. Because I clearly have psychological expertise now, I have decided to take on the subject of difficult coworkers.
We’ve all experienced difficult coworkers (if you haven’t, then you just might be the difficult coworker…). There’s the lady who hides when a distasteful task comes up, there’s the guy who thinks it’s funny to repeat things told in confidence and then there are the negative people. The negative people are their own breed: you say, “good morning,” they remind you that it’s raining. You say that it’s great that everyone gets to go home a little early, they wonder loudly about the likelihood of a layoff.
I know it won’t surprise anyone, but we spend most of our time with people we have had no hand in choosing ourselves. If you can say that you are friends with your coworkers in real life, then you are a very, very lucky person. But what about the majority of the working world? Here are some tips that I’ve gleaned by being a regular work-a-day Jane:
1) Let it go. Sally said something offhandedly snotty. You brood and think about it days after it happened. Stop. You’re not affecting her and you’re hurting yourself. It is really not that important. Every time you start playing the incident over in your head in the middle of the night, think of a pink elephant instead.
2) Consider where your nemesis is coming from. There are not too many people who are inherently evil. Mike might be a defensive, overbearing so and so, but do you really know why? Maybe his home life isn’t the best, maybe his kid is going through bad times. Before you charge him as a bad person, remember that we all have our own perilous paths to wander.
3) Talk. If you have a coworker who is simply insufferable, I mean, no amount of Zen meditation will help insufferable, then talk. If you have to call in the human resources team, do it. If you have to call in your boss, do it. Generally, when people are forced to air their problems and discuss them in a civilized fashion, things get accomplished. If the meeting doesn’t go well, remember that beaning him in the head with a stapler still counts as assault.
I like my Bourke Accounting coworkers. Besides being talented and knowledgeable, Bourke Accounting experts are a pretty interesting group of folks. Not only are Bourke Accounting professionals willing to help and teach a fellow coworker, they go above and beyond with every client they handle. Hey, maybe your Bourke Accounting bookkeeper or tax professional will turn out to be your new best friend.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
There’s no stopping it now. We are officially living in the new year. I am excited that, so far, I have only misdated one document (although, I wrote 1919 for the year, so I don’t know what that says). Most of us accidentally use the prior year before getting acclimated to a new January. Another thing a lot of us do is come up with New Year’s Resolutions.
I do not.
It’s not that I’m lazy with no understanding of discipline, I just find resolutions sort of self-defeating. Glimpsing January 1st in the distance, we feel this great optimism that this is going to be the year: we are going to lose weight, quit smoking, go hiking, get another job, etc., etc., ad nauseam.
And then here comes February 3rd and we haven’t made much progress. According to Businessinsider.com, “about 80% of people fail to stick to their New Year’s resolutions for longer than six weeks.” Well, that’s longer than I thought, but still. It’s very noble to want to erase bad habits and get into new, healthier ones, but you can’t expect to change your life overnight.
For example, Lifehack.org mentions that one of the biggest obstacles to lasting change is that “you’re trying too hard.” Considering weight loss, Lifehack.org tells us that the more you restrict a certain food, the “more you’re going to want it.” They suggest that you start by making small changes rather than dramatic ones. Let’s say that you really like greasy burgers and fries from the place down the street. Eat that, but also include a small salad and replace your soda with water. After a while, exchange your large order of fries for a small. Then, forgo the fries all together.
Baby steps, friends, baby steps.
There is nothing wrong with wanting to make positive changes in your life. However, putting pressure on yourself based on what the calendar says can really have the opposite effect. Quit smoking all at once, fling a pack of Post-Its at your boss’ head and you’ll be looking for a new job in the new year all right. Instead, and again, gradually take away the things that aren’t benefiting your life. After all, like Elbert Hubbard wrote: We are punished by our sins, not for them.
Another thing that Lifehack.org recommends is to track your progress. Be honest with yourself and legitimately document how many smokes you’ve had, how many sit-ups you’ve completed. If you’re actively trying and actively telling the truth, you might be surprised at how well you’re doing in just a little while.
The professionals of Bourke Accounting wish you all the best in the new year. They won’t tell you to put down the remote and go jogging, but a Bourke Accounting representative can help you to make better financial choices. A Bourke Accounting expert will offer advice on how to reduce nonessential expenditures and how to avoid visits from the Tax Man. Bourke Accounting can change your life, no baby steps required.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
Animals are interesting.
Vultures generally wait until their…uh…meal is dead before picking through the bones.
Hyenas generally wait until they spot an injured or sick animal and, well, they don’t wait to pick through the bones.
Humans are animals, too.
The last time you took a sick day, you probably binged on daytime television. Doing so, you also probably saw commercials for tax debt relief companies that screamed about the amazing things they could do for you. “Do you owe $17 million in back taxes?! We will negotiate with the IRS for less than pennies on the dollar!!! Even if your debt is bigger than Mount Everest, we guarantee results!” These commercials usually run after Dr. Phil says “goodbye” and right before the shady lawyer promises millions of dollars for a slip and fall accident (typically with bad CGI and a vague sort of hip-hop soundtrack).
If you are suffering from a large Federal tax debt, you are probably frightened. And, let’s face it, you are now the lame antelope in the herd. Being the lame antelope, you should know that the human equivalent of a hyena is quietly circling. If you are in this unfortunate position, there are a few things that you should know.
First, don’t trust any commercial/company that “guarantees” to be able to settle your tax debt. Your tax debt is as unique as you are. A blanket assurance is totally unrealistic. Even IRS.gov, when discussing their Offer in Compromise program, mentions that there are many, many different sets of criteria that you would have to fit in order to pay less money than you owe. “The ability to pay, income, expenses and asset equity” are just a few factors that will be studied before the IRS will consider approving your offer.
Also, don’t hand over tons of money before any work is actually completed. Paying a retainer is normal but avoid any firm that asks for payment, in full, during your first meeting. Paying for work not yet done is like paying for a car with the promise of, one day, eventually, maybe, being able to drive that car.
Finally, pay attention to what sort of documents the person in front of you is requesting. Is s/he only asking for last year’s W2? If so, this could be a stalling tactic. A month after your first meeting, your “professional” might send you a letter saying that there wasn’t quite enough information provided and that’s what’s holding up your offer.
Make sure that you do your homework: look at reviews, consult the Better Business Bureau, even the amount of time that the firm has been in business is a good litmus test for stability.
Bourke Accounting experts are not hyenas. However, a Bourke Accounting specialist will fight like a mama bear to help you come to livable terms with the IRS. And much like a mama bear, your Bourke Accounting representative fears nothing. If you’re going through a hard time with large tax debt, don’t make it worse. Come talk to the best, most tenacious crew in the business.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
A lot of people don’t know this, but I am really shy. I do warm up after a little while, but that first couple of minutes with a stranger is hellacious for me. I worry that I have something in my teeth or that, maybe, I’ve already acquired unsightly pit stains – the list of awkward possibilities is endless.
So, imagine my horror when Bill told me that I would be accompanying Christina (talented Bourke bookkeeper and tax preparer, if you didn’t know) into the Kentucky wide-open to hand out giftbags to folks. I lost sleep, had difficulty eating and found myself seriously unhappy for the few days leading up to our excursion.
But what could I do? I believe that if I spoke to Bill about my affliction, he would have given me a pass. However, I didn’t want to do that. Instead, I put on my Big-Girl pants and headed out.
After a few shops, Christina couldn’t find a parking spot and asked if I would go alone. My hands started to sweat, my chest constricted, I nodded miserably and left the safe cocoon of the car.
And, just like that, my stress bubble popped. I joked around with the proprietress. I was calm and engaging. I did what I set out to do and it felt good. There is no doubt that, without meaning to, Bourke Accounting pushed me way out of my comfort zone.
The problem that some of us have with social anxiety, is that we say, “Well, this is just me.” Don’t believe that for a second. Shyness might be an aspect of your personality, but it isn’t who you are. Pyschcentral.com’s article, “6 Ways to Overcome Social Anxiety,” has a few ways to combat shyness. Some are rather stupid, like “Create an exposure hierarchy.” Okay, why couldn’t the author just say: Hey, make a list of the social things that freak you out? However, some of the advice is solid, such as, deep breathing, therapy and, quite simply, fighting through the fear.
I fought through the fear and came out the other side, victorious. This does not mean that I will no longer suffer from social anxiety. However, it does mean that I am coming from a better starting place and that I now know that I can, successfully, converse with new people. By the end of the day, I wasn’t even remotely nervous.
Bourke Accounting representatives won’t make you put your hand into a tank of creepy crawlies. They won’t even force you to give a public speech. However, if your phobia happens to be money-related, our Bourke Accounting experts can help you fight through the fear, too. Our Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers can show the way to a better night’s sleep and less anxiety during the day. And if you have to tighten that belt a little, Bourke Accounting can show you ways to make it a little less painful and a little less scary.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.