I use a bookkeeping service but still don't know if I'm profitable, what exactly should I be looking at?

Everyone gets stressed, no matter who they are or what type of job they have. Small business owners, however, share many of the same stressors. The good news is if you can identify the sources of your stress, you can alleviate and ideally eliminate it – stopping the stress right in its tracks. So if you’re losing sleep, money, or even friends because you’re so high-strung and anxious all the time, keep reading for more information about the eight most common sources of SMB stress and learn how to get it under control.

I recently heard you mention that tax planning is different from tax preparation, still don't get it.

Have you ever wondered what makes someone successful in business? In a way, it’s kind of like cooking – put in the right ingredients in the right amounts, and chances are you’ll be happy with the end result. And so is the case with a successful businesswoman too. If she lives by and structures her professional life around certain values, chances are very good that she’ll achieve the level of success she desires.

I really want to use a professional tax preparer but I'm concerned about my personal data being exposed. Is there anything that can be done to protect my information?

This is a very timely and important question, and you shouldn’t listen to your friends on this, get your small business tax advice from a professional!

As a business owner it’s best that you work with a professional tax preparer. But how do you know if they are legit? If you are unsure, watch this to understand how to scope out legit tax professionals.

Small business owners, sole proprietors, independent contractors, generally everyone self-employed may owe estimated tax payments. Wonder how much you owe? Here's a basic understanding on how to approach estimated taxes payments and figure out what you owe.

You may have received an adjustment letter from the IRS and you're not sure what to do next. No need to freak out, this video breaks down exactly what to do if you receive correspondence from the IRS. And remember, the IRS will not call or email you, so beware of scams that come through phone and email messages. Letters from the Internal Revenue Service however, should be open and read as soon as they are received!

If you aren't an accountant, you may hear the terms cash basis and accrual basis accounting methods from time to time, but not really know what they are and that’s okay! Generally the IRS expects small businesses in the US with $10 million or less in revenue to report on Cash Basis. Listen to it explained here in very simple terms.

Everyone feels scared sometimes – especially business owners. After all, by starting and running your own company, you’re really putting yourself out there. You’re taking a leap of faith that many people will never be courageous enough to take. Be proud of that but also recognize that this doesn’t mean you’re immune to fear. Naturally, there will still be times when you feel afraid – and you aren’t alone. Other business owners frequently feel the same way.