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Category: Business Accounting

When you’re running a successful business it’s easy to praise yourself for your hard work and dedication; and it’s easy to forget to say “thank you” to the people who have made you a success: your clients. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to show your clients how grateful you are for their loyalty. The best part is that expressing your gratitude doesn’t have to be expensive.

With these 12 quick, easy, and inexpensive ideas you can show gratitude for your clients this month:

    1. Write a personalized note. In an increasingly fast-paced and technology-driven world, handwritten notes are becoming a lost art.  A personal note shows your client that you took the time to think about them specifically. Try this guide if you are having a hard time putting your feelings into words.
    2. Invite them to party with you. This idea may be more costly, but if you have it in your budget, host an event at your business. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant–order a sandwich tray and some punch and get the party started! Send out invitations asking your clients to stop by and enjoy lunch on you.
    3. Send them a treat. Everyone loves receiving a nice Cookie tin and they’re perfect for a small budget. Other popular treats are fudge, meat and cheese trays, fruit baskets, gourmet candy, and freshly baked bread. Have them delivered to your client’s office before they’re bombarded with goodies in December.
    4. Share your knowledge, free of charge. Your clients come to you because they trust you and want to learn from you so share your expertise. Whether it’s an email newsletter, helpful hint on social media or printable checklist, customers love useful information about the service or product they’re purchasing. The best part is that you can do this for free!
    5. Reward them with a coupon or gift. Get in the gift-giving spirit this year by offering a discount for your goods and services. Design the coupon with a gratitude theme for that extra holiday touch.
    6. Acknowledge special occasions. If you know about a client’s business anniversary or special occasion for them, send them card congratulating them or wishing them well.
    7. Share your favorite book. Is there a book that has changed your life? Share your favorite inspirational and thought-provoking book with your clients. Be sure to include a handwritten note or bookmark in the cover. You may even think about sending different books to different clients so that it is more personalized.
    8. Make them laugh. If you have a creative mind on staff, have them step up and create a funny and personalized client gift or message. One idea: Photoshop your client into a famous movie poster, rename it something clever and email the picture with your note of “Thanks for your business!”
    9. Start a loyalty program. Nothing makes people feel more valued than getting a special discount or extra perk by shopping with you. If you haven’t already, start a loyalty program that gets customers excited about continuing their business with you.
    10. Show them off to everyone you know. Tell everyone about an outstanding client in your newsletter or social media page. Offer free publicity by linking to their website and giving a quick shout out about how great they are.
    11. Discount their bill, for no reason. We’re heading into a financially stressful time of the year, surprise your clients with extra savings. Slash their monthly bill or offer a discount at the register, just because you appreciate their business.
    12. Most importantly, show them that you care through excellent customer service.  Being kind goes a long way. Actively look for new ways to make your clients experience better. It will elicit positive reviews and bring them back for more. It’s the perfect win, win situation.

Have you ever wondered how long to keep important financial documents such as receipts, bank statements, and credit card bills? If you’ve got a big box of papers that you don’t know whether they’re important or not, you’re not alone! Here is a quick method to use for an organized system of keeping receipts for the recommended amount of time. Use this printable in your office and reference it when you organize your papers.

It’s important to remember that the IRS recommends keeping tax-related documents for at least six years. An audit can be performed up to six years after filing if an error is suspected, and you’ll want proof of your purchases if that happens.

Download the printable version here.

KeepItFor2

Good news! You don’t have to wait until Christmas to start taking advantage of holiday business deductions. If done right, you can write off all of those Halloween goodies from your small business bookkeeping, too.

Make a promotion out of your treats

  • Make a promotion out of your treats. You know you’ll be buying them anyway. If not for the office staff, then for all of the cute little witches and vampires that are sure to show up at your business. Make Halloween candy tax deductible by attaching a business card or flyer promoting your business.
  • If you’re really in the spooky spirit this year, order candy with your logo on it. An even better way to promote your business and still have something for trick-or-treaters. This company will do it for you and have it delivered before October 31st.
  • Treat your current and potential clients. They’re undoubtedly overloaded with goodies during the Christmas season, but sending a box of chocolates in October may stick in their mind better as an early (and unexpected!) surprise.
  • Donate your leftover Halloween treats. Charitable organizations with 501(3)c status like Operation Gratitude and Soldiers’ Angels collect leftover Halloween candy to include in care packages for soldiers. They are two of many 501(c)3 organizations on the IRS-approved list to donate tax deductible charitable goods. Always be sure to check the IRS list before claiming your donations are tax deductible, as status can change. Read more about that here.
  • Throw a party. You can deduct a portion of a Halloween party if the party is to conduct or promote business. Typically this looks like an open house of some sort where you mingle with current and potential clients, play a few Halloween games, give out candy and treats, and discuss business.

Payroll is a time-intense small business task that has to be done right if employers want their employees to stick around. It’s not a task that can be delayed, or done improperly. Normally not a favorite task among small business owners, payroll is sometimes best left to the experts.

Here are three big advantages of outsourcing payroll that will save you time and money:

big advantages of outsourcing payroll

  1. Access to expertise and knowledge. Employers have to deal with almost 10,000 federal, state and local taxing jurisdictions across the United States. They also heavily rely on technology to operate more efficiently.  As a business grows, employers have more employee records to keep and also need more reporting.  The lack of technology becomes a hindrance to scaling for growth of the business. When you’re doing payroll in-house, you’re more likely to make mistakes that not only upset employees, but the government as well. Payroll service providers may be less likely to make big mistakes, and when they do, it’s easier to approach them about it than if the same mistake were made by one of your own employees.
  2. Minimize costs and risks. Outsourcing payroll can also cut costs and reduce risk. On average, businesses are overpaying employees by about 4% because of differences between the employee’s time and an accurate time record. Larger businesses often have the means to employee an entire accounting/payroll department, but businesses with fewer than 20 employees often find that outsourcing payroll saves them money. A quick way to determine if outsourcing payroll would save your business money is to figure out how many hours your employees are devoting to payroll-related activities, calculate how much you’re spending and compare the amount to the plans offered by several payroll-services providers. (Vyde offers plans around $75/month–if you’re spending more than that, you could be saving money!) Also, be sure to factor in the money your business spends on tasks like printing and distributing checks, creating tax documents, and the like.
  3. More focus on your core business. Doing payroll yourself can take a lot of time and focus from the money-making aspects of your business. Payroll may not directly increase sales, but done incorrectly, it can put your business in a world of hurt. To be in accordance with the laws and legal requirements of payroll takes a considerable amount of time and detail. Outsourcing payroll will help you save time and allow you to spend more money on the profitable parts of your business.

Struggling with in-house payroll? Discover the woes small businesses face, from errors to compliance challenges. Enter the solution: hiring an expert. Outsourcing your small business payroll to professionals ensures accuracy, compliance, and frees up valuable time. As you seek the best, consider Vyde—the most trusted accounting and bookkeeping firm in the US, providing seamless payroll services for your business success. Make the smart move today.

Outsource Your Small Business Payroll

FAQs about Outsourcing Small Business Payroll

Why outsource payroll?

Outsourcing ensures access to expertise, reduces errors, and simplifies compliance with diverse tax jurisdictions.

How does outsourcing minimize costs?

It cuts expenses on overpayments, staffing, and ancillary tasks like check printing, resulting in significant savings.

Can small businesses benefit from outsourcing?

Absolutely. For businesses with fewer than 20 employees, outsourcing payroll saves money and allows focus on core operations.

What risks does outsourcing payroll mitigate?

Outsourcing reduces the risk of errors in tax filings, legal compliance, and employee payment discrepancies, fostering smoother operations.

How does outsourcing enhance business focus?

By delegating time-consuming payroll tasks, businesses can redirect their attention and resources to revenue-generating activities, fostering growth.

Last month, we sent a poll to our clients asking them how they manage stress. The options were the typical stress management techniques you’d guess–sleep, prioritize, make lists, exercise, and meditate. The results were overwhelmingly similar, in that nearly 63% of Vyde clients rely on exercise to reduce their stress. Since nearly all of our clients are small business owners, it’s no surprise that they have their fair share of pressure in the work place.

Here are 10 statistics to further reinforce that notion to get your body moving when you’re feeling stressed out:

  1. It doesn’t take much. Psychologists studying depression and anxiety have found a brisk ten minute walk to be as effective as a 45 minute workout in reducing stress.
  2. Science has also provided some evidence that physically active people have lower rates of anxiety and depression than sedentary people. Less anxiety = less stress.
  3. Exercise is meditation in motion. Five to 10 minutes into their exercise routine, most people find that they are able to stop thinking about workplace stress and focus more on their body movements. This focus helps them remain calm and concentrated in all aspects of life.
  4. Scientists have found that regular participation in aerobic exercise has been shown to decrease overall levels of tension, elevate and stabilize mood, improve sleep, and improve self-esteem.
  5. It improves your mood. Regular exercise increases self-esteem, relaxes you, boosts your confidence, and lowers the symptoms associated with stress, depression, and anxiety.
  6. Exercise helps you sleep. If your work day wears you out mentally, a little physical exercise can help you wind down and sleep better and longer at night. Better rest = less stress.
  7. Raising one’s heart rate can actually reverse damage to the brain caused by stressful events. Dr. Matthew Stults-Kolehmainen said “Stress atrophies the brain — especially the hippocampus, which is responsible for a lot, but memory in particular. When you’re stressed, you forget things.”
  8. Exercise helps you control your weight and your appetite, a number one cause of stress among many Americans. Those who exercise tend to weigh less and eat healthier, giving them one less thing to worry about. Eventually, healthy choices become natural as a result of good daily exercise habits.
  9. Exercise helps you become organized. Prioritizing and planning exercise into your week soon filters over into other aspects of your life. When you’ve got a clear schedule you know you’re working with, such as 30 minutes of exercise, 20 minutes of reading, and 20 minutes on social media, your overall stress levels are reduced.
  10. It boosts your confidence. People who exercise worry less about what others think of them and more about their own personal development. Setting goals to compete with yourself instead of others increases self-esteem and overall healthy living.

try working exercise into your schedule

Essentially, when your body feels better, so does your mind. If you’re feeling especially stressed lately, try working exercise into your schedule and allow it to boost your energy and rid yourself of daily stressors.

FAQs for Managing Small Business Stress with Exercise:

  1. Why is exercise recommended for managing small business stress?

    Exercise has been proven to reduce anxiety and depression, improve mood, enhance sleep quality, and boost self-esteem, all of which contribute to stress reduction.

  2. What are some benefits of incorporating short bouts of exercise into a busy schedule?

    Even brief, brisk walks or short exercise sessions can effectively alleviate stress, improve mood, and enhance concentration, offering immediate relief from workplace pressures.

  3. How does exercise help with mental focus and relaxation?

    Exercise serves as a form of meditation in motion, allowing individuals to shift their focus away from workplace stressors and concentrate on physical movements, promoting a sense of calm and mental clarity.

  4. Can exercise contribute to better sleep and weight management?

    Yes, regular exercise aids in better sleep quality and duration, while also helping individuals control weight and manage appetite, reducing stress associated with weight-related concerns.

  5. How does exercise impact overall brain health and stress resilience?

    Exercise has been shown to reverse stress-induced brain damage, particularly in the hippocampus, enhancing memory and cognitive function while reducing susceptibility to stress-related mental health issues.

 
 

Gone are the Wild West days of acquiring a loan on a handshake, your word, and a good reputation. There are thousands of small business owners out there seeking loans, and banks are only lending to those who are prepared and able to pay it back. Here’s what a bank will want from you when you seek a business loan:

  1. Your Business’ Past and Current Financial Details. This includes current loans, past loans, debts, all bank accounts, investment accounts, and credit card accounts. This information will all need to be supported by a tax ID number, addresses, and contact information.
  2. Collateral. Most banks will require some sort of collateral before extending a business loan, usually in the form of personal assets or house equity for a startup. In order to reduce the risk of lending to you, they need to know that you believe in your business enough to take some risk as well.
  3. A Solid Business Plan. Don’t have one? It’s time to right one. Before a bank will give you a business loan, you’ll need to provide them with a summary of your company, your future plan, target market, employee plans, etc. It can be a document you write yourself–nothing too fancy, but definitely legit.
  4. Insurance Details. Many times, banks will ask business owners to take out insurance against the death of one or more of the founders. This helps the bank reduce risk and ensure that the loan will be paid off in the event of a tragedy.
  5. Complete Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable Details. You’ll likely have to provide these two things, plus credit references, and the contact information of companies that sell to your business on account that can vouch for your payment behavior.
  6. Personal Financial Details. If your personal finances are a mess, it is telling of your business finances. Banks want to see that you have all aspects of your finances in order before extending a business loan. You’ll also need to provide your social security number, net worth, bank accounts, debts, investments, credit cards, vehicles, loans, mortgages, and more.
  7. Past Tax Returns. Obviously.

Your lender may request more information from you, based on the type and amount of business loan you are seeking, but this is a quick list to get you prepared.

 

It’s no surprise that one of the top stressors for a small business owner is money management. You don’t have to be a CPA or virtual bookkeeper to understand the basics of your company finances and use that knowledge to build your business. Here are a few quick money management tips you can use to grow your business (and your profit!):

Money Management Tips

  • Separate personal finances from business finances. Not only does this make tax time easier, it helps you know where you’re at throughout the year as well. More tips on this principle here.
  • Understand your balance and income sheet. Ben described these numbers in detail in this video.
  • Set a strict budget and stick to it. The importance of a business budget cannot be overstated. Learn how to plan one in an afternoon.
  • Create a business savings account. A few benefits of a business savings account include: the ability to earn interest, a stockpile of cash that is useful when tax season comes around, a boost in your credit score, fund protection (Business savings accounts are insured by the federal government up to $250,000), and the simple fact that it’s never a bad idea to have a little money saved for a rainy day.
  • Be religious about tracking expenses. Every purchase you make exclusively for your business is tax deductible, which means it lowers your taxable income at the end of the year. You’d be surprised at how small expenses add up over time, which is why tracking every single expense is critical to money management. A few ways to track expenses can be found here.
  • Don’t borrow more than you need. No matter how much profit you think you can turn your business loan into, don’t be tempted to borrow more than necessary. Even if you’re approved for a higher amount, take only what you need to avoid acquiring more debt.
  • Pay bills early. Rather than waiting until bills are due, pay them as soon as you have the money. You’re less likely to spend money on things you don’t need if you simply don’t have the money in your account.
  • Set your salary and pay yourself. The easiest cut to make when you’re the boss and funds are tight is to your own salary. However, this can easily backfire. Here are a few tips on determining your salary as a business owner.
  • Cut costs where you can. From hiring interns to advertising, the ways to cut business costs are endless. Here are 20 ideas to get you started.
  • Give yourself a financial checkup every year. Schedule an entire day to (or a few hours each quarter) to check the balance on all bank accounts, interest rates on your credit cards, monthly bills, subscription fees, and all other expenses. Write it out and analyze the numbers to determine what you can cut out and how you can maximize your profits.
  • Outsource the things that use up your time. No money management technique can save you more than simply managing your time well. Since you’re the brains behind your business, you need to focus your efforts on what makes your business the most profitable. If it’s not graphic design, then find a graphic designer. If it’s not SEO, hire someone to do it. Accounting is a great service to outsource because an accountant can save you time and money.

What are your tried and true money management techniques?

Other posts that might interest you

Improve Your Online Presence Part 1: 8 Steps for Reviewing Your Website

Improve Your Online Presence Part 2: Perform a Quarterly Social Media Audit

Improve Your Online Presence Part 3: Contact Information & Review Sites

4 Low Cost and Low Risk Ways to Grow Your Team

Planning Your Summer Marketing Efforts Part 1: Who, What, When, and Where

Planning Your Summer Marketing Efforts Part 2: Celebrating Holiday and Events

Planning Your Summer Marketing Efforts Part 3: Cheap Advertising Tips

How To Attract the Right Talent For Your Company

Plan for Holiday Success by Hiring Seasonal Employees

How to Create a Succession Plan for Your Small Business

How to Protect Your Small Business from Theft

 

The elusive “work-life balance” we hear so much about these days…does it exist? Any entrepreneur who doesn’t clock in or out at a 9-5 job knows that time is money, especially when your productivity determines your profitability. Here are 8 genius life hacks to get things done as an entrepreneur on the go:

  1. Follow the two minute rule. David Allen, a time management consultant and best-selling author, developed this rule: “If you determine an action can be done in two minutes, you actually should do it right then because it’ll take longer to organize it and review it than it would be to actually finish it the first time you notice it.” Allen suggests cleaning up your inbox, purging your files, setting up appointments and sending a quick email when you have little windows of time throughout the day. If it will take longer than two minutes, save it for later.
  2. Turn off notifications. Keeping social media and email distractions to an absolute minimum allows you to focus on the task at hand. Set aside specific  times of day to check your email, or check it while on the go.
  3. Define your MITs. Decide what your Most Important Task (or tasks) are and make time to get them done. It’s an age-old rule that is practically foolproof. Give yourself several minutes in the morning or even at night to identify 3-5 important things you have to get done. Even if you don’t accomplish anything else that day, you can feel at ease knowing that you were still productive.
  4. Knock out the most important things in the morning. Speaking of MITs, research shows that morning people are more productive and proactive. Getting your MITs done early sets you on a productive path for the day.
  5. Set deadlines for yourself. Write important dates on the calendar and set the completion dates for large tasks before you even start them. Start on them early so that when problems arise, you can troubleshoot and still be done by the deadline you had originally set. Become your own boss and hold yourself to the timeline you set.
  6. Reward yourself for completing a task. It could be a quick stroll outside, a piece of candy, or a new item of clothing you’ve had your eye on. Treat yourself as you close the book on large projects, and allow that to motivate and inspire you to complete the next task. Hint: Be even more productive by completing an unpleasant but necessary task, and then rewarding yourself with a more enjoyable task that still pertains to your business. Example: finish your SEO or PPC advertising for the day, reward yourself with a product photography session or a new blog post.
  7. Stop trying to multitask. There is a plethora of research behind multi-tasking, and the latest completely debunks the possibility. Constant task-switching develops bad habits and makes it nearly impossible to accomplish any one thing. While multitasking helps us feel accomplished and capable, it also produces more stress hormones and kills overall productivity.
  8. Know when it’s time to call it a day. You know yourself well enough to know when enough is enough. If you’ve been staring at your computer screen for 14 hours and feel like you can’t do any more, don’t. You’ll boost productivity in the long run by staying rested and refreshed.

Decide what your Most Important Task

What hacks have worked to boost your productivity as an entrepreneur? Let us know in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the two-minute rule, and how can it help entrepreneurs?
The two-minute rule, developed by David Allen, suggests that if a task can be completed in two minutes or less, you should do it immediately. This helps prevent small tasks from piling up and cluttering your to-do list, making you more efficient throughout the day.

2. Why should I turn off notifications while working?
Turning off notifications minimizes distractions from social media and emails, allowing you to focus better on your current tasks. By dedicating specific times to check these notifications, you can maintain productivity and reduce interruptions.

3. What are MITs, and how can they improve my productivity?
MITs, or Most Important Tasks, are the key tasks you prioritize each day. By identifying 3-5 MITs in the morning or the night before, you can focus on completing them first, which boosts your sense of accomplishment and keeps you productive.

4. How does setting deadlines for myself affect my work?
Setting deadlines helps you manage your time effectively and stay accountable. By writing important dates on your calendar and starting tasks early, you can troubleshoot any issues that arise and ensure timely completion, enhancing your overall productivity.

5. What should I do when I feel overwhelmed and unable to focus?
Recognize when it’s time to take a break. Overworking can lead to burnout and decreased productivity. Allow yourself to step away from your work, recharge, and return with a clearer mind to tackle your tasks more effectively.


Running a business costs money, there is no doubt about that. The natural ups and downs of any business allow entrepreneurs to spend sometimes and require them to save at other times. Here are some tips on cutting business costs when it’s time to pinch those pennies:

  1. Print less. It’s no secret that ink always has been and always will be expensive. But that’s not the only cost to printing for your business. Printing less saves money on paper, printer maintenance, and electricity. Not to mention less paper to mail.
  2. Hire interns. What could be better than free labor? And who knows, maybe a new intern could end up being the most profitable part of your growing business. You can find more information on starting an internship program here.
  3. Outsource work. Graphic design, accounting (of course we would say that!), payroll, scheduling, customer service SEO, and more! You can outsource it all. That doesn’t mean you should, but figuring out which tasks could save you big time to outsource could also save you big money.
  4. Find ways to advertise for free. While paid reach on social media tends to reach more potential customers, you can still grow your online presence organically and without spending a dime. Utilize Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram, to share the latest happenings of your business with the following you already have. Another way to advertise for free is to solicit referrals from current customers and post them on your website.
  5. Use email when possible. When sending simple messages, like greetings to new clients and requests to vendors, do it electronically. Small costs like stamps, envelopes and paper can add up fast, so cutting the little things can make a big difference.
  6. Negotiate lower prices with suppliers. Most suppliers are open to the idea of negotiating prices rather than losing a customer. Even if they don’t come down in price, it is worth a shot.
  7. Pay invoices in full and early. Many companies offer a discount for paying large invoices in full and early. Ask if the vendor offers any discounts for those payments and then take full advantage of the opportunity to develop a good business relationship.
  8. Allow employees to work from home, if possible. Telecommuting saves on office bills like electricity and other utilities. You may find that having the office completely closed at least one day a week saves you big on company expenses.
  9. Buy used equipment. Used equipment can save you up to 60% of full-priced office equipment. The same goes for software. Buying a program that has only recently been replaced by a newer version can also save you a lot of money.
  10. Hire temporary employees. Know when your busy seasons are and hire temporary employees to fill in during those times. Be upfront when hiring and let the employee know that the work is seasonal, so as to keep up your good reputation as an employer.
  11. Clean up your mailing list. Stamps, ink, and paper add up, so keeping your mailing list to only active and verified names/addresses is one way to save at least a few dollars each month.
  12. Piggyback your advertising. Rather than sending out an advertising mailer separate from your monthly invoices, have the advertisement printed on the back of the invoice, or at least put the two in the same envelope. Not only does this cut the costs of mailing, it saves manpower by completely eliminating the separate tasks of sending advertisements and invoices.
  13. Hire your children. It’s a win-win situation really. Learn more about hiring family members here.
  14. Keep every receipt and record every deduction. Not only does this help you know where you’re at spending-wise, it helps you claim the most deductions and save the most money during tax season. Read this post for a few quick tips on tracking deductions for your business.
  15. Negotiate a lower credit card rate, or shop around for a new credit card.
  16. Form a buying alliance. Join with another business or a trade association for bulk purchasing discounts.
  17. Stretch your budget with barter. If you have the time, there is almost always someone willing to trade what they offer for something you offer. Trade marketing, design, photography, accounting, construction, and more. All you have to do is ask.
  18. Seek multiple bids on everything. While you might feel loyal to a certain contractor, if your budget is tight you may consider shopping around and seeking other bids on the same type of work.
  19. Keep close track of your competitor’s costs. Knowing what your competitors charge will help you set your prices just right. You may find that you can raise your prices a fair amount without losing current clients or slowing your growth.
  20. Reevaluate your insurance coverage. Contact your insurance agent and see what you can do to reduce monthly premiums. It may involve increasing your deductible, but doing so may save you money in the moment.

negotiate prices with suppliers for my business

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why print less for my business?
Printing less saves on ink, paper, maintenance costs, and electricity, reducing overall expenses significantly.

How can hiring interns benefit my business financially?
Interns offer free labor and could potentially become valuable assets, aiding in business growth without immediate financial outlay.

Why outsource tasks for my business?
Outsourcing tasks like graphic design, accounting, or SEO can save time and money, allowing focus on core business activities.

How can I advertise for free for my business?
Utilize social media platforms, solicit referrals, and utilize email communications to reach customers without spending on advertising.

Why negotiate prices with suppliers for my business?
Negotiating prices with suppliers can lead to cost savings, as most are willing to adjust prices to retain customers, improving your bottom line.

Question:  I’m headed to a vacation hot spot on a business trip this summer and I’d love to enjoy it while I’m there. How can I bring my family along while keeping this a work trip, and share the expense? What are the rules?  Answer: You can have your cake and eat it too! Grab your flip flops and beach towels and surprise the family with some summer fun. Here’s how to make it happen.

To claim deductions for a business trip turned family vacation:

– Keep all of your receipts from a business trip. For easy and organized tips on doing this, visit this post.-Set up your out-of-town meetings for late in the week and early into the next, giving you time for family fun over the weekend. The IRS frowns on one or two days of meetings, with five days of fun tacked on the end; but, by scheduling it over a weekend, the longer trip is necessary.– Separate business expenses from personal expenses. For example, you can write off your airline ticket, but not your family’s so you’ll need to book them separately or separate the expense in your books. You’ll also need to split the meal checks, tickets for entertainment, ball games, shows, and other things that cost money on the trip. You can deduct those expenses for yourself, but not for others. Your family and friends are not considered “essential” for the business trip.– If the trip is primarily business, your expenses to and from the destination are deductible. If it starts as a planned family vacation and you add a little business in at the last minute, transportation to and from the destination is not deductible. However, if you drive to the meetings instead of fly, your miles driven are tax deductible, regardless of whether you have the family along.– If you spend less on transportation by staying until Saturday, the IRS has indicated it will generally consider that extra stay time as a business expense.– Meals are only 50% deductible, even if they’re business meals.– If you doubt it is a business expense, it probably isn’t. Remember that business expenses should be ordinary and necessary, even when traveling. Scuba diving is hard to justify as a business expense, no matter how much business talk is done underwater. Keep in mind that the IRS is vigilant about tracking expenses while on a business trip. Plan on a bit of extra preparation and work to make it happen and don’t forget the sunscreen when you go!