Can’t afford an assistant? Consider a virtual one
Dear Karen: I need help in my new business but can’t afford an assistant. What are my options?
Answer: Entrepreneurs who lack funds or space for employees often use virtual assistants.
Paid $20 to $70 an hour, these assistants -- working outside the office -- perform such tasks as e-mail management, social media marketing, research and trip scheduling, said Priscilla Walker at Your Dependable VA, a virtual-assistant firm in Silver Spring, Md.
More information can be found through the International Virtual Assistants Assn. and Virtual Assistance U.
Making a secure online store
Dear Karen: I’d like to sell something online. How do I create a safe business website?
Answer: Select a shopping cart company that offers secure transactions, such as Yahoo Small Business, 1ShoppingCart or Solid Cactus eCommerce.
These firms can refer you to website designers, said Scott Sanfilippo, co-founder of Solid Cactus.
“They provide you with the tools to not only design a great-looking store, but to transact securely online,” he said.
Tax audits don’t have to be scary
Dear Karen: I’m self-employed and worry about my taxes being audited.
Answer: Report your income accurately, don’t claim bogus tax credits and pay your estimated taxes on time. These things will reduce the chance that your tax returns will raise red flags at the Internal Revenue Service.
Never borrow from withheld taxes that you’re supposed to send to the IRS from your employees’ paychecks, said Duncan Connor of Company.com, a small-business website.
Another no-no: claiming high deductions and low income levels. “The IRS isn’t stupid. It has a pretty good idea of what a reasonable range of dollars for your business’ taxable deductions should be,” he said.
Finally, keep receipts, journal expenses and mileage as they are incurred, and keep accurate records of your income. That way, if you are audited, you can show that you’re not guessing.
Questions? Write to Karen at inbox.business@latimes .com or In Box, Los Angeles Times, 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012.
