Doing Business As....

You can operate as a sole proprietorship under your own name and social security number, but if you'd like to give an independent name/doing business as...for your business you can do so by filing an application with the City of Portland Maine.  For the nominal fee of $10 the City of Portland will certify your unique name within the city limits and allows for easy set up of banking and insurance accounts.

New Email Address

We'll have a new website soon with more information.  In the meantime feel free to write me at Sara@BalancedBooksMaine.COM.

Changes in Certifying Subconsultants with the Unemployment Board

This past January you may have heard that the State of Maine is amending their process of certifying who qualifies for subconsultant status.  The state modified the "PREDETERMINATION OF INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR STATUS TO ESTABLISH A REBUTTABLE PRESUMPTION" questionare to 12 basic questions.  The point of having your subconsultant certified is to clear them from your Workers Compensation Insurance Policy and therefore liability.

This survey is intended to be completed by the subconsultant BEFORE you begin working together.  From there the state will certify them an "independent contractor," of free will, to work for a variety of businesses. Once this certification is attained you must keep a copy within your records and attained annually.  While this reduces your liability exposure; keep in mind that although pre-certified in case of an injury they do have the right to appeal.

Take Credit Cards on the Fly

If you're looking for quick immediate payments smart phone credit card scanners may be the solution for you.  Square Up is one of several, they simply take 2.75% cut, all the equipment is free, and the funds go immediately into your account.

To read further and compare the competition check out this article from Chargify.

Networks in the Portland area

I'm often asked what some of the best professional organizations here are in Portland for networking your business.  I've compiled a few lists:

For Entrepreneurs and Start ups:
Maine Technology Institute a great place for grants
2 Degrees Portland for folks moving here and entrepreneurs
Portland Chamber of Commerce is certainly a great way to get out there with regular meetings.
And a new one Start Up Portland

For Women Owned Businesses:
Maine Women's Fund

For Artistic Start ups:
Present your work and ideas at Pecha Kutcha
Maine Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts periodically puts on lecturers with GREAT advice.

Got other ideas, message me we'll add them.

2013 Payroll Tax Brackets

2013 Income Tax Brackets are in just in case your curious..........

bookkeeping in portland maine

FREE tax forms from IRS

1099's and W-2's are all free directly from the IRS Website and take just 1-2 weeks to arrive.

You can find anything you need their quarterly 940/941 reports, to 1098's for dividends.