<p>In the business world today, an <a href="https://1800accountant.com/blog/4-reasons-you-should-start-a-blog-for-your-business-today" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">online presence is a must</a>. When starting a business blog, the first step is finding a great domain name. Businesses experience plenty of benefits from creating websites, blogs, and social media pages. With so many businesses pursuing the same goals, it’s important to have a name that stands out and draws the attention of your target audience. It should also stand out in Google searches and SEO results.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>What Makes a Good Blog Name?</h2>



<p>There are over 500 million blogs on the internet that cover thousands of fields and interests. For this reason, naming your blog can be a daunting task. Choosing the right blog and domain name is also essential for branding purposes. Your domain name is basically your address on the internet that is part of your URL. This is how customers can find you.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Your name should then achieve some of the following:</p>



<ul><li>Your business blog and domain name should hint at what your blog is about. This can be related to your field (e.g automotive, crafting, etc.)</li><li>It should be catchy and easy to remember&nbsp;</li><li>Your name should be something that you intend to use long term. In other words, you can use it to build your brand and marketing strategies for years to come.</li><li>It should appeal to your target audience or customer market</li><li>Scan the names of your competitors’ blogs and figure out how you can stand out from the bunch</li></ul>



<h2>How to Name Your Blog</h2>



<p>Putting some thought into the naming of your business blog is a wonderful and creative process. Here are some methods that can help you think up a great name:&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Pull inspiration from the world around you</h3>



<p>A phrase or word from your favorite book or movie can spark your imagination. We are often inspired by the things we read or hear. Go for a long walk, drive around your neighborhood , or sit in your favorite café and observe. You may have a “Eureka!” moment and suddenly think of the best name for your business blog. This process can be deeply personal and your name will actually mean a lot to you. This can even cause you to be more invested in achieving a successful blog.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Use a Thesaurus</h3>



<p>Flipping through the pages of a dictionary or thesaurus can also be a great way to find your blog name. Once you have a blog theme in mind, looking up words related to it can help. You will also come across new words and meanings that may be relevant to your business.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Try a humorous approach</h3>



<p>Using puns or humor for your blog name is another way to stand out from the crowd. If the tone of your blog is more on the causal side then humor is an option. Try stringing words together to create a catchy title. For example, “I Can Haz Cheeseburger” and “Fit Bottomed Girls” are existing sites that are well known and stand out.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Puns based on your niche can also have a comedic twist. For example, “Dollars and Sense” is a site that provides content about economics.</p>



<h3>Create a memorable unique name</h3>



<p>Combine different names for a quirky title. Use abbreviations or alliterations that can connect well to your blog theme. You can even consider using a word or name from a different language. Choosing an exotic name can make your blog seem luxurious and classy. In some cases, choosing a name that has nothing to do with what your business is about can also work.&nbsp; A great example of this is the electronics brand ‘Apple’.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Use an online name generator</h3>



<p>There are many name generators online. These generators have different categories, themes,&nbsp; styles. You just have to select what applies to you and your business and with the click of a button, a list of eligible names will be generated. You can even type in a word or phrase and the generator will run it through its database and produce a list of potential titles.</p>



<h3><strong>Stick to the basics</strong></h3>



<p>When all else fails, stick to the basics. Use your own name and brand yourself. For instance, what if your name is Julie and your business is based on DIY and Crafts? You can simply use Julie’s Crafts, DIY with Julie, and so forth. Keeping it simple has its perks. Customers might find it easier to remember. It can also have a more personal connection to your brand which can be endearing to many consumers.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Check Name availability</h3>



<ul><li>Most domain hosting sites will indicate if the name you choose is already taken. Business registries and copyright searches can also help you pinpoint the availability of your business blog name.</li><li>What should you do if your name is already taken? If the name you want is unavailable consider changing the spelling to tweak it. It’s also a good idea to have more than one name option. This way if you can’t use one name, you have a back up to fall back on.&nbsp;</li><li>Using something other than ‘.com’ can also help you keep your original choice.&nbsp; Try going with ‘.org’. ‘.net’ and other alternatives.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<p>Take your time and put some thought into it. While it is important to find a name that suitably represents what your blog is about, the actual content matters more.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Finding a unique brand name and (normal-looking) domain to go with it doesn't have to be stressful. <a href="https://businessnamezone.com/?partner=1800Accountant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">This free tool</a> from Business Name Zone generates name and domain combos for you based on your input – and it only takes a few minutes.</p>



<p>Building a niche audience, and a loyal reader and consumer base is what will determine the success of your business blog. Go for a name that you feel certain about and are sure to use and brand in the long term. If your content and service are great and your target audience is impressed, your business’s blog name could become a household brand.</p>



<p>Once you have your domain and blog name finalized, you're ready to move on to the next step of <a href="https://1800accountant.com/blog/start-a-business-blog-step-2-make-a-content-strategy">making a stellar content strategy. </a></p>

Start a Business Blog: Step 1 - Domain and Name

<span style="font-weight: 400;">The coronavirus pandemic has forced more people than ever before to work from home. For some that might be a dream come true, but not everyone adjusts well to working remotely.&nbsp;</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">People who work regularly from home might already have an established workspace, but many people during this crisis have had to improvise. Some might not have the extra space in their house to even create an office. That can add stress to an already difficult situation.&nbsp;</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Creating a designated office space for yourself might seem like a luxury, but it’s a necessity if you want to stay sane and productive during these troubled times. Taking time to adjust your workspace can make you more efficient and even help </span><a href="https://1800accountant.com/blog/secrets-work-life-balance-working-from-home/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">improve your work/life balance while working at home</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Here are a few tips to make a difference.&nbsp;</span>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Take Time to Clean</span></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Your environment affects you in countless ways. Some are obvious, and some are a little more subtle. Don’t underestimate how much </span><a href="https://www.smallbizdaily.com/the-morale-benefits-clean-tidy-office/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">a clean and tidy office space can improve your workflow</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and even your attitude.&nbsp;</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Clean your work area regularly and take time out of your work schedule to keep things neat and organized. You might want to consider using air fresheners, diffusers, or scented candles as well! The pleasant smells will help keep you calm, and the neat space will allow you to give all your focus to the task at hand.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Keep It Separate</span></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">If at all possible, keep your office space separate from your living space. Your office should be the place you do work and nothing else. On the other hand, your couch and your bed should be just for resting and spending time with your loved ones. By providing this kind of boundary for yourself, you can train your brain to focus more efficiently.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">If you don’t have sufficient space in your home to devote an area exclusively to work, consider finding a simple (but clear) way to convert a living space into a workspace during the day and then back to a living space in the evening.&nbsp;</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">When you start the workday, move the chairs and table into their work positions and switch out the decorations in order to make it clear that this is now a workspace, not the dinner table.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Minimize Distractions</span></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Setting a space and time aside for work is only effective if everyone respects it. One way to make a better home office space is to ask the other people in your house to recognize it as that.&nbsp;</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Your loved ones should be able to see by where you are and what you’re doing that you’re working. While you’re in your office space, they should do their best to leave you alone and let you focus - unless it’s an emergency.&nbsp;</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Another way to </span><a href="https://www.techrepublic.com/article/11-ways-to-eliminate-distractions-while-working-from-home/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">eliminate distractions in your office space</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is to use a white noise generator or limit the technology you’re allowed to use. If you can work without your phone, set it aside before you enter your office space.&nbsp;</span>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Add Some Life</span></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Your office should be conducive to focusing on work and nothing else. However, that doesn’t mean it has to be sad and boring! Decorate your office space and give it some personality, just like you would a personal office at work.&nbsp;</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Consider adding some plants and pictures to your office. Good lighting is important as well. Take advantage of windows and natural light if you can, but otherwise utilize lamps and other indoor lighting to create a well-balanced environment.&nbsp;</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Everyone’s office is different, and yours doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Nor does it need to resemble a traditional office! The goal is to create an ideal environment that allows you to live healthily and work effectively.&nbsp;</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">However, no matter how perfect your office is, you might still struggle with getting work done at times. It’s okay to take breaks and be gentle with yourself. Connect with your coworkers so you can find ways to </span><a href="https://1800accountant.com/blog/6-fun-ways-remotely-promote-workplace-culture/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">collaborate and promote a supportive workplace culture</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> while you’re all working remotely.&nbsp;</span>

&nbsp;

Four Ways to Create a Better Home Office Space

<p>The 2020s may become the decade of the entrepreneur. More and more professionals are leaving the comfort of W-2 employment to strike out on their own, typically to find a small business or to become a self-employed freelancer or <a href="https://1800accountant.com/blog/how-to-file-taxes-independent-contractor">independent contractor</a>. <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jonyounger/2023/10/13/tracking-the-growth-and-success-of-the-freelance-revolution/?sh=2e79353d75a7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Between 2020 and 2023</a>, full-time freelancers grew by 90%, while part-timers grew by 130%, with over 60 million professionals now describing themselves as freelancers.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdNP8gklsJM&amp;ab_channel=1800Accountant
</div></figure>



<p>While being your own boss has numerous benefits, there are also new responsibilities, many of which are unavoidable. A crucial change will be your relationship with taxes and tax filing. Unlike taxpayers who receive a W-2, you will now be responsible for accurately calculating and submitting tax payments to the IRS each quarter, called quarterly estimated taxes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Accurate calculations and timely submissions aid in annual budgeting and allow you to avoid <a href="https://1800accountant.com/blog/common-causes-irs-audits">IRS penalties and scrutiny</a>. If quarterly estimated taxes are new to you, don't worry. This guide will help you calculate quarterly estimated taxes for 2023 and beyond.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Are Estimated Taxes?</h2>



<p>Four times per year, workers or business owners receiving tax forms other than a W-2 are expected to pay directly to the IRS. This effectively replaces the tax withholdings for many individuals by their employers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Estimated taxes apply to any kind of taxable income that comes to you directly without any tax withholding, including:&nbsp;</p>



<ul>
<li>Interest</li>



<li>Stock dividends</li>



<li>Capital gains</li>



<li>Any income you earn through self-employment</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who is Required to Pay Estimated Taxes?</h2>



<p>If you're operating as one of the following <a href="https://1800accountant.com/blog/6-tricks-to-choosing-the-best-entity-for-your-small-business">business entity types</a>, you must pay estimated taxes if you expect to owe a tax bill of $1,000 or more in a fiscal year:</p>



<ul>
<li>Sole proprietor</li>



<li>LLC</li>



<li>Partnership LLC</li>



<li>S corp</li>
</ul>



<p>For part-time freelancers, your employer might withhold from your primary income, but perhaps you’ve made other income, too. You do not have to make estimated tax payments if your estimated tax and withholding so far will make up at least 90% of the total tax you owe for the year.</p>



<p>You might also use your tax return from the previous year to gauge your liability. You don’t need to pay more in advance if you have already paid as much as the total taxes you owed last year. This is known as the Safe Harbor rule.</p>



<p>However, you must pay slightly more if your income is higher. If your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is over $150,000, you must have paid 110% of your previous year’s tax total to avoid submitting estimated taxes. If your filing status is married, but you’re filing separately from your spouse, your taxable income must exceed $75,000 to make the higher barrier necessary.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What Is the Safe Harbor Rule for Estimated Tax Payments?</h3>



<p>Due to the difficulty of accurately estimating quarterly tax payments, the IRS implements a Safe Harbor provision that helps businesses avoid underpayment penalties. The Safe Harbor rule provides a cushion for people who paid at least 90% of their bill for the previous tax year. So, if you paid 90% of your final bill in estimated taxes and made your payments on time, you would be exempt from paying a tax penalty.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Exception: Farmers and Fishermen</h3>



<p>Farmers and fishermen who follow the calendar year for tax purposes (starting on January 1st) and at least two-thirds of their income in 2022 or 2023 is from farming or fishing pay once on the due date of January 16, 2024. However, if they don’t pay enough in estimated taxes for 2023, they could be subject to a penalty.</p>



<p>If farmers and fishermen submit their 2023 Form 1040 by March 1, 2024, and pay all the taxes owed, then they won’t have to make an estimated tax payment. Farmers and fishermen who don’t start their tax year on January 1 have two options:</p>



<ol>
<li>Pay all estimated taxes by the 15th day after the end of the tax year.</li>



<li>Submit their tax returns and pay all the tax owed by the first day of the third month after the end of their tax year.</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who Isn’t Required to Pay Estimated Taxes?</h2>



<p>In addition to the exemptions previously detailed, there are other scenarios in which professionals wouldn't pay <a href="https://1800accountant.com/blog/small-businesses-quarterly-taxes">quarterly estimated taxes</a>. This applies primarily to W-2 employees whose employers withhold taxes from their pay, but additional exemptions exist.<br><br>According to the IRS, if you meet all three of the following conditions, you are exempt from estimated taxes:</p>



<ul>
<li>No tax liability for the year</li>



<li>If you were a U.S. citizen or resident alien for the whole year</li>



<li>Your prior tax year covered a 12-month period</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How Do I Calculate Estimated Taxes?</h2>



<p>There are three steps to calculating estimated tax payments. The steps involve calculating your taxable income based on your marital status and income; computing any credits and deductions you may be eligible for, such as child tax credits or credits for taxes already withheld, and calculating your remaining tax due.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. Assess Total Taxable Income</h3>



<p>The first step is to approximate how much you will make in the fiscal year or your total estimated income. You can use the full amount you expect to make in the year or the exact amount you make quarterly.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Estimating the total amount is simpler for entrepreneurs and small business owners with a steady yearly income. For freelancers with unpredictable cash flow from quarter to quarter, it's better to tally your actual income at the end of each quarter and pay taxes on that exact amount instead.</p>



<p><a href="https://1800accountant.com/blog/tax-deductions-work">Consider any tax deductions</a> you plan to claim to calculate your AGI. You'll pay more than required if you don’t consider tax deductions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. Understand taxes owed</h3>



<p>Once your AGI is calculated, the next step in estimating your taxes is ensuring you account for income tax and self-employment tax.</p>



<p>Calculate your income tax by multiplying your AGI by your tax rate using your income tax bracket. Tax brackets change year-to-year, so make sure you use the correct rate.</p>



<p>Those who make over $400 a year must also pay self-employment taxes. The self-employment tax rate includes 2.9% for Medicare and 12.4% for Social Security.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Multiply your estimated total income (not your AGI) by 92.35% to calculate your taxable income for the self-employment tax. Then, multiply the result by 15.3% to calculate what you owe for self-employment.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. Calculate your estimate</h3>



<p>You’ve calculated your estimated income, taken deductions into account, and calculated income and self-employment taxes. The final step is to add everything together and divide it into quarterly payments. If you calculate the exact amount each quarter, you can skip the division.</p>



<p>Income Taxes Owed + Self-Employment Taxes Owed = Total Estimated Taxes</p>



<p>Total Estimated Taxes/4 = Quarterly Tax Payment</p>



<p>If you live in a state that levies a personal income tax, you’ll need to calculate your state tax when estimating your tax payments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Should You Pay in Equal Amounts?</h2>



<p>Typically, it’s easiest to pay in four equal installments when using the formula above. However, there are scenarios where you may end up paying more in certain quarters than others:&nbsp;</p>



<ul>
<li>Your prior year’s overpayment is credited to your current year’s estimated tax payments</li>



<li>You missed paying your first estimated payment after April 15, when the first payment was due</li>



<li>You make more than expected in one quarter</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How Can I Pay Estimated Taxes?</h2>



<p>You can file using the voucher with Form 1040-ES and a check or pay online using the IRS website.&nbsp;</p>



<p>There is no fee if you pay online directly from your bank account. If you choose to pay with a credit or debit card, there are fees from $2.20 – $2.55 or percentages from 1.87% – 1.98% of your payment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">When Are the Due Dates for Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments?</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.wsj.com/buyside/personal-finance/irs-estimated-taxes-5dec3895" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">final 2023</a> quarterly estimated tax payment deadline is January 16, 2024.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Here are the 2024 <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/taxes/2023/06/06/quarterly-estimated-tax-dates-2023/70294195007/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quarterly tax deadlines</a>:&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Tax Quarter</td><td>Quarter Dates</td><td>Deadline</td></tr><tr><td>Q1</td><td>January 1 – March 31, 2024</td><td>April 15, 2024</td></tr><tr><td>Q2</td><td>April 1 – May 31, 2024</td><td>June 17, 2024</td></tr><tr><td>Q3</td><td>June 1 – August 31, 2024</td><td>September 16, 2024</td></tr><tr><td>Q4</td><td>September 1 – December 31, 2024</td><td>January 15, 2025</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<p>If your earnings predictions are reliable, you can pay your estimates early. As long as the payments aren’t late, you can combine them and pay earlier. IRS Form 1040-ES explains the estimated tax requirements for individuals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Is the Penalty for Not Paying Quarterly Taxes?</h2>



<p>Missing a quarterly tax payment deadline could lead to extra costs and fees. When you realize you’ve missed a deadline, you should pay your quarterly taxes immediately rather than waiting for the next payment cycle. The IRS implements penalties for late or underpayments, which are applied when filing your annual tax return.</p>



<p>The IRS’s penalties are based on how much you’ve underpaid and the lateness of your payment. This penalty is added to what you owe when you file your annual tax return, increasing your business’s total tax liability. The IRS prefers to receive your owed taxes quarterly rather than a lump sum at the end of the year. Even a minor delay by a day can trigger a penalty.</p>



<p>Understanding tax obligations can be challenging and stressful. Nevertheless, making on-time and sufficient payments throughout the year is crucial. It allows you to avoid the penalties associated with not paying quarterly taxes and prevents further headaches.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to Make Quarterly Estimated Taxes Easier</h2>



<p>Quarterly estimated taxes can aid in generating the insights you need to help your business grow, but it can take time and effort. That's why so many small business owners,&nbsp; entrepreneurs, and self-employed individuals trust 1-800Accountant, America's leading virtual accounting firm for small businesses, to handle their <a href="https://1800accountant.com/services/quarterly-estimated-taxes">quarterly estimated taxes</a> for them.</p>



<p>Whether it's <a href="https://1800accountant.com/services/small-business-taxes">small business tax preparation</a>, <a href="https://1800accountant.com/services/business-tax-advisory">tax advisory</a>, or any of our professional accounting services, we have an affordable solution to help your business stay compliant. Schedule a quick consultation – usually 30 minutes or less – to learn how we can help.</p>

How to Calculate Quarterly Estimated Taxes in 2023

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 Set your business up for success in the new year with this helpful year-end accounting checklist. You don't have to dread the upcoming tax season!

Set your business up for success in the new year with this helpful year-end accounting checklist. Don't dread the upcoming tax season!

Year-End Accounting Checklist for Small Business Owners

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Josh Meller is Sr. Manager of Accounting Services in the Pacific zone at 1-800Accountant. Before shifting into tax &amp; accounting, he worked at Chase Bank as Personal Relationship Manager. Josh holds a degree in accounting and he is a licensed Enrolled Agent. Outside of work, Josh spends time playing with his kids, watching television &amp; the NJ Devils and playing vintage video games. He's a typical dad that likes to laugh and spend way too many hours on the couch.

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Year-End Accounting Checklist for Small Business Owners

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