How to Properly Pay Yourself as a Sole Proprietor

TLDRLearn the best practices for paying yourself as a sole proprietor, including setting up a separate business account, tracking expenses, and setting aside money for taxes.

Key insights

💰Setting up a separate business checking account makes it easier to track income and expenses.

📝Regularly track and record your expenses to understand your business's financial health.

💳Consider getting a separate credit card for business expenses to simplify tracking and improve financial management.

💰Create a regular payment schedule for yourself, whether weekly, monthly, or quarterly, to ensure a consistent income.

💵Set aside a portion of your income for taxes to avoid surprises and ensure compliance with tax regulations.

Q&A

Do I need to have a separate business checking account as a sole proprietor?

It is not legally required, but having a separate business checking account simplifies tracking income and expenses and keeps your personal and business finances separate.

What is the benefit of having a separate credit card for business expenses?

Using a separate credit card for business expenses makes it easier to track and manage expenses, provides purchase protection, and simplifies tax reporting.

How often should I pay myself as a sole proprietor?

The frequency of payments depends on your business needs and preferences. You can choose to pay yourself weekly, monthly, or quarterly, as long as you create a regular payment schedule.

How much money should I set aside for taxes?

The amount you should set aside for taxes depends on your income, tax situation, and local tax regulations. It is recommended to consult with a tax professional to determine the appropriate percentage to set aside.

Can I use my personal PayPal or Venmo account for business transactions?

To maintain proper accounting and separation between personal and business finances, it is best to have separate PayPal or Venmo accounts specifically designated for business transactions.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction to paying yourself as a sole proprietor.

01:40The importance of having a separate business checking account.

03:10Benefits of using a separate credit card for business expenses.

04:19Determining a regular payment schedule for yourself.

05:58Keeping track of expenses and setting aside money for taxes.