Top 5 Tax Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make (and How to Avoid Them)

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You’re running a business, making moves, and chasing growth but if you’re not thinking about taxes year-round, you’re leaving money on the table. The tax code isn’t just about compliance; it’s full of opportunities to lower your tax bill. The problem? Most business owners don’t take full advantage of them.

A CPA in Austin, Texas helps you avoid costly missteps, maximize deductions, and keep more of what you earn. Here’s where many entrepreneurs go wrong and how to fix it.

1. Mixing Personal and Business Finances

Running personal expenses through your business account (or vice versa) might seem harmless, but it’s a surefire way to invite IRS scrutiny. If your books are a mess, you’re not just risking audits—you’re probably missing deductions. An Austin tax accountant ensures your finances are clean, so you get every tax break without the headaches.

2. Not Keeping Proper Expense Records

If you can’t prove it, you can’t deduct it. Business meals, travel, marketing expenses; these add up fast, but too many entrepreneurs fail to track them properly. A small business CPA in Austin sets up simple systems that ensure you never lose out on legitimate deductions. Austin accounting firms also provide bookkeeping services to keep your records audit-proof.

3. Paying the Wrong Amount in Quarterly Taxes

Overpaying? You’re giving the IRS an interest-free loan. Underpaying? You’re racking up penalties. Either way, bad tax planning costs you money. A CPA firm in Austin, Texas calculates exactly what you owe—no more, no less—so you stay compliant without overpaying. If your income fluctuates, an Austin TX accountant helps you adjust payments accordingly.

4. Missing Out on Tax Credits and Deductions

Tax laws are full of ways to reduce what you owe, but if you don’t know where to look, you’re missing out. R&D credits, home office deductions, retirement plan contributions—all can lower your tax bill significantly. A tax advisor in Austin finds every tax break your business qualifies for, so you’re not paying more than necessary.

5. Waiting Until Tax Season to Think About Taxes

If you’re only thinking about taxes in April, you’re already behind. Tax strategy isn’t just about filing returns. It’s about making smart moves all year long. CPA firms in Austin, Texas provide proactive tax planning, so you’re maximizing savings before deadlines hit. Working with an Austin small business accountant means you’re prepared, not scrambling.

Let’s Make Sure You’re Not Overpaying the IRS

You work too hard to waste money on avoidable tax mistakes. Insogna CPA is one of the top CPA firms in Austin, Texas, helping entrepreneurs stay compliant, cut tax liability, and plan for long-term financial success. Let’s talk about how we can help you keep more of what you earn.

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Michael Harris