How to Start a Business in Iowa: Accounting and Tax Checklist

A simple, step-by-step guide to starting your business’s finances, registrations and filings right the first time.

You are on an enthralling journey to start a business in Iowa, and you want to ensure you get the foundational elements of accounting and tax correct from day one. This e-list takes you step-by-step through critical accounting actions for set-up, mandatory registrations and ongoing tax obligations so you can get back to growing – not reacting.

Fit your company for tax purposes so you don't pay more than necessary

Report Income Based on How Your Business Is Organized and What Taxes Apply to You.

The most common types of business structures are sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability corporation (LLC), and corporation. All are taxed, treated and reported differently. Consider how profits will be taxed, if owners will take salaries and just how easy it would be to keep personal and business finances separate.

Register the name of your business and any state-level registrations.

Record or register the name of your company with the applicable state registering body and submit any necessary incorporation documents. And after you have formed one, register with the state taxing authority for state tax accounts. Typical registrations are state income withholding (if you will have employees), sales and use tax permits (if you sell taxable goods or services) and unemployment insurance accounts for the reporting of payroll taxes.

Get a federal EIN (Employer Identification Number)

and a federal employer identification number if you will have employees, be a partnership or corporation or not want to use your social security number for banking and tax documents. With an EIN, you can easily process payroll and file taxes or open a business bank account.

Open a business bank account and keep finances separate

You need to open a business bank account and get a separate credit card for business expenses. Separating personal and business finances definitely increases your accounting accuracy and assures a proper tax tabulation (and review).

Create a minimum viable chart of accounts.

Develop an account list based on your business operations: categories of revenue, cost of goods sold, operating expenses, payroll costs, asset and liability accounts and the equity accounts. A well-tailored chart of accounts facilitates faster monthly close work and better management reporting.

Choose bookkeeping frequency and method

You’ll choose whether you’re going to record them on a daily, weekly or monthly basis and whether you’re going to use cash or accrual accounting. Many small businesses just starting out can be perfectly fine using monthly bookkeeping with cash basis accounting for awhile. If you deal in inventory or contracts, then accrual accounting is likely the best fit for you. Accuracy on tax reporting is key and consistency is the way to do it.

Keep track of your sales tax obligations and collect where appropriate.

You must collect and remit sales tax if you sell taxable services or goods in Iowa, or if your business has a nexus for sales tax purposes in each jurisdiction where you make taxable sales. Know what is taxable, apply for a sales tax permit and enter the appropriate local rates. Keep accurate sales tax records and submit returns timely.

If you have employees, consider payroll and employment taxes

If you’ll be employing workers, you should have payroll processes in place for withholding federal and state income taxes and paying employer payroll taxes. Register for state withholding and unemployment tax accounts (if applicable), determine a payroll schedule, and maintain complete records of your payroll including hours worked, wages paid, tips, and taxes withheld. Conduct a cash flow analysis, giving consideration to frequency and reporting requirements for payroll tax deposits.

Know about estimated tax payments, and filing due dates

Many owners of pass-through entities and sole proprietors are required to pay quarterly estimated tax payments toward their federal and state income taxes. Companies could have other payment terms. Keep an eye on important filing dates for quarterly estimated payments, payroll tax deposits, sales tax filings, annual returns to ensure you don’t trigger penalties and interest.

Establish recordkeeping and documentation practices

Keep receipts, paycheck stubs, contracts, invoices, payroll records, bank statements and tax returns. Choose one system or the other — whether digital or analog — and file away records according to the time limits set by tax law. Good documentation helps establish tax deductions, confirm amounts paid and ease the burden of an audit.

Allocate to capital and startup costs

Separate startup costs from regular operating expenses. Certain start-up costs may or may not be eligible for amortization or expensing in the first year according to tax code. Maintain clear records of investments, loans, returns of investment, and contributions from owners to be able to maintain a correct basis and equity figure.

Internal Controls & Approvals Establish internal controls and approvals

Create straightforward internal controls: who signs off on expenses, how bills are paid, and how reimbursements. Well-established rules help guard against fraud, reduce mistakes and improve reliability of financial statements.

Set up a tax list for year one

Your first year tax preparation list should look something like this: formation documents and date; EIN; state registration confirmations; payroll account numbers; sales tax permit; bank account information, accounting method (cash or accrual); chart of accounts; recollection of capital contributions and loans, and a calendar with the size of the deadlines.

Keep an eye on cashflow and build up a tax reserve

Estimate the taxes you are required to pay and put a portion of your revenue into a tax reserve account. By doing this, he makes sure there is enough cash at the time of quarterly and annual payments and does not get any nasty cash flow surprises.

Seek periodic professional review

Regular check-ins with an accountant or tax professional can help catch missed deductions, enhance tax planning and keep you within state-specific rules. A review within the first 12 months should reveal areas to strengthen bookkeeping and lay out a plan for growth.

Closing tips

Begin early and keep track of every decision. Up-to-date bookkeeping, timely filings and a calendar of deadlines helps to make complex accounting responsibilities more manageable. When you properly set up your accounts, keep funds separated and good records from Day 1, you are setting yourself up for long-term success for your business in Iowa.

This easy-to-use Iowa business tax and accounting checklist is designed to help you launch your business in Iowa with confidence, minimize compliance risk, and — best of all — save money by being smart from day one.