The Importance of Having a Business Bank Account for Your New Business
Accountants in Manchester – Accounting Advice
Many small business owners avoid or do not pay too much attention when considering whether to open up a bank account in their business name. They make the mistake of using their personal account to carry out their business transactions, just so they can save a small amount of money required to open a new business bank account.
Having an account in your business name has many advantages. For example it gives your business a more professional look when dealing with your customers or clients. Using your personal account for business purposes gives the impression you are not really serious regarding your business and it is more like a hobby.
Having a separate business account proves to be beneficial when you need to complete the accounts for the business and any related tax returns. Indeed, you can quickly check the income and expenses for the year, rather than having the hassle of separating your personal and business transactions if you only have a personal account.
Another good reason to have a business bank account is to show the tax authorities that your business is transparent in terms of the financial transactions it carries out. All the income and expenses should be accounted for through the business account. Thus, if HM Customs & Revenue want to look at your records, this will demonstrate that you are declaring all your income and only claiming expenses related to business.
Opening a company account with a bank also has other additional perks. For example, you can usually obtain free banking for at least a year as a new business. Also some banks even offer new clients special deals on accounting software to use in their businesses. Lastly, as regards this point, it may be easier for you to obtain a business overdraft or loan if you have a company bank account.
Some entrepreneurs are put off from opening a business bank account because they think it will be complicated in terms of the formalities and legalities. This is a misconception as it is very easy to open a bank account most of the time.
A few points that one needs to keep in mind while opening a business accounts are:
- The account maintenance fee
- Different transaction modes available e.g. online banking, debit card etc.
- Overseas transaction charges
- Interest rate charges
- Minimal balance that you need to maintain
A company bank account may initially seem to be an extra overhead on your business, but the amount paid will be worth in terms of the time and money you will save by not having to separate out your business transactions from your personal transactions. Having a business bank account also sends a clear message to other businesses you deal with and the tax authorities that you are a proper business with nothing to hide.
