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Why You Shouldn’t DIY Your Business’ Payroll
Payroll may seem simple, but it's far more complex than it appears, and DIY payroll often carries hidden risks that can outweigh any short-term savings.
Carla Alviso
Sep 30, 20252 min read


Texas Oil & Gas Royalties 1099 MISC Depletion Deduction
Receiving royalty checks from Texas oil and gas production raises a few repeated questions every spring. How do I report the 1099 MISC for royalties, which expenses can I deduct, and how do I calculate the depletion deduction without leaving money on the table. As a Texas CPA firm, Alviso, CPA works with royalty owners across the state, from inherited mineral interests to new lease bonus income, and this guide lays out a practical path for reporting, documenting, and planning
Carla Alviso
Sep 19, 202514 min read


Uncovering Hidden Overpayments in Small Businesses
Common ways small businesses overpay sales tax without realizing it, and how each issue can be identified and corrected with the help of a CPA.
Carla Alviso
Sep 3, 202512 min read


Costs of Mixing Personal and Business Spending
Mixing money wrecks books, raises audit risk, and screws up taxes. You have to understand what the damage is and how the cleanup works to fix the mess.
Carla Alviso
Aug 21, 20254 min read


How to Prep Your Books Before Applying for a Loan
Prepping your books before you apply is less about making things look pretty and more about answering three questions clearly. They'll make all the difference.
Carla Alviso
Aug 7, 20255 min read


7 Financial Red Flags in Small Businesses (And How to Fix Them)
Running a small business comes with constant financial decisions. But many business owners miss early warning signs until cash flow issues, debt, or poor planning start affecting growth. In this guide, we'll break down 7 financial red flags in small businesses and what you can do to fix them before they become serious problems. 1. Irregular or Negative Cash Flow Cash flow problems are one of the most common reasons small businesses fail. Even profitable businesses can struggl
Carla Alviso
Jul 25, 20252 min read


Accounting for Seasonal Businesses in Slow Months
A seasonal business that avoids cash problems needs a forward-looking cash flow plan, a realistic budget, and a habit of saving in peak months.
Carla Alviso
Jul 8, 20255 min read


Common Accounting Mistakes New Entrepreneurs Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Starting a business in Austin or Round Rock is exciting—but it also comes with a steep learning curve, especially when it comes to finances. At Alviso CPA, we’ve helped dozens of new entrepreneurs clean up costly mistakes that could’ve been avoided with just a bit of planning and expert support. In this blog, we’ll break down the most common accounting errors new business owners make and how to avoid them from the start. 1. Mixing Personal and Business Finances The mistake: M
Carla Alviso
Jun 27, 20253 min read


Small Business Cash Flow Forecasting Mistakes
An outline of five common cash flow forecasting mistakes small business owners make, why they happen, what they cost, and how to fix them.
Carla Alviso
Jun 10, 202516 min read


Why Your CPA Should Be Your Year-Round Financial Partner
When most people think of CPAs, they picture tax season, gathering receipts, crunching numbers, and filing returns just before the April deadline. But the truth is, a Certified Public Accountant can be one of the most valuable long-term partners for both individuals and business owners. At Alviso CPA , we believe that accounting isn’t just about meeting deadlines; it’s about helping you build a stronger financial future all year long . 1. Tax Season Is Just One Part of the P
Carla Alviso
May 28, 20253 min read


How Cloud Accounting is Transforming Small Business Finances
In today’s fast-paced digital world, small businesses need tools that keep them agile, efficient, and financially sound. One of the most impactful shifts in recent years has been the move toward cloud accounting —a technology-driven solution that’s changing how business owners manage their finances. At Alviso CPA, we help clients leverage cloud accounting to save time, reduce costs, and gain real-time insights into their financial health. In this blog post, we’ll explore how
Carla Alviso
May 9, 20253 min read


The Importance of Year-Round Financial Planning for Your Business
As a business owner, managing your finances effectively is critical to your long-term success. While many entrepreneurs focus on day-to-day operations and short-term goals, year-round financial planning is essential for sustained growth and profitability. At Alviso CPA, we help businesses like yours develop comprehensive financial strategies that go beyond tax season. In this blog post, we’ll explore why year-round financial planning is vital for your business and how proacti
Carla Alviso
Apr 25, 20254 min read


Why Proactive Tax Planning is Key to Maximizing Your Financial Future
When it comes to managing your finances, many individuals and businesses focus on the immediate. However, one of the most effective ways to secure long-term financial success is through proactive tax planning. While most people only think about taxes during filing season, staying ahead of your tax obligations year-round can significantly improve your financial situation. At Alviso CPA, we believe that strategic tax planning can be a game-changer for individuals and businesses
Carla Alviso
Apr 8, 20254 min read


Tax Deductions Every Small Business Owner Should Know
As a small business owner, maximizing your tax deductions is essential for keeping more of your hard-earned profits. Properly claiming the right deductions can significantly reduce your taxable income, saving you money and helping your business thrive. With tax laws constantly evolving, it’s important to stay informed about the deductions available to you. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down key tax deductions that every small business owner should know about, inc
Carla Alviso
Mar 17, 20254 min read


How Your Business Structure Affects Your Taxes
Discover how your business structure impacts taxes. Learn about sole proprietorships, LLCs, S Corps & C Corps to optimize your tax strategy
Carla Alviso
Mar 10, 20254 min read


Bookkeeping vs. Accounting for Small Businesses (What You Actually Need in 2026)
Learn the key differences between Small Business Bookkeeping vs. accounting and find out which your business needs for financial health!
Carla Alviso
Feb 21, 20254 min read


5 Signs It’s Time to Hire a CPA for Your Business
Running a business is exciting, rewarding, and—let's be honest—a little overwhelming at times. You started this journey because you had a passion for what you do, not necessarily for crunching numbers or deciphering tax laws. Yet, as your business grows, so does the complexity of your finances. That’s where we come in. At Carla Alviso CPA, we help business owners like you navigate financial challenges so you can focus on what you do best. If you’re wondering whether it’s time
Carla Alviso
Feb 7, 20254 min read


LLC, S-Corp, or Sole Proprietor: Which Business Structure is Best for You?
Choosing the right business structure is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a business owner. Your choice impacts your taxes, liability, and how your business operates day-to-day. Whether you’re just starting out or considering a change to your existing structure, understanding the differences between an LLC, S-Corp, and Sole Proprietorship is key to making an informed decision. Here’s a breakdown of the pros, cons, and ideal scenarios for each structure to he
Carla Alviso
Jan 28, 20254 min read


The Ultimate Tax Prep Checklist for Stress-Free Filing
Tax season doesn’t have to be synonymous with stress. With the right preparation and a solid checklist, you can take control of your...
Carla Alviso
Jan 21, 20255 min read
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