Why You Should Never Commingle Business and Personal Funds
When you’re running a small business, it’s tempting to use one bank account for everything. After all, it seems easier than juggling separate accounts, right? But commingling your business and personal funds can lead to a host of problems, from messy bookkeeping to legal and tax complications.
Here’s why keeping your business and personal finances separate is crucial—and how to do it effectively.
What Is Commingling?
Commingling happens when you mix your personal and business finances by using the same bank account or credit card for both. This could look like:
- Paying for personal expenses with your business account.
- Depositing business income into your personal account.
- Using a single credit card for all expenses.
Why Commingling Is a Problem
1. Messy Bookkeeping
Tracking your business’s financial health becomes a nightmare when transactions are mixed. Separating income and expenses is critical for creating accurate reports and managing cash flow.
2. Increased Tax Liability
Commingling can lead to missed deductions, errors in tax reporting, and even IRS audits. If your records aren’t clear, you risk overpaying or underreporting your taxes.
3. Legal Risks
For businesses structured as LLCs or corporations, commingling funds can “pierce the corporate veil.” This means you could lose your personal liability protection, putting your personal assets at risk if the business faces legal action.
4. Professional Image
Using personal accounts for business expenses can appear unprofessional to clients, vendors, and investors. It signals that your business isn’t fully established or organized.
How to Keep Business and Personal Funds Separate
1. Open a Dedicated Business Bank Account
This is the first step toward financial separation. Use this account exclusively for business income and expenses.
2. Use a Business Credit Card
A business credit card helps you manage cash flow, build credit, and keep expenses separate. Be sure to pay off the balance monthly to avoid interest.
3. Pay Yourself a Salary
Instead of dipping into your business account for personal expenses, set up a regular paycheck or owner’s draw. This keeps personal and business transactions clean.
4. Keep Detailed Records
Track all income and expenses with bookkeeping software like QuickBooks Online. Regularly review your accounts to ensure everything is properly categorized.
5. Avoid Using Cash
Cash transactions are harder to track and can blur the lines between personal and business expenses. Whenever possible, use your business bank account or credit card.
What to Do If You’ve Already Commingled Funds
If you’ve mixed your personal and business finances, don’t panic—it’s fixable! Here’s how:
- Review Past Transactions: Go through your accounts and separate business and personal transactions.
- Document Expenses: Keep detailed records, including receipts, to justify business-related costs.
- Get Help: A professional bookkeeper can clean up your accounts and ensure everything is in order moving forward.
The Bottom Line
Keeping your business and personal finances separate is essential for maintaining accurate records, protecting your legal standing, and presenting a professional image.
If you’ve been commingling funds and need help getting your books in order, I’m here to help! Contact me, April Pavlus, at april@cooperbookkeeping.com or call 315.366.1946. Together, we’ll untangle the mess and set your business up for success.
Let’s keep your business on the right financial track!
