Your business is profitable, with demand strong and rising. Is it time to expand? Part of the answer depends on intangible factors such as your vision for the company’s future and your personality traits. For instance, if you hate to travel, expanding the business’s physical presence into a different geographical market could lead to burnout and an ultimate lack of success.

But taking on a partner, merging with a rival, or purchasing an existing firm in a complementary niche market may be expansion alternatives that are suited to your strengths.

Here are other issues to consider when you’re thinking about expanding your business.

How Will You Finance?

Expansion costs could include increased inventory, a larger facility, and more equipment.

After assessing your current financial situation, you may determine cash on hand can cover some or all of these costs, or that you can tighten your receivables cycle and improve collections. Perhaps your vendors will offer flexibility in extending payment terms and credit availability to ease cash flow problems caused by up-front costs of growth.

If additional financing is required, think about your comfort level with taking on debt or giving up part of your equity. Balance emotional aspects with the realization that prudent borrowing can benefit your business by providing liquidity to grow your sales and income. Likewise, investors who supply cash in return for a stake in your business may also be a source of sound advice and managerial guidance.

Will You Need Additional Staff?

Payroll can be expensive and paperwork intensive. But sales, marketing, business development, operations, and administrative tasks will expand along with your company. Make a realistic judgment of how much of the increased workload you’ll be able to handle yourself.

Will the Benefits Outweigh Costs?

Financial projections can help you determine whether sales and profits will make the expansion worthwhile from a revenue standpoint. But also take into account why you started your business and what customers expect from you.

Providing personalized service may prove difficult as your business grows, making customers unhappy. Yet choosing to remain static exposes you to the risk of fending off competition from larger companies or losing customers as their needs outgrow your capabilities.

Expansion decisions present both challenges and opportunities. As you’re contemplating what’s right for your business, give us a call. We can help you plan for success.

Comments Off

Filing your 2007 tax return might signal the official end of 2007, but for tax-savvy individuals, it’s also the signal to start tax planning for 2008. Getting an early start on your 2008 tax planning will help you take maximum advantage of the latest tax breaks, inflation adjustments, and retirement options.

* First, you should always commit to maximizing your retirement plan contributions, if you are able. This will lower your 2008 taxable income and enhance your nest egg to boot. If you have an IRA, consider making contributions earlier in the year to reap extra tax-deferred earnings.

* Second, minimize any surprises next year by examining your paycheck withholdings now. Are tax withholdings on track with your current financial situation? A large tax refund or amount due on your 2006 return might require an adjustment to your Form W-4 for 2008. Additional factors to consider include recent changes to family income, a new home, or children no longer qualified as dependents.

* A law enacted in 2006 extends the age threshold for taxing children’s unearned income at the parent’s higher tax rate. This might be a good year to consider a 529 college savings plan as an alternative to transferring funds directly to a child’s account.  Additionally, the state of Georgia has expanded its deduction for contributions to a Georgia 529 college savings plan.

* Don’t forget to take advantage of available energy tax credits this year. Qualified home improvements can trim your utility bills and lower taxes at the same time.

* The most common tax-related resolution – and the hardest to keep – is a vow to maintain better tax records. The deductions for higher education expenses and teacher’s out-of-pocket expenses have been reinstated for 2008. These and other deductions and credits could be lost if you don’t have a satisfactory recordkeeping system.

Give us a call for guidance in implementing the best tax planning strategies for your particular situation.

Comments Off