# Set up simple bookkeeping for my new business

A starter chart of accounts, a weekly bookkeeping routine, and a tax set-aside plan you can actually keep up with.

- Topic: Finance & Accounting
- Framework: RTF
- Level: Advanced
- Tags: Finance, Fill-in Template
- Source: https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/prompts/set-up-simple-bookkeeping-for-my-new-business

## Prompt

```text
Help me set up simple bookkeeping for my new business from day one.

**Business type:** [service / products / online / mixed]
**Structure and location:** [e.g. "single-member LLC in Texas"]
**How money comes in:** [card payments, bank transfers, marketplace payouts, cash]
**Main costs:** [LIST]
**Tool I use or am considering:** [spreadsheet, bookkeeping software - or "not sure"]
**Inventory?** [YES/NO]
**Previous step (optional):** [PASTE my setup checklist, so this builds on the bank and payment accounts I've opened]

Give me:
1. A starter chart of accounts for my type of business: income, cost of goods sold (if relevant), and expense categories I'll actually use, each with an example.
2. Rules that keep the books clean: separate accounts, no personal spending on the business card, how to record owner contributions and draws, and how to handle mixed-use costs.
3. A receipt and document system: what to keep, how to name files, and how long records are generally kept (mark [CONFIRM] for my location).
4. A weekly 30-minute routine and a monthly close checklist (reconcile accounts, review unpaid invoices, check the profit and loss).
5. A tax set-aside plan: what percentage to move into a separate account with each payment, as a placeholder I confirm with an accountant, and a calendar of likely filing or estimated-payment deadlines to check.
6. The 5 numbers to look at each month and what each tells me.

This is general information, not tax or accounting advice; have an accountant check the setup, especially sales tax and payroll.
```

## What to fill in

- service / products / online / mixed
- e.g. "single-member LLC in Texas"
- card payments, bank transfers, marketplace payouts, cash
- LIST
- spreadsheet, bookkeeping software - or "not sure"
- YES/NO
- CONFIRM

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