Tax season can be difficult for small businesses, but it’s also a good time for businesses to look at how they’re keeping their business records, and to revise and update their bookkeeping procedures and systems. University of Nevada, Reno Extension will offer two free webinars focusing on bookkeeping concepts and software – one on April 2 for English speakers, and the other on April 9 for Spanish speakers. Juan Salas, Extension business development instructor, will cover a variety of topics, including basic concepts, IRS requirements, and pros and cons of different bookkeeping software. 

“When you’re having to pull everything together for filing your taxes, and maybe struggling to do so, that’s an opportune time to make changes that will make the process easier next time around,” said Buddy Borden, economic development specialist with Extension’s Business Education Program. “So, we want to provide information on bookkeeping and using helpful software, and be there for our small businesses to provide guidance.”

In addition, Extension will offer two online town halls: one for English speakers on March 31, and one for Spanish speakers on April 7. During the English-language session, Salas will help small businesses navigate the IRS website and become familiar with online resources, as well as provide information on getting an Employer Identification Number, requesting transcripts, and checking on tax refunds. During the Spanish-language session, Bree Welch, license analyst with the Nevada State Contractors Board, will share information about the licensing process and the resources available for new businesses, including the Board’s Business Assistance Program.

Extension has been offering a series of online town halls and webinars for small businesses, “Coping With COVID-19,” since April 2020, to help entrepreneurs and businesses plan strategically, adapt and succeed. Details on sessions for the next two weeks are as follows: 

The English-language town hall, “IRS Website: Resources and Tools,” is Wednesday, March 31, at 9 a.m. Panelists include:

• From the Small Business Administration – Alfredo Cedeno Jr., outreach and marketing specialist
• From Extension – Juan Salas, business development instructor; and Mike Bindrup, research associate

The Spanish-language town hall, “Nevada State Contractors Board: Processes and Resources for Obtaining a License,” will be held Wednesday, April 7, at 9 a.m. Panelists include:

• From the Nevada State Contractors Board – Bree Welch, license analyst
• From the Small Business Administration – Alfredo Cedeno Jr., outreach and marketing specialist
• From Extension – Reyna Mendez and Juan Salas, business development instructors; and Mike Bindrup, research associate

The webinar, “Bookkeeping Concepts and Software,” is at 9 a.m., Friday, April 2, for English speakers; and at 9 a.m., Friday, April 9, for Spanish speakers. Salas will discuss:

• The bookkeeping process and IRS resources and requirements for business owners
• The relationship between assets, liabilities and an owner's equity
• Accounting principles and the chart of accounts
• Practical examples, looking at financial statements
• Advantages and limitations of different bookkeeping software: how to choose?

Both the town halls and the webinars usually run about an hour. To register:

• The March 31, 9 a.m., English-language town hall.
• The April 2, 9 a.m., English-language webinar.
• The April 7, 9 a.m., Spanish-language town hall.
• The April 9, 9 a.m., Spanish-language webinar.

Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should call at least three days prior to the scheduled event. For more information, go to the Extension Business Education Program website. There are also other resources at the website to assist businesses during the COVID-19 crisis. For more information, email Borden.