Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Business Checks

By Gary Pearson

Arranging business checks is as simple as a trip to the bank. Everyone who is starting a business should open a business checking account and use business checks to pay all expenses and bills relating to their business. This keeps personal finances separate from business finances and makes tax time a lot easier to handle.

Most banks require anyone opening a business account and ordering business checks to first obtain and file a DBA, or "Doing Business As" form with their county. The bank requires this if you are operating your business under a business name other than your first and last name. Charges vary from county to county and state to state.

The amount required to open a business account is also much higher than the amount to open a personal account. Check with several banks in your area to see what amount they require, what fees they charge and what services they provide. Fees to obtain business checks may be tax-deductible, so keep track and check with your accountant.

The money that you keep in your business checking account will probably not earn any interest. In fact, if your account balance gets too low you may incur extra monthly charges. There are also fees relating to checks paid. Know what fees are being charged and when they are accessed.

Record all business checks as you write them to prevent overdrawing your business account. A good beginning will allow you to develop a good relationship with your bank. This relationship will grow as your business grows. - 16747

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