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The 10 questions everyone asks an accountant

The money questions people don't want to get wrong. General guidance — for your numbers, ask an accountant on HAL. Are you the accountant? Get paid here.

FAQ · Accountant

The 10 questions people ask most

What can I actually deduct as a freelancer?

Ordinary and necessary business costs: home-office share, equipment, software, courses, part of phone/internet, work travel. Keep receipts and a separate account — mixing kills deductions.

Should I register a company or stay self-employed?

Structure follows income and risk: low income and low liability, stay simple. As profit grows or clients demand invoices/liability cover, a company may cut taxes and protect you.

How much should I set aside for taxes?

A common rule: 25–35% of net income into a separate account every time you get paid. Better to over-reserve than owe with penalties.

What happens if I file late?

Penalties plus interest, and losing refunds you were owed. If you can't pay, still file on time — payment plans exist; non-filing is the expensive mistake.

Do I have to pay taxes on foreign income?

Usually your tax residence taxes worldwide income, with credits or treaties to avoid double taxation. Remote workers and nomads: this is the #1 thing to get checked.

How do crypto taxes work?

Most countries tax selling, swapping and spending crypto as capital gains, and staking/mining as income. Every transaction needs a record — exchanges rarely do it for you.

What records should I keep and for how long?

Invoices, receipts, bank statements and contracts — typically 5 to 7 years. Digital copies are usually valid. A 30-minute monthly routine prevents a nightmare in an audit.

Cash basis or accrual — which applies to me?

Cash: you report when money moves — simpler, common for small business. Accrual: when the sale happens. Thresholds force the switch as you grow; your accountant times it.

How do I pay myself from my own company?

Salary, dividends or a mix — each taxed differently. The optimum depends on brackets and social-security rules; getting the mix wrong is the most common overpayment.

Is an online accountant enough?

For most freelancers and small businesses, yes: filings, planning and questions work great remotely. Complex audits or multi-country setups may need specialists.

$ · Accountant

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