As a cannabis business owner, maintaining your financial records should be at the top of your priority list. There is little to no room for error when it comes to adhering to your state’s compliance regulations, particularly when it comes to finances.
Complicated banking regulations and tax codes make it much more difficult for cannabis entrepreneurs to scale their businesses and maximize profits.
Keep reading to learn our tips for maintaining a compliant accounting system.
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Stay up to Date with Local Regulations
Few other industries deal with rules and regulations as strict as those in the cannabis industry. Both federal and local laws can affect how you operate your business day-to-day, so you must constantly be up to date with your state’s cannabis legislation. Given that the industry is continually evolving as more states push for legalization, it’s easy to get behind on the latest news.
There are many resources available that can help you stay up to date. We recommend reading industry news from major outlets like the National Cannabis Industry Association, Cannabis Industry Journal, or Ganjapreneur. These publications keep you informed on everything from consumer trends to complicated legal jargon. Their articles are typically free to read online, so take advantage of them!
Where to get help with cannabis compliance
Green Space Accounting has experience helping companies navigate the cannabis industry’s complicated compliance landscape. If you’d like more information on our services, you can read our service page about cannabis compliance or contact us today — we’ll explain how Green Space Accounting can help.
Keep Accurate Records
This applies to any business but is particularly important given the uniqueness of the industry. Many cannabis businesses, like dispensaries, handle large amounts of cash transactions daily. This has the potential to make maintaining accurate financial records a little trickier.
One fundamental that needs to be mastered is bookkeeping. Having organized books not only reduces your risk of an audit but can also end up saving you money in the long run. When you have impeccable financial records, it’s easier to recognize unnecessary expenses that may be cutting into your profit margins. Similarly, you’re able to point out the assets and tasks that bring in the most money so you can expand your efforts in these areas. Maintaining accurate records is easier said than done, so business owners should consider outsourcing to a cannabis accounting professional.
Be Conscious of the 280E Tax Code
The 280E Tax Code prohibits businesses that sell cannabis (or any other federally illegal controlled substance) from deducting typical business expenses from their gross income. As long as marijuana is considered a Schedule I drug, cannabis companies are forced to abide by this tax code. This means that, unfortunately, business owners aren’t able to deduct things like rent, utilities, salaries, or inventory costs. This law was intended to prevent street dealers from claiming tax deductions for their expenses but consequently impacts legitimate businesses as well.
Cannabis companies have a significantly greater risk of being audited, most often related to section 280E. Businesses found non-compliant can face years of litigation, massive legal fees, and other detrimental penalties.
To prevent this from happening to your business, you must know the 280E Tax Code. Knowing what can and cannot be deducted will save you in the long run.
Outsource to Cannabis Accountants
Many business owners make the mistake of wearing too many hats at once. While you might be confident in your ability to handle accounting independently, it’s always smart to consider other options.
Outsourcing your accounting to a team that knows the cannabis industry inside and out can help you bring your business to the next level. These firms are hired to keep accurate records, manage cash flow and payroll, and identify areas of your business that could change to make you more profitable. Not only will outsourcing help your business grow, but it also gives you peace of mind knowing that your finances are accurate and fully compliant.
Your best bet is looking for an accountant that also offers complete compliance advisory solutions. These accountants will work with your team to implement solutions to manage risk, improve performance, and put practical accounting and financial systems in place.
Conclusion
Managing a compliant financial system can be daunting, complicated, and, most of all: stressful. Regardless of what stage your business is in, you must make bookkeeping and cash flow management a priority. Partnering with a diligent cannabis accounting expert can help you stay up to date on all legislation that could impact your business.
Green Space Accounting can help you along with an intimate knowledge of cannabis rules and regulations.
Click below to book a 30-minute consultation with our team today and start on your path to success!
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