Open a separate business bank account. Today.

Why it matters

When everything runs through one account, your bookkeeper, or you, has to ask "was this business?" for every line. Some answers get guessed. Guesses become missed deductions, or deductions you can't support.

If you have an LLC, mixing money also weakens the separation between you and the business that the LLC is supposed to give you. Ask your attorney or accountant how much that matters in your situation, but keeping them apart is the safe habit.

How to switch without a mess

• Open a business checking account and get a business debit or credit card.
• Move every customer payment, Stripe, Square or invoice, to deposit into the new account.
• Move subscriptions and recurring business bills to the new card over a month or two.
• Pay yourself by transferring money from business to personal, not by paying personal bills from the business.

What if I can't switch everything at once?

That's fine. Start with deposits, then the big recurring bills. Your bookkeeper can handle a mixed month or two while you move over.