If you own and run a small business you probably know how important it is to properly manage your assets, especially when tax season rolls around. Managing your assets can be fairly easy, no matter what type of assets you're talking about. This includes cash as an asset and physical assets as well.

The first rule to follow is to have good bookkeeping and accounting practices in place. In the long run doing this will save you both time and money. No matter how insignificant the amounts may seem, be sure to account for every penny that comes in and goes out. Even a few cents here and there can end up adding up to hundreds of dollars.

Asset management and proper accounting practices are especially important when it comes to paying taxes to the government. Something may seem minor to you, but you don't want to learn the hard way, as even a tiny indiscretion may turn up in an audit. This can happen to you years later than the actual event.

Accounting is also essential when you require loans/grants for business expansion/development. Such loans require submission of detailed accounting books. Under these circumstances, possession of proper documentation and books with accurate records enables you to establish your credentials as a responsible member of the business community.

Often, small business owners tend to overlook certain items, not realizing that they are actually assets. Anything worth money, or that can be sold, is considered an asset. For instance, most of us know that our computer equipment is an asset, but we may overlook the desk or even the chair we're sitting on. Take a look around and see if you've missed any assets in your reconciliation.

Managing and properly reporting your physical assets needs to take several things into account. One of these is depreciation. When we talk about cars, the concept of depreciation becomes very clear. When you buy a car brand new at $15,000 you can't expect to sell it five years later for the exact same price. As soon as car is driven off the lot it deprecates in value. Mileage, wear and tear, and any accidents also play a role in the depreciation of the car. The same goes for almost anything else you may be considering an asset. Property is an exception to this rule and in many areas goes up in value.

Office equipment and most other equipment purchased for a small business does follow the deprecation rule and must be taken into account when you are recording your assets. You may be feeling confused and overwhelmed at this point, but asset management can be fairly easy, given the proper tools.

Now that we're in the computer age, there are a number of software programs to help with asset management and bookkeeping. Most of the software is easy to use and is well documented. You should be able to tailor it specifically to your business. If you'd rather outsource these functions, think about talking to a chartered accountant.

The bottom line is that for small businesses, asset management is very important and must be taken seriously. Not only can you benefit from properly documenting your assets, but there can be serious repercussions if you don't.

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