"Are you often confused by the complexities of running a business and working on your craft- we have solutions!"
Helping Artists and Shop Owners become PROS on the business side of tattooing.
Navigating an audit can be daunting, especially for tattoo artists who may not be familiar with the intricacies of record-keeping and tax compliance. In this episode of Tattoo Business Talks, our experts share invaluable tips for ensuring a smooth audit process. They emphasize the importance of maintaining good records, being respectful to auditors, and understanding the potential red flags that could trigger an audit. With the right preparation and mindset, tattoo shop owners can turn a stressful situation into an opportunity for growth and improvement.
- First Impressions Matter: Always approach your auditor with kindness and respect. Remember, they are just doing their job.
- Stay Accommodating: If you’re missing records, don’t make excuses. Instead, communicate that you’re working on it.
- Start Now: If you don’t have good records, begin organizing them immediately. Lack of documentation can lead to significant tax liabilities.
- Save Everything: Keep receipts and maintain up-to-date books. It’s never too late to start!
- Focus on Feedback: If your auditor points out specific areas of concern, beef up your documentation related to those issues.
- Review Your Income: Ensure your reported income matches your records. Discrepancies can lead to unnecessary taxation.
- Understand Triggers: Certain actions or inconsistencies can raise red flags and lead to audits. Stay informed about what might trigger further investigation.
- Checklist Ready: Auditors will provide a checklist of what they need from you. Be prepared to meet their requirements.
- Document Everything: The more substantiation you have for your claimed expenses, the better.
Navigating an audit doesn’t have to be a nightmare. By being respectful, organized, and proactive, tattoo shop owners can not only survive an audit but also set themselves up for future success.
Ready to dive deeper into managing your tattoo business? Don’t miss out on more insights from industry experts in Tattoo Business Talks!
At Tattoo Career Builders, we provide a simple, holistic approach to help you optimize your business and career- because success shouldn't have to feel complicated
When your systems and finances are dialed in, you'll feel more resilient, adaptable, and free to focus on what matters most: your craft, your clients, and your life.
Take control of your career, stress less, and reclaim your most valuable resources- time, money, and peace of mind.
Let's build something that lasts together.
Artist Owned & operated 3 tattoo shop locations (13 YRS)
Managed shops for others (6 YRS)
Project manager / co-founder of a product manufacturing company (2 YRS)
Founder/Owner of a successful tattoo supply company (10 YRS.)
Certified Executive Career Coach - (Tony) Robbins Madanes institute
Cash Flow Advisor - Profit First Professionals
"Special thank you to Derek at @tattoocareerbuilders for the exceptional financial education over the weekend! I think we will be doing this class again, and if I were you, I wouldn't miss it!"
"Just wanted to say that I participate in these business talks and they are a wonderful resource/soundboard. I look forward to each talk and think there are some great minds working together to put this on."
We are a team of professionals who have worked in nearly every role in the industry for decades. We educate, mentor, and coach career professionals to become great at the business side of tattooing.
We aim to deliver clear, concise goals and direction (confusion kills, but clarity converts.) and wish for artists to narrow the gap between where they are currently and what they want to be in their business. We respect that no fix or learning style is the same for every artist and studio, so we help support and empower the individual through collaborative goal planning and constructive action.
We value the client as the "hero" of the partnership and ourselves as the supporting role. We also value self-awareness and work as the keys to career success.
TCB is hosting multiple full-ride scholarships at two events in 2025, for those newer tattooers seeking more education and networking opportunities and are in financial need.
Prioritizing your time on the right skills will eventually land you with all the right clients. It will not happen overnight, it requires work, a lot of consistent work.
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