Law Firm Accounting and Bookkeeping Best Practices

Trust account management is an especially complex aspect of law firm accounting. Watch a replay of our webinar with Claude E. Ducloux to learn about the basics of trust accounting. The ABA requires lawyers to maintain client trust account records for at least five years after work has ended. Records can include bank statements, checkbook registers, and any supporting documents related to the account. A critical part of the accounting process focuses on analyzing financial reports and KPIs for your law firm to uncover critical insights and make informed business decisions.

It’s also more complex and may require additional accounting staff to manage. Law firm accrual accounting is when your team reports transactions when they are earned rather than when cash is deposited or withdrawn. For example, if your payroll period ends on Friday, but you don’t pay employees until the next Monday, you will still record that transaction on Friday.

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Specify Your Accounting Methods

This helps lawyers know where they stand with their bank account and savings accounts. The FUTA tax rate is 6%, which taxes wages up to the first $7,000 earned by the employee during the year. Speak to your accountant to make sure you are correctly withholding each payroll tax.

Legal Accounting 101: A Guide for Law Firms

When choosing a legal accountant for your law firm, it’s crucial to look for someone experienced in financial recordkeeping and tax returns. An ideal candidate should have a deep understanding of trust accounting laws to ensure compliance and prevent any legal issues. Clio Manage is a software tailored for law firms to handle the business side efficiently. It helps in managing client trust accounts (CTAs), crucial for holding unearned funds. The American Bar Association highlights the importance of not withdrawing such funds without client approval, reinforcing Clio Manage’s significance in adhering to these standards.

When it comes to tax season and planning for the future, lawyers need to move beyond boxes of receipts and a spreadsheet for managing firm finances.
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With the increasing emphasis on technological advancements in legal accounting, it’s essential for law firms to adapt and integrate efficient bookkeeping practices. Proper accounting for law firms is crucial for compliance with regulatory requirements, ensuring business growth, and protecting the firm’s reputation. Failure to maintain accurate financial records can lead to legal and ethical consequences.

Accounting for law firms: best practices

You will also need to understand your obligations in regards to employment law and employment tax. This is especially important when it comes to paying mandatory disability or worker’s compensation insurance. You can research this on your state government’s website, and consult with your CPA. Gusto is an online service that automates a lot of the work involved in managing payroll and employee benefits. You should also keep any other documentary evidence that supports an item of income, a deduction, or credit shown on your tax return. Everyone from your bookkeeper to your CPA and the IRS needs you to keep documents proving the income, credits, and deductions you put on your tax return.

Inaccurately Tracking Time, Mileage, and Other Data Discrepancies

Keeping track of money coming in and going out lets a firm know where it stands. It can spot chances to earn more or see where it might be spending too much. You can go with an accrual or cash accounting method in the US, and the difference is mostly about timing.

A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related non-profit organizations wex lii legal information institute field is often a minimum requirement. Some law firm accountants may also hold advanced degrees, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master of Accountancy (MAcc). Additionally, professional certifications, like the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA), can enhance credibility and demonstrate expertise in the field. A key aspect for law firm accounting teams is the accurate calculation of FUTA tax rate. The tax rate stands at 6%, which applies to the first $7,000 earned by an employee during the year1.

For example, when you send an invoice to a client, you’ll mark it as revenue, even though you might not get paid for 30 days. Managing the finances of a law firm involves keeping track of both revenue and expenses. Law firms need to have a clear understanding of their income sources, such as client billings and retainer fees, as well as their expenses, including staff salaries, rent, and office supplies. Your best bet is likely to hire both a legal bookkeeper and a legal accountant.