How do I keep the books for a one-person business?

The whole system fits on a napkin: money in and money out, both through one business account. If it went through that account, it's business. If it didn't, it isn't. That single rule does more for your books than any software you'll be sold.

Photograph every receipt the moment it's in your hand — fuel, blades, dump fees, the trailer tire — because the receipt in the console will not survive July. Then take one hour a week, same time every week, and reconcile: what came in, what went out, what's owed to you. Sunday evening, coffee, done.

Why it matters beyond taxes: this is the only way you find out whether a customer is actually profitable. Plenty of routes are busy and broke, and the books are where that shows up before the bank account does.

Builders, not accountants — for what's deductible and how to file it, buy the hour from a real one.