Basic Tax Questions That Small Business Owners Should Ask How should I keep my records? What kind of records should I keep and how long? One of the most important things in small business accounting is to keep good records. Good financial records help you calculate income and expenses, monitor financial status, and file tax returns. You may consider using business accounting software such as Intuit QuickBooks, Peachtree Complete Accounting, Microsoft Office Accounting Professional or Simply Accounting Premium. The IRS recommends that you keep your records at least four years. What expenses can I deduct and how much? A business expense ...