Bookkeeping and Accounting for Ranch Hands
Searching for a bookkeeper and accountant for your ranch? We take care of your books, giving you more time to keep your hands on the reins. Sign up today and get a free month of bookkeeping, valued at $299.
How Bench works with ranch hands
Get your bookkeeping, income tax prep, and filing handled by experts—supported by one robust platform. Bench works with ranch hands, understanding the unique financial matters of your trade.
We get you set up
Our experts devote the necessary time to fully grasp the intricacies of your ranch work, address any queries you might have, assist you in connecting your accounts, and provide a thorough rundown of how Bench can streamline your bookkeeping.
We do your bookkeeping
Each month, your dedicated bookkeeper categorizes your ranch transactions and assembles financial statements. Should they require additional information from you, they'll promptly reach out.
We deliver tax-ready financials
Our specialized team is well versed with agricultural tax regulations and will tailor their approach to your ranch's distinct requirements.
Here’s why ranch hands like you trust Bench with their bookkeeping and accounting
Get fast, unlimited support from our expert advisors
We'll keep in constant communication, providing regular updates on your ranch's bookkeeping. Got pressing inquiries that can't be pushed to the backburner? We guarantee a response within one business day or less.
Guaranteed accuracy in every detail
Our platform provides automated data input from the major providers to help eliminate common errors. We work in partnership with merchants like cattle auctioneers, farm supply stores, local feed mills, and equipment dealers to ensure your ranch's financial records are always precise.
See where you’re spending. Make smart decisions
Say farewell to mountains of farm records and labor-intensive manual monitoring—we automate inputs directly from your connected accounts. Gain insights from one central dashboard so you can uncomplicatedly comprehend the financial health of your ranch and make strategic decisions.
Bench integrates with your favorite small business tools
We sync seamlessly with your financial accounts and tools to keep your books up-to-date and save you the time and effort of manually uploading documents.
Trusted by 25,000+ American small business owners
CHRIS RONZIO
DR. BUKKY KOLAWOLE
HEATHER SHOLL
We know bookkeeping for ranch hands
In the world of ranching, handling bookkeeping and tax responsibilities could prove as tough as wrangling cattle. As ranch hands focus on the day-to-day operations such as managing livestock, maintaining ranch equipment, and marketing their products, managing financials often fall by the wayside. That's where Bench Accounting comes in. We understand the industry-specific financial complexities of so many agricultural tax laws, such as deductions for farming expenses or the IRS's particular depreciation schedules for livestock. We don’t want you to lose sleep over these figures; instead, we’re here to help you tackle them efficiently and accurately.
When you pair up with Bench, you're getting more than a bookkeeping software—you're getting a team of expert, human bookkeepers. They are not only familiar with common bookkeeping issues ranch hands face (like seasonal income fluctuations and hefty equipment costs), but they also understand the often complicated agricultural tax laws. They are well-versed in dealing with tax matters like income averaging for farmers, and deductible farm expenses, ensuring adherence to IRS guidelines. By providing you with detailed visual reports and taking care of your bookkeeping needs, Bench helps you stay focused on what you do best—running your ranch—while we handle the financials. We're revolutionizing ranching bookkeeping one number at a time.
Simple, straightforward pricing for everything your business needs.
Join over 35,000 US-based business owners who have streamlined their finances and have grown their businesses with Bench.
Choose Plan
Bookkeeping
billed annually. 100% tax deductible.
Bookkeeping & Tax
billed annually. 100% tax deductible.
Bookkeeping
billed monthly. 100% tax deductible.
Bookkeeping & Tax
billed monthly. 100% tax deductible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Taxes on ranch hand earnings and agricultural incomes are calculated based on the net income from this source. The net income is determined by calculating the gross receipt from the ranch or agricultural work and then subtracting any allowable expenses. These may include the cost of materials and supplies, labor expenses, depreciation on equipment, and any other expenses directly related to the ranch or agricultural operation.
Once the net income is determined, it is then subject to self-employment taxes (if applicable), and then added to any other sources of income on the return (if any) to determine total taxable income. It is this total taxable income that is subject to federal and state income tax rates. It is always recommended to consult with a tax professional or accountant to ensure all deductions and expenses are accurately calculated and reported.
When it comes to handling the unique expenses associated with livestock and farm equipment in bookkeeping, a few strategies are particularly effective:
- Depreciation: Farming equipment often has a long lifespan but decreases in value over time. Using depreciation, these costs can be spread out over the useful life of the equipment.
- Livestock Valuation: Livestock represent a significant investment, with their value often fluctuating based on market conditions, health, and age. Proper maintenance of inventory records and regular reappraisals are necessary for accurate bookkeeping.
- Direct Expense Method: Under this method, all costs associated with raising livestock to the point of sale are deducted in the year they occur. This includes feed, veterinary expenses, and other direct costs.
- Inventory Method: Alternatively, these costs can be capitalized (added to the basis of the asset) and recognized when the livestock are sold.
Given the complexity of farm bookkeeping, it is often advisable to engage a bookkeeper experienced in the agricultural industry.
Accounting for ranch hands who work on a seasonal or part-time basis can be a bit different compared to full-time workers. Most often, these laborers are considered as independent contractors rather than regular employees. This means that they're responsible for managing their own taxes.
However, as their employer, you still need to keep accurate records of their wages and the number of hours they worked. This information will be useful in issuing their 1099-MISC form at the end of the year, which is necessary for contract workers.
Using bookkeeping services, like Bench Accounting, can aid significantly in maintaining proper financial records. They can assist you in setting up a robust accounting system that adapts to the nature of seasonal or part-time work. In addition, Bench Accounting can help you comply with tax laws and ordinances that specifically apply to ranch hands working seasonally or part-time.
Nope! All bookkeeping is completed in-house.
Your bookkeeper will be your main point of contact, but at times you might hear from another member of your team. This is usually when your bookkeeper goes on vacation, is sick, or otherwise unavailable.
We handle the bookkeeping for you but sometimes we’ll need your input, especially at year-end. On average, expect to spend 15 minutes each month answering questions for your bookkeeper, or uploading supporting docs.
Bookkeeping Services for Ranch hands
Discover how we can help you have better finances with a personalized demo from a Bench expert, ready to answer all your questions. Sign up as a customer today and get a free month of bookkeeping, valued at $299.
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