--- title: "Set Up Bookkeeping for a New NJ LLC: First 30 Days | MCC" description: "Bank account, state tax registrations, software, chart of accounts and your first reconciliation. Week-by-week example." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/guides/how-to-set-up-bookkeeping-for-a-new-nj-llc" --- Bookkeeping guide · Updated October 7, 2026 # How to set up bookkeeping for a new New Jersey LLC A clean start saves hours of cleanup later. Here is the order we would set things up in for a new New Jersey LLC. By [Matthew Coleman](/about), MCC Solutions **Quick answer.** For a new New Jersey LLC, once it is formed and you have an EIN, open a business checking account in the LLC's name and use it for every business transaction. Add a business credit card if you use one; this single step prevents most bookkeeping problems. Want this handled for you? Monthly bookkeeping, cleanup and year-end close for small businesses. Start with a free health check of your books. [Free health check](/bookkeeping/health-check)[Get a quote](/bookkeeping/#interest) **Related:** [NJ 1099 contractor rule (ABC test)](/bookkeeping/guides/nj-independent-contractor-rule-abc-test-2026) · [Trial balance explained](/bookkeeping/guides/trial-balance-explained) · [Owner contribution or loan](/bookkeeping/guides/owner-equity-and-capital-contributions) **Free tools:** [Bank reconciliation not matching?](/bookkeeping/bank-reconciliation-difference-finder) · [Are my books ready for taxes?](/bookkeeping/is-my-quickbooks-ready-for-taxes) [![Intuit ProAdvisor Gold tier badge](/img/credentials/intuit-proadvisor-gold.png)](https://proadvisor.intuit.com/app/accountant/search?searchId=matthew-coleman77)Gold tier in Intuit's ProAdvisor program. [See my Intuit listing](https://proadvisor.intuit.com/app/accountant/search?searchId=matthew-coleman77) Keeping your own books? Tallyfinch does invoices, bank import and reports on your computer. [See Tallyfinch](/bookkeeping/mcc-books-downloadable-bookkeeping-software) ## 1. Open a business bank account and card Once the LLC is formed and you have an EIN, open a business checking account in the LLC's name and use it for every business transaction. Get a business credit card too, if you use one. This single step prevents most bookkeeping problems. See our guide on separating personal and business money. ## 2. Register for the state taxes you need Depending on what you do, you may need to register with the NJ Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services and the Division of Taxation: for sales tax if you sell taxable goods or services, and for employer withholding if you will have employees. The state's online business registration walks through it. Check the current requirements for your business type. ## 3. Pick accounting software Choose one program and start on day one. QuickBooks Online is the safe choice if you will work with an accountant. Xero, Wave and FreshBooks suit some businesses. Ask your tax preparer which they prefer before you pick. ## 4. Set up a simple chart of accounts Start with the defaults for your industry and add categories only when you need them. Too many categories make reports harder to read. See our chart of accounts guide. ## Want us to handle it? We set up your books with you, or keep them for you every month, online for businesses in any state. **Price:** Free review of your books first, then a written quote before any work starts. [Get a free review and quote](/bookkeeping/#interest) [Done-with-you setup packages](/bookkeeping/done-with-you-bookkeeping-setup) ## 5. Connect your bank feeds and set a monthly routine Connect the business bank and card accounts, categorize weekly or monthly, and reconcile every month against the statement. Keep receipts for larger purchases. Save a copy of your formation documents and EIN letter in a folder you can find. ## 6. Mark the dates that matter Put the annual report due date, quarterly payroll and sales tax deadlines, and your tax filing dates on a calendar. See the guide on the New Jersey annual report. ## Worked example with numbers Week one: open a business checking account and a card. Week two: choose software, connect the accounts and set about 20 accounts in your chart. Week three: record the owner's startup contribution of $5,000 as equity and expenses paid personally as owner contributions with receipts. By month end you reconcile the account and have a first profit and loss. ## Mistakes that cost money Using a personal account for the first months. Forgetting to register for state taxes you need. Skipping receipts for startup costs. ## Check your work At month end, the bank balance in the books should equal the statement balance. ## Common questions **Do I need a bookkeeper from day one?** Not always. A very simple business can start on its own. But a setup session with a professional often saves more than it costs. **Can I use my personal bank account for the LLC?** You can, but mixing makes books harder and can weaken the separation between you and the LLC. Open a business account. This guide is general information, not tax, legal or accounting advice. Rules, fees and due dates change; check with the IRS, the NJ Division of Taxation or a licensed professional for your situation. Let us handle it [### Monthly bookkeeping Categorizing, reconciling and monthly reports, with cleanup, payroll and NJ filings available. Bookkeeping →](/bookkeeping/) [### QuickBooks Online Monthly bookkeeping, cleanup and reconciliation in QuickBooks Online for New Jersey small businesses. Your account stays in your name. QuickBooks →](/bookkeeping/software/quickbooks-online)[### Wave Bookkeeping help for Wave users in New Jersey, and when it makes sense to outgrow Wave. Cleanup, reconciliation and moves to another platform. Wave →](/bookkeeping/software/wave) More guides - [How to catch up when your books are months behind](/bookkeeping/guides/how-to-catch-up-on-behind-books) - [How to reconcile a bank account (and why it matters)](/bookkeeping/guides/how-to-reconcile-a-bank-account) - [New Jersey sales tax for small businesses](/bookkeeping/guides/nj-sales-tax-for-small-businesses) - [New Jersey payroll taxes and filings for small employers](/bookkeeping/guides/nj-payroll-taxes-and-filings-for-small-employers) Free tool - [Bookkeeping health check](/bookkeeping/health-check) [All guides](/bookkeeping/guides) Reach small business owners, freelancers and bookkeepers who read this guide: [advertise here](/advertise#bookkeeping). Do it yourself ### Freelance / LLC Operations Hub (Notion-Ready Files) A connected set of databases and routines for running a solo business, ready to import and adjust, with a property guide that tells you each setting. [See what's inside ($39)](/toolkits/freelance-llc-operations-hub)14-day full refund ## Rather have us keep the books? Ask for a quote. [Get a Quote](/bookkeeping/#interest)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)