Holiday parties and gifts can help show your appreciation and provide tax breaks

The holiday season is in full swing. Your business may want to show its gratitude to employees and customers by giving them gifts or hosting parties. It’s a good idea to understand the tax rules involved. Are they tax deductible by your business and taxable to the recipients? Gifts to customers are generally deductible up to $25 per recipient per year. De minimis, noncash gifts to employees (such as a holiday turkey) aren’t included in their taxable income yet are deductible by you. Holiday parties are 100% deductible if they’re primarily for the benefit of non-highly-paid employees and their families. If customers attend, parties may be partially deductible. Contact us with questions.

Small businesses: Get ready for your 1099-MISC reporting requirements

Early next year, your business may be required to comply with Form 1099 rules. You may have to send forms to independent contractors, vendors and others whom you pay nonemployee compensation, as well as file them with the IRS. There are penalties for noncompliance. Employers must provide a Form 1099-MISC for nonemployee compensation by Jan. 31, 2020, to each noncorporate service provider who was paid at least $600 for services during 2019. (1099-MISCs generally don’t have to be provided to corporate service providers.) A copy of each Form 1099-MISC with payments listed in box 7 must also be filed with the IRS by Jan. 31. If you have questions about your reporting requirements, contact us.

5 ways to withdraw cash from your corporation while avoiding dividend treatment

Do you want to withdraw cash from your closely held corporation at a low tax cost? The easiest way is to distribute cash as a dividend. However, a dividend distribution is taxable to you as a shareholder but it’s not deductible by the corporation. But there are several alternatives that may allow you to withdraw cash from a corporation and avoid dividend treatment. For example, you might be able to receive capital repayments, or obtain reasonable compensation for you (or family members), as well as certain fringe benefits. If you’re interested in discussing these or other ideas, contact us. We can help you get the maximum out of your corporation at a minimum tax cost.

Should you elect S corporation status?

Operating a business as an S corporation may provide advantages, including limited liability and no double taxation (at least at the federal level). Self-employed people may also be able to lower their exposure to Social Security and Medicare taxes. But not all businesses are eligible and, with tax law changes, S corps may not be as appealing as they once were. Double taxation may be less of a concern due to the 21% flat income tax rate that now applies to C corporations, while the top individual rate is 37%. On the other hand, S corp owners may benefit from the new qualified business income (QBI) deduction, which can equal as much as 20% of QBI. Contact us for more information.

What to do if your business receives a “no-match” letter

In recent months, many businesses and employers have received “no-match” letters from the Social Security Administration (SSA). These letters alert employers if employees' names and Social Security numbers (SSNs) don’t match the data reported on W-2 forms, which are given to employees and filed with the IRS. If you receive a no-match letter, check to see if your information matches the name and SSN on the employee’s Social Security card. If the information matches, ask him or her to check with the local Social Security office to resolve the issue. If you have questions, contact us or check out these frequently asked questions from the SSA: https://bit.ly/2Yv87M6

Take a closer look at home office deductions

Working from home has its perks. You can skip the commute and you might be eligible to deduct home office expenses on your tax return. But you must meet the tax law qualifications. Under current law, employees can no longer claim home office deductions. But if you’re self-employed and run a business from your home, deductions may still be available. You might qualify if part of your home is used exclusively and regularly for administrative or management activities and you don’t have another fixed location where you conduct the activities. You also might qualify if you physically meet with clients/customers there or you use a storage area in your home for business. Contact us for details.

Businesses can utilize the same information IRS auditors use to examine tax returns

The IRS uses Audit Techniques Guides (ATGs) to help IRS examiners get ready for audits. Your business can use the same guides to gain insight into what the IRS is looking for in terms of compliance with tax laws and regulations. Many ATGs target specific industries, such as construction, aerospace, art galleries, child care providers and veterinary medicine. Others address issues that frequently arise in audits, such as executive compensation and passive activity losses. ATGs allow auditors to uncover unique industry issues, common areas of noncompliance, customary business practices and terminology. For a complete list of ATGs, visit the IRS website here: https://bit.ly/2rh7umD

M&A transactions: Avoid surprises from the IRS

If you’re in the process of a merger or acquisition, it’s important that both parties report the transaction to the IRS in the same way. Otherwise, you could increase your chances of being audited. If a sale involves business assets (as opposed to stock or ownership interests), the buyer and the seller must generally report the purchase price allocations that both use for specific assets. This is done by attaching IRS Form 8594 to each of their federal income tax returns. Both parties use the same allocations. Consider requiring this in your asset purchase agreement at the time of the sale. To lock in the best postacquisition results, consult with us before finalizing any transaction.

Which entity is most suitable for your new or existing business?

It may seem that the current, flat 21% corporate income tax rate makes C corporation status for your business the best choice. After all, 21% is much lower than the 37% top rate that applies to sole proprietors and pass-through entities (such as partnerships, S corps and LLCs). But C corps can still be subject to double taxation. And pass-through entity owners may be currently eligible for a 20% qualified business income deduction. The best entity type for your business depends on its unique situation and your situation as an owner. Taxes are only one consideration. You may also want the protection from business debts that certain entities provide. Contact us to learn more.

2019 Q3 tax calendar: Key deadlines for businesses and other employers

Here are some key tax-related deadlines for businesses and other employers during Quarter 3 of 2019. JULY 31: Report income tax withholding and FICA taxes for Q2 2019 (unless eligible for an Aug. 12 deadline). File a 2018 calendar-year retirement plan report or request an extension. SEPT. 16: If a calendar-year partnership or S corp. that filed an extension, file a 2018 income tax return. If a calendar-year C corp., pay the third installment of 2019 estimated income taxes. Contact us for more about the filing requirements and to ensure you meet all applicable deadlines.

Hiring this summer? You may qualify for a valuable tax credit

If you hire from certain “targeted groups” and get proper certification, you can claim the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) on your 2019 tax return. You can claim it for eligible workers whose employment begins before January 1, 2020. Targeted groups include qualified veterans, eligible summer youth, the long-term unemployed, ex-felons and certain government assistance recipients. The maximum credit employers can claim ranges from $2,400 to $9,600 per hire. (For the $9,600 credit, an employee must be a veteran entitled to compensation for a service-connected disability and be unemployed for at least six months during the one-year period ending on the hiring date.) Contact us for help.

Tax-smart domestic travel: Combining business with pleasure

You may be going on a business trip in the United States this summer that you can tack some vacation days onto. If you’re a business owner or self-employed, you may be able to deduct some of your expenses. Transportation costs to and from the business activity location may be 100% deductible if the primary reason for the trip is business. Out-of-pocket expenses for business days are generally fully deductible. Examples include lodging, meals (subject to the 50% disallowance rule), seminar and convention fees, and cab fare. It’s important to keep good records in case you’re audited. Additional rules and limits apply. Contact us if you have questions about your situation.

Consider a Roth 401(k) plan — and make sure employees use it

If you want another retirement savings option to add to your company’s benefits package, consider a Roth 401(k). But make sure employees use it. The Plan Sponsor Council of America found that Roth 401(k)s are available at 70% of employer plans, but only 20% of participants who had access to one in 2017 made contributions to it. These plans have traits of both Roth IRAs and employer-sponsored 401(k)s. Contributions to an employee’s Roth 401(k) account are made with after-tax, instead of pretax, dollars. But after five years, qualified distributions are exempt from federal income tax (the same as with a Roth IRA). In contrast, regular 401(k) distributions are taxed at ordinary-income rates of up to 37%.

What type of expenses can’t be written off by your business?

If you spend money in the course of doing business, you want to be able to deduct it on your tax return. But in order to write off expenses, they must meet certain requirements. Under federal tax law, you can deduct “ordinary and necessary” business expenses. In general, an expense is considered ordinary if it’s common or customary in the particular trade or business. A necessary expense is defined as being helpful or appropriate. In order to be deductible, an expense must also be reasonable in relation to the benefit expected. Consult with us for guidance.

Employee vs. independent contractor: How should you handle worker classification?

To save money, your business may treat workers as independent contractors, rather than employees. Be aware that the IRS looks for businesses that improperly classify workers. It’s best to handle independent contractors so the relationships comply with tax law. This includes not controlling HOW the workers perform their duties, not treating them like employees, and providing annual Forms 1099. You can file optional IRS Form SS-8 to receive a determination of a worker’s status. But filing this form may trigger an audit. Contact us for ways to proactively plan ahead.

Deducting business meal expenses under today’s tax rules

You probably spend a bundle “wining and dining” customers, vendors and employees. Under current tax law, entertainment expenses are no longer deductible. But you can still deduct 50% of the cost of business-related food and beverages, if you meet certain requirements. What if you buy food and beverages at an entertainment event? You can still deduct 50% of the expenses incurred at entertainment events, but only if business was conducted during the event or shortly before or after. And keep receipts that separately state the meal costs. Contact us with questions.

Understanding how taxes factor into an M&A transaction

If your company is merging with or acquiring another business, it’s important to understand how the transaction will be taxed. For tax purposes, a transaction can basically be structured in two ways: stock (or ownership interest) or assets. For tax and nontax reasons, buyers usually prefer to purchase assets, while sellers generally prefer stock sales. Buying or selling a business may be the most important deal you’ll ever make, so seek professional tax advice as you negotiate. After a deal is done, it may be too late to get the best tax results. Contact us.

2019 Q2 tax calendar: Key deadlines for businesses and other employers

Here are a few key tax deadlines for businesses during Q2 of 2019. APR. 1: File with the IRS if you’re an employer that will electronically file 2018 Forms 1097, 1098, certain Forms 1099 and/or Form W-2G. APR. 15: If you’re a calendar-year corporation, file a 2018 income tax return (Form 1120) or file for a six-month extension (Form 7004) and pay any tax due. APR. 30: Employers report income tax withholding and FICA taxes for Q1 2019 (Form 941) and pay any tax due. Contact us to learn more about filing requirements and ensure you meet all applicable deadlines.

When are LLC members subject to self-employment tax?

Limited liability company (LLC) members commonly claim that their distributive shares of LLC income (after deducting compensation for services in the form of guaranteed payments) aren’t subject to self-employment (SE) tax. But the IRS has been seeking back taxes and penalties from LLC members it claims have underreported SE income, with some success in court. At the greatest risk are LLC members who are comparable to general partners in a partnership. We can help you assess whether the IRS might successfully claim that you’ve underpaid SE taxes.

Depreciation-related breaks on business real estate: What you need to know when you file your 2018 return

Commercial buildings and improvements generally are depreciated over 39 years, which essentially means you can deduct a portion of the cost every year over the depreciation period. (Land isn’t depreciable.) But special tax breaks that allow deductions to be taken more quickly are available for certain real estate investments. Some were enhanced by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and may provide a bigger benefit when you file your 2018 tax return. But there are two breaks you may not be able to enjoy due to a drafting error in the TCJA. Contact us to learn more.

Many tax-related limits affecting businesses increase for 2019

A variety of tax-related limits affecting businesses are annually indexed for inflation, and many have increased for 2019. For example, the Section 179 expensing limit has gone up to $1.02 million from $1 million. Also up are the income-based phase-ins for certain limits on the new-last-year Sec. 199A qualified business income deduction for owners of pass-through entities. And most limits related to employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as 401(k)s, are higher this year. Contact us for more information about the limits that will affect your business in 2019.

Higher mileage rate may mean larger tax deductions for business miles in 2019

A higher IRS mileage rate means larger tax deductions for business miles in 2019. The optional standard mileage rate used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an auto for business has increased by 3.5 cents, to 58 cents per mile. The mileage rate comes into play when businesses don’t want to keep track of actual vehicle-related expenses. But you still must record certain information, such as the mileage, date and destination for each trip. The mileage rate can also be used for reimbursing employees. Many rules and limits apply. Contact us for details.

Is there still time to pay 2018 bonuses and deduct them on your 2018 return?

There aren’t too many things businesses can do after a year ends to reduce tax liability for that year. But you might be able to pay employee bonuses for 2018 in 2019 and still deduct them on your 2018 tax return. To be eligible for this favorable tax treatment, you must be an accrual-basis taxpayer and the bonus liability must have been fixed by the end of the tax year, which requires passing the “all-events test” and may necessitate a bonus pool arrangement.  If you’re a calendar-year company, you must pay the bonuses by March 15. Contact us to learn more.

A refresher on major tax law changes for small-business owners

The dawning of 2019 means the 2018 income tax filing season will soon be upon us. After year end, it’s generally too late to take action to reduce 2018 taxes. Business owners may, therefore, want to shift their focus to assessing whether they’ll likely owe taxes or get a refund when they file their returns this spring, so they can plan accordingly. With the biggest tax law changes in decades (under the TCJA) generally going into effect beginning in 2018, most businesses and their owners will be significantly impacted. Contact us for a refresher on the changes.

6 last-minute tax moves for your business

Tax planning is a year-round activity, but there are still some year-end strategies you can use to lower your 2018 tax bill. Here are six last-minute tax moves business owners should consider: 1) Postpone invoices. 2) Prepay expenses. 3) Buy equipment. 4) Use credit cards. 5) Contribute to retirement plans. 6) Qualify for the new “pass-through” deduction. These strategies are subject to various limitations and restrictions, so consult us before you implement them. We can also offer more ideas for reducing your taxes this year and next.

Can a PTO contribution arrangement help your employees and your business?

As the year winds to a close, most businesses see employees taking a lot of vacation time. After all, it’s the holiday season, and workers want to enjoy it. But some businesses find themselves particularly short-staffed because they don’t allow unused paid time off (PTO) to be rolled over to the new year. There are good business reasons to limit rollovers. Fortunately, there’s a way to reduce the year-end PTO vortex without allowing unlimited rollovers: a PTO contribution arrangement. It turns PTO into pretax retirement plan contributions. Contact us for details.

2019 Q1 tax calendar: Key deadlines for businesses and other employers

Here are a few key tax-related deadlines for businesses during Q1 of 2019. JAN. 31: File 2018 Forms W-2 with the Social Security Administration and provide copies to employees. Also provide copies of 2018 Forms 1099-MISC to recipients and, if reporting nonemployee compensation in Box 7, file, too. FEB. 28: File 2018 Forms 1099-MISC if not required earlier and paper filing. MAR. 15: If a calendar-year partnership or S corp., file or extend your 2018 tax return. Contact us to learn more about filing requirements and ensure you’re meeting all applicable deadlines.

When holiday gifts and parties are deductible or taxable

It’s a great time of year for businesses to show their appreciation for employees and customers by giving them gifts or hosting holiday parties. Gifts to customers are generally deductible up to $25 per recipient per year. De minimis, noncash gifts to employees aren’t included in their taxable income yet are still deductible by you. Holiday parties are fully deductible provided they’re primarily for the benefit of non-highly-compensated employees and their families. If customers attend, parties may be partially deductible. Questions? Contact us.

Tax reform expands availability of cash accounting

The cash method of accounting offers greater tax-planning flexibility, allowing some businesses to defer taxable income. Under the TCJA, if your business’s average gross receipts for the previous three tax years are $25 million or less, you generally will now be eligible for the cash method for federal tax purposes, regardless of how your business is structured, your industry or whether you have inventories. Newly eligible businesses should determine whether the cash method would be advantageous and, if so, consider switching methods. Contact us to learn more.

It’s not too late: You can still set up a retirement plan for 2018

If most of your money is tied up in your business, retirement can be a challenge. So if you haven’t already set up a tax-advantaged retirement plan, consider doing so this year. There’s still time to set one up and make contributions that will be deductible on your 2018 tax return. And funds can grow tax deferred. If you have employees, they generally must be allowed to participate in the plan, provided they meet the requirements. But you might be eligible for a $500 tax credit for setting up the plan. Would you like to set up a plan this year? Contact us!

Buy business assets before year end to reduce your 2018 tax liability

Investing in business assets is a traditional and powerful year-end tax planning strategy, and it might make even more sense in 2018. Sec. 179 expensing and bonus depreciation both allow an immediate deduction for the cost of eligible asset purchases, rather than depreciating them over a number of years. The TCJA increases potential deductions under these breaks and expands the assets that are eligible. To qualify, you must place assets in service by the end of the year. So there’s still time to make purchases and reduce your 2018 taxes. Contact us to learn more.

Selling your business? Defer — and possibly reduce — tax with an installment sale

You’re ready to sell your business and want to get the return from it you’ve earned from the time and money you’ve invested. That means getting a good price and minimizing the tax hit on the proceeds. One option that can help defer tax is an installment sale. Spreading gain over several years is especially beneficial if it allows you to stay under the thresholds for triggering the 3.8% net investment income tax or the 20% long-term capital gains rate. But it’s not without tax risk. For help determining whether an installment sale is right for you, contact us.

Now’s the time to review your business expenses

As we approach the end of the year, it’s a good idea to review your business’s expenses for deductibility. At the same time, consider whether you’d benefit from accelerating certain expenses into this year. There’s no master list of deductible business expenses in the Internal Revenue Code (IRC). Some deductions are expressly authorized or excluded, but most are governed by the general rule of IRC Sec. 162, which permits businesses to deduct their “ordinary and necessary” expenses. Also, the TCJA reduces or eliminates many deductions. Contact us to learn more.

Tax-free fringe benefits help small businesses and their employees

In today’s tightening job market, to attract and retain the best employees, small businesses need to offer not only competitive pay, but also appealing fringe benefits. Those that are tax-free are especially attractive to employees. Examples include many types of insurance (health, disability, long-term care, life) and assistance plans (dependent care, adoption and educational), subject to certain limits. The tax treatment of some benefits, such as moving expense reimbursements and transportation benefits, has changed under the TCJA. Contact us to learn more.

Could a cost segregation study help you accelerate depreciation deductions?

Businesses that acquire, construct or substantially improve a building should consider a cost segregation study. It combines accounting and engineering techniques to identify building costs that are properly allocable to tangible personal property rather than real property. This may allow you to accelerate depreciation deductions, thus reducing taxes and boosting cash flow. And the potential benefits are now even greater due to enhancements to certain depreciation-related breaks under the TCJA. Contact us for help assessing the potential tax savings.

Businesses aren’t immune to tax identity theft

Tax identity theft may seem like a problem only for individuals. But increasingly businesses are becoming victims. Business tax identity theft occurs when a criminal uses information from a business (such as the Employer Identification Number) to obtain tax benefits or enable individual tax identity theft schemes. Here are some prevention tips: 1) Educate employees on how to spot tax fraud schemes. 2) Use secure methods to send W-2 forms to employees. 3) Implement risk management strategies designed to flag suspicious communications. Contact us to learn more.

Be sure your employee travel expense reimbursements will pass muster with the IRS

Does your business reimburse employees’ work-related travel expenses? If you do, you know that it can help attract and retain employees. If you don’t, you may want to start. Changes under the TCJA make such reimbursements even more attractive to employees: Employees are no longer allowed to deduct such expenses. Travel reimbursements also come with tax benefits, but only if you follow a method that passes muster with the IRS. To learn more, contact us. We can help you determine whether you should reimburse such expenses and which method is right for you.

How to reduce the tax risk of using independent contractors

Classifying a worker as an independent contractor frees a business from payroll tax liability and responsibility for withholding income taxes and the worker’s share of payroll taxes. But if the IRS reclassifies a worker as an employee, your business could be hit with back taxes, interest and penalties. When assessing worker status, the IRS typically looks at the level of behavioral and financial control the business has over the worker and the relationship of the parties. Fortunately, there are strategies for minimizing your exposure. Contact us to learn more.

Assessing the S corp

The S corporation business structure offers many advantages, including limited liability for owners and no double taxation (at least at the federal level). But not all businesses are eligible, and S corps may not be quite as attractive from a tax perspective as they once were. The C corp tax rate is now only 21%, while the top individual rate is 37%, so double taxation may be less of a concern. On the other hand, S corp owners may benefit from the new qualified business income (QBI) deduction, which can be equal to as much as 20% of QBI. Contact us for details.

Choosing the right accounting method for tax purposes

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) liberalized the eligibility rules for using the cash method of accounting, making this method (which is simpler than the accrual method) available to more businesses. Now the IRS has provided procedures for obtaining automatic consent to change accounting method under the TCJA. If you’re eligible for both methods, consider whether switching would be beneficial. The cash method is typically preferable, but in some cases the accrual method is advantageous. We can help you make this decision and execute the change if appropriate.

An FLP can save tax in a family business succession

A family limited partnership (FLP) can help you enjoy the tax benefits of transferring ownership in your business to the next generation yet allow you to retain control. The value of transferred interests is removed from your taxable estate. Discounts might reduce the value for tax purposes, and you can apply your $15,000 annual gift tax exclusion or $11.18 million lifetime gift tax exemption. There also may be income tax benefits. But to withstand IRS scrutiny, FLPs must, among other things, have a business purpose beyond tax savings. Contact us to learn more.

Business deductions for meal, vehicle and travel expenses: Document, document, document

Some common deductions for businesses are meal (generally 50%), vehicle and travel expenses. Deductibility depends on a variety of factors, but proper documentation is one of the most critical. Following some simple steps can help ensure your deductions will pass muster with the IRS. First, keep receipts, canceled checks or similar documentation. Also, track the business purpose of each expense (and don’t wait until year end or an IRS audit). Finally, if you reimburse employees, require them to provide such documentation. Contact us for more information.

Close-up on the new QBI deduction’s wage limit

The TCJA allows qualifying noncorporate owners of pass-through entities to deduct as much as 20% of qualified business income. But once taxable income exceeds $315,000 for married couples filing jointly or $157,500 for other filers, a wage limit begins to phase in. When the limit is fully phased in, the deduction generally can’t exceed the greater of the owner’s share of a) 50% of the amount of W-2 wages paid to employees during the tax year, or b) the sum of 25% of W-2 wages plus 2.5% of the cost of qualified business property. Contact us to learn more.

How to avoid getting hit with payroll tax penalties

For small businesses, managing payroll can be one of the most arduous tasks. A crucial aspect is withholding and remitting to the federal government the appropriate income and employment taxes. If your business doesn’t, you, personally, as the business’s owner, could be considered a “responsible party” and face a 100% penalty. This is true even if your business is an entity that normally shields owners from personal liability, such as a corporation or limited liability company. Hiring a payroll service can help. Contact us to learn more.

Does your business have to begin collecting sales tax on all out-of-state online sales?

The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair allows states to impose sales tax on more out-of-state online sales. But does it mean your business must immediately begin collecting sales tax on online sales to all out-of-state customers? No. You must collect such taxes only if the particular state requires it. South Dakota’s law, for example, requires out-of-state retailers that made at least 200 sales or sales totaling at least $100,000 in the state to collect sales tax. But laws vary dramatically from state to state. Contact us with questions

Choosing the best business entity structure post-TCJA

On the surface, the TCJA’s new, flat 21% income tax rate for C corporations may make choosing C corp structure for your business seem like a no-brainer. After all, 21% is much lower than the 37% top rate that applies to pass-through entities (such as partnerships and S corps). But C corps can still be subject to double taxation. And pass-through entity owners may be eligible for the TCJA’s new 20% qualified business income deduction. The best entity type for your business depends on its unique situation and your situation as an owner. Contact us to learn more.

2018 Q3 tax calendar: Key deadlines for businesses and other employers

Here are some key tax-related deadlines for businesses and other employers during Quarter 2 of 2018.

APRIL 17: If a calendar-year C corporation, file or extend your 2017 income tax return and pay any tax due, and pay the first installment of 2018 estimated taxes.
APRIL 30: Report income tax withholding and FICA taxes for Q1 of 2018 (unless eligible for May 10 deadline).
JUNE 15: If a calendar-year C corp., pay the second installment of 2018 estimated income taxes. Contact us for more about the filing requirements to ensure you’re meeting all applicable deadlines.

Putting your child on your business’s payroll for the summer may make more tax sense than ever

For business owners with kids in high school or college, hiring them for the summer can provide many benefits. One is tax savings. By shifting business income to a child as wages for services performed, you can turn high-taxed income into tax-free or low-taxed income. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act’s near doubling of the standard deduction means your child can shelter more income from taxes. Changes to the “kiddie tax” make income shifting via earned income rather than unearned income even more appealing. Many rules apply; contact us to learn more.

Can you deduct business travel when it’s combined with a vacation?

If you go on a business trip within the United States and tack on some vacation days, you might be able to deduct some of your expenses. Here’s what you need to know.

Small Businesses: It may not be not too late to cut your 2019 taxes

Don’t let the holiday rush keep you from taking some important steps to reduce your 2019 tax liability. You still have time to execute a few strategies. For example, are you thinking about purchasing new or used heavy vehicles, heavy equipment, machinery or office equipment in the new year? Buy them and place them in service by December 31, and you can deduct 100% of the cost as bonus depreciation. Or you can put recurring expenses normally paid early in the year on your credit card before Jan. 1. That way, you can claim the deduction for 2019 even though you don’t pay the bill until 2020. Finally, before year-end, contribute to a SEP or 401(k) if you haven’t reached the contribution limit.

2020 Q1 tax calendar: Key deadlines for businesses and other employers

Don’t let the holiday rush keep you from taking some important steps to reduce your 2019 tax liability. You still have time to execute a few strategies. For example, are you thinking about purchasing new or used heavy vehicles, heavy equipment, machinery or office equipment in the new year? Buy them and place them in service by December 31, and you can deduct 100% of the cost as bonus depreciation. Or you can put recurring expenses normally paid early in the year on your credit card before Jan. 1. That way, you can claim the deduction for 2019 even though you don’t pay the bill until 2020. Finally, before year-end, contribute to a SEP or 401(k) if you haven’t reached the contribution limit.

How to treat your business website costs for tax purposes

Most businesses have a website. But determining the proper tax treatment for the costs involved in developing a website isn’t easy. The IRS hasn’t yet released official guidance, so you must apply existing guidance that’s available on other costs to the issue of website development costs. The exact treatment of website design costs depends on whether they’re software or hardware and whether they’re part of a start-up business. If you hire third parties to set up and run your website, payments are currently deductible as ordinary and necessary business expenses. Contact us if you have questions or want more information about planning for website costs.

The key to retirement security is picking the right plan for your business

If you’re a small business owner, you may want to set up a retirement plan for yourself and any employees. Several types of plans are eligible for tax advantages, including 401(k)s, Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plans and SIMPLE IRAs. For 2019, the maximum amount you can contribute to a 401(k) and exclude from income is $19,000, plus a $6,000 “catch-up” amount for those age 50 or older. For a SEP plan, the 2019 maximum amount is 25% of compensation or $56,000. And for a SIMPLE IRA, the maximum 2019 amount is $13,000, plus $3,000 if you’re age 50 or older. These are only some of the options that may be available to your business. We can help find the best choice for your situation.

The tax implications of a company car

The use of a company car is a valuable fringe benefit for business owners and key employees. This perk results in tax deductions for the employer and tax breaks for the owners and employees using the cars. (And of course, they get the nontax benefits of driving the cars!) For tax deduction purposes, a business will treat the car much the same way it would any other business asset. Providing an auto for an owner or key employee comes with complications and paperwork. Personal use will have to be tracked and valued under the fringe benefit tax rules and treated as income. We can help you stay in compliance with the rules and explain more about this prized perk.

The IRS is targeting business transactions in bitcoin and other virtual currencies

More businesses are accepting bitcoin and other virtual currency payments, and the IRS is taking notice. The agency just announced it is sending letters to taxpayers who potentially failed to report income and pay tax on virtual currency transactions or didn’t report them properly. The letters urge taxpayers to review their tax filings and, if appropriate, amend past returns to pay back taxes, interest and penalties. By the end of August, more than 10,000 taxpayers will receive these letters. The names of the taxpayers were obtained through IRS compliance efforts. Contact us if you have questions about virtual currency or if you receive a letter from the IRS about possible noncompliance.

It’s a good time to buy business equipment and other depreciable property

The Section 179 deduction has long provided a tax windfall to businesses, enabling them to claim immediate deductions for qualified assets, instead of depreciating them over time. For 2019, the maximum deduction is $1.02 million, subject to a phaseout rule if more than $2.55 million of eligible property is placed in service during the tax year. Even better, the Sec. 179 deduction isn’t the only avenue for immediate tax write-offs for assets such as machinery and equipment. Under the 100% bonus depreciation tax break, the entire cost of eligible assets placed in service in 2019 can be written off this year. Contact us to learn how your business can maximize the deductions.

Bartering: A taxable transaction even if your business exchanges no cash

Small businesses may find it beneficial to barter for goods and services instead of paying cash for them. If your business engages in bartering, be aware that the fair market value of goods that you receive in bartering is taxable income. And if you exchange services with another business, the transaction results in taxable income for both parties. Many business owners join barter clubs that facilitate barter exchanges. If you join a barter club, you’ll be asked to provide your Social Security number or employer identification number. You may receive a form reporting barter transactions and you may have to file forms with barter partners and the IRS. Contact us for more information.

Employers: Be aware (or beware) of a harsh payroll tax penalty

If payroll taxes withheld from employees’ paychecks aren’t remitted to the IRS, a severe tax penalty can be personally imposed on “responsible” individuals. The IRS can assess a penalty of 100% of the unpaid tax amount on shareholders, owners, directors, officers, employees and others. The Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (or “100% Penalty”) is assessed when there’s a willful failure to collect and pay over to the IRS taxes that are withheld from employees. Unlike some liability protections that a corporation or company may have, business execs can’t escape personal liability for payroll tax debts. Contact us for information about making tax payments.

Hire your children this summer: Everyone wins

If you’re a business owner with children, hiring them for the summer can provide many benefits. One is tax savings. By shifting business income to a child as wages for services performed, you can turn your high-taxed income into tax-free or low-taxed income. You may also be able to realize payroll tax savings (depending on the child’s age and how your business is organized) and enable retirement plan contributions for the children. Everybody wins! Many rules apply. Contact us to learn more.

How entrepreneurs must treat expenses on their tax returns

Have you recently started a new business or are you contemplating starting one? Keep in mind that not all start-up expenses can be deducted on your federal tax return right away. Some expenses probably must be amortized over time. You might be able to make an election to deduct up to $5,000 currently, but the deduction is reduced by the amount by which your total start-up costs exceed $50,000. You can also deduct $5,000 of the organizational costs of creating a corporation or partnership. Contact us. We can help you maximize deductions for a start-up business.

Divorcing business owners need to pay attention to tax implications

If you’re getting a divorce, you know it’s a highly stressful time. But if you’re a business owner, tax issues can complicate matters more. For example, you can generally divide most assets, including business ownership interests, between you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse without any federal income or gift tax consequences. When an asset falls under the tax-free transfer rule, the spouse who receives the asset takes over its existing tax basis and existing holding period. Contact us. We can help minimize the adverse tax consequences of settling your divorce.

The home office deduction: Actual expenses vs. the simplified method

Do you run a business from your home or perform business-related functions at home? You may be able to claim a home office deduction against your business income on your 2018 tax return. One option is to deduct actual expenses, including direct expenses, such as the cost of carpeting; a proportionate share of indirect expenses, such as utilities and insurance; and a depreciation allowance. But tracking actual expenses can be time-consuming. With the simplified method, you deduct $5 for each square foot of home office space, up to $1,500. Contact us for details.

Fundamental tax truths for C corporations

The flat 21% federal income tax rate for C corporations under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has been great news for these entities and their owners. But some fundamental tax truths for C corporations largely remain the same. For example, although the 21% rate will lower the impact, double taxation is still an important issue to consider, especially if a C corporation owns assets that are likely to appreciate significantly. And C corporation status still generally isn’t advisable for ventures that will incur ongoing tax losses. Have questions? Contact us.

Business owners: An exit strategy should be part of your tax planning

If you own a business, an exit strategy should be part of your tax planning so that taxes don’t trip you up when you retire or leave the business for some other reason. An exit strategy is a plan for passing on responsibility for running the company, transferring ownership and extracting your money from the business. Common exit options include a buy-sell agreement, succession within the family, a management buyout, an ESOP and a sale to an outsider. Each involves a variety of tax and nontax considerations. Contact us to discuss your exit strategy.

Research credit available to some businesses for the first time

The TCJA didn’t change the research credit, but it has an impact on the credit. Previously, corporations subject to alternative minimum tax (AMT) couldn’t offset the research credit against AMT liability, which erased the credit’s current benefits. By eliminating corporate AMT, the TCJA removed this obstacle. Pass-through businesses can still claim the credit against AMT if their average gross receipts are $50 million or less. And qualifying start-ups without taxable income can still claim the credit against up to $250,000 in payroll taxes. Contact us for details.

2018 Q4 tax calendar: Key deadlines for businesses and other employers

Here are a few key tax-related deadlines for businesses and other employers during Quarter 4 of 2018. OCT. 15: If a calendar-year C corp. that filed an extension, file a 2017 income tax return. OCT. 31: Report income tax withholding and FICA taxes for Q3 2018 (unless eligible for Nov. 13 deadline). DEC. 17: If a calendar-year C corp., pay fourth installment of 2018 estimated income taxes. Contact us for more about the filing requirements and to ensure you’re meeting all applicable deadlines.

Keep it SIMPLE: A tax-advantaged retirement plan solution for small businesses

If your small business doesn’t have a retirement plan and has 100 or fewer employees, consider a SIMPLE IRA. Offering a retirement plan can provide your business with valuable tax deductions for its contributions and help attract and retain employees. As the name implies, a SIMPLE IRA is easy to set up and maintain. Eligible employees can defer up to $12,500 in 2018 (plus a catch-up of up to $3,000 for those age 50 or older). The deadline for setting one up for this year is Oct. 1, 2018. Contact us to learn more about SIMPLE IRAs and other retirement plan options.

Do you qualify for the home office deduction?

Under the TCJA, employees can no longer claim the home office deduction. But if you run a business from your home or are otherwise self-employed, this deduction may still be available to you. You might qualify if part of your home is used exclusively and regularly for administrative or management activities and you don’t have another fixed location where you conduct these activities. You also might qualify if you physically meet with clients/custmers there or you use a storage area in your home exclusively and regularly for business. Contact us for details.

2 tax law changes that may affect your business’s 401(k) plan

When you think about recent tax law changes and your business, retirement benefits probably aren’t what first come to mind. But if your business sponsors a 401(k) plan, be aware of two changes: 1) Beginning in 2018, former employees with outstanding plan loan balances have until their tax return filing due date (plus extensions) to repay the loan or contribute the outstanding balance to an IRA or other qualified plan and avoid taxes and penalties. 2) Beginning in 2019, limits on employee 401(k) hardship withdrawals will increase. Contact us to learn more.

What businesses need to know about the tax treatment of bitcoin and other virtual currencies

Most small businesses aren’t yet accepting bitcoin or other virtual currency payments, but more and more larger businesses are. And the trend may trickle down to smaller businesses. What are the tax consequences? The IRS has yet to offer much guidance, but it has established that bitcoin should be treated as property, not currency, for federal income tax purposes. So businesses accepting bitcoin payments must report gross income based on the fair market value of the virtual currency when received, measured in equivalent U.S. dollars. Contact us to learn more.

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Key provisions affecting businesses

The recently passed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act includes a multitude of provisions that will have a major impact on businesses. For example, it creates a flat corporate rate of 21% and temporarily provides a new 20% qualified business income deduction for owners of flow-through entities (such as partnerships and S corporations) and sole proprietorships. It also enhances some breaks, but it limits or eliminates many others. The changes generally apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. Contact us for more details and to discuss the impact on your business.

Interesting Development in IRS Audits

We're about to witness an interesting development in IRS audits.
You may be aware that the statute of limitations on returns under normal circumstances is 3 years. Click here for more info.

Contact us if you are ever contacted by the IRS with any audit request, hire a professional immediately to protect you against this threat.

Should you buy a business vehicle before year end?

Buying a business vehicle by December 31 can reduce your 2017 tax bill. The vehicle may qualify for Sec. 179 expensing, allowing you to immediately deduct, rather than depreciate over several years, some or all of the cost. The normal Sec. 179 expensing limit of $510,000 generally applies to vehicles weighing more than 14,000 pounds. A $25,000 limit applies to SUVs weighing less than that but more than 6,000 pounds. Lower limits apply to lighter vehicles. But tax reform could affect whether buying in 2017 or 2018 makes more tax sense. Contact us to learn more.

Accrual-basis taxpayers: These year-end tips could save you tax

One way accrual-basis taxpayers can save tax is to properly record and recognize expenses incurred this year but that won’t be paid until 2018 so they can be deducted on the 2017 tax return. Common examples include commissions, salaries, wages, payroll taxes, advertising, interest, utilities, insurance and property tax. 2017 may be an especially good year to accelerate deductible expenses. Why? Income tax rates for many businesses could drop significantly in 2018, and deductions save more tax when rates are higher. Contact us for more year-end tax planning tips.

How we can support our veterans?

With Veterans Day on Nov. 11, it’s an especially good time to think about how we can support our veterans. One way businesses can do so is to hire them. An added bonus is that the Work Opportunity tax credit (WOTC) can save tax when you hire from “target groups,” including certain veterans.

Scam e-mails hit on taxes, e-cigarettes

The big trick in scam e-mails lately is to put consumers on edge right from the start. Get them a little anxious about something that could create super headaches... Click HERE to read more

Politics, taxes, and your business

Are your political contributions a deduction?

15 small business tax deductions

Are you taking advantage of the tax deductions for your business? Call and schedule an appointment to make sure your expenses are applied properly.

High income and itemized deductions

Taxpayers who itemize deductions and are subject to the AMT, lose their deductions for state and local income and property taxes, among other benefits.

Small business Structures

If you are paying more than 20% in taxes, chances are changes can be made. The Eldridge Group can help you with a Multiple Entities Strategy. Click here to read more.

Overpaying Taxes

Now, more than ever, it is extremely important to hire a CPA or Enrolled Agent to prepare your taxes. The tax code is becoming more and more complex; and, typically, only those who are CPAs or Enrolled Agents have the full training needed to ensure every deduction is found. The Eldridge Group employs CPAs and Enrolled Agents (EAs) to prepare taxes, not just any person who passes a tax class. Contact us today about a free review or to have your taxes filed. Click here to find out!

Spending hundreds on prom

What did your family spend on prom compared to the Average American?

Tax benefits increase due to inflation adjustments

The IRS has made several adjustments to items that could be benefiting you.

Tuition Strategies

"This is the time of year when high school seniors start to calm down and their parents start to get anxious...How do the parents scrape up the money to pay for the tuition?

Read Reuters' blog post on tuition strategies to learn more.

The Richest 1 Percent of Americans Pay 24 Percent of Federal Taxes

The Congressional Budget Office released its annual study of the distribution of income and federal taxes. It tells us what we've long known: The rich pay a lot of federal taxes, much more than the middle class and the poor...Click Here to read more.

The important 20 minutes of your day...your daily battle plan should include tax planning for 2014

"Six savvy tax moves to Make by the End of the Year"

Click here to read the list and if the moves make sense for you.

Doing business with friends

Entrepreneurs talk about the perks and perils of mixing small business and friendship... read the details here.

How do your state and county taxes stack up against the nation?

Check them out here!

Good Luck resolving issues with the irs

"Sometimes dealing with the Internal Revenue Service goes smoothly. Yet there are times within this agency when one hand doesn't know what the other hand is doing. And this year especially when budget cuts have resulted in poor customer service, resolving the issue can be stressful and take much longer than anticipated."
Read the issue and solution here.

Deducting Losses Due to Natural disasters

With several storms passing through the United States, it is important to keep track of what losses may be reclaimable during tax season.
Click here to find out more!

Don't miss these critical retirement milestones

Most of us would love to enjoy a retirement that allows us to play golf, hang out on the beach, volunteer for worthy causes, spend time with our grand-kids, travel to Europe, and do all types of other amazing activities.
But in order to maximize your ability to save on taxes, avoid government penalties and fees, and capitalize on benefits, you'll need to circle a few important dates... Click HERE to read more

Feds Sent 800,000 Obamacare Customers the Wrong Tax Forms

"Hundreds of thousands of HealthCare.gov customers have been sent incorrect tax information from the government"...even more reason why hiring a professional for tax advice is absolutely necessary

IRS chief warns of refund delays

Taxpayers could see delays in getting their refunds this year -- as well as "unacceptable" customer service -- as the IRS commissioner warns budget cuts are forcing the agency to cut back. Read more here.

IRS boss: Please don't call during filing season

WASHINGTON — The nation's top tax collector urged taxpayers not to call the IRS during the coming tax season, saying that budget cuts have hampered the agency's ability to provide taxpayer service.

Don't delay...come see The Eldridge group today

The deadline is nearing and it is time to make a decision: Should you file now, or do you need to file an extension? No matter what choice you make, or if you are unsure of what choice to make, come see The Eldridge Group today for expert guidance before it is too late.

Reduce your 2017 tax bill by buying business assets

Depreciation-related tax breaks can provide significant tax savings. But keep possible tax law changes in mind as you consider buying business assets between now and year end. 

Sec. 179 expensing allows businesses an immediate deduction

Sec. 179 expensing allows businesses an immediate deduction for the cost of eligible asset purchases (up to certain limits), rather than depreciating them over a number of years. Another depreciation break for assets that qualify is 50% first-year bonus depreciation.

​Choosing the best way to reimburse employee travel expenses

If your employees incur work-related travel expenses, you can better attract and retain the best talent by reimbursing these expenses. But to secure tax-advantaged treatment for your business and your employees, it’s critical to comply with IRS rules. Reasons to reimburse While unreimbursed work-related travel expenses generally are deductible on a taxpayer’s individual tax return...Read more HERE

Getting around the $25 deduction limit for business gifts

At this time of year, it’s common for businesses to make thank-you gifts to customers, clients, employees and other business entities and associates. Unfortunately, the tax rules limit the deduction for business gifts to $25 per person per year, a limitation that has remained the same since it was added into law back in 1962. Fifty-five years later, the $25 limit is unrealistically small in many business gift-giving situations.

Key deadlines for businesses and other employers

Here are some of the key tax-related deadlines affecting businesses and other employers during the first quarter of 2018. Keep in mind that this list isn’t all-inclusive, so there may be additional deadlines that apply to you. Contact us to ensure you’re meeting all applicable deadlines and to learn more about the filing requirements.

2017 company holiday party is probably tax deductible, but 2018 may not be

A business’s holiday party costs can reduce its taxes, but maybe not after 2017. For 2017, businesses are generally limited to deducting 50% of allowable meal and entertainment (M&E) expenses, but certain expenses, such as a holiday party for employees, can qualify for a 100% deduction. However, the M&E deduction for employee parties (and for many other M&E expenses) will likely be eliminated beginning in 2018 under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. To learn more about deducting M&E expenses, contact us.

The TCJA temporarily expands bonus depreciation

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) significantly enhances bonus depreciation. You might even be able to benefit when you file your 2017 tax return. Generally, for qualified property placed in service between Sept. 28, 2017, and Dec. 31, 2022, the first-year bonus depreciation percentage increases to 100%. In addition, the 100% deduction is allowed for not just new but also used qualifying property. The new law also allows 100% bonus depreciation for qualified film, television and live theatrical productions. Contact us for more information.

2018 Tax Filing Season Begins Jan. 29, Tax Returns Due April 17

IR-2018-01, Jan. 04, 2018                                                                            
WASHINGTON ― The Internal Revenue Service announced today that the nation’s tax season will begin Monday, Jan. 29, 2018 and reminded taxpayers claiming certain tax credits that refunds won’t be available before late February.

The IRS will begin accepting tax returns on Jan. 29, with nearly 155 million individual tax returns expected to be filed in 2018. The nation’s tax deadline will be April 17 this year – so taxpayers will have two additional days to file beyond April 15.

New tax law gives pass-through businesses a valuable deduction

Owners of “pass-through” businesses may see some major (albeit temporary) relief under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in the form of a new deduction for a portion of qualified business income (QBI). For tax years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017, and before Jan. 1, 2026, owners of entities such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, S corporations and LLCs generally can deduct 20% of QBI, subject to restrictions that can apply at higher income levels. More rules and limits apply; careful planning will be necessary to gain maximum benefit. Contact us for details.

Your 2017 tax return may be your last chance to take the “manufacturers’ deduction”

While many provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) will save businesses tax, one break it eliminates is the Section 199 deduction. Often referred to as the “manufacturers’ deduction,” this potentially valuable break, when available, can also be claimed by eligible construction, engineering, architecture, computer software production and agricultural processing businesses. Under the TCJA, 2017 is the last tax year non-corporate taxpayers can take the deduction (2018 for C corps.). Contact us to learn whether you qualify for this break on your 2017 return.

2 tax credits just for small businesses may reduce your 2017 and 2018 tax bills

Providing employee benefits can help businesses attract and retain the best workers. But the cost can be out of reach for some small businesses. Two tax credits can help make benefits more affordable for eligible small employers: 1) a credit equal to as much as 50% of health coverage premiums paid, and 2) a credit of up to $500 for creating a retirement plan. Contact us to learn if you can take these or other credits on your 2017 tax return and to plan for credits you might be able to claim on your 2018 return if you take appropriate actions this year.

Meals, entertainment and transportation may cost businesses more under the TCJA

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) curtails business deductions for meals, entertainment and transportation. Under the TCJA, deductions for business-related entertainment expenses, once 50% deductible, are disallowed. Meal expenses related to business travel are still 50% deductible, but the 50% rule now also applies to meals provided on an employer’s premises for its convenience. The TCJA also eliminates employer deductions for providing employee transportation fringe benefits, such as parking allowances and mass transit passes. Contact us for more details.

IRS Audit Techniques Guides provide clues to what may come up if your business is audited

Audit Techniques Guides (ATGs) were created to enhance IRS examiner proficiency, but they also can help small businesses ensure they aren’t engaging in practices that could raise red flags with the IRS.

The TCJA changes some rules for deducting pass-through business losses

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act restricts the losses that owners of pass-through entities (including sole proprietors) can currently deduct. For tax years beginning in 2018 through 2025, an “excess business loss” can’t be deducted in the current year. This is the excess of your aggregate business deductions for the tax year over the sum of 1) your aggregate business income and gains for the tax year and 2) $250,000 ($500,000 if you’re a married joint-filer). The excess business loss is carried over to the next tax year. Additional rules apply. Contact us for details.