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What are the most overlooked tax deductions?

Scissors with a dollar sign representing tax deductions that may be overlooked

What are the most overlooked tax deductions?

December 25, 2022

Scissors with a dollar sign representing tax deductions that may be overlooked

peakreliance

Accounting, Bookkeeping, Taxes

There are many tax deductions that individuals and businesses may overlook when filing their taxes. Here are a few common ones:

  • Charitable donations: Charitable donations are a common tax deduction that many people may overlook when filing their taxes. Donations to qualified charitable organizations are tax deductible, but it’s important to keep track of your donations and have proper documentation. This includes receipts for cash donations and a record of any non-cash donations, such as clothing or household items.

    In order to claim a charitable donation on your taxes, the organization must be a qualified charitable organization as determined by the IRS. This includes religious, educational, scientific, and other charitable organizations that are tax exempt under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3).

    There are different types of charitable donations, including cash donations and non-cash donations. Cash donations can include things like monetary gifts, checks, and credit card donations. Non-cash donations include items such as clothing, household items, and vehicles.

    For cash donations, it’s important to keep a record of the donation, including the date, the amount, and the name of the organization. A receipt from the charity or a bank record, such as a cancelled check or credit card statement, can serve as proof of the donation.

    For non-cash donations, it’s important to have a detailed record of the items being donated. This should include a description of the items, the date they were acquired, and their original cost. It’s also a good idea to get a receipt from the charity for the value of the items being donated.

    There are limits on the amount of charitable donations that can be claimed on your taxes. Generally, you can deduct charitable donations up to 50% of your adjusted gross income for the year. However, there are limits on donations of appreciated property, such as stocks or real estate, and there are also limits on donations made to certain organizations, such as private foundations.

    It’s always a good idea to consult with a tax professional or refer to the IRS guidelines to determine what charitable donations you may be eligible to claim on your taxes. Charitable donations can be a great way to give back to your community and make a positive impact, and they can also provide a tax benefit for individuals and businesses.

  • Student loan interest: Student loan interest is a tax deduction that many people may be eligible to claim when they file their taxes. If you have student loans and are making payments, you may be able to deduct the interest you paid on your taxes. This deduction can help reduce your tax liability and provide some relief for the cost of higher education.

    To claim the student loan interest deduction, you must meet the following criteria:

    • You must be legally obligated to pay the interest on a qualified student loan.
    • The loan must be for you, your spouse, or a dependent for whom you claim an exemption on your tax return.
    • The loan must have been used to pay for qualified education expenses, such as tuition, fees, and other related expenses.

There are limits on the student loan interest deduction. The deduction is limited to $2,500 per year and is subject to income limits. The deduction is also phased out at certain income levels. It’s important to refer to the IRS guidelines to determine if you are eligible for the deduction and what the limits are for your specific situation.

To claim the student loan interest deduction, you will need to file Form 1040 and attach Schedule 1. On Schedule 1, you will enter the amount of student loan interest you paid during the tax year. You will also need to have a Form 1098-E, Student Loan Interest Statement, which will be provided to you by your lender. This form will show the amount of interest you paid during the year.

It’s important to note that the student loan interest deduction is an “above-the-line” deduction, which means you can claim it even if you don’t itemize your deductions on your tax return. This makes it a valuable tax break for many people who may not be able to itemize their deductions.

In summary, the student loan interest deduction is a tax break that can provide some relief for the cost of higher education. If you have student loans and are making payments, you may be eligible to claim this deduction on your taxes. It’s important to refer to the IRS guidelines and consult with a tax professional to determine if you are eligible and what the limits are for your specific situation.

  • Home office expenses: If you work from home and use a dedicated space in your home as your primary place of business, you may be able to claim a deduction for home office expenses. This can be a valuable tax break for those who work from home, as it allows you to deduct a portion of your rent or mortgage, utilities, and other expenses related to the use of your home as an office.

    To claim the home office deduction, you must meet the following criteria:

    1. You must use a dedicated space in your home exclusively for business purposes.
    2. You must use your home as your principal place of business or as a place where you regularly meet with clients or customers.
    3. You must not use the space for any personal activities.

There are two methods for claiming the home office deduction: the regular method and the simplified method.

The regular method involves calculating the actual expenses related to the use of your home as an office. This includes a portion of your rent or mortgage, utilities, insurance, and other expenses. You will need to calculate the percentage of your home used for business and apply that percentage to your eligible expenses to determine your deduction.

The simplified method allows you to claim a flat rate of $5 per square foot of your home used for business, up to a maximum of 300 square feet. This method can be simpler and less time-consuming, but it may result in a lower deduction than the regular method.

It’s important to keep good records of your home office expenses, including receipts and documentation of the expenses you are claiming. You will need to file Form 8829, Expenses for Business Use of Your Home, to claim the home office deduction.

It’s always a good idea to consult with a tax professional or refer to the IRS guidelines to determine if you are eligible for the home office deduction and which method is best for your specific situation. The home office deduction can be a valuable tax break for those who work from home and use a dedicated space in their home for business purposes.

  • Medical and dental expenses: 

Medical and dental expenses can be a significant cost for individuals and families, and the good news is that you may be able to claim a deduction for these expenses on your taxes. The medical and dental expense deduction allows you to deduct qualifying expenses that exceed a certain percentage of your adjusted gross income (AGI).

To claim the medical and dental expense deduction, you must meet the following criteria:

    1. The expenses must be for medical care or dental care as defined by the IRS. This includes things like doctor’s visits, prescription medications, and insurance premiums.
    2. The expenses must be paid during the tax year for which you are claiming the deduction.
    3. The expenses must not be reimbursed by insurance or another party.

There are limits on the medical and dental expense deduction. You can only claim expenses that exceed 7.5% of your AGI. This means that if your AGI is $50,000 and you have $5,000 in medical and dental expenses, you can only claim a deduction for the amount that exceeds $3,750 (7.5% of $50,000).

To claim the medical and dental expense deduction, you will need to file Form 1040 and attach Schedule A, Itemized Deductions. On Schedule A, you will enter the total amount of your medical and dental expenses for the year and the amount that exceeds 7.5% of your AGI. You will also need to have documentation of your expenses, such as receipts or explanations of benefits from your insurance provider.

It’s important to note that the medical and dental expense deduction is subject to change and may not be available to everyone. It’s always a good idea to consult with a tax professional or refer to the IRS guidelines to determine if you are eligible for the deduction and what the limits are for your specific situation.

In summary, the medical and dental expense deduction allows you to claim qualifying expenses that exceed a certain percentage of your AGI on your taxes. This can be a valuable tax break for those who have significant medical and dental expenses. It’s important to keep good records of your expenses and consult with a tax professional to determine if you are eligible for the deduction.

  • Professional development: Professional development, such as conferences, workshops, and continuing education courses, can be an important investment for individuals looking to advance their careers or stay up-to-date in their fields. The good news is that you may be able to claim a tax deduction for these expenses.

    To claim a deduction for professional development expenses, you must meet the following criteria:

    1. The expenses must be for education that is directly related to your current job or business.
    2. The education must maintain or improve the skills required in your current job or business.
    3. The education cannot be required as a condition of employment or necessary to meet the minimum requirements of your job or business.

There are limits on the professional development expense deduction. You can only claim expenses that are considered “ordinary and necessary” for your job or business. This means that the expenses must be common and accepted in your field and must be helpful to your business or profession.

To claim the professional development expense deduction, you will need to file Form 1040 and attach Schedule C, Profit or Loss from Business. On Schedule C, you will enter the total amount of your professional development expenses for the year and the amount that is considered ordinary and necessary for your job or business. You will also need to have documentation of your expenses, such as receipts or invoices.

It’s important to note that the professional development expense deduction is subject to change and may not be available to everyone. It’s always a good idea to consult with a tax professional or refer to the IRS guidelines to determine if you are eligible for the deduction and what the limits are for your specific situation.

In summary, the professional development expense deduction allows you to claim qualifying expenses on your taxes. This can be a valuable tax break for those who invest in their professional development and seek to improve their skills and knowledge in their fields. It’s important to keep good records of your expenses and consult with a tax professional to determine if you are eligible for the deduction.

It’s important to note that these deductions are subject to change and may not be applicable to everyone. It’s always a good idea to consult with a tax professional or refer to the IRS guidelines to determine what deductions you may be eligible for.

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Accounting vs Bookkeeping: What’s the Difference?

Accounting vs Bookkeeping

Accounting vs Bookkeeping: What’s the Difference?

December 23, 2022

Accounting vs Bookkeeping

peakreliance

Accounting, Bookkeeping

Bookkeeping and accounting are often confused, but they are two distinct processes that support a business in different stages of its financial cycle. Bookkeeping is focused on recording financial transactions, while accounting involves analyzing and interpreting that information to provide insights into the financial health of the business. While both bookkeepers and accountants have the common goal of helping businesses manage their finances, their roles and responsibilities differ. This guide will explore the differences between bookkeeping and accounting, as well as the roles of bookkeepers and accountants.

What is Bookkeeping?

Bookkeeping is the process of recording, classifying, and summarizing financial transactions in a systematic and consistent manner. It is a crucial part of running a successful business, as it provides the necessary financial information to make informed decisions.

Bookkeeping involves several tasks, including:

  • Recording financial transactions, such as sales and purchases
  • Posting debits and credits to the appropriate accounts
  • Generating invoices for customers
  • Preparing financial statements, such as balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements
  • Maintaining and balancing subsidiary ledgers, general ledgers, and historical accounts
  • Completing payroll duties

The complexity of a bookkeeping system depends on the size and scope of the business, as well as the number of transactions it handles on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. It is important to keep accurate records and maintain supporting documents for certain business transactions, as required by the IRS. This can be done using specialized software, computer spreadsheet programs, or manual methods like lined sheets of paper.

What is Accounting?

Accounting is a higher-level process that involves analyzing and interpreting financial data compiled by a bookkeeper or business owner to provide insight into the financial health of the business. Unlike bookkeeping, which is primarily transactional, accounting is more subjective and involves making judgments and decisions based on the financial information available.

Some of the tasks involved in accounting include:

  • Preparing adjusting entries, which are used to record expenses that have occurred but have not yet been recorded in the bookkeeping process
  • Reviewing company financial statements, such as balance sheets and income statements
  • Analyzing the costs of operations to identify areas for improvement
  • Completing income tax returns
  • Providing guidance to the business owner on the impact of financial decisions

Accounting plays a key role in helping business owners make informed decisions by providing a comprehensive understanding of their financial position, forecasting future performance, and offering strategic tax planning guidance. Accountants are often sought out by business owners for their expertise in these areas.

The difference between the roles of bookkeeper & accountant

Bookkeepers and accountants both play important roles in the financial management of a business, but they have different skill sets and responsibilities. Bookkeepers are responsible for recording financial transactions and maintaining the organization’s financial records. They are typically focused on the day-to-day tasks of bookkeeping, such as recording purchases, sales, and expenses. Accountants, on the other hand, have a more advisory role, providing consultation and analysis based on the financial data compiled by bookkeepers. They are often more qualified to advise on tax matters and have a deeper understanding of accounting principles and financial analysis. While there is some overlap in their duties, the primary difference between bookkeepers and accountants is the level of expertise and responsibility they bring to their work.

Bookkeepers Responsibilities:

Bookkeepers are responsible for accurately recording financial transactions and maintaining the financial records of a business. They do not typically need to have any formal education or professional credentials, but it is important for them to be detail-oriented and knowledgeable about financial topics. While a bookkeeper’s work is often overseen by an accountant or the small business owner, they cannot call themselves an “accountant.” Instead, their job is to support the work of accountants and ensure that the financial records are accurate and up-to-date.

Accountants Responsibilities:

In order to qualify for the title of accountant, an individual generally must have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field such as finance. In addition to their education, accountants may also seek additional professional certifications to further their skills and expertise. One such certification is the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), which is a widely recognized accounting designation. To become a CPA, an accountant must pass the Uniform Certified Public Accountant exam and have professional experience in accounting. The requirements for becoming a CPA, as well as an accountant’s level of education and experience, can affect the cost of their services.

How can Peak Reliance help you?

Peak Reliance is an online bookkeeping solution that provides access to a team of skilled bookkeepers who handle your financial records for you. We offer an affordable alternative to traditional bookkeeping firms, thanks to the use of software automation that reduces the amount of manual work required. Our bookkeepers can also take care of your tax preparation, which can save you money by reducing the workload for your accountant (or even eliminating the need for one if you don’t have one already). In addition, we can handle your tax filing if you don’t have an accountant. Want to learn more about how our team of professional accountants and bookkeepers can support your business? Visit our pricing page to see our competitive rates, or contact us by email at [email protected] or call us at +1 (718) 218-5558 to discuss your specific needs. Our team is ready to help you take control of your finances and reach your business goals.

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6 Essential Small Business Accounting Tips for Maintaining Balanced Books

A woman working on accounting documents at a desk, with a tips icon on the right side.

6 Essential Small Business Accounting Tips for Maintaining Balanced Books

December 21, 2022

A woman working on accounting documents at a desk, with a tips icon on the right side.

peakreliance

Accounting, Bookkeeping, Taxes

As a small business owner, it’s important to prioritize accounting in order to ensure the success of your business. Maintaining balanced books allows you to better understand your past financial performance, including where you made and lost money, which can help you make more accurate financial forecasts. Here are some key accounting tips to keep your small business on track:

  1. Stay on top of your receivables

    Managing your receivables is crucial for the success of your business. Instead of letting them accumulate, it’s important to track them as they come in. This will prevent you from being overwhelmed at tax time with many customer deposits to reconcile or, even worse, no payment at all. Being proactive in managing your receivables can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run. It’s important to remember that revenue doesn’t always equal cash.

  2. Make cash flow statements

    A cash flow statement can give you a clear picture of the cash moving in and out of your business. By creating cash flow statements on a regular basis, such as weekly or monthly, you can better anticipate expenses and allocate income effectively. Regular cash flow statements can also help you plan for the future financial trajectory of your business.

  3. Keep track of expenses

    It’s important to record every business purchase you make. One way to do this without adding extra work is to use one credit card for all business expenses. Another option is to take pictures of receipts and store them in a designated location. By keeping track of your expenses, you can avoid surprises or uncertainties about charges on your bank statement and prevent various cash flow, accounting, and tax issues.

  4. Keep personal and business accounts separate

    Many small business owners use the same bank account and credit card for both personal and business expenses. However, this can make it difficult to track important business transactions. To make it easier to manage your finances, it’s recommended to have separate bank accounts and credit cards for your personal and business expenses. This can help you, your bookkeeper, and your accountant clearly see how you’re spending your money.

  5. Hire a tax professional

    Nobody enjoys tax season, but it’s important to pay taxes properly. While doing your own tax preparation may seem like a good idea, it can end up costing you a lot of money in the long run if you make mistakes. Unless you are a tax expert, you may miss out on deductions or pay more or less in taxes than what you actually owe. Tax laws are constantly changing, so it’s important to stay up-to-date to avoid income tax penalties. Consider hiring a tax professional to help you navigate the process and ensure that you are paying the correct amount of taxes.

  6. Stay in regular communication with your accountant and bookkeeper

    Even if you are busy, it’s important to maintain regular communication with your accounting team. Treat them as trusted business advisors who can provide valuable guidance and answers to any questions you may have about taxes, cash flow, budgeting, and more. Do not hesitate to ask for clarification if you receive an email or document with a term you do not understand. Power comes from knowledge!

At Peak Reliance, we specialize in helping small businesses like yours succeed. Our business accounting services are tailored to meet your specific needs and can include historical cleanup, bill pay, actuals-to-budget reporting, grant account management, 1099 processing and filing, and more. For more information on how we can help with your small business accounting needs, please visit our pricing page or give us a call at +1 (718) 218-5558. You can also send us an email at [email protected] with any questions or inquiries you may have. We look forward to assisting you!

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Accounting, Bookkeeping, Small Business

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How to Prepare for a Smooth Year-End Bookkeeping and Accounting Process for Small Business Owners

Year End Bookkeeping and Accounting Checklist for Small Business Owners

How to Prepare for a Smooth Year-End Bookkeeping and Accounting Process for Small Business Owners

December 4, 2022

Year End Bookkeeping and Accounting Checklist for Small Business Owners

peakreliance

Accounting, Bookkeeping

As a small business owner, it’s important to stay organized and on top of bookkeeping and accounting processes. At the end of each year, it’s especially important to ensure that all of your financial information is up-to-date and accurate. Taking the time to properly prepare for your year-end bookkeeping and accounting process can make a huge difference in the overall success of your business. It’s a great way to ensure that your records are complete and accurate and that you’re in good financial standing with the IRS. With the right approach, you can make the most of your year-end bookkeeping and accounting process and have peace of mind that everything is in order. Read on to learn more about how to prepare for a smooth year-end bookkeeping and accounting process for small business owners.

Understanding the importance of year-end bookkeeping and accounting

Every business needs to have proper documentation of all financial transactions. Bookkeeping and accounting keep track of income and expenses so that you can properly report this information to the IRS. Your financial records are also used to create financial statements, such as balance sheets and profit and loss statements. The year-end bookkeeping and accounting process is an excellent opportunity to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. As a small business owner, you may find yourself so focused on daily operations that you may lose sight of the bigger picture. During your year-end bookkeeping and accounting process, you can take a step back and look at the bigger picture and find ways to improve how your business is run.

Gather financial documents

The first thing you’ll want to do during your year-end bookkeeping and accounting process is gathering all of the financial documents related to your business. You’ll want to gather documents such as receipts, invoices, payroll information, and tax records. Your receipts are a great place to start. Many small business owners use cash or a cash register, but keeping an accurate record of your cash flow can be tough. Having a record of your expenses is important, particularly if you plan on claiming these as deductions on your taxes. With an online accounting platform, such as Xero, you can easily record all of your receipts with the click of a button. You can even set up your receipts to be automatically uploaded to your books so you don’t have to worry about losing track of them.

Review financial statements

After you’ve gathered all of your financial documents, it’s time to review them. You’ll want to review financial statements such as your profit and loss statement, your balance sheet, and your cash flow statement. You can use these documents to gain a better understanding of how your business performed during the year. These documents can help you identify areas of your business that may require improvement. For example, if your cash flow statement indicates a significant increase in cash outflow, you may want to review your financial records to see if you can identify a reason for this. Your profit and loss statement is an excellent way to view your business’ profitability at a glance. You can use your balance sheet to get a better understanding of the company’s financial health, including assets, liabilities, and equity.

Identify any discrepancies

One of the main reasons to review your financial documents during your year-end bookkeeping and accounting process is to identify any discrepancies. If you notice any discrepancies, you want to address them as soon as possible to avoid any issues with the IRS. Why take the time to identify and address any discrepancies? Let’s break it down:

  • Your financial records are used to report your taxes. If you don’t correct an error or discrepancy, it may result in inaccurate or incorrect tax information.  
  • Your financial records are used to apply for loans. If you don’t correct an error or discrepancy, you may not be approved for a loan. 
  • Your financial records are used to apply for grants. If you don’t correct an error or discrepancy, you may not be eligible for grant funds. 
  • Your financial records are used to apply for investors. If you don’t correct an error or discrepancy, you may lose interested investors.
Prepare financial forms and reports

As you identify discrepancies and make changes to your records, you’ll want to prepare financial forms and reports. The first financial form you’ll want to prepare is a profit and loss statement. Keep in mind that even though you’re preparing your profit and loss statement at the end of the year, you want to include information from the entire year. Your profit and loss statement is great for seeing how your business performed over the entire year. You’ll also want to prepare a balance sheet and a cash flow statement. You’ll also want to prepare a list of your business expenses. This is sometimes referred to as an outflow statement. Keep in mind that for expenses, you want to record the date and the amount you spent.

Review bank reconciliations

During your year-end bookkeeping and accounting process, you’ll want to take the time to review your bank reconciliations. A bank reconciliation is simply a review of your bank statements to make sure that your records and your bank statements are in sync. You can use your bank statements to make adjustments to your records if necessary. Your bank reconciliations are an excellent way to make sure that your financial records are up to date. If there are issues with your bank reconciliations, you want to address them as soon as possible.

Update accounts

Next, you’ll want to update your accounts and categorize your financial documents. You want to make sure that your accounts are updated with your financial information so that you can easily access it at any time. Your accounts should be set up in a way that makes sense for your business. You want to make sure that your information is easy to find and easy to understand.

File taxes

The final step in your year-end bookkeeping and accounting process is to file your taxes. At this point, you should have all of your financial information, such as financial statements, withheld taxes, and income and expenses documented. You can use this information to file your taxes. If you use accounting software such as Xero, you can prepare your taxes automatically. This means you can get them out of the way early and have them filed and in the hands of the IRS before the year ends.

Prepare for next year

During your year-end bookkeeping and accounting process, you can also take the time to prepare for next year. Make sure that all of your financial information is up-to-date and accurate.  Identify areas of improvement and make changes to your business operations accordingly. Organize your financial records so that they are easy to find and understand. These are excellent steps to take to ensure that your business is in great shape for next year.

Get help from an accountant if needed

While the year-end bookkeeping and accounting process is beneficial for small business owners and entrepreneurs, it can be challenging to do it all on your own. If you feel like you would benefit from additional help, you can consider hiring an accountant. An accountant can help you gather your financial information and prepare your taxes. Hiring an accountant is an excellent way to get help with your financial records, particularly if you’re new to business ownership and accounting. An accountant can help you save time and stress and make sure that your records are accurate. They can also help you identify areas of improvement and find ways to run your business more efficiently. Overall, hiring an accountant can be a great way to get additional help during the year-end bookkeeping and accounting process and make sure your financial records are in tip-top shape. At Peak Reliance, you can rely on qualified and experienced accountants and bookkeepers to keep your finances in good standing with the IRS. Check out our pricing plans or call us at +1 (718) 218-5558 for more information. You can also email us at [email protected]

Conclusion

There is no better time than the end of the year to take a step back and reflect on your business. You can use this time to make improvements, organize your financial data, and file your taxes. The year-end bookkeeping and accounting process is an excellent time for small business owners to get ahead and stay on top of their accounting so that they can focus on running their businesses.

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Accounting, Bookkeeping, Small Business Owners

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When to File Your Personal and Business Taxes Separately: A Guide for Small Business Owners

When to File Your Personal and Business Taxes Separately_ A Guide for Small Business Owners

When to File Your Personal and Business Taxes Separately: A Guide for Small Business Owners

December 3, 2022

When to File Your Personal and Business Taxes Separately_ A Guide for Small Business Owners

peakreliance

Accounting, Bookkeeping, Taxes

As a small business owner, there are many decisions to make and one of the most important is when to file your personal and business taxes separately. It’s important to take the time to understand the difference between filing taxes as an individual and filing taxes as a business. Doing your taxes correctly can help you save money, protect your assets, and make the most of the deductions and credits available to you. This guide will provide you with an overview of the pros and cons of filing your personal and business taxes separately, when it is beneficial to do so, and how to go about filing them. With this information, you can make the best choice for your business and ensure you are paying the right amount of taxes.

Overview of filing personal and business taxes separately

Filing taxes is an annual process designed to collect revenue for the government and make sure that everyone pays their fair share. In order to do this, the government uses a system of withholdings and deductions to ensure that their taxes are paid, taking into account income levels, filing statuses, and dependents. The system is designed to be straightforward and easy to understand: everyone pays the same amount of tax on the same types of income in the same way, allowing for a fair and even playing field. Small business owners fall into a slightly different category, however, and their taxes are handled slightly differently. Inside a business, there are two different types of income: the income earned by the business (profit), and the income earned by the individual owners (salary). Taxes are paid on both types of income, but they are calculated and handled in different ways. Filing taxes as a business collects all the business income and calculates the amount of tax that needs to be paid on this income. This is then deducted from the amount of money available to pay the owners. Filing taxes as an individual collects all the income that the owners earn, whether it is business income or personal income. The amount of tax due on this income is then calculated and paid on this amount. The business profit is paid on a different schedule, although some businesses are required to pay quarterly to avoid incurring penalties.

Pros and cons of filing taxes separately

There are both advantages and disadvantages to filing taxes separately for your business and yourself. Filing taxes separately for your business and yourself can help protect your personal assets from your business liabilities. This can be particularly useful for small business owners who are self-employed, such as contractors or freelancers, who don’t have the same level of insurance or protection as employees. Small business owners who file taxes as a business and a personal return can also receive a larger refund since they can claim more deductions from their business income. Filing taxes as a business means that all of your business expenses are tax-deductible, including things like health insurance, advertising and marketing costs, training fees, office equipment, and travel expenses. Personal expenses, such as groceries, clothing, and home utilities, are not.

When it is beneficial to file taxes separately

There are some scenarios when it is beneficial to file your taxes as a business and your personal taxes separately. One of the most common situations in which you might want to file your taxes separately is if you have significant self-employment income, such as from contracting, freelancing, or running a side hustle. This can help protect your personal assets from your business liabilities since business deductions will come off your personal income. You also want to file your taxes separately if you are taking a home office deduction. Since this deduction is based on your personal income, you will only be able to claim it if you file a personal return. If you are claiming a significant amount of deductions, such as for childcare or medical expenses, it can be beneficial to file a separate return for business if you will be receiving a larger refund.

How to file taxes separately

There are a few ways to file taxes separately for your business and yourself, but the most common way is to use a Schedule C form. The Schedule C form is used to calculate the amount of profit your business made during the year and determine what percentage of that amount is due in income tax. If you have significant business expenses, you can also file a Schedule C-EZ form. This is a simplified version of the Schedule C form and is appropriate for businesses with very little expenses.

Deductible business expenses

Business owners can deduct a variety of expenses when calculating their taxes, such as advertising and marketing, office equipment, travel and vehicle expenses, and training and professional development fees. There are also certain personal expenses that can be deducted from business taxes if they are used for business purposes. These include utilities, health insurance premiums, home office expenses, and mileage to and from work.

Determining your filing status

Your filing status determines the amount of tax you owe, as well as whether or not you are eligible for certain tax credits. When you file taxes as a business, you are able to choose your filing status based on your individual filing status. When filing as an individual, you are able to choose between filing as single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household, or qualifying widow(er) with a dependent child.

Calculating your tax liability

The amount of tax you owe depends on a number of factors, including your taxable income and your filing status. When you file taxes as a business, you use your profit as taxable income and your allowable business expenses as deductions. Depending on your filing status and the deductions you are claiming, you will pay either a percentage of your business profit or a certain amount of money.

Claiming tax credits

Tax credits are cash payouts that the government gives back to taxpayers who have paid the appropriate amount of taxes. These credits are typically based on your income level, filing status, and number of dependents. When you file taxes as a business, you can collect some of these credits on behalf of your employees, such as the Child Tax Credit, the Child and Dependent Care Credit, or the Earned Income Credit.

Filing your taxes

The best way to ensure that you are paying the appropriate amount of taxes is to file your personal and business taxes as early as possible. The IRS recommends that taxpayers file their taxes no later than April 15, but many taxpayers are eligible to file an extension. This allows you an additional six months to file your taxes. If you are self-employed and filing your taxes as a business, you can file your taxes at any point during the year, but it is recommended that you file them as early as possible to ensure that you have all the necessary documentation.

Tax planning for small business owners

As a small business owner, you want to make sure that you are paying the appropriate amount of taxes, but you also want to make sure that you are maximizing your deductions where possible. One of the most important things that all small business owners can do is to keep good records. You will want to keep a record of all your business expenses, including mileage to and from work, office supplies, and any travel-related expenses. Keep in mind that you are only allowed to deduct the amount that is above the standard deduction. There are also certain industries that have special deduction rules and limits, so it’s important that you do your research.

Conclusion

Taxes can be complicated, especially for small business owners who have to file both their business taxes and their personal taxes separately. Having clear goals and expectations, knowing what deductions are available, and keeping good records will go a long way in helping you file your taxes successfully. Calling in an accountant for help is the best shot for you. Peak Reliance is a reliable team of professionally seasoned accountants and tax experts that can help you to file both your business and personal taxes separately. Check out our pricing plans or call us at +1 (718) 218-5558 for more information. You can also email us at [email protected]

Post Tags :

Bookkeeping, Business Taxes, Personal Taxes, Small Business Owners

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