ICFiles
SOC 2

content

Secure File Transfer Soc 2 starts at $1 per month

Join Us

 

ICFiles Logo

 

TIP: Don't Miss Out On Tax Write-Offs - Hints For Entrepreneurs

Tip of the Month

March 2005

TIP: Don't Miss Out On Tax Write-Offs - Hints For Entrepreneurs

There's been plenty of good news recently for small business owners and for sole proprietors who file a Schedule C with their tax returns. However, many of the Bush tax cuts are currently slated to expire after a year or two, and so, it's crucial for entrepreneurs to consult with their tax professionals to leverage the tax breaks for 2004 and subsequent years while they still apply. There are many ways small business owners trip themselves up and miss out on legitimate deductions. Here are a couple of ideas on how to avoid the pitfalls:

Planning
Perhaps the most significant tax break for small businesses in the administration's recent overhaul allows entrepreneurs to claim big upfront deductions for business expenses - the limit on 2004 returns is $102,000.00. The good news is that this tax break, which was due to expire in 2005, has been extended for two more years until 2007 - courtesy of certain provisions contained in the Jobs Creation Act of 2004. The deduction limit will be adjusted for inflation for 2005 and future years. If you are planning any major purchases in the next few years, do it this year or in 2006.

Thorough Record Keeping
It is easy for self-employed people to cheat themselves out of legitimate deductions. Sometimes, the line between business and personal expenses is not clear-cut. This is especially true for entrepreneurs who ask family members - spouse, brother or sister -
for help with specific tasks like drafting a business plan or designing stationery. Just because they are related to you, doesn't mean a family member is not a legitimate business associate. Can you write-off that working lunch drafting new business plans with your brother? Most likely you can. What about your business mileage? What counts as business miles and what doesn't? The key here is to collect receipts as if everything you do is a possible business expense -- have some back-up for everything you spend -- and then get a professional opinion from your tax consultant. Keep detailed records of your income and all your expenses -- business meals, trips made, and the business miles you log-- and retain receipts for everything.

Professional Expertise
Don't be scared to file for legitimate deductions. Share information with your tax professional and give him or her the raw data needed to counsel you. Let your professional tax consultant guide you when it comes to determining what expenses fit the IRS' definition of "ordinary and necessary." Don't shortchange yourself by assuming the worst - keep receipts and explanatory notes, and let your tax consultant make the call. Think of it like this... it is the IRS' job to intimidate, and its your tax consultant's role to be undaunted by it, and to help you get every tax advantage you have earned.
 

These articles are intended to provide general resources for the tax and accounting needs of small businesses and individuals. Service2Client LLC is the author, but is not engaged in rendering specific legal, accounting, financial or professional advice. Service2Client LLC makes no representation that the recommendations of Service2Client LLC will achieve any result. The NSAD has not reviewed any of the Service2Client LLC content. Readers are encouraged to contact their CPA regarding the topics in these articles.

Protected by Copyscape Plagiarism Finder

Dynamic Content Powered by Service2client.com
SEO Content Powered by DynamicPost.net

 

ICFiles
SOC 2

content

Secure File Transfer Soc 2 starts at $1 per month

Join Us

 

content

 
website bundles

MyWeb, WordPress
1 Click Hosting
Install free themes

websites

Hosting Bundles

 
 
Electronic Commerce

Copyright © 2024 Service2Client, LLC All Rights Reserved.
Terms of Service  |  Privacy Policy

CPA Website Content Powered by Service2Client.com


 

CLOSE