Redirecting to cart, please wait...
You have items(s) in your cart.
It’s essential to keep a log of your expenses and potential deductions throughout the year. You can deduct your legitimate business costs from your business income. Tracking them as they happen ensures not only that you have an accurate count of what they are, but also that you’ll have less trouble pulling them together when tax time comes.
Are you aware of all the deductions that businesses are legally allowed? If not, you may be missing out. Some common deductions for small business owners include entertainment, travel, meals, capital assets, home office and health insurance. If you are going to claim travel miles, meals and entertainment deductions, you must keep adequate records including receipts and other documentary evidence.
Planning to enhance or upgrade your equipment? You can deduct up to $500,000 in equipment purchases as long as the business spends $2 million or less for equipment for the year. The cost of repairs may also be deductible.
If you’re self-employed, you may also qualify to deduct moving expenses if you are moving due to a change in your job or business location. If you want to learn more about the deductions for which you qualify, be sure to contact your CPA.
You should claim all deductions to which you’re entitled. However, there are certain steps that can raise a red flag at the IRS, so it’s best to be aware of them so that you can either avoid them or be prepared for any possible questions down the road. For one thing, if your business is actually considered a hobby by the IRS, allowable deductions cannot exceed the gross receipts for the activity.
Profitability is one deciding factor in making that determination. If your business does not make a profit in at least three of the last five tax years, it will be considered a hobby.
Taking the home office deduction can also draw IRS attention. Keep in mind that the office must be used regularly and exclusively for conducting business. If you have a qualifying home office, you can deduct related expenses for that portion of your home, including real estate taxes, mortgage interest, utilities and insurance.
Here’s a costly small business mistake: Using the payroll taxes that are withheld from employees to pay for business operations instead of sending them on to the Internal Revenue Service. If you don’t submit those taxes to the Service, you could be subject to criminal and civil sanctions including penalties and fines.
Another big stumbling block for small businesses: improperly classifying an employee as an independent contractor may result in to paying penalties and back payroll taxes.
In addition to deductions, there are many credits that can whittle down your tax bill if you qualify for them. One example is the small business health care tax credit, which can currently be up to 35 percent. There’s also a tax credit for business owners who hired qualified, unemployed veterans who began work after Nov. 22, 2011, but before Jan. 1, 2014.
Does navigating the tax rules sound complicated? Your CPA can help. Turn to him or her with all your questions about the tax or other financial issues that affect your business.
Copyright 2013 American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
The Money Management columns are a joint effort of the AICPA and the California Society of CPAs as part of the profession’s nationwide 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy program.
