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Choosing Which Is Right For You

Author: Keith Huggett

With dozens of tax preparation software choices available choosing the best one for you can be difficult. By not knowing which program to use mistakes are often made. Mistakes you inevitable have to pay for.  These mistakes can be easily avoided by hiring a qualified tax professional to prepare your taxes for you.

In comparison to the cost of using a qualified tax professional, the cost of using tax software may seem like a "no-brainer."  The initial cost of tax software ranges from $10 to $120 to websites offering free services.  In contrast, the initial cost of professional tax services may start at around $100 and go up from there.  The low cost is one of the most attractive benefits of using software to prepare your own taxes.

Accountants and tax preparers charge more for their services.  They have access to more sophisticated tax software that automates the data entry and organization required resulting in fewer mistakes made.  Consumer tax software cannot be compared to the software available to professionals.

It is impossible to form a relationship with your tax software, unless of course it frustrates you to no end.  This is not so with a professional tax preparer.  As your tax preparer works with you, he or she will become familiar with your personal situation, your family, and/or your business.  This provides them with the ability to make suggestions or ask questions that consumer tax software cannot predict.  You also have the ability to contact your tax preparer throughout the year to answer any questions that may arise.

As your tax situation becomes more complex, the amount of time spent to file your taxes increases dramatically.  Qualified tax preparers stay up to date on changes to the tax code, making it far easier for them to complete research tasks than the non-professional.  Isn't your time better spent on growing your business?  By paying an initial higher price for your tax preparation will save you time, stress, and money in the future.

So which solution is best for you? I can only answer that it depends upon your financial situation.  If your taxes are very straight forward, it may benefit you to use a commercial tax software.  As your taxes become complex, hiring a qualified tax professional may be in your best interest.  The more complex your situation the more you are going to need the assistance of a tax professional.  Your goal should always be focused on not paying more than you are required to.

If you would like to discuss your tax situation, please contact us either by phone at 916-773-7053916-773-7053 or online.  The professionals at The Tax Office, Inc. are here to help you grow your business and lower you tax liability.

Are All Your T's Crossed?

Author: Keith Huggett

If you are starting a business, you know that you have a lot to do. You have to develop a product, create a marketing plan, build a staff and handle all of the administrative issues of setting up a business. While you are doing all of this, you need to figure out how to pay for everything. The federal government's Small Business Administration can help you find money and bonding, letting you focus on the rest of your business.

The SBA's Guaranteed Loan Program gives your start-up access to money. While the SBA does not directly lend money to people starting a business, it provides guarantees to help protect lenders against the risk that you will not pay back your business loan. If you take out a loan that qualifies for an SBA guarantee, it will usually offer better rates and terms than non-guaranteed business debt.

The SBA can also help you get venture capital through its Small Business Investment Company program. The SBA provides money at favorable rates to SBICs in various communities. Those investment funds then provide debt and equity financing to small businesses like yours. As you know, venture capital involves diluting your ownership in your company, but it usually does not carry the payments that debt financing requires.

Finally, the SBA can help you with one more challenge that you will likely face: getting a surety bond. Surety bonds are a form of insurance that protects your clients against the risk that you will not meet your obligations to them. If you don't, for instance, finish a job for a client, the surety bonding company will compensate him or her. Many companies require their contractors to carry surety bonds. To make it less expensive and safer for companies to insure you, the SBA's Surety Bond Guarantee program provides partial guarantees under which the SBA bears some of the cost that your bonder incurs when they pay off.

The professionals at The Tax Office Inc. have experience dealing with SBA programs. Contact us to learn how they and the SBA can help you with starting a business.

Keeping Track from Donations to Taxes

Author: Keith Huggett

While nonprofits are not in business to make a profit, careful bookkeeping must be done. Often donors who make contributions want to know how and where their money is being used. If there is any sign of financial irregularities, donors may choose to donate to a different organization.

Tax Exempt Status & Receiving Donations

Have the proper forms been filed to attain tax exempt status? As with all things tax related, the requirements differ from state to state. Because the IRS only allows charitable donations to IRS designated tax exempt organizations you can see why this is a critical step. In most states, before you can accept donations, you will have to file Articles of Incorporation and appoint a Board of Directors to oversee the organization.

Tracking Donation and Recording Expenses

Having a solid accounting system in place to record donations and expenses is a must because donors require receipts in order to claim their deductions at tax time. Expenses should fall into two categories: program expenses and administrative expenses. Your program expenses are those expenditures made to support the organization's mission.  Administrative expenses are those that are made in order to run the non-profit organization, overhead and fundraising.

Tax Returns

Most charities file IRS Form 990, the return for tax exempt organizations. If the total amount of donations is less than $50,000, IRS Form 990N may be filed instead.

The tax specialists at The Tax Office, Inc. have the answers to your tax questions. Contact us now, for a free, no obligation tax consulation for your non-profit organization.

Be On the Lookout for Your Form 1099s

Author: Keith Huggett

It's that time again! Time to send and receive your IRS Form 1099s. Every year the requirements are modified for Form 1099-MISC. When you are a recipient of a 1099-MISC form the IRS also gets a copy that is linked to your tax return.  Keeping aware of your incoming 1099s can save you a lot of time, money, and hassle.

Watch Your Mail.

With 1099s being sent out during the month of January, now is the time to keep a close eye on your mailbox. Because these forms are linked to your social security number failure to report your 1099s can end up causing an audit.

Relocated Lately?

If you have moved recently, be certain to file a change of address with the IRS using Form 8822.
Also, be certain that you have notified all of your contacts with your change of address. A simple forwarding order at your post office can help you keep track of your incoming Form 1099s.

Check for Errors.

Don't just assume your incoming 1099s are correct. The general deadline for issuing a Form 1099-MISC is January 31.  You then have 30 days to file the forms with the IRS.  If you send the forms and file simultaneously, you may not catch any errors.  Use the time between in order to send corrections if necessary.  Also be sure to open your 1099s as soon as you receive them.

If you need further information regarding Form 1099-MISC, the tax specialists at The Tax Office, Inc., are here to help.  A free download of Forms 1099: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly is available on our website.  Please contact us for a free, no obligation evaluation of your tax situation.

Avoid the Wrong IRS Determination

Author: Keith Huggett

In today's economy, many people are finding it difficult to survive with only one source of income. The business minded people often choose to start a business from something they love to do - putting a hobby to good use.  If this happens to be a choice you would like to explore, there are a few regulations you should know about.

What is a hobby business?

A hobby business is usually operated from home. Jewelry making, refinishing antiques, even quilting can be, and usually are, a hobby business.  Almost any hobby can be transformed into a "hobby business."

Proving that your hobby is a business...

Having a side (hobby) business allows you to deduct losses from this business activity on your tax return. The issue here is that these deductions can only be made for a bona fide business. If the IRS decides that your business is actually a hobby, you wll lose the ability to claim these deductions.

So how do your prove to the IRS that you are actually running a business? It's simple, at least on paper.  Your business must be out to gain a profit.  The IRS uses several different criteria for deciding if your business is operating to gain a profit.  The one they use the most is called a "3 out of 5" test.  If your business made a profit in any three of the last five years, you are obviously working to gain a profit.

There are additional ways to prove your business is not just a hobby.  Having professional business cards and stationery, well maintained books, and separate bank accounts are only a few.  It is also helpful, and usually required, that you have a business license from your city.

Running a business is a very time consuming, high energy, work in progress.  As a business owner you will find yourself wearing many different hats.  Our specialists at The Tax Office, Inc., have received training to assist business owners like you to help you grow your business.  Should you have any questions regarding determining if your business is a hobby, please contact us for a free, no obligation consultation.

Your Government at Work

Author: Keith Huggett

Well, it's the end of 2014 and our government has decided favorably on extending certain tax breaks for this year.  In a manner similar to the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012,  Congress and President Obama have passed Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014  to extend several tax credits through the end of December 2014.  So what does this mean for you and your business?

For Individuals:

• The ability to make qualified charitable gifts directly from an IRA and exclude the IRA withdrawal from income.You must be at least 70½ years old at the time of the gift, the gift must go directly to the charity from the IRA trustee, the gift counts towards your Required Minimum Distribution for the year of the gift and the maximum gift allowed is $100,000 per year.  

• You can deduct state and local sales taxes rather than state and local income taxes.  This provision is particularly important for those taxpayers living in the seven states that don’t currently assess an income tax.

• Teachers can deduct up to $250 in unreimbursed classroom expenses.

  Individuals can claim an above-the-line deduction for tuition and fees for qualified higher education expenses.

• The above-the-line deduction for couples with a modified AGI of $130,ooo or less and  $2,000 for couples between $130,000 and $160,000.  For single taxpayers, the breakpoints are $65,000 and $80,000.  

• Qualified Mortgage Debt- up to $2 million dollars (married filing jointly) or $1 million for married filing separately, can be excluded from income.

For businesses:

• You can claim credits for expenses related to research & development activities, for providing low-income housing structures and for businesses that employ active duty service members.

• If you have hired certain members of targeted groups, you can claim the Work Opportunity tax credit, which is equal to 40% of a portion of the first-year wages paid.

• If you purchased any qualified assets, the accelerated depreciation deduction, allows your companies to deduct 50% of the cost of a qualified asset in the year it is acquired.

• The exclusion of 100% of the gain on qualified small business stock is extended to include stock acquired in 2014 and held for more than five years.  This exclusion is scheduled to revert to 50% for qualified stock acquired after 2014.

Give Yourself a Last Minute Gift: Year End Tax Planning

Author: Keith Huggett

It’s the most wonderful time of the year—and for many of us, it is also one of the busiest. While adding one more thing to your to-do list—like year-end tax planning—may induce a feeling of overload, it really is one task you shouldn’t skip, because it can give you the gift of a lower tax bill next April.

Here are a few tips to help you end 2014 with the good feeling of knowing that you are in good shape for the coming tax season.

Act now to accelerate deductions and manage your income for the current year. Depending on what your income level is this year, you may want to defer some income (through investments or other tax-deferral vehicles) if you think it will help keep you from reaching a higher tax bracket or if your income will be near the thresholds for the additional Medicare tax ($250,000 if married and filing jointly; $200,000 if single; and $125,000 if married and filing separately). On the deduction side, you may be able to accelerate your state and local income tax payments, real estate taxes, interest payments, or business investments, so think about paying these obligations before next year is here so you can claim the deduction on your 2014 tax return.

Keep up with estimated tax payments. Having the dates for estimated tax payments on your calendar is important—including the fourth 2014 estimated tax payment due this January 15. By calculating this payment and the first one due for 2015 (April 15 next year) you will have a preliminary idea of what your tax liabilities will be, giving you an idea of how much you'll need to set aside to make these payments.

Check your withholding and estimated tax payments now while you have time to fix a problem. If you’re in danger of an underpayment penalty based on the calculations you made above, try to make up the shortfall now instead of waiting until your next tax payment. If you need assistance handling delinquent taxes or other tax issues, contact our firm for professional guidance.  

Now is the time to apply for health care tax exemptions. If you do not have health insurance, the Affordable Care Act mandates that you must pay the "shared responsibility payment" with your federal taxes. Exemptions are available, however, the process to qualify for one (which must be approved by the Health Insurance Marketplace) can take several weeks. Now is the time to apply.

Maximize “above-the-line” deductions. Above-the-line deductions are valuable because you deduct them before you calculate your Annual Gross Income or AGI. They are allowed in full and make it less likely that your other tax benefits will be limited. Common above-the-line deductions include traditional IRA and health savings account (HSA) contributions, moving expenses, self-employed health insurance costs and alimony payments.

Make the most of retirement account tax savings. In addition to any 401(k) contributions you may make if you are employed, depending on your income, you may want to make contributions to other retirement accounts—or start one if you haven’t already. Traditional retirement accounts like an individual retirement account (IRA) still offer some of the best tax savings. Contributions reduce taxable income at the time that you make them, and you don’t pay taxes until you take the money out at retirement. The 2014 contribution limits for an IRA are $5,500 ($6,500 for those 50 years of age and older). If you have questions about your investment strategy and tax savings contact us for assistance.

With just a few weeks left in 2014, now is the ideal time to look at your current financial situation and plan for the future, in addition to starting to get your tax documentation in order. If you have any questions, please contact us—we are happy to help you.

Reap the Rewards

Author: Keith Huggett

For some employees, the satisfaction of doing a great job is a reward in and of itself. However, for many companies, implementing a rewards program for employees is necessary in order to maintain employee morale and productivity. While investing time and money to develop and implement an employee incentive program may seem like an inefficient use of resources that detracts from your bottom line, if you look at the big picture, quite the opposite is true.

The cost of unhappy workers to a business can be extremely high. A recent Gallup survey estimates that this kind of unhappiness is costing employers $300 billion annually due to decreased productivity, including more sick days and lackluster operational results. To help you avoid these negative effects, here are a few points to keep in mind when creating a rewards program for your business.

Rewards should appeal to your employees—not just your company leadership. Creating a work environment that boosts happiness, productivity, and morale requires more than a few free doughnuts every now and then. It requires genuine recognition, meaningful feedback, training, and support. However, these things will only improve employee morale so much—after you’ve recognized the efforts and output of your employees, you’ll need to start building an effective rewards program. Doing so will show your employees that there is a system in place that encourages their engagement and productivity with tangible and intangible incentives they value.

Your rewards programs should be customized and tailored to your unique company. Incentives that work for one company might not necessarily work for another, so it’s important that you create a program that fits your company culture and reflects your employees’ interests. For example, if your organization is very health-minded, offering rewards that include a lot of unhealthy foods are not likely to be appealing. Instead, you may want to offer rewards such as free fitness facility memberships or branded company workout gear. In addition to tangible rewards for special achievements, you can also offer employees additional vacation days and the reward of peer recognition by publicly announcing in person or in a company publication the details of their accomplishments.

A key component of any rewards program is measurement. Keeping track of employee progress and who has received rewards is important not only so you know who has performed well, but also because it can actually motivate other staff members to up their game to reap the rewards being offered as well. Leaderboards, periodic email updates, and sharing staff achievements via social media or newsletters can be powerful ways to quantify and publicize the progress or your internal rewards program.

Implementing a solid employee rewards program not only encourages and motivates employees, it can also pay huge dividends in terms of improving productivity, your bottom line, and employee advocacy. If you’re considering offering rewards to your employees, you may also want to involve them in the process of shaping and implementing your incentive program—another easy way to show that you value your employees’ contributions to your company.

Should you have any questions regarding this please contact us.  The Tax Office, Inc., is here to help you grow your business.

What You Need To Know About Tax Planning

Author: Keith Huggett

You're now somewhere in your mid twenties to thirties. Your career is taking shape, you may be considering purchasing a home. You may even be starting a side business or starting to invest. As you begin to bring in more earnings, you may find that you are paying out more in taxes. It's important to be prepared for this, so plan ahead!

• Automobile Expenses - When you are travelling for business, you can take the standard mileage deduction in most cases (as a self-employed person or as an employee), when you drive to the doctor, during a deductible move, or when you’re volunteering for a charitable organization. The standard deduction for use of a car in 2014 is 56 cents per mile for business miles, 23.5 cents per mile for medical or moving purposes, and 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations.  You will need to keep a mileage log with the date, distance driven and purpose of the trip.
• Bad Debts - As your wealth grows you may encounter people or businesses wanting to borrow from you. If you can’t get them to repay, you had an actual debt, and if you made efforts to collect, you may be able to deduct the bad debt as a short-term capital loss.
• Capital Gains & Losses - Plan ahead before you sell! If you’re selling any capital asset at a gain, pay attention to the minimum holding period for a long-term capital gain if possible. If you sell an asset one year or less after you purchase it, you have a short-term gain. Hang on until “more than” one year; for example, one year and one day, and it’s a long-term gain.
• Exemptions for Dependents -Every child you claim as a dependent reduces your 2014 taxable income by $3,950. You’ll get that full-year exemption, even if your child is born on New Year’s Eve. Don’t forget to claim qualifying foster children, a child who lives with you but is away at school, and in some cases a child you support who lives with the child’s other parent, and possibly your parents who you support, or nonrelatives who live with you.
• Retirement Planning -If your employer has a retirement plan, be sure to sign up for it as soon as you qualify.You should contribute an amount equal to the amount your employer will match.
• Interest -The deduction for home mortgage interest is a powerful incentive to buy a home.You can deduct interest on up to $1,000,000 total acquisition debt on your main and secondary home.
• Job Hunting -Looking for a new job can be expensive, especially if you pay agency fees or you travel to interview for a job. If your total miscellaneous itemized deductions, including job-hunting expenses, exceed 2% of your adjusted gross income, you may qualify for deductions.
• Buying or Selling a House - The sale of a residence is not usually a taxable event. If you and your spouse have lived in the residence for more than two out of the last five years you may qualify for the $250,000 exemption ($500,000 if married filing jointly).
• Home Office Deductions - If you qualify, you deduct $5 per square foot for up to 300 square feet, for a maximum simplified home office deduction of $1,500.
• Self Employment Income -Whether you make some freelance income on the side, or you’ve left the corporate world completely and are running your own show, you may be self-employed in the eyes of the IRS. If so, you’ll pay self-employment tax, at 15.3% of your net income, on your income tax return. On the bright side, you should be able to take business deductions such as computer expenses, vehicles, home office, etc.
  
  
• Zero Tax Refund -With proactive tax planning, and the help of The Tax Office,Inc., you can have just the right amount of tax withheld and make the best estimate for your quarterly tax payments, if necessary.That way, you have neither a big tax bill nor a windfall when you file your tax return.

Get Into the Back-to-School MindSet

Author: Keith Huggett

The Back-to-school season is always an exciting time. You can feel it in the air…a time of new beginnings and opportunities. And while the kids are enjoying reconnecting with friends and teachers and the thrill of new school clothes, business owners can adopt their own form of back-to-school spirit to revitalize excitement around their business. Here are a few tips to help you get into this mindset…

• Establish new goals. If it’s all about new beginnings, then new business goals are in order. Successful business owners are always looking for ways to improve and face change with a positive attitude, so make it a point to set new goals for your business as you re-energize.
• Continue your education. As business owners, you are life-long learners…because there is always something new to learn. Enroll in an online class, register for informative webcasts, or get involved in other events that serve to advance your business education. By sharpening your skills, you will ultimately grow your business.
• Expand your network. Like the kids reconnecting with friends, you can take this time to reconnect with your community—both on the personal and business side. Join in on community projects and make a visit to your local Chamber of Commerce. You never know where you might pick up a new customer or referral source.
• Plan your next break. It can be very cathartic to plan a getaway…away from the busy life of the business owner. Identify a period when you can carve out some “me time,” even if it is a ways out. Then make sure you actually get away. Days off, even if only a few, can do wonders for reducing business stress.

You are now armed with some strategies to get into a “back-to-school” mindset and re-energize your business. You’d be surprised at the positive changes that can come from it.  Contact our office if you would like to discuss re-energizing your business.