There are many things to consider when understanding small business tax obligations. Understand your business classification. If you don’t know how your business is classified, you could pay more taxes than you need. Understand how different types affect your tax bill. Consult an accountant or attorney to determine which classification your business falls under. Record receipts and keep accurate records.
Table of Contents
Tax deductions available to small businesses
Whether you own a home-based business or run a full-fledged corporation, tax deductions are available for small businesses. In many cases, you can deduct expenses related to your business to increase your profits. Examples of deductible expenses include your office supplies, phone bill, and other utility costs. For instance, while your primary landline is not deductible, other phones you use for business are. Other business expenses include advertising costs, such as creating a logo or running a social media marketing campaign.
There are two main types of tax deductions available for small businesses. The standard deduction is based on your filing status, and the other is called itemized. Small business owners generally favor the standard deduction, which does not require receipts. However, it is essential to keep track of your monthly expenses, as missing or faded receipts could lead to missed write-offs and a higher tax bill. If you want to maximize the deductions you claim, you may want to hire a bookkeeper or use DIY accounting software. This is why some small businesses use accounting software which also merges with MTD in terms of VAT filing.
Tax rates
Tax rates for small businesses vary depending on the type of business structure you have. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. A sole proprietorship is one of the least advantageous business structures since the owner is also the business, and all profits are reported on the owner’s tax return. C corporations are another option. The best way to determine tax rates is to find out which type of business you have. A sole proprietorship requires only the owner to pay taxes, as the profits and expenses of a company are taxable on the owner’s income tax return.
Canada has announced that it will tax approximately 29 percent of all corporations by 2020, and the US economy will expand by 50 percent by 2021. In the US, the average federal tax rate for a small business is 19 percent, while sole proprietorships and small partnerships pay an average of 13 percent. While this figure is low, the trend is much higher. By 2021, the rate will be 19 percent. Small businesses also make up an increasing share of the economy, with sole proprietorships representing only 3% of the total.
Accounting for taxes
Small businesses must pay taxes. The accrual method requires that the company value its inventory at the beginning and end of the tax year. Unless you have a minimal number of products and services, you will need to value your inventory at the end of each tax year. Small business taxpayers can use the cash method if their gross receipts are less than $10 million per year.
When calculating gross income and net income, it is essential to remember two different types. Generally, businesses should use the accrual method to deal with manufacturing and inventory. This method ensures that revenue matches expenses, regardless of when cash is collected. Using this method may be helpful for businesses that have a long business cycle. It helps them see money coming in down the road. You should also note that the IRS can look at your accounts if your business expenses are mixed with those for your business.
Recording receipts
There are several benefits to recording receipts for your small business tax obligations. Some of these receipts may be deductible, such as business expenses that don’t qualify. Other receipts may be non-deductible. To avoid a potential audit, keep receipts for six years.
Keeping receipts is critical to your business’s success. Besides helping you determine your tax liability, receipts provide a glimpse into how your business has evolved. They can help you identify sales strategies, product offerings, and payment methods. You can use this information to make informed decisions about the future of your business. Moreover, receipts serve as the foundation for your financial statements and tax returns. Therefore, keeping receipts is an essential aspect of any small business.
Payroll apps
Small businesses have many tax obligations, including payroll and the associated tax obligations. Using payroll apps to manage these obligations can make them much easier to manage, which can help businesses stay in compliance with the law. When choosing a payroll app, there are several factors to consider. First, think about whether it meets your needs. Do you need more features than a free version offers? If so, you may want to consider paying a fee for the payroll service.
One popular app covers most payroll bases. It offers integrated reporting, direct deposit, paper checks, and employee time off. It also includes HR functions, such as scheduling, PTO requests, and tax returns. It’s also available in multiple languages, so switching between payroll apps is accessible without much hassle. There are also a variety of payroll apps available for small businesses.
SALT cap
FOR NEARLY FOUR YEARS, the SALT cap has been a sore spot for taxpayers. Thankfully, many states have passed laws around the new rules, making it possible for many business owners to deduct state income taxes from their federal tax liabilities. The benefits of this new system vary depending on the taxpayer’s state of residence, marital status, income level, and other factors. However, many businesses are benefitting from this tax relief.
Some states have passed laws that make the SALT cap inapplicable to pass-through entities. These laws are known as PTETs and allow pass-through entities to pay state taxes but claim federal deductions for those expenses. Many states have been controversial and considered this type of tax relief, but it is not a good option for many businesses. It is possible to elect to pay tax at the entity level and receive corresponding credits at the partner, member, and shareholder levels in California. However, there are essential differences between PTET programs, and a lack of uniformity may lead to planning complications.
Read also: Filing Your Small Business Taxes for the First Time? Here’s What You Need to Know