Don Brooks & Associates, Inc.

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Tax Tips Small Business

Reimbursing Your Employees for Business Expenses

What method should you choose?

Attracting and keeping good employees is a goal in any business. One way to make life easier for your employees is to have an easy to use reimbursement plan. Travel, transportation, moving, and educational expenses are common reimbursable expenses. As the employer, you have the option to set up an accountable or nonaccountable reimbursement plan. Under either plan, you can deduct many of the business expenses paid to or for employees. However, the plan you choose can make a big difference to your employees.

Small Business Quick Tip

Instead of deducting the actual expenses for the business use of your vehicle, opt for the standard mileage rate. In 2009, you can deduct 55 cents for each business mile you drive.

About Us

At Don Brooks & Associates, Inc., we have over 35 years of combined experience and offer a wide variety of services to our clients. We specialize in:

* Preparation and Filing of Individual and Small Business Tax Returns;
* Bookkeeping for Small Businesses;
* A Wide Variety of Payroll Services.

Annual participation in Continuing Professional Education courses offered by local chapters of national accounting and tax associations keeps the firm on the "leading edge" of ever-changing tax laws and accounting methods.

Computerized offices and internet access ensures clients accurate, efficient, state-of-the-art service at a competitve price.

Visit the "Services" area of our site to learn more about the many accounting and tax services available to individuals and businesses.

Visit the "Contact Us" page for information regarding how to reach us via telephone, fax, e-mail or mail.

Unlike firms that close after the tax deadline, we are here all year long. Feel free to contact the office anytime. We're here to help.

Tuesday, 09 March 2010

What is an Enrolled Agent and why should I care?

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Tax Tips Personal

Let the Sun Shine

Certain solar-powered improvements are eligible for a tax credit

You are allowed a credit for 30 percent of certain expenditures that increase the energy efficiency of your personal residence. Costs eligible for the credit include qualified solar electric property expenditures, qualified solar water heating property expenditures, and qualified fuel cell property expenditures. The credit is available for residential energy-efficient property placed in service in 2006, 2007, and 2008. There is no requirement that property be new to qualify.

Personal Quick Tip

Beginning January 1, 2010, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (including vans, pickups, or panel trucks) are:

50 cents per mile for business miles driven;
16.5 cents per mile for all miles driven for medical or moving purposes; and
14 cents per mile for all miles drive for charitable purposes.