Tax Tips Small Business

Do You Know How Much Your Business Is Worth?

Tips for placing a value on your business

There are several reasons why you should know the value of your business. if you are planning to sell your business, the general rule is that you should sell it for fair market value. In many instances the term "fair market value" is somewhat ambiguous. In the simplest sense, fair market value is what a willing buyer would pay a willing seller, with each party knowing all the pertinent facts.

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Small Business Quick Tip

Employer-provided education assistance benefits of $5,250 provided under a written plan are excludable from wages. The education doesn't need to be job-related to qualify.
FAQs
If you have a question which is not in this section, please contact us.

Q: I quickly penciled in my tax return and I think I will owe lots of money. Can I file an extension so I have more time to pay?
A: No. Filing an extension only extends the time you have to file your tax return. It does not extend the time you have to pay your tax liability. There are various options available for paying your tax liability however. IRS now accepts credit cards (there is a fee) and Installment agreements (there is a fee). You should speak with a tax professional for further guidance.
 
Q: I just realized that I have not filed my tax return in a few years. What should I do?

A: You should file the returns you haven’t filed. You’ll pay interest and probably a penalty (unless you’ve got a really good reason). As long as you come clean voluntarily, you should avoid any truly serious trouble. By the way, there’s no statute of limitations on non-filed returns. Therefore, if you don’t file returns, interest and penalties continue to accrue.

 
Q: I was cleaning out my house and came across all of these old records. How long should I save these records for?
A: Generally speaking, the following are recommended periods of retention for various documents:

7 Years

Tax Returns (uncomplicated), W-2's, 1099's, Cancelled checks supporting tax deductions, Bank deposit slips, Bank statements, Charitable contribution documentation, Credit card statements, Receipts, diaries, or logs pertaining to tax returns.

Ownership Period + 7 Years

Investment purchase and sales slips, Dividend reinvestment records, Year-end brokerage statements, Mutual fund annual statements, Investment property purchase documents, Home purchase documents, Home improvement receipts and cancelled checks, Loan paperwork.

Permanent

Tax Returns (complicated), Retirement plan annual reports, IRA annual reports, IRA nondeductible contributions (Form 8606), Divorce documents, Estate planning documents.
 
Q: I have a basic tax return, why should I come see a professional tax preparer?
A: There are many advantages to having your tax return prepared professionally. Since your return will be filed electronically, you may receive any potentional refund much quicker. Also, professional tax preparers are use to working with tax returns and are familiar with many IRS procedures that you may not be. Professional tax preparers may be able to help reduce your tax liability.
 
Q: I have always done my own tax return, but this year I want to have my return done professionally. What should I bring with me?

A: You will need to bring all the relevant tax documents that will be needed to complete your tax return. These could include, but may not be limited to:

* W-2's * Childcare records
* 1099-B's * Medical Expense records
* 1099-DIV's * Mortgage/Closing documents
* 1099-G's * Home Improvement documents
*1099-INT's * Proof of Charitable Contributions
*1099-MISC's * Receipts for Non-Reimbursed Business Expenses
*1099-R's * Self-Employment Income/Expense records

You should also bring your previous two years tax returns so that the preparer can see how you have filed your returns in the past.

 
Q: I have heard that it can be quite expensive to have my taxes done professionally. How much will this cost?

A: Fees can vary depending on the complexity of the tax return. A tax return that involves nothing more than one W-2 will be less expensive than a return that involves income from a rental property. The more work and forms that are required to complete you tax return, the more the charge will be.

 


Saturday, 04 September 2010
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Tax Tips Personal

Refinancing Your Home Mortgage

What's deductible and what's not?

While there are benefits to refinancing your home mortgage, most refinancing costs are not deductible on your tax return. There is one exception, however. The amount you pay for points, or prepaid interest, may be amortized over the life of your new loan. Although this might not amount to much when you spread it out over 15, 20, or 30 years, don't file away your closing papers quite yet.

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Personal Quick Tip

It doesn't appear that a college education will get cheaper any time soon. Look into establishing a qualified tuition plan for your children. The earnings in the account grow tax-free. As long as the funds are spent on qualified education expenses, there are no tax consequences. Plus, there may be an added tax benefit at your state level.