The easy money is gone……so get over it!

Posted By Administrator

Date: January 28th, 2009

Category: Articles

I don’t mean to be insensitive because I know the economic challenges are tearing lives apart as we speak. However it must be known that these problems were all caused by people chasing the fast or easy money. The late 90’s and early 00’s it was stock regardless of fundamentals. Then it was real estate regardless of the fundamentals. Now its the bank because they forgot the fundamentals. Now its the consumers because they forgot the fundamentals of living on borrowed credit at lifestyles they could not support.

Where ever you fall in all this as a Small Business Owner you must realize, that from this point forward you need to be better. That means the previous tried and true business methods need to be reanalyzed or possibly trashed all together. It means growing when everyone around you is shrinking. Now this is not to say every business has this opportunity, but if you do, you have to realize your businesses survival depends on you, what you do, and who you get help from.

One place to start is tax planning. Most people confuse this with tax preparation and they couldn’t be more wrong. Tax planning for small businesses is a major project. Why? Because there is so much at stake. From month to month your running losses, then profits, then losses…….and then get to the end of the year and you scream yes we made money. Problem is you probably didn’t tax plan with that money. Now say you are a (non corp) LLC and you earned 100,000 in this scenario. Now right off the top the government is going to take almost $16,000 in self employment taxes. No that’s not all, they are then going to tax the 100,000 again for federal and state taxes. Consider yourself lucky if you walk away with 60,000.

No what if I said at the beginning of the year we need to change your filing status, and draw down a reasonable salary until year end at which point we can pay you a bonus because your going to have a great year. The year goes by and we end up with making the same $100,000. But something amazing happen, you save over $6000 (or more) in taxes just because I helped you adequately plan at the beginning. During the middle when you were loosing money and saying this guys an idiot for having me take a salary……..however you came around in the end and are at least $6000 (or more) to the better for it.

This of course is just and example, but an example that happens ever day to clients everywhere. If your up to taking on the challenges of getting your business profitable…….we can help. That means getting down to business and working harder (remember the easy money is gone), it means analysis prepared by a licensed professional with experience in these types of matters. Try asking that of your bookkeeper or bargain basement tax preparation service.

If you looking for the bottom dollar tax preparation and planning then we are not for you. But if your ready for intelligent insight on how to take your business to the next level than you owe it to yourself to just give us a call at 443-927-9161. We offer a free in person consultations and are giving new clients a 25% off towards there 2008 individual tax return.

Thanks
Travis

E-File Opens for 2009 With New Features to Expand Taxpayer Access, Help Speed Refunds

Posted By Administrator

Date: January 22nd, 2009

Issue Number: IR-2009-005

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced the Jan. 16 opening of an expanded IRS e-file program for 2008 federal tax returns, highlighted by new features that will allow expanded access to electronic filing and help people looking for faster refunds.

IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman encouraged taxpayers to explore e-file this year as the best option to file accurate tax returns and get fast refunds during the current economic downturn. The e-file program also includes new improvements to the Free File program that will allow nearly all taxpayers to e-file for free.

“These are tough times, and e-file is the best way for people to get cash in their pocket quickly,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “Filing electronically with direct deposit can get refunds to taxpayers in as few as 10 days. Combined with important changes in the Free File program, we believe e-file is a better option than ever before for the nation’s taxpayers.”

Last year the average refund was $2,429. The IRS realizes people need their refunds quickly. Shulman urged people who haven’t e-filed before to consider the e-file option this year.

IRS e-file totaled nearly 90 million tax returns in 2008. Almost 58 percent of all returns were filed electronically. Last year, there was a surge in e-file from home computers. Nearly 27 million people prepared their own e-file return. That’s an increase of more than 19 percent from the previous year.

IRS e-file meets the needs of nearly all taxpayers, no matter how complicated or simple their returns are. E-file helps taxpayers take advantage of the tax credits available to them to maximize their refunds during these tough economic times.

A variety of tax software products are available commercially that offer e-file. This year, several of them will not charge additional fees for e-filing for the first time.

In addition, most taxpayers qualify for free tax preparation offered through Free File on IRS.gov. Regardless of income level, taxpayers who are comfortable with filling out paper tax forms and who don’t need extra assistance can use the IRS’s new Free File Fillable Forms. These new online versions of paper tax forms that can be e-filed are available for the first time by visiting the IRS.gov Free File site.

Benefits of e-File

Taxpayers who use e-file and who choose direct deposit can receive their refund in as few as 10 days. That’s because with e-file, there’s no paper return going to the IRS. And with direct deposit, there’s no paper refund going to the taxpayer. So it’s all electronic and much faster than paper.

IRS e-file allows taxpayers to file their returns now and pay later if they owe taxes. It allows taxpayers to file both federal and most state returns at the same time.

Taxpayers may use IRS e-file through their tax preparers, or with a computer using tax preparation software. This software is available on the Internet for online use or for download. Many retail stores sell the software for offline use. The IRS does not charge taxpayers to e-file their completed returns, but some tax preparers and software manufactures may charge a fee. However, this year a number of large software companies are waiving this additional fee.

To get all the benefits of electronic filing, taxpayers must make sure that when they are done with their returns, they take the final step of e-filing them. Taxpayers who use a paid preparer should make sure their preparers are taking this final step, too. In addition to error checks contained in the return-preparation software, additional checks are done during the e-file transmission process. That’s why the error rate is so low for e-filed returns. In fact, the error rate is significantly reduced from 20 percent with paper returns to about 1 percent with e-filed returns.

E-filed tax return information is protected through encryption. Also, taxpayers receive an acknowledgement within 48 hours that the IRS has accepted their return.

Free File

Free File, which is a form of e-file, is a free federal tax preparation and electronic filing program for eligible taxpayers developed through a partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance LLC. The Alliance is a group of private-sector tax software companies. Since Free File’s debut in 2003, a total of more than 24 million returns have been prepared and e-filed through the program.

Free File offers 20 different software options that can assist taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $56,000 or less in 2008 to e-file their federal tax returns for free. That means 70 percent of all taxpayers – 98 million taxpayers – can take advantage of tax software that will help them complete their returns through the Free File program. Three companies are offering their products in Spanish.

This year, the IRS and its partners are offering a new option, Free File Fillable Tax Forms, which opens up Free File to virtually everyone, even those whose incomes exceed $56,000.

Free File Fillable Tax Forms allows taxpayers to fill out and file their tax forms electronically, just as they would on paper. This option does not include an “interview” process like the other Free File offerings, but it does allow taxpayers to enter their tax data, perform basic math calculations, sign electronically, print their returns for recordkeeping and e-file their returns. This “self-service” option may be right for those who are comfortable with the tax law, know what forms they want to use or don’t need assistance to complete their returns.

Both the fillable-forms option and the previously available “full service” Free File offerings are available only through the IRS.gov Web site. Both new and returning taxpayers must access Free File through IRS.gov. Otherwise, the e-file provider may charge them a fee. Look for details on IRS.gov beginning Jan. 16.

Almost 4.8 million tax returns were filed through Free File last year, an increase of 24 percent over the previous year’s total of nearly 3.9 million returns.

History of IRS e-File

The IRS began the e-file program in 1986 as a pilot project in three cities: Cincinnati, Phoenix and Raleigh-Durham, N.C. That year, there were 25,000 tax returns filed electronically. The e-file program expanded nationwide in 1990 and 4.2 million tax returns were filed. IRS e-file has undergone tremendous growth each year, with nearly 90 million tax returns e-filed last year.

In formation provided by the IRS Newswire Service

Travis Raml, CPA
Columbia, MD

Owe the IRS a Prior Year Return?

Posted By Administrator

Date: January 20th, 2009

Tags: ,

Issue Number: TT-2009-10

Don’t delay; file your prior year return now! The failure to file a federal tax return can be costly — whether you end up owing more or missing out on a refund.

If you owe taxes, a delay in filing may result in a failure-to-file penalty and interest charges. The longer you delay, the larger these charges grow.

If you are due a refund and don’t file you could lose your refund. There is no penalty for failure to file if you are due a refund. However, you cannot obtain a refund without filing a tax return. If you wait too long to file, you may risk losing the refund altogether. The deadline for claiming refunds is generally three years after the return due date.

There are several reasons taxpayers don’t file their taxes. Perhaps you didn’t know you were required to file. Maybe, you just keep putting it off or simply forgot. Whatever the reason, it’s best to file your return as soon as possible. If you need help, even with a late return, the IRS is ready to assist you.

Here are some steps for filing your prior year return:

1. Gather prior year tax return information. You will need Social Security numbers, income information and records for expenses, deductions and credits.

2. Determine if you have a filing requirement. Whether or not you must file a tax return will depend upon a number of factors, including your filing status, age, and gross income. Individuals who are entitled to the Earned Income Tax Credit must file their return to claim the credit even if they are not otherwise required to file.

3. Get forms and publications. Make sure you get the forms and publications for the year of the tax return you are filing.

4. Prepare your tax return. Complete, sign and date your tax return. Be sure to attach any required schedules and forms.

5. Mail the completed and signed prior year return to the correct address. Mailing a return to an incorrect address can delay the processing of the return.

If your income was $42,000 or less, your local Taxpayer Assistance Center may be able to assist you in preparing your prior year return. You can locate your nearest center at http://www/irs.gov/localcontacts/index.html. For more information on how to file a tax return for a prior year, visit the IRS Web site at IRS.gov or call the IRS Tax Help Line for Individuals at 800-829-1040.

Information provided by the IRS Newswire Service

What Tax Records to Keep

Posted By Administrator

Date: January 15th, 2009

Issue Number: TT-2009-08

You probably already keep records in your daily routine. This includes keeping receipts for purchases and recording information in your checkbook. Keeping these and other records will help you avoid headaches at tax time. Good recordkeeping will help you remember the various transactions you made during the year, which in turn may make filing your return a less taxing experience.

Records help you document the deductions you’ve claimed on your return. You’ll need this documentation should the IRS select your return for examination. Normally, tax records should be kept for three years, but some documents — such as records relating to a home purchase or sale, stock transactions, IRA and business or rental property — should be kept longer.

In most cases, the IRS does not require you to keep records in any special manner. Generally speaking, however, you should keep any and all documents that may have an impact on your federal tax return:

* Bills
* Credit card and other receipts
* Invoices
* Mileage logs
* Canceled, imaged or substitute checks or any other proof of payment
* Any other records to support deductions or credits you claim on your return

Good recordkeeping throughout the year saves you time and effort at tax time when organizing and completing your return. If you hire a paid professional to complete your return, the records you have kept will assist the preparer in quickly and accurately completing your return.

For more information on what kinds of records to keep, see IRS Publication 552, Recordkeeping for Individuals, which is available on IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

Links:

* Publication 552, Recordkeeping for Individuals

Information provided by the IRS Newswire Service

First-Time Homebuyer credit Issue Number: TT-2009-02

Posted By Administrator

Date: January 10th, 2009

First-time homebuyers should begin planning now to take advantage of a new tax credit. Available for a limited time, the credit:

* Applies to home purchases after April 8, 2008, and before July 1, 2009.
* Reduces a taxpayer’s tax bill or increases his or her refund, dollar for dollar.
* Is fully refundable, meaning that the credit will be paid out to eligible taxpayers, even
if they owe no tax or the credit is more than the tax that they owe.

Information provided by the IRS Tax Tips service
The credit operates much like an interest-free loan because it must be repaid in equal installments over a 15-year period. Taxpayers will claim the credit on new IRS Form 5405, First-Time Homebuyer Credit.

Only the purchase of a main home located in the United States qualifies. Vacation homes and rental property are not eligible. For a home that you construct, the purchase date is the first date you occupy the home.

Taxpayers who owned a main home at any time during the three years prior to the date of purchase are not eligible for the credit. This means that first-time homebuyers and those who have not owned a home in the three years prior to a purchase can qualify for the credit.

If you make an eligible purchase in 2008, you claim the first-time homebuyer credit on your 2008 tax return. If you make an eligible purchase in 2009, you can choose to claim the credit on either your original or amended 2008 return, or on your 2009 return.

The credit is 10 percent of the purchase price of the home, with a maximum available credit of $7,500 for either a single taxpayer or a married couple filing jointly. The limit is $3,750 for a married person filing a separate return. In most cases, the maximum credit will be available for homes costing $75,000 or more. The credit normally must be repaid over a 15-year period starting the second year after the year the credit is claimed.

The credit is reduced or eliminated for higher-income taxpayers. The credit is phased out based on your modified adjusted gross income. In general, for a married couple filing a joint return the phase-out begins at $150,000 and is completely phased out at $170,000. For other taxpayers, the phase-out range is between $75,000 and $95,000.

Not everyone will qualify for the credit. There are other rules that may impact your eligibility and decision to claim the First-Time Homebuyer Credit. Get all the information at IRS.gov.

IRS Begins Tax Season 2009 with Steps to Help Financially Distressed Taxpayers; Promotes Credits, e-File Options

Posted By Administrator

Date: January 8th, 2009

Tags: ,

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today kicked off the 2009 tax filing season by announcing a number of new steps to help financially distressed taxpayers maximize their refunds and speed payments while providing additional help to people struggling to meet their tax obligations.

IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman encouraged taxpayers to take advantage of several new tax credits and deductions this filing season and announced a major enhancement to the Free File program that will allow nearly all taxpayers to e-file for free and accelerate their refunds.

“With so many people facing financial difficulties, we want taxpayers to get all the tax credits they’re entitled to as quickly as they can,” Shulman said. “In addition, we are creating new protections to help people trying to meet their tax obligations. The IRS will do everything it can to help during these tough times.”

Help for People Who Owe Taxes

With many people facing additional financial difficulties, the IRS is taking several additional steps to help people who owe back taxes.

“We need to ensure that we balance our responsibility to enforce the law with the economic realities facing many American citizens today,” Shulman said. “We want to go the extra mile to help taxpayers, especially those who’ve done the right thing in the past and are facing unusual hardships.”

On a wide range of situations, IRS employees have flexibility to work with struggling taxpayers to assist them with their situation. Depending on the circumstances, taxpayers in hardship situations may be able to adjust payments for back taxes, avoid defaulting on payment agreements or possibly defer collection action.

The IRS reminds taxpayers who are behind on tax payments and need assistance to contact the phone numbers listed on their IRS correspondence. There could be additional help available for these taxpayers facing unusual hardship situations.

Among the areas where the IRS can provide assistance:

* Postponement of Collection Actions: IRS employees will have greater authority to suspend collection actions in certain hardship cases where taxpayers are unable to pay. This includes instances when the taxpayer has recently lost a job, is relying solely on Social Security or welfare income or is facing devastating illness or significant medical bills. If an individual has recently encountered this type of financial problem, IRS assistors may be able to suspend collection without documentation to minimize burden on the taxpayer.
* Added Flexibility for Missed Payments: The IRS is allowing more flexibility for previously compliant individuals in existing Installment Agreements who have difficulty making payments because of a job loss or other financial hardship. The IRS may allow a skipped payment or a reduced monthly payment amount without automatically suspending the Installment Agreement. Taxpayers in a difficult financial situation should contact the IRS.
* Additional Review for Offers in Compromise on Home Values: An Offer in Compromise (OIC), an agreement between a taxpayer and the IRS that settles the taxpayer’s tax debt for less than the full amount owed, may be a viable option for taxpayers experiencing economic difficulties. However, the equity taxpayers have in real property can be a barrier to an OIC being accepted. With the uncertainty in the housing market, the IRS recognizes that the real-estate valuations used to assess ability to pay may not be accurate. So in instances where the accuracy of local real-estate valuations is in question or other unusual hardships exist, the IRS is creating a new second review of the information to determine if accepting an offer is appropriate.
* Prevention of Offer in Compromise Defaults: Taxpayers who are unable to meet the periodic payment terms of an accepted OIC will be able to contact the IRS office handling the offer for available options to help them avoid default.
* Expedited Levy Releases: The IRS will speed the delivery of levy releases by easing requirements on taxpayers who request expedited levy releases for hardship reasons. Taxpayers seeking expedited releases for levies to an employer or bank should contact the IRS number shown on the notice of levy to discuss available options. When calling, taxpayers requesting a levy release due to hardship should be prepared to provide the IRS with the fax number of the bank or employer processing the levy.

Taxpayers with financial problems who discover they can’t pay when they file their 2008 tax returns also have options available. IRS.gov has a list of What If? scenarios that deal with payment and other financial problems. These scenarios, in question-and-answer format, provide information on specific actions taxpayers can take. Taxpayers unable to pay in full can likewise contact the IRS to discuss additional options to pay.

Maximizing Refunds and Speeding Refund Delivery

This filing season, there are several steps taxpayers can take to maximize their refunds and speed the delivery of money from the IRS.

Taxpayers should look into the numerous tax breaks available and take every credit, deduction and exclusion for which they qualify. People who had less income in 2008 could find they qualify for credits for which they previously did not qualify. And there are several new benefits this year:

* First-Time Homebuyer Credit: Those who bought a principal residence recently or are considering buying one should take note. This unique credit of up to $7,500 works much like a 15-year interest-free loan. A special page on IRS.gov has more details and answers to common questions.
* The Recovery Rebate Credit: This credit is figured like last year’s Economic Stimulus Payment except that Recovery Rebate Credit amounts are based on tax year 2008 instead of 2007. Most people already received their full benefit in the form of the Economic Stimulus Payment. However, a taxpayer may qualify for the Recovery Rebate Credit, if, for example, he or she did not get an Economic Stimulus Payment, had a child in 2008 or had a change in income level. If you receive this credit, it will be included in your refund and will not be issued as a separate payment. See the Form 1040 Instructions, Fact Sheet 2009-3 or the information center on IRS.gov for details.
* Standard Deduction for Real Estate Taxes: Taxpayers can claim an additional standard deduction, based on the state or local real estate taxes paid in 2008. The maximum deduction is $500, or $1,000 for joint filers.
* Mortgage Workouts and Foreclosures: For most homeowners, these are now tax-free. Eligible homeowners can exclude debt forgiven on their principal residence if the balance of the loan was less than $2 million. The limit is $1 million for a married person filing a separate return. See Form 982 and its instructions for details.

This Web site, IRS.gov, has more information on these and other popular credits, such as the child tax credit, the Earned Income Tax Credit and alternative fuel vehicle credit.

E-File, E-Pay and Direct Deposit

This year, electronic filing options will speed the payment of refunds to millions of taxpayers. Taxpayers who e-file and choose direct deposit for their refunds, for example, will get their refunds in as few as 10 days. That compares to approximately six weeks for people who file a paper return and get a traditional paper check.
This year, taxpayers can begin filing electronically on Jan. 16.

The IRS in 2009 is again offering free tax preparation and filing through the Free File program. Anyone with an adjusted gross income up to $56,000 can use the standard Free File options this year –– that is approximately 98 million Americans. The program also has usability improvements, including a standardized set of electronic forms that are most frequently used by Free File-eligible taxpayers.

This year the IRS and its partners are offering a new option, Free File Fillable Tax Forms, that opens up Free File to virtually everyone, even those whose incomes exceed $56,000.

Free File Fillable Tax Forms allows taxpayers to fill out and file their tax forms electronically, just as they would on paper. This option does not include an “interview” process like the other Free File offerings, but it does allow taxpayers to enter their tax data, perform basic math calculations, sign electronically, print their returns for recordkeeping and e-file their returns. It may be just right for those who are comfortable with the tax law or those who use electronic software to prepare their returns but file using paper forms.

Both the fillable-forms option and the previously available Free File offerings are available only through the IRS.gov Web site. More information will be available in mid-January.

1040 Central and Taxpayer-Friendly Features

When they visit the IRS.gov Web site this filing season, taxpayers may notice the new “rotating spotlight” feature on the homepage. The spotlights, which change every few seconds, give the taxpaying public direct access to more of the IRS Web site’s vast amount of content.

Also on the homepage, taxpayers can click on 1040 Central to find help preparing and filing their tax returns. Like last year, this popular section of IRS.gov has a wide range of offerings that address taxpayer needs.

Finally, the IRS is producing a number of podcasts this filing season that will be available on IRS.gov. In addition to Tax Tips, Fact Sheets and News Releases, these short audio interviews cover a wide range of topics and are a way for the IRS to reach out to a new generation of taxpayers.

Issue Number: IR-2009-002

Information provided by the IRS Newswire service.

IRS Speeds Lien Relief for Homeowners Trying to Refinance, Sell

Posted By Administrator

Date: December 30th, 2008

Tags: ,

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced an expedited process that will make it easier for financially distressed homeowners to avoid having a federal tax lien block refinancing of mortgages or the sale of a home.

If taxpayers are looking to refinance or sell a home and there is a federal tax lien filed, there are options. Taxpayers or their representatives, such as their lenders, may request that the IRS make a tax lien secondary to the lien by the lending institution that is refinancing or restructuring a loan. Taxpayers or their representatives may request that the IRS discharge its claim if the home is being sold for less than the amount of the mortgage lien under certain circumstances.

The process to request a discharge or a subordination of a tax lien takes approximately 30 days after the submission of the completed application, but the IRS will work to speed those requests in wake of the economic downturn.

“We don’t want the IRS to be a barrier to people saving or selling their homes. We want to raise awareness of these lien options and to speed our decision-making process so people can refinance their mortgages or sell their homes,” said Doug Shulman, IRS commissioner.

“We realize these are difficult times for many Americans,” Shulman said. “We will ensure we have the resources in place to resolve these issues quickly and homeowners can complete their transactions.”

Filing a Notice of Federal Tax Lien is a formal process by which the government makes a legal claim to property as security or payment for a tax debt. It serves as a public notice to other creditors that the government has a claim on the property.

In some cases, a federal tax lien can be made secondary to another lien, such as a lending institution’s, if the IRS determines that taking a secondary position ultimately will help with collection of the tax debt. That process is called subordination. Taxpayers or their representatives may apply for a subordination of a federal tax lien if they are refinancing or restructuring their mortgage. Without lien subordination, taxpayers may be unable to borrow funds or reduce their payments. Lending institutions generally want their lien to have priority on the home being used as collateral.

To apply for a certificate of lien subordination, people must follow directions in Publication 784, How to Prepare an Application for a Certificate of Subordination of a Federal Tax Lien. Again, there is no form but there must be a typed letter of request and certain documentation. The request should be mailed to one of 40 Collection Advisory Groups nationwide. See Publication 4235, Collection Advisory Group Addresses, for address information.

Taxpayers or their representatives may apply for a certificate of discharge of a tax lien if they are giving up ownership of the property, such as selling the property, at an amount less than the mortgage lien if the mortgage lien is senior to the tax lien. The IRS may also issue a certificate of discharge in other circumstances if the taxpayer has sufficient equity in other assets, can substitute other assets, or is able to pay the IRS its equity in the property. Without a tax lien discharge, the taxpayer may be unable to complete the home ownership change and the ownership title will remain clouded.

To apply for a tax lien discharge, applicants must follow directions in Publication 783, Instructions on How to Apply for a Certificate of Discharge of a Federal Tax Lien. There is no form but there must be a typed letter of request and certain documentation. The request should be mailed to one of 40 Collection Advisory Groups nationwide. See Publication 4235 for address information.

The IRS also urges people to contact the agency’s Collection Advisory Group early in the home sale or refinancing process so that it can begin work on their requests. People sometimes delay informing lenders of the tax liens, which only serves to delay the transaction.

Currently, there are more than 1 million federal tax liens outstanding tied to both real and personal property. The IRS issues more than 600,000 federal tax lien notices annually.

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=201343,00.html

The SE (Self-Employment) Tax Danger of Forming an LLC

Posted By Administrator

Date: December 25th, 2008

Category: Articles

Tags: , ,

With the ease and low expenses of forming an LLC, they are quickly becoming the entity of choice of many small business owners. However this type of entity can have some serious drawbacks if you simply form it without seeking some expert advice.

One of the more common mistakes I have been seeing is individuals forming LLCs and assuming they are corporations. In fact they are not taxed as corporations if formed by one individual and instead are treated as an ignored entity for tax purposes. Further the income they generate gets taxed on your personal tax return on Sch C and is subject to SE (Self-Employment) Tax. There are some circumstances where this does not apply, but generally if you run a business with the intention of generating a profit SE Tax applies.

So what is the big deal with SE Tax. Well this is the Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) (also known as FICA Taxes) that are normally deducted from your regular paycheck……..only doubled. You might ask why are they doubled. Well as a self-employed individual you are responsible for the employee and EMPLOYER (same as amount as the employee) share of FICA. No wait it gets worst. Unlike your regular income taxes, SE tax is not reduced by itemized deductions or tax credits.

So how is it calculated? You take your Sch C net income and multiply it by 92.35%. This is your net earnings from self-employment. Next multiply this amount by 15.3% and your have your SE Taxes due. The only real benefit is that you get to deduct 1/2 of the self employment taxes as a deduction on your 1040. But remember this simply reduces your taxable income, this is not a tax credit. You then add this tax with your regular income tax liability to arrive at your total tax liability. SE Tax in many cases can easily equal or exceed your regular income taxes, and if you do not plan correctly can lead to a huge tax headache at year end especially if you were expecting a refund.

So what can you do? My best advice is to contact me and for FREE I will tell you some of the options you have at your disposal. I can reached at (443) 927-9161 (MD), (703) 637-9881 (DC & VA), or by email at travis@ramlcpa.

Salary to LLC Owners

Posted By Administrator

Date: December 25th, 2008

Category: Articles

A common request from some LLC owner(s) is to pay themselves a salary. Though it is possible it is unlikely this appropriate especially if the owner filed his or her own LLC filings. Single member LLC’s by default are treated as Sole-Proprietor (an ignored entity and with business income reported on schedule C of his or her personal tax return). Likewise multi-member LLC’s are by default treated as Partnerships (with business income reported on tax form 1065 with income and losses passed through to the partners).

In either case a salary is not permitted by the LLC owner(s). Instead the owner or partners can take distributions which can or can not have a bearing on their taxes. Regardless traditional paychecks and remittance of taxes through the organization is not appropriate.

So what can be done? In this case the LLC owner(s) have a couple options.

1) Continue to take distributions in liu of salary.
2) File form 8832 with the IRS to elect corporate tax status of the LLC with the IRS.

Under option (2) once the IRS has accepted the 8832 the LLC will be recognized as a corporation for tax purposes, and the owner(s) can generally begin to tax a salary.

However, special care should be taken before such decisions are made since election of corporate tax status can not generally be changed for 60 months after the effective date of the filing.

If this or other tax questions are concerning you please feel free to contact me (free of charge) and I will advise you of your available options. I can reached at (443) 927-9161 (MD), (703) 637-9881 (DC & VA), or by email at travis@ramlcpa.com.

Thanks,
Travis Raml, CPA
http://ramlcpa.com/

The QuickBooks Do-It-Yourself Nightmares

Posted By Administrator

Date: December 25th, 2008

Category: Articles

If you’re a small business owner you’ve probably seen those QuickBooks commercials showing the pleased business owners effortlessly entering transactions into QuickBooks and with a few simple clicks everything is complete………..if only if it were that simple.

If you’re a small business owner that has gone done this route there is a good chance that you’ve found yourself saying what did I get myself into. Whether it’s excess transactions, to many bank accounts, unreadable financial statements, or any host of additional problems you’ve quickly discovered that it’s not just a simple click.

First thing I tell clients who find themselves in this situation is don’t feel bad. It really is NOT your fault. The advertisements make it sound simple, and you’re concerned with saving a buck these days………but the fact is maintaining your own books can quickly become an unmanageable task, especially if you’re running most of the day to day operation of your business.

So what can you do? If you are committed to doing the books yourself, than I would suggest that we setup the QuickBooks for you and help train you to be successful. Most of this can be accomplished in just a few hours. If you have a limited volume of transactions and feel you have the time to handle it, this is a great option. We can even do quarterly reviews for you just to make sure your not veering off course during the year. If you have a relatively high volume of transactions or you simply don’t have the time to handle it, then we can do it for you. We’ve designed our services with affordability in mind and can meet virtually any budget.

If you’re ready to end the nightmares then feel free to contact me (free of charge) and we can discuss your situation in more detail. I can reached at (443) 927-9161 (MD), (703) 637-9881 (DC & VA), or by email at travis@ramlcpa.com.

Thanks,
Travis Raml, CPA