Starting a new business takes courage, energy, and a willingness to take risks. Alongside the excitement, though, comes a reality that can't be ignored: taxes. How you set up your business, track expenses, and plan for profits makes a big difference in how smoothly you grow. A little planning today can prevent costly mistakes tomorrow.
It’s already that time of year again, leading up to the holidays. The kids are back in school, summer fun is just a memory, and it’s time for a strategic huddle with your tax planner. This year, in particular, has been a wild ride in terms of inflation and the cost of living, and most everyone is looking for ways to lessen the sting of rising costs and create a plan for whatever 2023 may have in store.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law in March 2020 as part of the US government’s response to the economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. A provision in that bill known as the Employee Retention Credit may reduce the tax liability of qualifying employers. The good news is that the American Rescue Plan Act of March 2021amended the CARES act to make the tax credit even more generous.
What is a solopreneur, and what kind of business can a solopreneur form or develop? The term “solopreneur” is often used interchangeably with "entrepreneur," "freelancer," "self-employed" or "small business owner,” perhaps since all of them will likely have to pay self-employment taxes and file 1099 forms. While any of these terms may be simultaneously valid for your business, there are distinctions between them.
Many dream of earning a living doing what they already love to do. What if you could turn that hobby from being a costly personal expense into a money-generating side hustle, or even your main business? The IRS no longer allows deductions for hobby expenses, but business expenses are eligible. Statistics suggest that one out of every five Americans will start their own business in the coming year. If you want to be one of those entrepreneurs, there are a few things to keep in mind to get it right.
I help many small businesses with tax planning and filing. Many new entrepreneurs have to decide between an LLC (limited liability company) and a sole proprietorship. The truth is that, although the selection of a business entity is an essential decision, there isn’t one single answer to the question of LLC vs. sole proprietor. The implications for liability and tax status are two of the issues to consider.