Tag Archives: Business

Taxes Become More of A Networking Opportunity For Small Business

Every year millions of people scramble to do their taxes, and companies have been noticing a swell of people that want to go online to get things done. That’s where companies like Turbotax Online, and others have come together to connect those millions of people that have been using their line of products, with others that are like minded. From gathering in a connection setting like “QuickBooks Connect”, to other meet ups and information that is getting people together, the notion of taxes has never been more social than ever. This is a huge Networking Opportunity For Small Business.

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Decades of Connecting Small Business With Tax Help

QuickBooks - Networking Opportunity For Small Business

QuickBooks (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

No matter what the size of your company is, taxes are a big matter. This becomes obvious when you’re pushing forward as an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs, small businesses, and accountants are not alone, and that’s why more social, networking events are being held. These vents, attract a great deal of people from all sorts of industries, and the main goal is to connect everyone into a far easier tax filing ideology. It’s at these types of events, that all walks of life, backgrounds, industries, and more find news on the latest software releases, and so much more.

The Move To Online

Looking at how taxes have changed in the past 20 years, you will find that there are a variety of different changes that have come through for the better. If you haven’t used Turbotax Online just yet, you will definitely be connecting in the near future. From developers to entrepreneurs, more and more people are using online solutions and learning about the latest tax incentives, laws and more through online means and social events like “QuickBooks Connect”, and it’s going to be a mainstay year to year.

Whether you have been doing things the old way, or you have adopted a new path towards doing your taxes, there’s nothing quite like knowing that technology is right there to help you get the most out of filing quarterly, and even annual returns. As more people get together to discuss changes, and build a broader network of clients, colleagues, and more, you’ll find that greatness abounds.

Does Your Corporation Qualify For A Small Business Deduction?

Small Business Deduction photo

Photo by laverrue

The small business deduction is one of the most advantageous income tax benefits for company owners in Canada. The deduction lowers the amount of the Part 1 tax otherwise required of business owners. As of the first of January, adjusted tax rates allow a small corporation to qualify at the tax rate of 4.5% in the province of Ontario. Others will still need to pay the standard tax rate of 11.5%. Owners of Canadian businesses are encouraged to examine the tax guidelines to see if they qualify for this lower rate. A useful tool for this purpose is TurboTax Canada.

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The Canada Tax Agency has released a chart detailing the varying rates of corporate taxes for different types of businesses. Data is listed for all provinces except Quebec and Alberta, which are exempt from corporate taxes. To qualify for this lower rate, Canadian companies need to meet certain criteria. Each needs to be a Canadian-controlled private company and must meet all the rules set forth in the T4012-T2 Corporate Tax Guide. Each corporation needs to have been incorporated in Canada after the first of June 1971 and must operate fully in the country for all of the given tax year. The CEO of each corporation must also be a full-time Canadian resident. Shares of each qualifying corporation must also not be traded in overseas stock exchanges.

The Best Tax Tips For Your Business

Small business owners know that taxes can be confusing. This is true whether you have filed for several years now, or this is your first year in business. The laws change from year to year, and making sense of the federal tax laws is nearly impossible for anyone except an accountant or an attorney. If you are not careful, you could end up paying far more than you really owe. You could also end up paying too little, which will cause complications with the IRS later. In this article, we will look at some of the most important tax tips to consider and use so you are ready for your taxes.

Keep Track of the Expenses  

It is extremely important that you keep track of all of your expenses throughout the year. You should use software and apps to log each of these expenses and have a central database where you can gather all of them. Keep them sorted by different criteria including type of expense, date, and overall cost. The more detailed the notes, the better. Another tax tip is to make sure you create a backup of your files, so you do not lose them. Keeping the information in the cloud can be a great way to make sure you can always access it from anywhere. Check this recent article to find out some fresh 2014 tax tips

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Deductions

Many small companies are unwittingly paying too much for their taxes because they are not taking advantage of all of the deductions they could and should take. These deductions are legal, and you should use them whenever appropriate. Some of the various types of deductions you could use include meals, travel, entertainment, and even health insurance. Just make sure you keep track of those expenses and keep your receipts so you can prove that they are related to your business if necessary. This tax tip makes things easier when it comes to filing. In some specific countries there is very low to zero tax rate, one of the is the BVI or the British Virgin Islands, which is an option to consider in case you pay a lot of taxes. Check this article here about the BVI tax company benefits

Another deduction that many companies are not using is for equipment. Since 2011, small businesses can deduct up to half a million dollars in equipment purchases, as well as equipment repairs. However, the catch is that the business must spend two million dollars or less on equipment for the entire year. Still, for many small businesses, this tax tip could be a huge and beneficial deduction.

Insurance for Employees

Small businesses that have employees and that offer coverage may be able to take the small business health care tax credit. The requirements for eligibility can sometimes be difficult to parse through, so talking with an accountant or an attorney about the matter is a good idea.

Charity Deductions

Just as individuals can reduce their taxes based on their charitable donations, businesses can do the same. When your business donates goods and services, it is possible to deduct the dollar amount or valuation of the items from the taxes.

These tax tips are things you should keep in mind all year long so you can save on your taxes. Make sure you get into contact with a professional when it comes time to go over and file your taxes, just so you can be sure you aren’t paying too much.

Voting For Big Game’s Final Four In Last Days

Voting For Big Game’s Final Four In Last Days

The clock is ticking, the game is almost over, and it is down to the big game’s final four. People around the world are in the final days of selecting the winner of Intuit’s Small Business Big Game competition. On Feb. 2, 2014, Intuit, the home company of TurboTax Canada, will make one small business a star in the biggest commercial game of the year.

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Having an opportunity for its chance in the spotlight on Super Bowl Sunday are Barley Labs of Durham, North Carolina; Dairy Poop of Nampa, Idaho; GoldieBlox of Oakland, California; and Locally Laid Egg Company of Duluth, Minnesota. The four were among the thousands of small companies who entered the competition. The thousands were narrowed to 20, then to four. A worldwide vote determines which small business has an unprecedented opportunity for success. One vote per person per day will give one small business a chance at huge success.

TurboTax Canada
Super Bowl Tourney1 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Intuit and TurboTax Canada are awarding a prime 30-second commercial during the Super Bowl to the contest’s winner. The worldwide voting is in its final days, and four lucky small businesses are in the position to win big with Intuit and TurboTax Canada. Voting ends at 11:59 p.m. PST on Dec. 1.

The winner will receive a professionally produced 30-second television commercial during the biggest game of the year with TurboTax Canada and Intuit paying for the advertisement as well as purchasing the commercial time during the game. Voting is at . Small businesses are the heart and strength of the worldwide economy. Intuit, TurboTax Canada and voters are giving one small business a very big chance. You can get in on the game.

5 Popular Business Destinations For Tax Havens

5 Popular Business Destinations For Tax Havens

Monaco (Photo credit: Pirotek)

Business Destinations For Tax Havens: Taxes can often prove to be rather annoying expenditures that Government enforces on its people. Unfortunately there are different types of taxes which are applicable to different scenarios and businesses can often face various forms of taxes as their business grows and expands. While there are many tax deductible items, they’re not much so many businesses might face an ever growing amount of taxes for each year.

Fortunately, businesses now have a little trick up their sleeves and look for business destinations for tax havens. These little havens are governed under various governing bodies that don’t always have the same amount of tax. However, tax havens have a special quality and that is that they have almost no form of taxation. Furthermore, businesses have no obligations to reveal any information which is related to their tax payments or bank accounts.

However, the following 5 business destinations for tax havens are extremely popular and many businesses are tempted by them:

Panama

With a well developed commerce and banking sector, the picturesque city of Panama is not just loved for its famous canal. Considered to be among the best business destinations for tax havens, Panama has been popular for well over a decade now. Although it still has some laws ensuring tax payments from all business ends, Panama has become a business tax haven for many local and international businesses and organizations. These businesses in turn have greatly boosted Panama’s banking sector and go for it.

The Cayman Islands

Falling under British rule, these little clustered islands are considered to be more of a tourist destination; the Cayman Islands have started garnering popularity as a great tax haven for many businesses. Its lack of income tax, corporation tax and capital gains taxes has made it one of the first places that any business chooses. With the availability of various international banks as well, the Cayman Islands is a popular place. However, there is a rumor that there has been a Community Enhancement Fee which works like a tax for the people. Find out more information about Cayman Islands offshore company regulations

Luxemburg

A pretty exotic location that is a large popular tourist attraction, Luxemburg favors business endeavors with it’s easy to keep laws and high GDP that attracts businesses towards it. Already crowned as the second largest financial hub in Europe, Luxemburg enjoys numerous local and international businesses. Capitalizing on a large number of foreign banks, Luxemburg has money storage systems. Even after Luxemburg adopted the OECD standards the policies of Luxemburg have hardly changed from its former tax evasive ways.

Monaco

Surrounded near France, Monaco’s claim to fame had been the Formula One race courses but it increasingly became a favorite among many multimillionaires and their businesses. Although there are other taxes in place, there is no income tax and no inheritance tax. While still ideal for businesses, Monaco has increasingly become more favored for millionaires through this little loophole. In fact, Monaco also has a rather extensive international banking sector which houses billions of tax free revenue.

The 5 Biggest Differences Between Tax Preparers And Tax Attorneys

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There’s an accounting joke (yes, they exist) that goes like this:

Q: What is a CPA?

A: It’s someone who solves a problem you didn’t know you had in a way you don’t understand.

Even if that joke doesn’t make you laugh, it does contain an interesting bit about the necessity of a tax professional.  The IRS certainly isn’t your friend, but it also isn’t your enemy. It is an organization operating on a mind-numbing system of complexities, the kind most people just aren’t cut out to navigate. The truth is, if you have a business of any size, you need professional help with your taxes. This comes in the form of tax preparers, enrolled agents, CPAs and tax attorneys.

If you’re as confused by the line-up as me, here’s a little clarity on the biggest differences between the bottom and top of the totem pole.

 

1.     Education:

Tax preparers are trained in the general structure of tax returns. The majority of preparers are educated by whatever franchise they work at (H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt, Liberty Tax Service). Independent preparers may attend tax preparer courses, but no formal training is needed to start a practice.

Tax attorneys must obtain a specialized law degree.  Beyond the basic degree, many tax attorneys obtain a Master of Laws degree in taxation as well as a mandatory Juris Doctor degree. In addition to this rigorous education, specialized courses are required covering advanced topics in business taxation. Many tax attorneys also have experience as certified public accountants.

 2.     Certification:

Anyone can become a tax preparer. On Jan. 18, 2013, the District Court put a stop to IRS requirements for registered tax return preparers to complete competency testing or secure continuing education. In fact, all it takes to offer the public service of tax preparation is the acquisition of a preparer tax identification number (PTIN), which costs all of $64.25.

Tax attorneys must pass the state bar.  After completing the years-long process of law school, tax attorneys must pass the bar exam of whichever state they wish to practice in.

3.     What they can do for you:

Tax preparers are capable of assisting you with basic, straightforward tax returns. If you have no special needs or complications involved in your taxes then a tax preparer is a good call. Whatever choice you make, be sure to ask about the full extent of your tax professional’s capabilities.

Tax attorneys can navigate your tax needs at every possible level. If you run a business and require assistance with complicated tax matters, or need year-round accounting, the seasoned tax attorney is your best bet.  They’ll keep you from getting in trouble with the IRS by guiding you through your finances before tax season and/or representing you in front of the U.S. Tax Court if that’s necessary.

4.     Who should hire them: 

Tax preparers are appropriate help for anyone with an ordinary tax structure.  The ideal client of a tax preparer is an individual with run-of-the-mill tax needs who forgoes the option to fill out taxes themselves. A small business without complicated tax structure can use them also, but it is advisable to seek a more experienced professional. It’s worth noting that chain tax services like H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt, or Liberty Tax Service employ people with varying levels of experience, and it’s a good idea to ask if any CPAs are employed there. If the answer is yes, request to work with them.

Tax attorneys are the choice for anyone with intricate tax needs, or issues with the IRS. If you get audited by the IRS or owe an excessive amount of money ($10,000 or more) you should seek the help of a tax attorney. It’s a good to be proactive and hire a tax attorney for management of a more involved account where a traditional accountant will not suffice. This would include businesses with payroll, international business or estate planning. One option is to turn to a company like Burkett, Burkett and Burkett that staffs experienced CPAs and tax attorneys. These kinds of firms benefit from the shared experience of a group.

 5.     What they will cost:

Tax preparers charge in a number of different ways, but are generally affordable. From independent preparers to franchise services, methods of billing range from flat fees to hourly and scaled fees by level of complexity. The average 2012 price for H&R Block was $192 per return where Liberty Tax Service averaged $173.

Tax attorneys are costly.  We all know that hiring a lawyer is going to cost and a tax lawyer is no exception. You will more than likely be charged an hourly rate and can expect to see them ranging from a few hundred dollars to $1,000 or more per hour.  This is obviously what puts such an emphasis on hiring the right kind of professional. If you don’t require complicated tax services, you may be able to get by with a tax preparer or certified public accountant. However, don’t make the mistake of cutting corners in a situation where potential consequence so greatly outweighs the savings.