Business Start-ups

Who should be on my board of directors ?

Asked Wednesday, December 27, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

A board of directors should be comprised of people who are interested in the development and the success of the business as well as community minded individuals. The board of directors shall constitute the selected governing body of the corporation. The initial board shall be appointed and afterwards elected by other members of the board. All operational and managerial authority regarding the corporation shall reside with the board of directors. Generally, the board of directors includes a president who acts as the CEO, vice president, secretary and treasurer.
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Small Business Services

How do I compute overtime for tipped employees ?

Asked Wednesday, December 27, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

An employer must pay its employees at least the minimum wage for all hours worked, and time and one-half overtime pay based on an employee's regular rate of pay for all hours worked in excess of 40 in a workweek unless the employee is exempt for some reason. The minimum wage and overtime pay are based on the hours worked each workweek and not by the number of hours worked each day or the number of days worked. Each workweek stands on its own regardless of the length of the pay periods. For purposes of overtime pay, employers of tipped employees must calculate the time and one-half overtime pay based on the employee’s regular rate of pay, which includes both the cash wage paid to the employee and the tip credit counted as wages for the employee at least equal to the minimum wage, which becomes the regular rate of pay for a tipped employee. Employers must apply tipped employees' hourly wage rate when determining overtime compensation. That rate can never be less than the minimum wage even if the employer is actually paying less by taking a tip credit. Take the example of a waiter who receives $2.13 an hour and enough in tips to make at least the minimum wage per hour. The employee's overtime wage would be 150 percent of $7.25 --- the standard minimum wage --- rather than $2.13. If the waiter receives a base wage higher than $7.25, in addition to tips, 150 percent of that higher amount would be his overtime wage.
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Small Business Services

What are the benefits of Incorporation ?

Asked Tuesday, December 26, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Incorporation can provide many benefits. The most important factor is that incorporation can help limit your personal liability as a business owner.
Generally, creditors of your corporation must satisfy their claims by seizing the assets of the corporation rather than your personal assets.
In contrast to a sole proprietor or partner in a partnership, you are financially responsible for all liabilities of the business, and your personal assets are subject to seizure or lien by creditors.
Other benefits of incorporation can include greater tax deductions for health insurance and medical expenses, lower payments for Social Security tax and Medicare tax, and greater opportunity to raise capital for the business through the issuance of stock.
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Small Business Services

What is the difference between a Corporation and a Limited Liability Company ?

Asked Tuesday, December 26, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

A limited liability corporation offers limited liability to its owners, but may elect to be taxed as a partnership which passes all the income and losses through to its owners. A C corporation is taxed at the federal level and profits are either retained by the corporation or distributed to the shareholders. A profit distribution is called issuing a dividend. These profits are then taxed as income in the shareholders personal taxes. Witha LLC, the owner has options of how to be taxed. Ithe IRS allows 3 choices. A Corporation tax like a general C corporation, Partnership taxation like a S corporation or
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Small Business Services

What are the differences between an limited liability company and an S corporation ?

Asked Tuesday, December 26, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Both entities provide the benefits of pass-through taxation to avoid double taxation of profits as well as limited liability for the owners.
S Corporations pass-through income to the shareholders who pay no Self Employment tax on that income, While LLC income is subject to self- employment tax.
S corporations have restrictions which are not applied to limited liability companies.
Limited liability companies cannot issue stock, but rather, they offer memberships. S corporations, issue stock and are owned by the shareholders. S corporations are managed by the directors and officers, while limited liability companies are managed directly by the members unless they hire managers
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Foreign Earnings

How much money can I bring into the U.S. from a foreign country ?

Asked Friday, December 22, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

There is no limit, and it is not illegal to bring in or take out any amount of money or monetary instruments from or to the United States. Examples of monetary instruments include U.S. or foreign coin in current circulation, travelers checks, currency, money orders and negotiable instruments or investment securities in bearer form. However, if you take out or bring in more than $10,000 you must file IRS Form 4790, the Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments with US Customs. Failure to comply can result in criminal, civil forfeiture penalties.
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Business Start-ups

I started a new business . Where do I find information on how to file Forms W-2 ?

Asked Friday, December 22, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

W-2 forms should be furnished to your employees by January 31. It is your responsibility as an employer to file Forms W-2 with the Social Security Administration (SSA) for your employees which will show the wages paid and taxes withheld for the year. You must send Copy A to the SSA with Form W-3 by February 28. Form W-3 is a summary form that shows the total of all W-2's being sent. Go to the IRS website or get Publication 15, Circular E, Employer's Tax Guide or Forms and publications can be requested by calling 1-800-829-3676.
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Employee Business Expense

Dues - Booster Club

Asked Wednesday, December 20, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Dues paid a community booster club conducted for the purpose to attract tourists and settlers to the locality where the members do business are deductible as a miscellaneous itemized deduction on IRS Schedule A subject to the 2% MAGI limitation.
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Employee Business Expense

Dues - Securities Dealer

Asked Wednesday, December 20, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

The dues you pay the stock exchange as a securities dealer are deductible as a miscellaneous itemized deduction on IRS Schedule A subject to the 2% limitation.
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