Small Business
The most frequently asked tax questions related to Small Business
Should I make a S Corporation Election ?
Asked Wednesday, October 04, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Simply stated, a S Corporation is taxed in the same manner as a partnership and is not taxed at the federal level. The income or losses and expenses flow through to the shareholders. A "C" Corporation pays tax on its profits, and if the owner shareholders take profits from the corporation, the distributions take the form of taxable dividends. In effect, this is a double taxation of profits. There are advantages and disadvantages to both S Corporations and Regular C Corporations. Speak to your local CPA about the tax strategies of selecting the type of entity for your business.
Can a Trust select a Fiscal tax year ?
Asked Wednesday, October 04, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
No. A Trust must use a calender tax year.
Can I use the Cash method of accounting in my Liquor business ?
Asked Wednesday, October 04, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
When inventories are used in a business, the Accrual method of accounting must be used for purchases and sales.
How do I calculate a gain or loss on the trade-in of my business automobile ?
Asked Wednesday, October 04, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
There is no gain or loss recognition on a trade-in of an automobile used in your business. Generally, the basis of the new auto is the adjusted basis (cost minus prior depreciation) of the old car plus any additional payments.
What records should I keep to prove the business use of my automobile ?
Asked Wednesday, October 04, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
The best source document to use is a calendar diary. Enter the odometer readings at the beginning and at the end of each trip. Enter any actual auto expenses incured on the trip. At the end of the year you may be able to optimize between the higher of the actual or mileage rate expenses. Enter the names of the company or the people you met with. Enter the business purpose of the trip. Enter any meal or entertainment and other miscellaneous expenses incurred in addition to using your car.
What form does my business file to pay the Federal Unemployment t Tax?
Asked Wednesday, October 04, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Use Employer's Annual Federal Unemployment Tax Return Form 940. Use IRS E-file to file and EFTPS to pay. Go to IRS.gov to E-file and www.eftps.gov or call 1-800-555-4477 to call for EFTPS The Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)is reported and filed separately from the Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return Form 941.
What federal form is the Federal Unemployment Tax reported on ?
Asked Wednesday, October 04, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
The Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)is reported and filed separately from the Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return Form 941. Use the Employer's Annual Federal Unemployment Tax Return Form 940.
Should I file my tax return by the due date even If I can't pay what I think I will owe?
Asked Wednesday, October 04, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Yes. There are different penalty and interest calculations incurred for not filing timely, not paying and not paying timely, or when a balance due exists. You will want to avoid the failure to file by the due date when a balance due exists penalty. Therefore, file the tax return by the due date and pay whatever you can at that point in time to minimize your total penalty and interest calculations.
As an employer , what are some questions that I should NOT ask during a job interview ?
Asked Wednesday, October 04, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Federal and state laws prohibit prospective employers from asking certain questions that are not related to the job they are hiring for. Questions should be job-related and not used to find out personal information. In general, employers should not be asking about your race, gender, religion, marital status, age, disabilities, ethnic background, country of origin, sexual preferences or age.
Some questions you should not ask during an interview are: Do you have any disabilities?, How old are you?, What is your religious affiliation?, What is your ethnic background?, Are you married?, Do you have children?, or What is your sexual orientation?.