Small Business
The most frequently asked tax questions related to Small Business
Safe Deposit Box
Asked Saturday, September 23, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
If the Safe Deposit Box is used to store investment documents such as securities. It is a miscellaneous itemized deduction entered on IRS Schedule A, subject to the 2% limitation.
Subscriptions
Asked Saturday, September 23, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Expenses for magazines, books, newsletters, and investment services are deductible as a miscellaneous itemized deduction, subject to the 2% limitation on Schedule A.
Investment management or investment planner fees are also deductible.
Investment management or investment planner fees are also deductible.
Tax preparation fees
Asked Saturday, September 23, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Tax preparation and audit fees are deductible. A portion of these fees may be allocated to the individual's business tax forms (Schedule(s) C,E,F) or as an itemized deduction on Schedule A subject to the 2% limitation.
Commissions earned, but not yet paid
Asked Friday, September 22, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Generally, for cash basis taxpayers, Form 1099-Misc will be issued for the amount paid. Accrual basis entities will pay tax on commissions earned.
Commissions earned are taxable in the year earned and credited to your account and subject to your drawing, regardless if you actually drew that amount out of the account or not.
Commissions earned are taxable in the year earned and credited to your account and subject to your drawing, regardless if you actually drew that amount out of the account or not.
Performing Artist
Asked Friday, September 22, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
If you meet the criteria for a "performing artist", you may use your business deductions to arrive at an adjusted gross income.
The deductions are not considered an itemized deduction, but rather as an offset against adjusted gross income. Speak to your local CPA to determine if you meet the criteria for a "performing artist" and whether you can take advantage of this income offset reportable on IRS Form 2106.
The deductions are not considered an itemized deduction, but rather as an offset against adjusted gross income. Speak to your local CPA to determine if you meet the criteria for a "performing artist" and whether you can take advantage of this income offset reportable on IRS Form 2106.
Uniform - Cleaning
Asked Friday, September 22, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
If you can claim the expense of purchasing uniforms or special work clothes, then the cleaning, laundering, and repair of those items are also deductible as an itemized deduction subject to the 2% AGI limitation on IRS Schedule A.
Computers
Asked Friday, September 22, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
The IRS has strict guidelines as to who may fully expense or depreciate the cost of purchasing a computer.
The computer must be used for the "convenience of your employer" and also be required as a "condition of employment".
Condition of employment means you cannot properly do your job without it. Computers are considered "listed property" subject to IRS restrictions.
The computer must be required for the job and be inextricably related to proper job performance.
The purchase of the computer must be a mandatory job requirement, not just a convenience for the employee.
The computer must be used for the "convenience of your employer" and also be required as a "condition of employment".
Condition of employment means you cannot properly do your job without it. Computers are considered "listed property" subject to IRS restrictions.
The computer must be required for the job and be inextricably related to proper job performance.
The purchase of the computer must be a mandatory job requirement, not just a convenience for the employee.
Cell phones
Asked Friday, September 22, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Cellular phone equipment (similar to computers) must be used for the "convenience of the employer" and be a "condition of employment" for the taxpayer in order for it to be fully expensed or for the cellular phone costs to be depreciated.
Condition of employment means you cannot properly do your job without it.
You may write off the cost under the first year expensing rule or use a 5 year MACRS life for depreciation.
Condition of employment means you cannot properly do your job without it.
You may write off the cost under the first year expensing rule or use a 5 year MACRS life for depreciation.
Tools
Asked Friday, September 22, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
If you purchase your own small tools for use on your job and they are not reimbursed from your employer, you may deduct the cost as an itemized deduction subject to the 2 % limitation on Schedule A.
If the tools have an expected useful life of more than one year, then the costs should be depreciated or the first year expense election may be taken.
If the tools have an expected useful life of more than one year, then the costs should be depreciated or the first year expense election may be taken.