Sole Proprietorship - Schedule C

What are some advantages and disadvantages of selecting to be a Sole Proprietor compared to other entities?

Asked Thursday, December 22, 2011 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Some advantages are: it has minimum legal restrictions; and is easy to discontinue. Some disadvantages are: unlimited liability; your income tax cannot be deferred by retaining profits; and you may not bring in new owners or outside capital contributions. Speak to your local CPA to determine the best entity choice for your needs.
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Subchapter S Corporations

Advantages and disadvantages - S Corporation compared to other entities

Asked Thursday, December 22, 2011 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Some advantages are: there is limited liability; and the entity avoids double taxation of profits as is the case with C Corporations.
The profits that are passed through to the shareholders are not subject to SE tax as in a partnership.
Some disadvantages are: that the shareholders pay tax on earnings even if they are undistributed; the contributions limits to a qualified retirement plan are based on shareholder/employee wages, not the overall profits as with a Sole Proprietorship.
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Partnerships

What are some advantages and disadvantages of selecting to be a Partnership compared to other entities?

Asked Thursday, December 22, 2011 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

An advantage is that it is a way to combine the financial abilities and skills of several different people. Some disadvantages are that the general partners are liable for the actions of the other partners and a partnership is not that easy to get out of. Speak to your local CPA about selecting the best entity for your purposes.
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Limited Liability Entities

What are some advantages and disadvantages of selecting to be a (LLC) Limited Liability Company compared to other entities?

Asked Thursday, December 22, 2011 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Some advantages are that it avoids certain S corporation restrictions. It also avoids double taxation of profits.
Some disadvantages are that it is currently considered a relatively new business entity with little case law or regulatory law currently available.
There is inconsistent treatment from state to state. The entity must have at least 2 owners.
Speak to your local CPA about determining the best entity choice to fit your needs
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C Corporations

What are some advantages and disadvantages of selecting to be a C Corporation compared to other entities?

Asked Thursday, December 22, 2011 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Some advantages are: you have limited liability; there are easy ways to transfer ownership; there is a perpetual life and the corporation has the ability to raise capital through the issuance of stock. Some disadvantages include: there is a double taxation of profits; the entity is subject to various state and federal restrictions; and a corporate charter may restrict the types of business activities. Speak to your local CPA to determine the best entity choice to fit your needs.
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Subchapter S Corporations

Should I make a S Corporation election?

Asked Thursday, December 22, 2011 by an anonymous user

CPA 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.
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Social Security

When I remarry, will I lose the survivor benefits I receive from Social Security?

Asked Thursday, December 22, 2011 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

If you are receiving survivor Social Security benefits because your spouse has died, you will not lose the survivor benefits if you remarry as long as you are age 60 or older. If you remarry, you might see your monthly Social Security check increase because you may qualify for higher benefits based on your new spouse's earnings history. You have an option to choose the higher of the two amounts. If you have children who are also receiving benefits, their status will be unaffected by your remarriage.
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Dependents & Exemptions

When can a child decide which parent he or she will live with?

Asked Thursday, December 22, 2011 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Children have the legal right to make their own choices at age 18.
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IRAs - Traditional

IRA Inherited Rollover

Asked Thursday, December 22, 2011 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Only the spouse of the deceased can roll over an inherited IRA.
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Tax Law Highlights - 2012

Estate Tax - New Law

Asked Thursday, December 22, 2011 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

New for 2011 and 2012 is a concept named portability which allows a surviving spouse's estate to use any portion of the exemption amount not used by the other spouse’s estate.
For decedents and gifts made in 2011, a unified credit of $1,730,800 is allowed which is the equivalent of a $5 million dollar exemption is subtracted from the tax calculated on the taxable estate.
For 2012 the $5 Million exemption may be increased for inflation.
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