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The most frequently asked tax questions, answered by our network of licensed accountants.
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What is a business plan?
Asked Sunday, February 12, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
A business plan is comprehensive planning document which clearly describes the business developmental objective of an existing or proposed business. The plan outlines where the resources needed to accomplish the objective will be obtained and utilized. It should also guide you to act on your intentions and benchmark your steps along the way and be written on a format that allows for collaboration among your employees and partners. For more information go to FundingRoadmap.com
Why is a business plan important?
Asked Sunday, February 12, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
It summarizes both your vision for the company and your blueprint for the company’s operating success. The business plan is a written guide that details the start-up and the future direction of your company. For more information go to
FundingRoadmap.com
If I am not applying for a business loan, why do I need a business plan?
Asked Sunday, February 12, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
The purpose of a business plan is to guide you in successfully operating a business. Preparing a plan forces the entrepreneur to consider all aspects of the business and to confront any problems the plan may show you along the way.
FundingRoadmap.com
How do I determine my startup costs and operating expenses?
Asked Sunday, February 12, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Each expense should be listed on a proposed budget sheet. Costs should be researched. Some items on your budget sheet will be "fixed costs" in that they have no relationship to the cost of your product or service. Other costs are called variable costs as they are directly related to the services or quantity of products you sell. To learn more go to
FundingRoadmap.com
Dry cleaning costs of Suits and Dresses
Asked Thursday, February 09, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
The dry cleaning and maintenance costs of your work clothes such as suits and dresses are not deductible. To be deductible the clothing must be not be adaptable to everyday wear and be required as a condition of employment. The dry cleaning and maintenance costs of uniforms and special clothing such as for nurse’s, police, and fireman are deductible.
Gambling losses
Asked Thursday, February 09, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Gambling losses are allowed as a fully deductible itemized deduction up to the amount of gambling winnings.
Job hunting
Asked Thursday, February 09, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Job hunting expenses looking for a new job in your present line of work is deductible as an itemized deduction subject to the 2% of AGI limitation.
Expenses would include the costs or resumes, agency fees, transportation to interviews, newspapers bought for employment advertisements.
Expenses incurred looking for a new job in a new trade or business is not deductible.
Expenses would include the costs or resumes, agency fees, transportation to interviews, newspapers bought for employment advertisements.
Expenses incurred looking for a new job in a new trade or business is not deductible.
Divorce - Lawyer fees
Asked Thursday, February 09, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Generally, you may not deduct legal fees paid for arranging a divorce, separation agreement or for defending your spouse's demand for alimony.
Only the fees to collect alimony or for tax advice are deductible as a miscellaneous itemized deduction subject to the 2% AGI limitation.
Legal fees relating to child support are not deductible.
Only the fees to collect alimony or for tax advice are deductible as a miscellaneous itemized deduction subject to the 2% AGI limitation.
Legal fees relating to child support are not deductible.
Political contributions
Asked Thursday, February 09, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Political contributions are not deductible.
Nondeductible expenses
Asked Thursday, February 09, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Common nondeductible expenses are:
Work clothes suitable for street wear
Commuting expenses
Credit card fees or Interest
Club dues
Divorce Legal fees
Political contributions
Cost of entertaining friends
Telephone expenses of first main line
Tax exempt income expenses
Funeral expenses
Gambling losses in excess of gambling winnings
Hobby expenses in excess of hobby income
Homeowner's association assessments
Pet and animal expenses
Residence repairs and improvements
Residence Loss on Sale
Life Insurance
Parking tickets and fines
Work clothes suitable for street wear
Commuting expenses
Credit card fees or Interest
Club dues
Divorce Legal fees
Political contributions
Cost of entertaining friends
Telephone expenses of first main line
Tax exempt income expenses
Funeral expenses
Gambling losses in excess of gambling winnings
Hobby expenses in excess of hobby income
Homeowner's association assessments
Pet and animal expenses
Residence repairs and improvements
Residence Loss on Sale
Life Insurance
Parking tickets and fines