Tips for Taxpayers Starting a New Business

Anyone starting a new business should be aware of their federal tax responsibilities.  Here are several things you should know if you plan on opening a new business this year.

1. First, you must decide what type of business entity you are going to establish.  The type your business takes will determine which tax form has to be filed.  The most common types of business are the sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation and S corporation.

2. The type of business you operate determines what taxes must be paid and how you pay them.  The four general types of business taxes are income tax, self-employment tax, employment tax and excise tax.

3. An Employer Identification Number is used to identify a business entity.  Generally, businesses need an EIN.  Please call this office to determine whether your business needs an EIN and assistance in obtaining one if it does.

4. Good records will help ensure the successful operation of your new business.  You may choose any recordkeeping system suited to your business that clearly shows your income and expenses.  Except in a few cases, the law does not require any special kind of records.  However, the business you are in will affect the type of records that will have to be kept for federal tax purposes.  If you need assistance or guidance in setting up your business records, please give this office a call.

5. Every business taxpayer must figure taxable income on an annual accounting period called a tax year.  The calendar year and the fiscal year are the most common tax years used.

6. Each taxpayer must also use a consistent accounting method, which is a set of rules for determining when to report income and expenses.  The most commonly used accounting methods are the cash method and an accrual method.  Under the cash method, income is generally reported in the tax year it is received and expenses are deducted in the tax year it is paid.  Under an accrual method, income is generally reported in the tax year it was earned, if not yet received, and expenses are deducted in the tax year it is incurred.

If you are contemplating starting a business or if you already have an existing one, please call this office if you need assistance with your accounting, bookkeeping, payroll or sales tax reporting, or other federal and state compliance issues. 

---