What to Do When Tax Audits Are Headed for Small Businesses
A food critic is the worst
nightmare for any restaurant or cafe running smoothly minding its own business.
The letter of arrival by the critic is none like the devil who has arrived in a
business suit. The worst thing that can happen to any business is to get
audited. Imagine it this way.
Almost one in 100 businesses get
audited every year. It’s a dreadful feeling for the business owners. Audits can
be a weary experience for small businesses because of the prospect to owe more
taxes within a limited budget.
If you are held liable for the
audit without an experienced accounting department to back, you up then it’s to
feel as if you are in hot waters.
Hiring the Tax Audit Representation is a good idea at this stage to avoid any blunders
or errors in filing for taxes and so on.
Anything
could trigger a small business to be notified by IRS like;
●
If a business earns more than $ 1
million (annually) and if your assets aren’t protected.
●
If you fail to report all sources of
income.
●
Your business deduction claims are
not parallel to your income and so on.
Tips for Small Businesses Getting Audited
In this article, we will cover the
basic but top-tier reasons for small businesses being audited.
Even when it’s a random selection,
it doesn't mean you need to neglect your duty as a business owner. It’s best to
have an IRS Audit Representation hired to let your business avoid the day of the
audit.
There are few necessary things to
keep in mind;
Say No to Entertaining Events
If you are planning to take on a potential
client does this mean you have to go by the standard rule book to win them
over? Don’t know what I’m talking about? You do not need a ballgame or a concert
ticket to win them over.
Even if you plan to plan something
that will put odds in your favor, do it from your personal account.
Entertainment deductions are to be made as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of
2017. So if you are trying to skirt around the whole concept, red capes will
come for you.
Mind Your Deductions
All business owners are entitled to
make deductions. One thing you should do is that the IRS uses a computer
program (Discriminate Income Function) to compare the number and amount of the
deductions of similar businesses within your income bracket.
Let say the tax bracket takes 12
deductions and you take twice as much, then you will be hearing from the IRS
soon enough.
Make legitimate deductions. A CPA
can guide you on an everyday basis for the better handling of financial tasks.
Form an LLC
Incorporations are more organized
than small businesses. Financial competence is stronger in incorporation too.
To avoid being audited you can try forming an LLC because;
●
Small business owners use their
personal assets at most times to pay back the creditors. It can be avoided.
●
Corporations are more likely to
secure business loans
●
Corporations take more deductions than
small businesses and so on.
Besides, it’s best to file your
taxes electronically instead of in a hipster or clumsy writing that will cause
hackles to rise. Some business owners may prefer to do the taxes by hand but
it’s best to file the taxes online as it also reduces the rate of error.
If you can carry on with these
basic tips you might remain safe and sound and far away from the grapes of an IRS Audit.
Comments
Post a Comment