Why you shouldn’t wait to file your 2018 income tax return
The IRS opened the 2018 income tax return filing season on Jan. 28. Consider filing as soon as you can, even if you typically don’t file this early. It can help protect you from tax identity theft, in which a thief files a return using your Social Security number to claim a bogus refund. If you file first, it will be returns filed by any would-be thieves that are rejected by the IRS, not yours. Other benefits: You’ll get your refund sooner or, if you owe tax, you’ll know how much you owe sooner so you can be ready to pay it by April 15. Contact us with questions.
Fundamental tax truths for C corporations
The flat 21% federal income tax rate for C corporations under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has been great news for these entities and their owners. But some fundamental tax truths for C corporations largely remain the same. For example, although the 21% rate will lower the impact, double taxation is still an important issue to consider, especially if a C corporation owns assets that are likely to appreciate significantly. And C corporation status still generally isn’t advisable for ventures that will incur ongoing tax losses. Have questions? Contact us.
Depreciation-related breaks on business real estate: What you need to know when you file your 2018 return
Commercial buildings and improvements generally are depreciated over 39 years, which essentially means you can deduct a portion of the cost every year over the depreciation period. (Land isn’t depreciable.) But special tax breaks that allow deductions to be taken more quickly are available for certain real estate investments. Some were enhanced by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and may provide a bigger benefit when you file your 2018 tax return. But there are two breaks you may not be able to enjoy due to a drafting error in the TCJA. Contact us to learn more.
Refine your strategic plan with SWOT
Every company needs a sound strategic plan for the year ahead. One way to formulate or improve yours is a SWOT analysis. First, identify STRENGTHS: core competencies and competitive advantages that you could use to boost revenues. Next, recognize WEAKNESSES: specific risks to the bottom line. Then assess OPPORTUNITIES: favorable external conditions in your industry, local economy or regulatory environment. Last, target THREATS: unfavorable external forces (like those mentioned) that may prevent you from achieving your business goals. Need help? Let us know.
Investment interest expense is still deductible, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll benefit
Can the investment interest expense deduction save you tax on your 2018 return? It’s for interest on debt used to buy assets held for investment, and you must pass some hurdles to benefit. First, you must itemize, which may no longer benefit you because of the higher standard deduction. Second, interest incurred to produce tax-exempt income, such as from municipal bonds, isn’t deductible. Finally, the deduction is generally limited to your taxable interest income, nonqualified dividends and net short-term capital gains for the year. Contact us for more details.
Depreciation-related breaks on business real estate: What you need to know when you file your 2018 return
Commercial buildings and improvements generally are depreciated over 39 years, which essentially means you can deduct a portion of the cost every year over the depreciation period. (Land isn’t depreciable.) But special tax breaks that allow deductions to be taken more quickly are available for certain real estate investments. Some were enhanced by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and may provide a bigger benefit when you file your 2018 tax return. But there’s one break you might not be able to enjoy due to a drafting error in the TCJA. Contact us to learn more.
There’s still time to get substantiation for 2018 donations
To claim an itemized deduction for a donation of more than $250, generally you need a contemporaneous written acknowledgment from the charity. “Contemporaneous” means the earlier of 1) the date you file your income tax return, or 2) the extended due date of your return. If you made a donation in 2018 but haven’t received substantiation and you’d like to deduct it, consider requesting a written acknowledgment from the charity and waiting to file your 2018 return until you receive it. Additional rules apply to certain types of donations. Contact us to learn more.
Many tax-related limits affecting businesses increase for 2019
A variety of tax-related limits affecting businesses are annually indexed for inflation, and many have increased for 2019. For example, the Section 179 expensing limit has gone up to $1.02 million from $1 million. Also up are the income-based phase-ins for certain limits on the new-last-year Sec. 199A qualified business income deduction for owners of pass-through entities. And most limits related to employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as 401(k)s, are higher this year. Contact us for more information about the limits that will affect your business in 2019.
Is your business stuck in the mud with its marketing plan?
A good marketing plan should be like a network of well-paved, clearly marked roads shooting out into the world and leading back to your company. But a business can get stuck in the mud trying to build these thoroughfares. For example, many companies use the same, outdated marketing materials for years. Others overly focus on one marketing medium, missing critical opportunities. Still others have messaging that’s inconsistent, hard to follow or too controversial. The good news is that there are corrective measures for these foibles and others. Contact us for ideas.
What will your marginal income tax rate be?
Under the TCJA, unmarried taxpayers could see their taxes go up due to their filing status. To further eliminate the marriage “penalty,” the TCJA changed some of the middle tax brackets, negatively affecting some unmarried filers. For example, single and head of household filers could be pushed into the 32% (33% in 2017) and 35% tax brackets much more quickly than pre-TCJA. It will be hard to tell exactly how specific taxpayers will be affected by TCJA changes until they file their 2018 tax returns. Contact us for help assessing your tax bracket for 2018 and 2019.