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Small and mid-sized business tax preparation can be complicated, especially for those who have opted to run their business as an S Corp. Though converting to an S Corpenables businesses to save more money through taxation than a sole proprietorship, the IRS regulations around it are what makes it complex to navigate.

A benefit of an S Corp is the distributions you receive as an owner do not have payroll taxes withheld. However, the IRS requires the owner to become an employee for tax purposes, and, on top of that, take a “reasonable salary”. Over or underpaying yourself, or misrepresenting a salary as distributions, could result in costly penalties.

The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced the federal income tax filing due date is automatically extended from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020.  We are continuing to work and complete as many tax returns as we can…

Following President Trump’s declaration of a national emergency, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin stated at a press conference on March 17, 2020 that individuals can defer tax payments up to $1 million for 90 days. Corporations can defer up to $10…

Dear Clients and Friends, As the current situation surrounding the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve, please know that the health and well-being of our clients and staff is a top priority at Scharf Pera & Co., PLLC….

In today’s tightening job market, to attract and retain the best employees, small businesses need to offer not only competitive pay, but also appealing fringe benefits. Those that are tax-free are especially attractive to employees. Examples include many types of…

Section 529 plans are a popular education-funding tool because of tax and other benefits. Two types are available: 1) prepaid tuition plans, and 2) savings plans. A prepaid tuition plan guarantees tuition regardless of its cost when the child attends…

Have you recently started a new business or are you contemplating starting one? Keep in mind that not all start-up expenses can be deducted on your federal tax return right away. Some expenses probably must be amortized over time. You…

The rules for writing off personal casualty losses on a tax return have changed for 2018 to 2025. Specifically, taxpayers generally can’t deduct losses unless the casualty event qualifies as a federally declared disaster. (The rules for business or income-producing…

The treatment of food, beverage and entertainment expenses became more complicated after the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Here’s how to get the biggest tax-saving bang for your business meal bucks.

Financial statements present a company’s financial position as of a specific date. But some events happen after the cutoff date that have financial implications for the prior period or the future. Subsequent events that provide further evidence of conditions that…

You still have time to make your 2018 traditional and Roth IRA contributions. The deadline for most taxpayers is April 15, 2019. If you qualify, deductible contributions to traditional IRAs can lower your 2018 tax bill. Even nondeductible contributions can…

If your company is merging with or acquiring another business, it’s important to understand how the transaction will be taxed. For tax purposes, a transaction can basically be structured in two ways: stock (or ownership interest) or assets. For tax…

If you participate in a qualified retirement plan, such as a 401(k), you must generally begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) no later than April 1 of the year after which you turn age 70½. The penalty for withdrawing less…

Here are a few key tax deadlines for businesses during Q2 of 2019. APR. 1: File with the IRS if you’re an employer that will electronically file 2018 Forms 1097, 1098, certain Forms 1099 and/or Form W-2G. APR. 15: If…

If you’re the parent of a child age 17 to 23, and you pay all (or most) of his or her expenses, you may be surprised to learn you’re not eligible for the child tax credit. But there’s a $500…

Related party transactions and relationships aren’t necessarily bad. But they raise some concerns about the risk of misstatement or omission in financial reporting. In recent years, updated professional standards have led external auditors to focus more attention on related parties….

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act created a federal tax credit for employers that provide qualified paid family and medical leave to employees. However, it’s subject to numerous rules and is only available for the 2018 and 2019 tax years….

Did you make large gifts to your heirs in 2018? If so, it’s important to determine whether you’re required to file a gift tax return by April 15 (Oct. 15 if you file for an extension). Generally, you’ll need to…

Did you make large gifts to your heirs in 2018? If so, it’s important to determine whether you’re required to file a gift tax return by April 15 (Oct. 15 if you file for an extension). Generally, you’ll need to…