Small Business Tax Tips

Cost segregation studies can reveal substantial tax savings

Businesses that own commercial real property may be sitting on an overlooked treasure chest of tax savings — and a cost segregation study can be the key to unlocking it. This is a strategic tool that combines accounting and engineering techniques to identify building costs that are properly allocable to tangible personal property rather than […]

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Unlock tax-free gains with QSB stock

If you run your business as a C corporation, you may be eligible for a potentially significant tax break for qualified small business (QSB) stock. This opportunity has existed for years, but recent tax law changes have enhanced it. What’s a QSB corporation? QSB corporations are a special type of C corporation. At the entity level, QSB

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FAQs about the research credit

Companies that engage in research and development activities may qualify for a federal tax credit for some of those expenses. The credit is complicated to calculate, and not all research activities are eligible — but the tax savings can be significant. Here are answers to questions you might have about this potentially lucrative tax break.

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Debt vs. equity: Classification counts when shareholders put money into their corporations

If you operate your business as a C corporation, how you put money into your company — and how you take it back out — can have a major impact on your tax bill. Payments from shareholders to fund the business can either be classified as capital contributions (equity) or shareholder loans (debt). That might sound

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Should your business consider a fiscal year end?

Most businesses close their books for tax and accounting purposes on December 31 because it aligns with the calendar year. But a calendar year isn’t always the best option. For some companies, choosing a fiscal year-end that better reflects their business cycle can improve financial reporting and simplify year-end procedures and tax filing. Here’s what

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Business deductions for four-legged coworkers

Did you know that you can claim tax deductions for animals that serve a bona fide business purpose? This benefit extends beyond agricultural operations. Working animals in many sectors may qualify. Here are the details. Working animals vs. personal pets A working animal must provide a clear and direct business benefit. Common examples include: In

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What’s your potential business vehicle deduction?

If you used one or more vehicles in your business during 2025, you may be eligible for valuable tax deductions on your 2025 income tax return. Businesses can generally deduct expenses attributable to business use of a vehicle plus depreciation. However, the rules are complicated, and your deduction may be affected by factors such as

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Deferring taxes on advance payments

An advance payment is one received by a business before it provides whatever is being paid for. For federal income tax purposes, generally advance payments must be reported as taxable income in the year received. This treatment always applies if your business uses the cash method of accounting for tax purposes. But, if your business

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To maximize — or not to maximize — depreciation deductions on your 2025 tax return

The deadlines for filing 2025 tax returns (or extensions) are fast approaching. Although most tax planning moves must be completed by December 31 of the tax year, there are some decisions you can make when filing your return that can save taxes now or in the future. One such decision is whether to claim accelerated depreciation

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Some small businesses can still benefit from the health care coverage credit

Tax credits reduce tax liability dollar-for-dollar. As a result, they can be more valuable than deductions, which reduce only the amount of income subject to tax. One tax credit that hasn’t been getting much attention lately but that can still be valuable for some small businesses is the credit for providing health insurance to employees.

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