Small Business Taxes

Along with the independence of owning your own business comes a greater level of responsibility. One of those responsibilities is paying business taxes. The business taxes you file will depend on whether the business is a sole proprietorship or whether it has corporation status. Many business owners find that hiring tax help is a worthwhile investment, and work with financial advisors to align their tax strategies to manage financial assets and maximize income. Let’s break down your tax obligations, and walk through the tax deductions and credits that can help you save money for your business.

Small Business Tax Obligations

Unfortunately, small business taxes are more complicated than individual income taxes. There is no single “small business tax rate.” Instead, there are different tax regimes based on the type of business you have and how much it takes in.

If you’re deciding whether and how to incorporate your business you’ll want to take taxes into account. For example, C corporations and S corporations are taxed differently. C corporations file their own, separate tax returns using corporate tax rates. S corporations filter business income through the personal income of the business owner or owners. The IRS assesses S corporation tax liability based on the federal income tax rates for individuals. Sole proprietorships, partnerships and LLCs are taxed in the same way as S corporations.

Whatever the status of your small business, some of your tax-filing steps will be the same. To pay your small business taxes you’ll need your Employer Identification Number (EIN) and records of business income and expenses. You can file your business taxes online or use the services of a certified public accountant or tax lawyer.

As a small business owner, many of your tax obligations are pay-as-you-go. You should have been withholding payroll taxes for yourself and your employees throughout the year. That includes federal income taxes, Social Security and Medicare taxes, as well as Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) taxes.

Small Business Tax Deductions

The government offers a range of tax deductions to small business owners and the self-employed. These small business tax deductions can save you big bucks, so it’s important to make sure you claim all the deductions you’re eligible to claim.

Remember that you can write off a range of business expenses at tax time. Think business equipment, business travel and accommodations, furniture and office supplies. You can also deduct the premiums you pay for health insurance coverage for yourself if you’re self-employed and don’t have access to health insurance through your spouse.

Good small business tax preparation, whether it’s done using software like TurboTax or TaxSlayer or with the help of an accountant, can empower you to find the best small business tax breaks. A small business tax calculator can help you estimate how much you’ll owe to the IRS. If your tax bill from last year seemed high, you may not have been getting all possible small business tax write-offs.

Small Business Tax Credits

Did you know that there are small business tax credits, not just small business tax deductions? Certain qualified small business owners who provide their employees with healthcare can claim the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit to offset the cost of insurance. That particular tax credit is a product of the Affordable Care Act.

Interested small business owners should join what’s called SHOP, the Small Business Health Options Program. It’s a marketplace that, like the individual health care exchanges, lets you shop around for health insurance with the coverage and price that works for you. If you’re self-employed and have no employees, you probably should use the individual Health Insurance Marketplace, not SHOP.

In addition to the health insurance credit, there are several business tax credits available to business owners. These tend to serve as rewards for behavior that the government considers to be beneficial to society.

Some of them have to do with making your business more sustainable. There are tax credits for using renewable energy, biodiesel and alternative fuels. There’s also a credit for employer-provided childcare facilities and services, worth up to $150,000. There’s the Orphan Drug Credit, which gives pharmaceutical companies an incentive to develop new treatments for diseases. There are some obscure business tax credits out there, too. Who knew there was a Mine Rescue Team Training Credit?

Related Article: What Can Happen If You Don’t File Your Taxes?

Getting Ready for Tax Season

The best way to prepare for tax season is to keep good records throughout the year. When you’re a small business owner, keeping clear, organized and detailed “books” should be a high priority. Even if you don’t have time to read up on “small business taxes for dummies” before tax season, having an accurate record of your business income and expenses will make tax season go much more smoothly.

Tax accountants and tax software work best when you can give them the inputs they need. Think of it this way: the better your records the more easily you can claim those deductions and credits.

And if you need additional help, don’t hesitate to speak with a professional. A financial advisor with tax expertise can be a valuable resource throughout the year, and especially at tax time.

Tips for Managing Other Small Business Needs

Hiring a financial advisor to help manage your financial assets, retirement, insurance, and maximize income can be a worthwhile investment for you and your small business. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
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