Small businesses act as the backbone of the economy, but they often struggle to stay afloat financially in hard times. Some businesses choose to opt for additional finance like loans for a small business, but others may choose an alternative. One way to help mitigate this struggle is by taking advantage of available tax benefits. Below, we will outline several strategies that small business owners can use to maximize their tax benefits and keep more money in their pockets, as well as the benefits that come with this.Â
The benefitsÂ
Utilizing tax benefits in business can be beneficial in several ways. Tax deductions can help reduce the amount of money a business needs to pay in taxes, leaving more funds available for operating expenses, expansion, or investment. Retirement plans not only provide a tax break, but they also help business owners save for their future.Â
Incorporating your business can offer several tax benefits, such as liability protection for the business owner and the ability to pay yourself a salary and take advantage of the self-employment tax. Additionally, utilizing tax benefits can help small businesses stay financially stable and make it easier to navigate through difficult economic times. It’s important to consult with a tax professional to ensure that you are taking advantage of all possible tax benefits for your business and to help you manage the process.
Understand Available Tax Deductions
The first step in maximizing tax benefits is to understand what deductions are available to small businesses. Common deductions for small businesses include:
- Business expenses (e.g. office supplies, equipment, travel, and meals)
- Employee benefits (e.g. health insurance, retirement plans)
- Home office expenses (if you use a portion of your home for business)
- Vehicle expenses (if you use your vehicle for business)
- Start-up costs (if you are a new business)
It is important to keep accurate and detailed records of all business expenses throughout the year, as these will be necessary to claim deductions on your taxes.
Utilize Retirement Plans
Small business owners can take advantage of retirement plans to save for their own retirement and also receive a tax deduction. These plans include:
- SEP IRA (Simplified Employee Pension)
- Solo 401(k)
- Simple IRA (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees)
Retirement plans not only provide a tax break, but they also help business owners save for their future.
Take advantage of the Home Office Deduction
If you use a portion of your home for business, you may be eligible for the home office deduction. To qualify, the space must be used exclusively for business and be the primary location of your business. The deduction is calculated by taking the square footage of the office space and multiplying it by a rate determined by the IRS. This can result in significant savings on your taxes.
Take advantage of the Section 179 Deduction
The Section 179 Deduction allows small businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment and software purchased or financed during the tax year. This can include items such as machinery, equipment, and vehicles used in your business. The limit for this deduction changes each year, so it’s important to stay up to date on the current limit.
Consider Incorporating
Incorporating your business can offer several tax benefits. Incorporating as an S Corporation or an LLC can give small business owners the ability to pay themselves a salary and take advantage of the self-employment tax. Additionally, incorporating can offer liability protection for the business owner.
Maximizing tax benefits can help small businesses save money and stay financially stable. By understanding available deductions, utilizing retirement plans, taking advantage of the home office deduction, the Section 179 Deduction, and considering incorporating, small business owners can keep more money in their pockets. It is important to consult with a tax professional to ensure that you are taking advantage of all possible tax benefits for your business.
