Jan 25, 2012
Shark Tank's Barbara Corcoran on How She Evaluates Business Pitches
Find out more about the Business Achievement Center at our web site http://www.BusinessAchievementCenter.com. Our group of Strategic Partners are here to help businesses from start-up to expansion with our experience and expertise.
Jan 20, 2012
Tax Checklist
Contributed by Sara Zaro- Enrolled Agent, Certified Bookkeeper
Elite Bookkkeeping & Tax Services
This contains a Tax Checklist to help you organize your tax documents and some frequently overlooked tax deductions that might help reduce your tax bill.
Whenever we talk about taxes, the following caveats apply: “It depends,” and “these deductions may not apply to all taxpayers.” If you have any questions about these or any other tax-related matters, please let us know.
Charitable contributions: In addition to the usual cash donations that you have made throughout the year, you may be able to deduct the cost of using your vehicle if you volunteer your time or provide a service to a qualified charitable, educational or nonprofit organization.
There are two options available for claiming vehicle expenses and, naturally, the IRS requires you to have “reliable written records” for either method:
To use the standard charitable mileage rate of 14¢ per mile, your records must show the name of the organization, the dates you drove your car for your charitable work and the number of miles driven.
To use the actual vehicle expenses, your records must show the costs of operating your vehicle that directly relate to your volunteer work.
You can also deduct parking fees and tolls regardless of which method is used.
So, if you are a scout leader, a Red Cross volunteer, spend a few hours helping out at the local Food Bank or are actively involved with your religious organization, your vehicle expenses may increase your charitable contribution deduction.
In addition to volunteer miles driven, you may have spent money out of your own pocket within the scope of your volunteer work. These expenses might include office supplies, uniforms, and even travel expenses if you were away from home while performing your charitable service. These documentation requirements for out-of-pocket expenses apply:
You must have “adequate records” to prove the amount of the expenses.
You must obtain an acknowledgement from the organization before you file your tax return that contains a description of the services you provide, a statement that says you were not reimbursed for the expenses, and that you receive no tangible (other than religious) benefit from the organization.
The final point under the category of charitable contributions, is simply a reminder regarding noncash contributions: In recent years the IRS has stiffened the required documentation for donations of clothing and other household items to nonprofit organizations like the Salvation Army or the Goodwill Industries. “Three bags of clothing” or “two boxes of books” is not an adequate description of the donated items to claim the deduction. You must have a list of the donated items along with the fair market value you have placed on those items, and some form of receipt or acknowledgement from the organization.
Here are a few handy websites to help you evaluate your noncash items:
Two different Salvation Army evaluation guides can be found here:
http://www.satruck.com/ValueGuide.aspx
http://www.salvationarmysouth.org/valueguide.htm
You can download an evaluation guide from the yellow box in the middle of this Goodwill Industries web page:
http://www.goodwill.org/get-involved/donate/taxes-and-your-donation/
This Usedprice.com link contains Blue Book valuations for different categories of noncash donations from television sets and computers to guns, musical instruments, power tools and more:
http://www.usedprice.com/
Medical Expenses: In addition to the usual deductions for out-of-pocket medical expenses like prescriptions, copays, dental work and glasses, you may also be able to deduct the amount that you pay for medical insurance premiums. The deduction is not just limited to medical, hospitalization and prescription plans, it can also include dental, optical (including contact lens replacement coverage), and certain qualified long-term care plans. Also, the amounts you pay for Medicare Part B and D, and in some cases, Part A, are also deductible insurance premiums.
As with the deduction for charitable miles, there is also a deduction for medical miles and the same two choices apply: the standard medical mileage rate or actual expenses. Be aware that the medical mileage rate for 2011 changed in mid-year! For medical miles driven from January 1 to June 30, the rate is 19¢ per mile; From July 1 – December 31, the rate is 23.5¢ per mile. You can also deduct parking fees and tolls regardless of which method is used for car expenses.
Looking back to 2011, it’s been a relatively quiet year for tax changes, and we can all appreciate that! Congress passed the two-month extension of the Social Security tax reduction and will consider a longer extension when it reconvenes early in 2012.
Tax Checklist
This form is to assist you in gathering your income tax information. Use it as a guide for information you need to provide. Any questions, please call or e-mail.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
□ First, middle initial, and last names of taxpayers and dependents as written on the Social Security cards, and dates of birth for taxpayers and all dependents, especially new dependents.
□ Address, (city, state, zip), telephone number, and e-mail address.
□ Marital Status: Single ___ Married ___ Head of Household ___ Separated ___
□ Number of Dependents: ___ Did any dependents have any income? Yes ___ No ___
□ Do all dependents live with you? Yes ___ No ___
TYPES OF INCOME:
□ Wages - All W-2's □ Income from Rentals - All 1099-MISC
□ Pensions/Retirements - 1099-R □ Business Income - All 1099-MISC
□ Social Security - SSA-1099 □ Farm Income
□ Bank Interest - 1099-INT □ Alimony Received - Total amount
□ Dividends - 1099-DIV □ Unemployment - 1099-G
□ Commissions - 1099-MISC □ State Tax Refund - 1099-G
□ Tips and Gratuities □ Miscellaneous - Jury Duty, Gambling, Other
□ Sales of Stock, Mutual Funds - 1099-B
BUSINESS INCOME & EXPENSE ITEMS: This list is not all encompassing. If you don’t see an expense listed below, ask.
Total (Gross) Income
Advertising
Auto: Parking &Tolls
Business Phone Expense
Cell Phone Expense
Subcontractors
Commissions Paid
Insurance
Interest Paid
General Office Expense
Rent/Lease Fees Paid Legal or Professional Fees
Repairs
Cleaning/Maintenance Dues & Publications
Equipment/Supplies
Tools
License Fees/Taxes Paid
Utilities
Education Expense
Association Dues
Bank/Credit Card Fees
Postage
Meals/Entertainment
Business Miles & Total Miles Asset Purchases
Hotel/Travel Expense
ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR RENTAL PROPERTIES:
Keys
Condo/PUD Fees
Management Fees
Mortgage Statements
Yard Work
Termite Treatment Expense
Utilities
Mileage/Travel
Other
DEDUCTIONS/CREDITS TO INCOME:
Self-employed Health Insurance
IRAs /Keogh/SEPs
Student Loan Interest
Medical Savings Account
Teacher Expense
Child Tax Credit
Penalty on Early Withdrawal of Savings
Foreign Tax Paid
American Opportunity/HOPE/Lifetime Learning Expenses
Adoption Expenses
* Total Alimony Paid: Must have name and Social Security number of recipient, and amount paid.
* Child Care/Day Care Credit: Must have name, address, Social Security number or EIN of provider, and amount paid.
ESTIMATED TAXES PAID:
Date payment was made, and the amount paid for each Federal and State quarterly tax estimate.
ITEMIZED DEDUCTIONS:
MEDICAL
Medical & Dental bills
Prescriptions
Glasses/Contact Lenses
Out-of-pocket expenses
Medical miles
Lab fees
Hearing Aids
Medical/dental/long term care insurance
TAXES
Prior year state tax paid
City/local tax
Sales tax
Real estate tax
Personal property tax Other
CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS
Church
Boy/Girl Scouts
United Way/CFC
March of Dimes
American Heart
Easter Seals
Red Cross
MDA/MS
YWCA/YMCA
Salvation Army
FoodBank
Payroll deductions
Out-of-pocket Volunteer Expenses
Charitable miles
Other
List and Fair Market Value of household goods and clothing items given to Charitable Organizations.
Elite Bookkeeping & Tax Services will be happy to assist you with your tax needs. Feel free to call us at (800)416-3820.
Find out more about the Business Achievement Center at our web site http://www.BusinessAchievementCenter.com. Our group of Strategic Partners are here to help businesses from start-up to expansion with our experience and expertise.
Elite Bookkkeeping & Tax Services
This contains a Tax Checklist to help you organize your tax documents and some frequently overlooked tax deductions that might help reduce your tax bill.
Whenever we talk about taxes, the following caveats apply: “It depends,” and “these deductions may not apply to all taxpayers.” If you have any questions about these or any other tax-related matters, please let us know.
Charitable contributions: In addition to the usual cash donations that you have made throughout the year, you may be able to deduct the cost of using your vehicle if you volunteer your time or provide a service to a qualified charitable, educational or nonprofit organization.
There are two options available for claiming vehicle expenses and, naturally, the IRS requires you to have “reliable written records” for either method:
To use the standard charitable mileage rate of 14¢ per mile, your records must show the name of the organization, the dates you drove your car for your charitable work and the number of miles driven.
To use the actual vehicle expenses, your records must show the costs of operating your vehicle that directly relate to your volunteer work.
You can also deduct parking fees and tolls regardless of which method is used.
So, if you are a scout leader, a Red Cross volunteer, spend a few hours helping out at the local Food Bank or are actively involved with your religious organization, your vehicle expenses may increase your charitable contribution deduction.
In addition to volunteer miles driven, you may have spent money out of your own pocket within the scope of your volunteer work. These expenses might include office supplies, uniforms, and even travel expenses if you were away from home while performing your charitable service. These documentation requirements for out-of-pocket expenses apply:
You must have “adequate records” to prove the amount of the expenses.
You must obtain an acknowledgement from the organization before you file your tax return that contains a description of the services you provide, a statement that says you were not reimbursed for the expenses, and that you receive no tangible (other than religious) benefit from the organization.
The final point under the category of charitable contributions, is simply a reminder regarding noncash contributions: In recent years the IRS has stiffened the required documentation for donations of clothing and other household items to nonprofit organizations like the Salvation Army or the Goodwill Industries. “Three bags of clothing” or “two boxes of books” is not an adequate description of the donated items to claim the deduction. You must have a list of the donated items along with the fair market value you have placed on those items, and some form of receipt or acknowledgement from the organization.
Here are a few handy websites to help you evaluate your noncash items:
Two different Salvation Army evaluation guides can be found here:
http://www.satruck.com/ValueGuide.aspx
http://www.salvationarmysouth.org/valueguide.htm
You can download an evaluation guide from the yellow box in the middle of this Goodwill Industries web page:
http://www.goodwill.org/get-involved/donate/taxes-and-your-donation/
This Usedprice.com link contains Blue Book valuations for different categories of noncash donations from television sets and computers to guns, musical instruments, power tools and more:
http://www.usedprice.com/
Medical Expenses: In addition to the usual deductions for out-of-pocket medical expenses like prescriptions, copays, dental work and glasses, you may also be able to deduct the amount that you pay for medical insurance premiums. The deduction is not just limited to medical, hospitalization and prescription plans, it can also include dental, optical (including contact lens replacement coverage), and certain qualified long-term care plans. Also, the amounts you pay for Medicare Part B and D, and in some cases, Part A, are also deductible insurance premiums.
As with the deduction for charitable miles, there is also a deduction for medical miles and the same two choices apply: the standard medical mileage rate or actual expenses. Be aware that the medical mileage rate for 2011 changed in mid-year! For medical miles driven from January 1 to June 30, the rate is 19¢ per mile; From July 1 – December 31, the rate is 23.5¢ per mile. You can also deduct parking fees and tolls regardless of which method is used for car expenses.
Looking back to 2011, it’s been a relatively quiet year for tax changes, and we can all appreciate that! Congress passed the two-month extension of the Social Security tax reduction and will consider a longer extension when it reconvenes early in 2012.
Tax Checklist
This form is to assist you in gathering your income tax information. Use it as a guide for information you need to provide. Any questions, please call or e-mail.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
□ First, middle initial, and last names of taxpayers and dependents as written on the Social Security cards, and dates of birth for taxpayers and all dependents, especially new dependents.
□ Address, (city, state, zip), telephone number, and e-mail address.
□ Marital Status: Single ___ Married ___ Head of Household ___ Separated ___
□ Number of Dependents: ___ Did any dependents have any income? Yes ___ No ___
□ Do all dependents live with you? Yes ___ No ___
TYPES OF INCOME:
□ Wages - All W-2's □ Income from Rentals - All 1099-MISC
□ Pensions/Retirements - 1099-R □ Business Income - All 1099-MISC
□ Social Security - SSA-1099 □ Farm Income
□ Bank Interest - 1099-INT □ Alimony Received - Total amount
□ Dividends - 1099-DIV □ Unemployment - 1099-G
□ Commissions - 1099-MISC □ State Tax Refund - 1099-G
□ Tips and Gratuities □ Miscellaneous - Jury Duty, Gambling, Other
□ Sales of Stock, Mutual Funds - 1099-B
BUSINESS INCOME & EXPENSE ITEMS: This list is not all encompassing. If you don’t see an expense listed below, ask.
Total (Gross) Income
Advertising
Auto: Parking &Tolls
Business Phone Expense
Cell Phone Expense
Subcontractors
Commissions Paid
Insurance
Interest Paid
General Office Expense
Rent/Lease Fees Paid Legal or Professional Fees
Repairs
Cleaning/Maintenance Dues & Publications
Equipment/Supplies
Tools
License Fees/Taxes Paid
Utilities
Education Expense
Association Dues
Bank/Credit Card Fees
Postage
Meals/Entertainment
Business Miles & Total Miles Asset Purchases
Hotel/Travel Expense
ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR RENTAL PROPERTIES:
Keys
Condo/PUD Fees
Management Fees
Mortgage Statements
Yard Work
Termite Treatment Expense
Utilities
Mileage/Travel
Other
DEDUCTIONS/CREDITS TO INCOME:
Self-employed Health Insurance
IRAs /Keogh/SEPs
Student Loan Interest
Medical Savings Account
Teacher Expense
Child Tax Credit
Penalty on Early Withdrawal of Savings
Foreign Tax Paid
American Opportunity/HOPE/Lifetime Learning Expenses
Adoption Expenses
* Total Alimony Paid: Must have name and Social Security number of recipient, and amount paid.
* Child Care/Day Care Credit: Must have name, address, Social Security number or EIN of provider, and amount paid.
ESTIMATED TAXES PAID:
Date payment was made, and the amount paid for each Federal and State quarterly tax estimate.
ITEMIZED DEDUCTIONS:
MEDICAL
Medical & Dental bills
Prescriptions
Glasses/Contact Lenses
Out-of-pocket expenses
Medical miles
Lab fees
Hearing Aids
Medical/dental/long term care insurance
TAXES
Prior year state tax paid
City/local tax
Sales tax
Real estate tax
Personal property tax Other
CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS
Church
Boy/Girl Scouts
United Way/CFC
March of Dimes
American Heart
Easter Seals
Red Cross
MDA/MS
YWCA/YMCA
Salvation Army
FoodBank
Payroll deductions
Out-of-pocket Volunteer Expenses
Charitable miles
Other
List and Fair Market Value of household goods and clothing items given to Charitable Organizations.
Elite Bookkeeping & Tax Services will be happy to assist you with your tax needs. Feel free to call us at (800)416-3820.
Find out more about the Business Achievement Center at our web site http://www.BusinessAchievementCenter.com. Our group of Strategic Partners are here to help businesses from start-up to expansion with our experience and expertise.
Jan 18, 2012
Tax Preparer Questions
Contributed by Sara Zaro- Enrolled Agent, Certified Bookkeeper
Elite Bookkeeping & Tax Services
If you pay someone to prepare your tax return, the IRS urges you to choose that preparer wisely. Taxpayers are legally responsible for what’s on their tax return even if it is prepared by someone else. So, it is important to choose carefully when hiring an individual or firm to prepare your return. Most return preparers are professional, honest and provide excellent service to their clients.
This year, the IRS wants to remind all taxpayers that they should use only preparers who sign the returns they prepare and enter their Preparer Tax Identification Numbers (PTINs).
Here are a few points to keep in mind when someone else prepares your return:
• Check the person's qualifications. New regulations require all paid tax return preparers to have a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). In addition to making sure they have a PTIN, ask if the preparer is affiliated with a professional organization and attends continuing education classes. The IRS is also phasing in a new test requirement to make sure those who are not an enrolled agent, CPA, or attorney have met minimal competency requirements. Those subject to the test will become a Registered Tax Return Preparer once they pass it.
• Check the preparer's history. Check to see if the preparer has a questionable history with the Better Business Bureau and check for any disciplinary actions and licensure status through the state boards of accountancy for certified public accountants; the state bar associations for attorneys; and the IRS Office of Enrollment for enrolled agents.
• Find out about their service fees. Avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of your refund or those who claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers. Also, always make sure any refund due is sent to you or deposited into an account in your name. Under no circumstances should all or part of your refund be directly deposited into a preparer’s bank account.
• Ask if they offer electronic filing. Any paid preparer who prepares and files more than 10 returns for clients must file the returns electronically, unless the client opts to file a paper return. More than 1 billion individual tax returns have been safely and securely processed since the debut of electronic filing in 1990. Make sure your preparer offers IRS e-file.
• Make sure the tax preparer is accessible. Make sure you will be able to contact the tax preparer after the return has been filed, even after the April due date, in case questions arise.
• Provide all records and receipts needed to prepare your return. Reputable preparers will request to see your records and receipts and will ask you multiple questions to determine your total income and your qualifications for expenses, deductions and other items. Do not use a preparer who is willing to electronically file your return before you receive your Form W-2 using your last pay stub. This is against IRS e-file rules.
• Never sign a blank return. Avoid tax preparers that ask you to sign a blank tax form.
• Review the entire return before signing it. Before you sign your tax return, review it and ask questions. Make sure you understand everything and are comfortable with the accuracy of the return before you sign it.
• Make sure the preparer signs the form and includes his or her preparer tax identification number (PTIN). A paid preparer must sign the return and include his or her PTIN as required by law. Although the preparer signs the return, you are responsible for the accuracy of every item on your return. The preparer must also give you a copy of the return.
The IRS can help many taxpayers prepare their own returns without the assistance of a paid preparer. Before seeking a paid preparer, taxpayers might consider how much information is available directly from the IRS through the IRS Web site.
For assistance with your bookkeeping or tax needs, feel free to contact
Elite Bookkeeping & Tax Services at:
Toll Free (800)416-3820
http://www.elitebookkeeping.biz
EMAIL
Find out more about the Business Achievement Center at our web site http://www.BusinessAchievementCenter.com. Our group of Strategic Partners are here to help businesses from start-up to expansion with our experience and expertise.
Elite Bookkeeping & Tax Services
If you pay someone to prepare your tax return, the IRS urges you to choose that preparer wisely. Taxpayers are legally responsible for what’s on their tax return even if it is prepared by someone else. So, it is important to choose carefully when hiring an individual or firm to prepare your return. Most return preparers are professional, honest and provide excellent service to their clients.
This year, the IRS wants to remind all taxpayers that they should use only preparers who sign the returns they prepare and enter their Preparer Tax Identification Numbers (PTINs).
Here are a few points to keep in mind when someone else prepares your return:
• Check the person's qualifications. New regulations require all paid tax return preparers to have a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). In addition to making sure they have a PTIN, ask if the preparer is affiliated with a professional organization and attends continuing education classes. The IRS is also phasing in a new test requirement to make sure those who are not an enrolled agent, CPA, or attorney have met minimal competency requirements. Those subject to the test will become a Registered Tax Return Preparer once they pass it.
• Check the preparer's history. Check to see if the preparer has a questionable history with the Better Business Bureau and check for any disciplinary actions and licensure status through the state boards of accountancy for certified public accountants; the state bar associations for attorneys; and the IRS Office of Enrollment for enrolled agents.
• Find out about their service fees. Avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of your refund or those who claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers. Also, always make sure any refund due is sent to you or deposited into an account in your name. Under no circumstances should all or part of your refund be directly deposited into a preparer’s bank account.
• Ask if they offer electronic filing. Any paid preparer who prepares and files more than 10 returns for clients must file the returns electronically, unless the client opts to file a paper return. More than 1 billion individual tax returns have been safely and securely processed since the debut of electronic filing in 1990. Make sure your preparer offers IRS e-file.
• Make sure the tax preparer is accessible. Make sure you will be able to contact the tax preparer after the return has been filed, even after the April due date, in case questions arise.
• Provide all records and receipts needed to prepare your return. Reputable preparers will request to see your records and receipts and will ask you multiple questions to determine your total income and your qualifications for expenses, deductions and other items. Do not use a preparer who is willing to electronically file your return before you receive your Form W-2 using your last pay stub. This is against IRS e-file rules.
• Never sign a blank return. Avoid tax preparers that ask you to sign a blank tax form.
• Review the entire return before signing it. Before you sign your tax return, review it and ask questions. Make sure you understand everything and are comfortable with the accuracy of the return before you sign it.
• Make sure the preparer signs the form and includes his or her preparer tax identification number (PTIN). A paid preparer must sign the return and include his or her PTIN as required by law. Although the preparer signs the return, you are responsible for the accuracy of every item on your return. The preparer must also give you a copy of the return.
The IRS can help many taxpayers prepare their own returns without the assistance of a paid preparer. Before seeking a paid preparer, taxpayers might consider how much information is available directly from the IRS through the IRS Web site.
For assistance with your bookkeeping or tax needs, feel free to contact
Elite Bookkeeping & Tax Services at:
Toll Free (800)416-3820
http://www.elitebookkeeping.biz
Find out more about the Business Achievement Center at our web site http://www.BusinessAchievementCenter.com. Our group of Strategic Partners are here to help businesses from start-up to expansion with our experience and expertise.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)