Running a business can be expensive, especially when taxes decrease your bottom line. Luckily, there are numerous tax write offs that self-employed professionals can claim to save thousands of dollars. Use IRS Form 1040 to deduct home office, insurance, travel, internet, phone, and other qualifying expenses that you incur operating your business. Here is a…
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6 Best Tax Software for Tax Preparers 2019
We compared over a dozen tax software programs and narrowed it down to six. Tax software is the core of a tax preparer’s business, and the best tax software for tax preparers includes preparing individual and business returns. Plus, tax preparers can work efficiently with accounting software integrations and collaborate using a secure client portal….
Independent Contractor Taxes: How Much to Pay & When to File
Independent contractor taxes include federal income tax, self-employment tax, state and municipal taxes. Independent contractors who are sole proprietors report taxes on Form 1040 and Schedule C. Taxes are due on April 15 or October 15, if filed on extension. Independent contractors are required to make estimated tax payments or with the tax return. This…
TaxAct vs TurboTax: Price, Features, & What’s Best in 2019
TaxAct and TurboTax are tax preparation software products that are good options for people to prepare their own tax returns. TurboTax has more features and provides the option for review by a licensed tax professional. TaxAct is less expensive and provides a good set of features for most people who prepare returns. When to Use…
How to Get a PTIN in 4 Steps [+Free Checklist]
Tax professionals must have a Preparer Tax Identification Number, or PTIN, if they are paid to prepare tax returns. Because PTINs expire every December 31st, tax preparers need to renew their PTIN before tax season starts. Preparers can get or renew a PTIN online in about 15 minutes or by mail in about six weeks….
Excise Taxes: A Guide for Small Businesses
The federal government imposes excise taxes on a variety of products and services that are manufactured in or imported into the United States. Business collect excise taxes and pay these excise taxes over the the government. Excise taxes apply to alcoholic beverages, tobacco, firearms, airfares, telephone service, and many other products and services. Alcohol and…
IRS Form 1099 Reporting for Small Business Owners
Businesses are required to send copies of Form 1099-MISC to the IRS and contractors if the business paid $10 or more in royalties or $600 or more in compensation to non-employees. Form 1099-MISC is due by January 31st to report payments made the previous calendar year. Accounting software can prepare and file Form 1099-MISC. You…
IRS Annual Filing Season Program 2019
The Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) is a voluntary credential for tax professionals offered by the IRS. The AFSP is right for tax preparers who are not already enrolled agents, certified public accountants, or attorneys. IRS issues a Record of Completion to tax preparers completing 18 hours of tax education and meeting other requirements. What…
Section 179 Calculator: Calculate Your Tax Savings
Section 179 is a type of tax deduction that lets you deduct up to $1 million in equipment and other fixed assets as a business expense on your tax return. This provides significant tax savings compared to depreciating the assets over several years. Our Section 179 calculator helps you determine how much you can deduct…
IRS Form 1120S: Definition, Download, & 1120S Instructions
Form 1120S is the annual tax form used by S-corps and LLCs taxed as S-corps to report their net earnings to the IRS. Similar to partnerships, net earnings pass through to the S-corp’s shareholders. Shareholders report their share of the S-corp’s earnings on their personal tax returns. You can download Form 1120S and prepare the…
2019 FICA Taxes, Unemployment Insurance, & Workers’ Comp for Owners
FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) is a federal law that requires employers to withhold three taxes from their employees’ wages: 6.2% Social Security tax, 1.45% Medicare tax, and 0.9% for anyone who earns more than $200,000. In addition to FICA taxes, you must also cover unemployment taxes and workers’ compensation. If you’re looking for affordable…
2018 FUTA Tax Rate & Form 940 Instructions
The Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) requires employers to pay a tax of 6% on the first $7,000 of salary or wages paid to each employee during the year. This FUTA tax is deposited with the IRS throughout the year. Employers file Form 940 to calculate their FUTA tax for the previous calendar year. How…
