7. February 2010 by admin.

2009 Standard Mileage rates for the use of a car (includes Pickups, Vans and Panel Trucks):

• 55 cents per mile for business miles driven (decreases to 50 cents per mile in 2010)
• 24.0 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes (decreases to 16.5 in 2010)
• 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations (same in 2010)

Runzheimer International conducts an annual study of fixed and variable expenses to operate a vehicle.  Please note the Business Mileage Deduction may not be used if a vehicle has been depreciated using MACRS or depreciated using  §179.

Posted in International Taxation, Sub S Corporations, LLC's, Income Tax | No Comments »

5. February 2010 by admin.

Cost Segregation is a VERY BENEFICIAL tax angle used by real estate owners to ACCELERATE DEPRECIATION deductions.

In the past it was primarily used by large accounting firms and larger clients.  The ability for smaller building owners to utilize these techniques is now becoming popular.

It takes an engineering study and an accounting firm that understands the issues.

Generally here is how it works…..

An engineering study is completed to identify components in a buiding that can be depreciated over 5, 7 and 15 years instead of 39 years for commercial property and 27.5 for residential property.

We then prepare what is called an ACCOUNTING CHANGE and the prior year(s) of lower depreciation are now adjusted in one year!

This is alot of paperwork but it is often worth it.  You are welcome to contact us if you have questions www.USATaxHelp.com

Posted in International Taxation, Sub S Corporations, LLC's, Income Tax | 1 Comment »

26. January 2010 by admin.

Until you know you are going to stick with it (no offense, many clients try stuff and change their mind), I would not consider the extra paperwork involved with having the NEW LLC taxed as a corporation.  You can find more information on our website for Sub S Corporations www.USATaxHelp.com and also the why you really want at least an LLC as a business entity.

 If you know for sure you are continuing, then the “S” corp election for the LLC is usually an excellent decision.  Seriously, read the two handouts on our main website for “S” Corps and LLC’s at www.USATaxHelp.com

Posted in Sub S Corporations, LLC's, Income Tax, General | No Comments »

16. January 2010 by admin.

The deduction increases to 9% in 2010, up from 6%.

Posted in Sub S Corporations, LLC's, Income Tax | No Comments »

6. January 2010 by admin.

CONSUMER ALERT! Please be aware that COMPLIANCE SERVICES (not to be confused with the Florida corporation, Compliance Services, Inc.) is mailing notices to new business entities wanting “Annual Minutes” and a fee of $125. be paid for filing.

These notices are NOT from the Dept. of State, Division of Corporations. “Annual Minutes” are NOT required to be filed with any agency (in an audit the IRS may ask for them to prove you are acting as a corporation.. if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck kind of thing….. if you need to know more about the QUACKing thing, contact us at www.USATaxHelp.com 

Annual Minutes are to be kept by the business entity itself. Please do not confuse these notices with the messages sent by the Division of Corporations reminding each business entity to file its 2010 Annual Report.

Posted in Newsletter Topics, Sub S Corporations, LLC's, General | 1 Comment »

6. January 2010 by admin.

NEW LAW! Effective July 1, 2009, the intention to register a fictitious name must be advertised at least once in a newspaper in the COUNTY in which the principal place of business will be located. Your local newspaper should be contacted for advertising information.

Posted in Newsletter Topics, Sub S Corporations, LLC's, General | No Comments »

7. December 2009 by admin.

If you participate in an Employer sponsored Simple IRA, you can put an max of $11,500 in 2009 PLUS $2,500 for being over age 50.  That total is $14,000 maximum as an employee deferral.  Additionally, the employer has some matching options.  By far we have found the most popular Employer matching option to be… the employer matches up to the lower of 3% of your wages or whatever you put in as an employee.

Whatever is withheld from the paycheck must be withheld in no later than the end of December for 2009 and paid in by the employer no later than January 31^st, 2010.

i.e.  Your wages for 2009 are $36,000 x 3% = $1,080.  If you only contribute $800, Employer can only put in $800.  If you contribute $3,000, Employer can only put in $1,080.

There is no commitment to put to the maximum, nor is there a commitment that you continue to participate in a subsequent year.

Note:  Participation in an employer sponsored plan subjects you to limits on Regular IRA contributions.  Contact us for more info at www.USATaxHelp.com

Posted in Retirement Accounts, Payroll Tax, Sub S Corporations, LLC's, Income Tax | No Comments »

7. December 2009 by admin.

$5,000 into a REGULAR IRA is the max for a single individual UNDER age 50 who does not participate in an employer sponsored retirement plan and still receive a tax deduction.  Add $1,000 if over age 50.

Can contribute till April 15^th, 2010 for 2009.  Note:  There is NO tax deduction for contributing to a ROTH IRA.  The benefit of the ROTH is the earnings are not taxed during the growth phase of the investment (same as any retirement account) BUT the gains when taken out in retirement are NOT taxed.

The amount you or your spouse can contribute may be reduced depending on your Adjusted Gross Income.  Contact us if you need more details at www.USATaxHelp.com

Posted in Retirement Accounts, Sub S Corporations, LLC's, Income Tax | 1 Comment »

7. December 2009 by admin.

$5,000 into a REGULAR IRA is the max for a single individual UNDER age 50 who does not participate in an employer sponsored retirement plan and still receive a tax deduction.  Add $1,000 if over age 50.

Can contribute till April 15^th, 2010 for 2009.  Can file your tax return WITH the Regular IRA as if it has already been made, then use the refund to make the actual REGULAR IRA contribution as long as you do it before April 15, 2010.

The deductible amount if you or your spouse participate in an employer plan may be reduced depending on your Adjusted Gross Income.  Contact us if you need more details at www.USATaxHelp.com

Posted in Retirement Accounts, Sub S Corporations, LLC's, Income Tax | No Comments »

27. November 2009 by admin.

Client Disclosure Authorization

Posted in International Taxation, Payroll Tax, Sub S Corporations, LLC's, Income Tax, General | 1 Comment »