Shaw, Hull and Navarrette, CPA's
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FAQs about resolving small business tax issues
Tax problems can happen to even the most organized small business owners. A cash flow crunch, an unexpected tax notice, a missed filing deadline or a payroll tax oversight can be stressful — especially when penalties and interest begin to add up. Fortunately,...
Selecting a tax accounting method for your small business
Small business owners must answer an important question: Should we use the cash or accrual accounting method for federal income tax purposes? Larger entities are required to use the accrual method. But certain small businesses can elect to use the cash method. You may...
What’s the right entity type for your new business?
Start-ups must choose a legal entity for their business activities. The type of entity you select affects how the business is taxed and who may be held personally liable for its debts and obligations, among other things. Two popular options — assuming you’re going...
Self-employed? Don’t overlook valuable tax deductions
If you’re self-employed, you probably have questions about deducting business expenses on your federal income tax return. Here’s a quick overview of the filing requirements for sole proprietors and independent contractors, and five examples of expense deductions that...
Self-employed? Don’t overlook a Roth IRA
Some small business owners overlook Roth IRAs because they assume their income is too high for them to qualify to make Roth contributions. Others may think their current tax rate is higher than it will be in retirement, making current tax deductions more valuable than...
What’s a “small business,” and why does it matter?
Although your business may seem big to you, you may wonder how the government classifies it for tax purposes. If your organization qualifies as a “small business,” you may enjoy several important tax advantages. But the rules for specific tax provisions vary. So,...
Tax identity theft: Businesses are at risk, too
Tax identity theft isn’t limited to individual taxpayers — businesses are also targeted through their Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), payroll systems and tax filings. The financial impact of these crimes can be significant. Businesses may face delayed or...
Cost segregation studies can reveal substantial tax savings
Businesses that own commercial real property may be sitting on an overlooked treasure chest of tax savings — and a cost segregation study can be the key to unlocking it. This is a strategic tool that combines accounting and engineering techniques to identify building...
Material participation: Why it matters for LLP and LLC owners
The passive activity loss (PAL) rules may limit your ability to deduct losses from a business structured as a limited liability partnership (LLP) or limited liability company (LLC). Depending on how your ownership interest is treated under these rules, you may have...
FAQs about the research credit
Companies that engage in research and development activities may qualify for a federal tax credit for some of those expenses. The credit is complicated to calculate, and not all research activities are eligible — but the tax savings can be significant. Here are...
To maximize — or not to maximize — depreciation deductions on your 2025 tax return
The deadlines for filing 2025 tax returns (or extensions) are fast approaching. Although most tax planning moves must be completed by December 31 of the tax year, there are some decisions you can make when filing your return that can save taxes now or in the future....
There’s still time to set up a SEP and reduce your 2025 taxes
If you own a business or are self-employed and haven’t already set up a tax-advantaged retirement plan, consider establishing one before you file your 2025 tax return. If you choose a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP), you’ll be able make deductible 2025 contributions...
Is your business ready for the tax deadline that’s on Groundhog Day this year?
Normally businesses must furnish certain information returns to workers and submit them to the federal government by January 31. But this year, that date falls on a Saturday. So the deadline is the next business day, which happens to be Groundhog Day: February 2,...
Tax filing update for pass-through entities
Do you operate a business as a partnership, a limited liability company (LLC) treated as a partnership for tax purposes or an S corporation? In tax lingo, these are called “pass-through” entities because their taxable income items, tax deductions and tax credits are...
Not all “business” expenses are tax deductible
With 2025 in the rear view mirror and the tax filing deadline on the road ahead, it’s a good time for businesses to start gathering information about their deductible expenses for 2025. But what’s deductible (and what’s not) might not be as clear-cut as you think....
Important 2026 tax figures for businesses
A new year brings many new tax-related figures for businesses. Here’s an overview of key figures for 2026. Be aware that exceptions or additional rules or limits may apply. Depreciation-related tax breaks Bonus depreciation: 100% Section 179 expensing limit: $2.56...
Avoiding inadvertent S corp termination
S corporation structure provides most of the tax benefits of a partnership plus the liability protection of a corporation. But because of the strict requirements that apply to these entities, preserving S corporation status requires due diligence. Reap the benefits...
Significant changes to information reporting go into effect for the 2026 tax year
If your business has employees or uses independent contractors, you have associated annual information reporting obligations. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) makes changes impacting these rules, but not for the 2025 tax year. Tips and overtime income For 2025...
Countdown to Tax Day!
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