The Labor Day festivities are behind us, this means that the holiday season is quickly approaching (I can hear Andy Williams' "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" music fading in). If you are a small business owner who hates writing that check to the IRS, this year's tax planning season could be merrier than ever due to the changes brought about with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). This is the time for ALL small business owners and entrepreneurs to start doing true tax planning.

The TCJA is virtually a once in a lifetime opportunity for smart small businesses to use tax planning in a way that will ensure they don't lose their hard earned dollars. One key area that we have focused on is the Section 199A Qualified Business Income (QBI) rules, paying close attention to the recent developments from the IRS. There has not been this much change in the tax code since 1986 and it is important for small business owners and entrepreneurs to make the most of this opportunity to save money.

One way to save money is to know how to navigate the new Section 199A Qualified Business Income (QBI) rules and we have completed our presentation for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Qualified Business Income is a "new" kind of income that is recognized differently than other types (ordinary, investment, passive) and small businesses need to know how it will affect their bottom line. There is a method to madness behind the change and we take a deeper dive in the presentation. For now check out the video below to get a definition of what QBI is and what income is subject to it.

Join us in the coming months on one of our webinar presentations on QBI and other tax planning topics before tax planning season is in the rear-view mirror.

Recently the IRS released "Notice 2018-64" regarding the new Qualified Business Income (QBI) 20% deduction. Now I won't go into great details regarding the notice, but it basically provides small businesses with a method for calculating W-2 wages for the purposes of determining if a small business qualifies for QBI. The notice outlines the regulations and specifies which business types qualify for the deduction. These regulations are proposed regulations (may be subject to change) and tax payers and professionals will need to rely on this guidance until final regulations are published.

The new QBI regulations will affect a great deal of small business owners in more ways than one. Some questions that small business owners need to address include:

• What trades or businesses qualify for the deduction
• How much W-2 income can I make to qualify for the deduction
• What happens if my income is over the deduction threshold
• Have I selected the correct business entity structure

These are just a few of the questions small business owners need to address regarding the QBI deduction. The dog days of summer are a great time for small businesses to address these questions. By taking a little time now to do a bit of tax planning, a small business owner can ensure that there are now surprises when tax time rolls around.

We are currently developing a presentation that will go into greater detail regarding the QBI deduction and what you need to do as a small business owner to protect your hard earned dollars.

​Had another great time meeting the many small business author/entrepreneurs in the local area this past weekend at the Atlanta Professional Business Network (APBN) Authors Showcase. After talking with many of the participants and fellow authors, I have compiled some key takeaways from the event.

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• Authors need to have an entrepreneurial mindset. They should have a general understanding of the “numbers” side of their business. They can do this by knowing what their current income sources are and seek opportunities to generate additional income sources.
• There are quite a few ways for author/entrepreneurs to generate interest in their message and brand. Networking events like this one are a great start.
• Author/Entrepreneurs need to have a plan. Echoing the sentiments of the guest speaker, John Riley, you must have a plan and work that plan. All your actions should refer back to your primary strategic plan.

When author/entrepreneurs operate their strategic plan with the correct mindset (being an author is a business), the opportunities and possibilities are unlimited. Networking with fellow authors and entrepreneurs also allows them to expand their brands and gain further insight that can guide them through their journey.

The recently signed Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 had a few tax  extenders that are retroactive to 2017. some of the more notable provisions include:

Exclusion for discharge of indebtedness on a principal residence

The provision extends the exclusion from gross income of a discharge of qualified principal residence indebtedness through 2017. The provision also modifies the exclusion to apply to qualified principal residence indebtedness that is discharged pursuant to a binding written agreement entered into in 2017.

Premiums for mortgage insurance (PMI) deductible as mortgage interest

The provision extends the treatment of qualified mortgage insurance premiums as interest for purposes of the mortgage interest deduction through 2017. This deduction phases out ratably for taxpayers with adjusted gross income of $100,000 to $110,000.

Above-the-line deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses

The provision extends the above-the-line deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses for higher education through 2017. The deduction is capped at $4,000 for an individual whose adjusted gross income (AGI) does not exceed $65,000 ($130,000 for joint filers) or $2,000 for an individual whose AGI does not exceed $80,000 ($160,000 for joint filers).
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Three-year depreciation for race horses 2-years-old or younger

The provision extends the 3-year recovery period for race horses to property placed in service during 2017.

Contact us if you have already filed your return and qualify for these tax extender provisions.

Happy New Year! With the start of 2018, we have fielded a great deal of questions regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. We figured we would put out a short post to address the most important ones

1.  When will the tax changes take effect? 
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The bill takes effect on January 1, 2018, thus when you file your 2018 taxes (in 2019) you will see the results of the tax changes. W-2 employees will see changes in their paychecks federal withholding in February 2018.
 
2.  How much will the tax changes save a taxpayer?

The short answer is, it depends...what your total income is and where your income is derived. Also other factors can play a role in determining how much you will save. 

3.    Do I need to do anything to change my withholding?

According to the IRS regarding withholding changes:

“We anticipate issuing the initial withholding guidance in January, and employers and payroll service providers will be encouraged to implement the changes in February,” said the IRS. “The IRS emphasizes this information will be designed to work with the existing Forms W-4 that employees have already filed, and no further action by taxpayers is needed at this time.”

These are just a few of the top questions we are hearing from taxpayers, feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding the Tax Cut and Jobs Act.

It was great to be a part of the Atlanta Professional Business Network (APBN) Author's Showcase this past weekend at the Mechanicsville Library. With over 20 local authors, the event provided a great opportunity to meet current and aspiring authors. Authors, speakers and coaches that sell books and speaking engagements also need to keep track of their sales and expenses and that is where we can assist (with the tips included in the book of course). It was a great time to network with them and provide insights into saving their hard earned dollars and working more efficiently. 

Pictures from the event below...

Great to see and fellow tech driven accountants and consultants and network before the year-end! 

Get a head start prepping for a new year by taking a look at changing your accounting systems. Speak with us to start the conversation on conversions and learn how we have successfully – and thankfully – switched our clients to cloud accounting solutions. Be sure to contact us if you are a small business owner/entrepreneur that needs end of the year assistance. 

With just a few days left to go out and vote, here are the tax proposals for the two leading candidates.