Case Studies
Tax Consulting
Opportunity: The client, a large New York based gas station operator, that offers state of art convenience stores, gas stations and auto repair shops in New York and New Jersey. Its-stores, offer organic coffee, gourmet delis, fresh baked pastries and an array of snacks and fresh fruit. They have over 200 employees and over $89M in sales, required complex tax consulting and preparation.
Solution:GTS helped manage the complex return and provide expert tax advice saving hundreds of thousands in tax savings.
GTS recommends several small business Tax Savings Strategies
The Internal Revenue Code is set up to provide numerous tax breaks to individuals and businesses alike. Some small business tax savings strategies, like timing income and expenses, must be accomplished before the end of the tax year. But others, such as funding a retirement plan, can be done at any time before you file your tax return.
The Qualified Business Income Deduction
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) created the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction when the law went into effect in 2018. You might be able to deduct 20% from your qualifying business income if your business is a pass-through entity—a sole proprietorship, an S corporation, or a partnership, passing its income and deductions down to its shareholders, partners, or owners to report on their personal returns.
This deduction is in addition to claiming your ordinary business expense deductions. You should qualify if your taxable income is below $157,500, or $315,000 if you're married and filing a joint return. Special rules apply if you earn more than these amounts, so you might still qualify depending on the nature of your business. The QBI deduction has some other restrictions and limitations, GTS can check your eligibility.
Fund a Retirement Plan
Setting up and funding a retirement plan for yourself and/or your employees can save you money on taxes. Make sure it's a qualified plan so you can take advantage of those tax savings. It must be one that's recognized by the IRS to allow deferment of taxes on earnings until the earnings are withdrawn. They include IRAs and defined contribution plans such as a 401(k) or 403(b). Many options are available depending on your business, your goals, and your needs. GTS can recommend the best option for best for you.
Take Tax Credits to Lower Your Business Income
Tax credits are the federal government's way of encouraging businesses and individuals to do things - or not do things that affect the greater good. For example, you can take tax credits for hiring employees, going green, providing access to disabled employees and the public, and providing health coverage for employees. Most are part of the General Business Credit, which is quite extensive so it's quite possible that you qualify under some of its terms. GTS can analyze your tax credits and make the recommendation.
Buy Equipment and Vehicles for Depreciation Deductions
Businesses can take tax write-offs on purchases of business equipment, machinery, vehicles, and sometimes even real estate. These write-offs can sometimes be taken in the first year you own and use the equipment. The two most common types of this accelerated depreciation are Section 179 deductions and bonus depreciation. Section 179 deductions allow you to immediately deduct the costs of certain assets when you put the assets in service. The maximum deduction was increased to $1 million in 2018 under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Equipment, machinery, and certain real estate purchases can qualify.4 Bonus depreciation is an extra benefit for buying assets. The TCJA also increased this tax break from 50% to 100% of cost for assets placed in service from September 27, 2017 through January 1, 2023. GTS can review any major assets you have purchased to find out if you qualify.
Deduct the Cost of Gifts
You can deduct up to $25 per person of the cost of gifts given to customers and vendors. An exception exists for those that bear your business name, are distributed as a matter of course, and cost less than $4. Deducting the costs of entertainment is a bit trickier if you show your appreciation by paying for a good time. These costs are no longer deductible unless the event is directly related to your business in some way. GTS can help you navigate deductions for gifts and entertainment.
Time Your Business Income and Expenses
Timing your income involves moving it from one year to another. You first have to determine the year in which you expect to pay the most in taxes. Review your current expenses before the end of each year and prepay some of those amounts if you want to reduce your income for the current year. You can also increase your expenses and decrease income by making expenditures such as stocking up on supplies. GTS can make the recommendations so you can get the most benefits from your expenses.
Write Off Bad Debts to Reduce Income
The end of the year is also the time to review your customer accounts if your business operates on the accrual accounting method. First, find those customers who aren't likely to pay you. You can write off the amounts they owe as "bad debts" and deduct these amounts from your business income to save on taxes. Bad debts can also include loans made to clients, vendors, or employees who don't pay you back. GTS can help you review your bad debts to ensure you can deduct these on your next return.