Paying Tax Later Usually Better Than Paying Now

Your accountant or CPA
can help you with your tax planning.

Deciding whether you are better off with 2013 v. 2014 income can itself be imprecise.

How can you figure what to buy, receive, pay, settle or deduct before the end of the year?

Conventional wisdom says you should accelerate tax deductions and defer income. Thus, paying tax later is usually better than paying now. That means you should delay income into January when you can, but get ready to crunch some numbers. Even if the tax system were static, the changes between 2013 and 2014 rates and rules—let alone the economy—make it tough. Add to that the many expiring tax provisions and you’ll find that calculators or software are all but essential.

READ MORE >> FORBES.COM: Compare 2014 v. 2013 IRS Tax Rates Before It's Too Late

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•     About GBC Services
•     GBC Audit Services Website
•     Visit the Internal Revenue Service's Website

Seven States With No Income Taxes

How much is your state income tax?

The IRS isn't the only one who wants a piece of your paycheck - 41 states have a broad-based individual income tax, but it is interesting that there are a few states who have none.

That doesn't mean, however, that you will pay less tax overall by living in one of these states.

States need revenue to function, and these states will have to make up for the lack of income tax somehow. New Hampshire and Texas, for example, make up for it in property taxes. Both states have some of the highest property taxes in the nation. The cost of higher property taxes, sales taxes, fuel taxes, and other taxes could amount to higher overall taxes in some of these states. Only seven states lack an income tax altogether. They are:

• Alaska
• Florida
• Nevada
• South Dakota
• Texas
• Washington
• Wyoming

 READ MORE >> taxes.about.com: States Without an Income Tax

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•     About GBC Services
•     GBC Audit Services Website
•     Visit the Internal Revenue Service's Website

How to Choose a Small Business Accountant

Choose the right professional
small business accountant.

What type of tax accounting services do you need?

Perhaps your needs are simple. For example, if you are a one-person start-up that has no immediate plans to expand, the services of a bookkeeper may be sufficient - and this approach will also keep expenses low.  

Bookkeepers handle day-to-day cash flow management by recording transactions such as purchases, payments, sales and receipts using bookkeeping software.

If keeping track of this information is not your idea of a good time - but you do not need any further financial services - a bookkeeper would fit the bill. After all, you can always hire an accountant for specific tasks such as end-of-the-year tax planning and preparation.

For example, many small business owners are finding that an accountant can help them navigate the increasingly intricate payroll accounting and reporting system, with may be organized using business finances software.

If your original list of required services includes tasks such as budget analysis, financial planning or consulting, a certified public accountant (CPA) may be the right choice. Unlike an EA, a CPA has passed additional state examinations and fulfilled continuing education requirements. They are proficient with business finances software and can handle a wider variety of services. For example, audits and loan application necessitate the services of a CPA. In addition, these professionals can benefit a small firm by acting in an advisory role. Depending on a company's priorities, this level of expertise may be viewed as indispensable or as an expensive indulgence.

READ MORE >> SMALL BUSINESS.INTUIT.COM: Choosing A Small Business Accountant

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For All Your Accounting Needs Call GBC 678-366-9232

TAX BREAKS: Medical Expenses and Health Savings Accounts

Use the funds the year
without penalty.

If you have a high-deductible health insurance plan, there’s another option (aside from FSA or Flex-Spending) in the alphabet soup of savings accounts that might help you save on medical costs: a health savings account (HSA). A high-deductible health insurance plan means that the amounts you are required to pay out of pocket – on top of premiums – meet certain thresholds. For 2014, those are $1,250 for an individual or $2,500 for a family.

Under the terms of the HSA, you can contribute pre-tax dollars (directly from your paycheck) of up to $3,300 a year for an individual or $6,550 for a family into the account (for those 55 and older, the contribution limits are up to $4,300 for an individual and $7,550 for a family).

You can withdraw these funds tax-free so long as you use them for qualifying medical expenses.

Unlike the FSA, the HSA is not a use it or lose it account: the funds simply roll over at the end of the year. You can use the funds the next year without penalty – and you can top it up – so there’s no guesswork involved in funding.

READ MORE >> FORBES.COM: "Back to School 2014: Medical Expenses and Health Savings Accounts"

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•     About GBC Services
•     Visit the Internal Revenue Service's Website

Essential Guide to Avoiding Tax Audits

Avoid problems at tax time.

A few simple tips to help you avoid a tax audit:

A tax return with lots of round numbers.
$1,200 in travel expenses or $1,500 in charitable contributions — suggests that you're just estimating those claims, and the IRS loves to go after people who don't keep good records. You don't need to include cents, but use the closest accurate dollar amounts, such as $1,260 or $1,525.

If you use a software program, do not use its e-filing feature.
If there's anything that might leave an IRS officer wondering. Print out your return and attach an explanation statement and mail it in. A new feature this year is that you will able to include PDF attachments with certain forms. Ask if your software supports this.

Sloppy arithmetic on a paper return can flag an audit.
People list correct numbers but on the wrong line. So make sure sums are not only correct but in the correct place.

READ MORE >> AARP.ORG: 9 Tips To Avoid Tax Audit

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READ MORE GBC Tax Services Website
For All Your Accounting Needs Call GBC 678-366-9232

GBC Services Is Your Professional Go To Comprehensive Accounting Services

Professional accounting services
helps small businesses succeed!

There are many consulting firms that promise comprehensive Atlanta accounting services, but not all are the same. Indeed, if you are in the market for someone to take care of the tax and payroll aspects of your business, it pays to investigate the company you decide to work with.

Think about it. Anyone handling your company's finances is handling the life-blood of your business. Would you hand that responsibility over to just anyone?

Selecting the right accounting solutions in Atlanta, Georgia, may seem a bit challenging at first...

READ MORE GBC Tax Services Website
For All Your Accounting Needs Call GBC 678-366-9232