by Susan Caminiti. When it comes to issues that perplex and confuse small business owners, few items rank higher than taxes. To get a better understanding of what entrepreneurs need to know this tax season—and what changes lie ahead—Susan Caminiti spoke with Chris Walters, senior manager of tax and budget issues at the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the leading small business association representing small and independent firms across the country. Some excerpts from the...

by Sherron Lumley. Now that last year’s taxes are filed, it’s tempting to forget about the whole ordeal until the 2013 deadline rolls around. However, small business owners who take some time now to plan ahead for next year’s tax season can create substantial benefits for their companies. Stay informed Bruce Devereaux, a certified public accountant (CPA) in Seattle for 35 years, has witnessed the extensive changes in tax law over the years. He cites the ongoing Affordable Care Act...

by Max Berry. Many small businesses already use some kind of accounting software to track their day-to-day cash flow so why not apply that do-it-yourself attitude toward filing your own taxes? But handling your business taxes on your own takes more than a little know-how and no small amount of courage. It also helps to have the most appropriate tax software for your small business. With that in mind, here’s a look at what three of the most popular tax prep programs have to offer this year....

by Max Berry. With great growth comes great responsibility, and as your business becomes more successful, more lucrative, and more complex, you’ll have more work to do come tax time. If you’re one of the lucky entrepreneurs who saw their business grow in 2010, it may be time to enlist the services of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Cost vs. Benefits Many small business owners, especially those just starting out, might be put off by the seemingly high cost of a CPA—$100 to $400 per...

Which tax prep method makes sense for your small business? By Reed Richardson How do the costs/benefits break down among tax preparation choices? This is a point of lively debate within the tax community. In the 2005 Form 1040 filing instructions, the IRS included a controversial table that compared time and cost estimates across the three filing categories (self-prepared without help, self-prepared with tax software, and prepared by tax professional). According to the IRS's estimates,...

Which version is right for your small business? By Reed Richardson For those small business owners who choose to do their own taxes this year, there are more software choices than ever to help them file. Indeed, tax prep software companies, like banks and credit card companies before them, are now increasingly targeting small businesses. And recognizing that many small business owners seamlessly blend their personal and professional lives, some software companies are now bundling their...

Here are some helpful tips to ensure that your small business doesn't leave money on the table this tax season By Reed Richardson The past year has seen a number of changes to the tax code that could significantly affect small businesses and start-ups. Here's a rundown of the major tax updates and additions for filing your 2008 taxes. Section 179 Expensing: In an effort to reward businesses that invested in expansion and infrastructure last year, the federal government more than doubled the...

Being self-employed is a dream for many people. Who doesn't want to be his or her own boss? Of course, the downside of being the boss is the all responsibilities that come with the job. Unfortunately, calculating and paying taxes are part of those responsibilities. By Christopher Freeburn According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you are considered self-employed "if you are in business for yourself, or carry on a trade or business as a sole proprietor or an independent contractor." The...