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 Erin McDermott Is your small business’s annual tax-season game of Beat the Clock becoming too much of a nail-biter? As rules have become more complex in recent years, the stigma of seeking a tax-filing extension has lessened, with more than 11 million U.S. taxpayers filing for one each year. The need to have extra time to file a return has grown as the complexity of the tax system has increased. “You have to look at the rules to believe it. Life has become so much more complicated,”...

by Reed Richardson. At the end of a volatile year, a flurry of changes to the tax code passed, many of which could have a significant impact on the financial fortunes of small businesses and start-ups. Here’s a rundown of what changed, what didn’t, and what you need to know before filing your taxes for 2010. Section 179 Expensing: In an effort to reward businesses that invested in expansion and infrastructure last year, the federal government more than doubled the maximum allowable...

By Christopher Freeburn The autumn leaves are falling, a chill is in the air, holidays are looming, and, for small business owners, it's a good time to think about ... taxes. While no one likes to ponder the intricacies and implications of the Internal Revenue Code, taking the time to do so toward the end of the year can save your business a considerable amount of money come tax time. So what can you do now? 1. Lower Revenue. Since your tax bill will be calculated on the basis of how...