As a specified service business owner, you are likely familiar with the tax challenges that come with operating in a highly competitive industry. The good news is that there are a variety of tax strategies available to help you lower your tax bill and maximize your profits.
The Era of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) brought about significant changes to the tax code, including the way in which specified service businesses are taxed. As a result, it is even more important for these business owners to understand and utilize tax strategies that can help lower their tax bill and maximize their profits.
Here are some of the most effective tax strategies for specified service businesses in light of the TCJA:
Maximize Deductions for Business Expenses
Under the TCJA, the standard deduction has been increased and certain itemized deductions have been limited or suspended. Despite these changes, specified service business owners can still take advantage of deductions for their business expenses, including office supplies, equipment, travel, and entertainment.
To maximize these deductions, it is important to keep accurate and detailed records of all your business expenses and to understand the specific rules and limitations for each deduction. This will help you identify areas where you can potentially reduce your expenses and claim larger deductions on your tax return.
Consider Incorporating Your Business
Incorporating your specified service business can offer a number of tax benefits, including reducing your personal liability, protecting your personal assets, and allowing you to take advantage of favorable tax rates on business profits.
When you incorporate your business, you are able to deduct a portion of your business expenses, such as salaries and benefits, on your tax return. This can help reduce your overall tax bill and increase your profits.
Take Advantage of Tax Credits
There are a variety of tax credits available to specified service businesses, including credits for hiring employees, investing in research and development, and purchasing energy-efficient equipment.
By taking advantage of these tax credits, you can reduce your tax bill and potentially receive a refund from the government. It is important to research and understand the specific tax credits available to your business, as well as the requirements for claiming these credits.
Defer Income through Retirement Accounts
Deferring income through a retirement account can be a useful strategy for reducing your tax bill as a specified service business owner. When you defer income into a retirement account, such as a traditional IRA or a solo 401(k), you are able to reduce your taxable income in the current year.
This can help lower your overall tax bill and potentially increase your profits. It is important to carefully consider the contributions limits for retirement accounts and to seek the guidance of a financial advisor before making any decisions.
Utilize Depreciation to Reduce Tax Liability
Depreciation is a tax strategy that allows you to write off the cost of certain business assets, such as equipment and property, over a period of time. This can help reduce your taxable income and lower your overall tax bill.
When utilizing depreciation as a tax strategy, it is important to understand the specific rules and requirements for claiming depreciation on your tax return. This may include choosing the right depreciation method, determining the useful life of the asset, and accurately tracking the depreciation expense on your tax return.
In conclusion, as a specified service business owner, there are a variety of tax strategies available to help you reduce your tax bill and maximize your profits. These strategies include maximizing deductions for business expenses, incorporating your business, taking advantage of tax credits, deferring income through retirement accounts, and utilizing depreciation to reduce tax liability.
It is important to seek the guidance of a tax professional or financial advisor before implementing any of these strategies to ensure that you are fully compliant with all tax laws and regulations. By taking advantage of these tax strategies, you can effectively manage your tax liability and position your business for long-term success.