Tax season is around the corner! Being prepared can turn a stressful time into an opportunity to take control of your finances and maximize your tax savings. Here’s a quick guide to help your business tackle tax season like a pro.
- Organize Financial Records
- Throughout the year, receipts, invoices, and transaction records build up. Take time to sort them, so nothing slips through the cracks. Accounting software can help, but if you’re going manual, categorize and store documents in labeled folders.
Tip: Scan receipts to create easy-to-access digital records.
- Review Tax Deadlines
- Avoid last-minute surprises by setting calendar reminders for key deadlines, especially if you’re making quarterly payments.
Key Dates:
- March 15: Partnership & S-Corp returns
- April 15: Individual & C-Corp returns, 1st quarterly payment
- September 15: Extended S-Corp & Partnership returns
- October 15: Extended Individual & C-Corp returns
- Reconcile Your Accounts
- Check that every dollar is accounted for by reconciling bank and credit card statements with your accounting records. This also helps catch any discrepancies early.
Helpful Tip: Reconcile monthly so year-end is just a “review and finalize” rather than a last-minute scramble.
- Maximize Deductions
- Many business expenses like supplies, travel, and utilities are deductible. Check with a CPA to ensure you’re capturing all eligible deductions.
Deduction Checklist: Include advertising, mileage, meals, home office expenses, and employee wages.
- Plan for Estimated Payments
- Quarterly payments help spread out your tax obligations and keep you in good standing with the IRS. If you’re not paying quarterly, consider it to avoid a big bill at tax time.
Quick Tip: Work with your CPA to estimate payments and stay compliant.
- Review Financial Statements
- Balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow reports offer insights into your business’s health. Reviewing these can guide your tax strategy and future business decisions.
What to Look For:
- Income Statement: Revenue and expense trends
- Balance Sheet: Assets vs. liabilities
- Cash Flow Statement: Cash-in vs. cash-out
- Schedule a Tax Strategy Review
- A tax strategy session with a CPA helps you uncover savings and ensure compliance. Tax laws change often, so a professional can help you leverage any new credits or deductions.
Pro Insight: Start early with your CPA to lock in savings and avoid surprises.
- Adjust Your Financial Plan for the Year Ahead
- Tax season can reveal areas to trim expenses, find new revenue streams, or improve processes. Use these lessons to set up your business for an even more successful year.
Wrapping It Up: Get Ready for a Smoother Tax Season!
Preparing for tax season doesn’t have to be stressful. By staying organized, understanding your finances, and maximizing deductions, you’re setting your business up for a successful filing. And if you’d like more help, the Goodman CPA team and I are here to support you.
Ready to dive into tax season together? Let’s make this the smoothest filing season yet!
