Get a head start on your Form 1099 reporting

Get a head start on your Form 1099 reporting

No matter what type of business you operate, January is busy. You're trying to get your business off to a good start in the new year, you're closing the books on last year, and you have to complete payroll and 1099 forms by month-end. Why not make time this month to get a head start on at least one of those chores?

You can lay the groundwork now for a common information return known as "Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income." You use Form 1099-MISC to report payments to non-employees. The list of payments includes fees to independent contractors for services, such as consulting, web designing, accounting, and legal. Generally, you don't need to report amounts you pay to corporations, but there are exceptions. For example, you must report payments to all law firms, whether the firm is incorporated or not.

Here's the information you need to start assembling to complete Form 1099-MISC: the name and address of vendors you paid in the course of your business, the taxpayer identification number of each vendor, and verification of corporate status. The best way to collect this information is to use "Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and Certification." Send a copy to all vendors and ask them to complete and return the form to you. When you get the form back, keep it with your records. The IRS doesn't need a copy.

In order to save time in the future, establish a policy to request Form W-9 from a new vendor whenever you sign a contract.

Contact our office if you need more information.

Poor recordkeeping means lost deductions

Poor recordkeeping means lost deductions

What's worse than keeping records? Losing tax deductions because you didn't keep records. Tax court cases routinely deal with "unsubstantiated" expenses – business costs that taxpayers claim but cannot prove – and taxpayers routinely lose. Every legitimate and supported deduction can save you tax dollars. As the end of the year approaches, take time to make sure your records are in order. Don't want to deal with reams of paper? Software programs and apps can ease the burden. Give us a call for suggestions on how to improve your recordkeeping

Check unclaimed property lists for missing money

Check unclaimed property lists for missing money

Discovering unexpected money is always a pleasant event and generally even more so this time of year. You don't need to dig between the couch cushions to find it. According to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA), state governments have $41.7 billion in unclaimed property on their books. While it may sound like a scam, you could have a legitimate claim to money such as abandoned bank accounts and utility security deposits that you forgot to collect when you moved. You can claim the funds at no cost. Start by checking http://www.MissingMoney.com, a website officially endorsed by the NAUPA

Did you pay domestic employees in 2015?

Did you pay domestic employees in 2015?

Nannies, housekeepers, caregivers – the people who make your home life easier – are your employees, and you're required to comply with income and payroll tax rules. For 2015, you'll need to withhold social security and Medicare taxes when you pay your worker $1,900 or more during the year. You'll also need to provide year-end tax forms and wage statements and file a special schedule with your personal federal income tax return. Contact us for details

Be aware of 2016 payroll rates

Be aware of 2016 payroll rates

The Social Security Administration announced the 2016 wage base for computing the amount of payroll tax will be $118,500, the same as 2015. The wage base is the maximum amount of wages subject to the social security portion of the payroll tax you may know as "FICA." The total FICA rate is composed of two parts and the rates for both remain the same for 2016. The social security tax portion is 6.2% of an employee's wages on amounts up to $118,500. The basic Medicare portion is 1.45% of an employee's wages, no matter the amount. Note that employers must also withhold an additional 0.9% Medicare tax on wages over $200,000.

Will your employees stay after the holidays?

Will your employees stay after the holidays?

A survey of employees and human resources professionals showed that what employees want and what the professionals think they want may not be the same. According to the survey, one in three employees is looking for a new job. Reasons include salary levels and lack of a clear career path. If employee retention is a problem at your company, perhaps you're not aligning your business interests with that of your employees. What to do? Start by asking employees what motivates them. The survey showed employees are willing to share – if you ask the right questions.

Plan for changes to social security options

Plan for changes to social security options 

A recent law eliminated two social security "loopholes," but you may still be able to benefit in some circumstances. The option to apply for social security when you reach full retirement age and restrict your claim to spousal benefits will only be available if you're age 62 by December 31, 2015. The option to voluntarily suspend your benefits in order to receive them later when they would be higher will only be available until April 2016.