Q: I run two sole proprietorships out of my house. Do I need to use separate rooms for each business if I want to claim home-office deductions? W.D., Smyrna, Ga.
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Small Business Tax Strategies
You’ve probably heard that hiring your children is a great tax-saving move. Their income is taxed in their low tax bracket, and as long as you handle things correctly, your company can deduct the compensation.
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It will soon be springtime in Washington, and for the past three years, that has meant tax breaks spilling forth across the land. But not this year.
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Sometime between now and April 15, you’ll probably sit down with your tax adviser to pour over receipts, write-offs and changes to your personal tax situation. You can save on your tax bill—and your tax-preparation fees—by avoiding these common errors
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Have you heard about the new, "creative" way to shift assets from your business to a Roth IRA to skirt the IRA contribution limits? Well, forget that advice and heed this:
The IRS came out swinging last month, issuing formal notice that such transactions would be listed as "abusive tax shelters" and trigger stiff penalties. (IRS Notice 2004-8)
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With the stock market heating up, you may have borrowed cash in 2003 for investment purposes or to buy stock on margin.
Of course, you’ll want to maximize the write-off for your investment interest. But usually your investment interest deduction is capped at the amount of your total investment income.
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Q: In a recent item in your newsletter, you said that sole proprietors, partners and LLC members can use the per-diem method for reimbursing meals and incidental expenses on business travel. (See 11/3/03 issue.) Shouldn’t that list also include S corporation shareholder/employees? P.D., CPA, Englewood, Colo.
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You can file Form 4506, but it could take up to 60 days to receive a photocopy and cost you $39. Better option: Call the IRS to order a transcript that lists line items from your original return (only 1040s) for up to three previous years.
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Q: My elderly father lives in Spain and plans to give large financial gifts to our family this year. Are there any special IRS requirements we must meet? T.D., Vero Beach, Fla.
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Q: We own a vacation home in Vermont that we are leaving to our adult son in our wills. The home cost $95,000 and is now worth around $300,000. We’ve made about $15,000 in improvements over the years. Will our son owe any income tax if he inherits the home in the next few years? M.M., Stamford, Conn.
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