Here’s What Happened in the World of Small Business in September 2021

Here are five things that happened this past month that affect your small business.

1) House Ways & Means Committee releases tax policy outline.
Every business owner should be monitoring the debate and tax policy coming out of Washington DC. The latest tax proposals may change before Democrats craft the final bill but include changes to capital gains, estates, and marginal tax rates. The Ways and Means Committee is scheduled to debate tax policy in the coming weeks. Full story via CNBC.

Why this is important for your business:
If changes occur, strategic tax planning can help minimize the impacts on your finances.

2) Are digital advertising taxes the wave of the future? 
The Maryland digital advertising tax is applied to gross revenue derived from digital advertising services. The proposed Maryland regulations raise at least three major issues: definitional ambiguity, suspect sourcing rules, and unworkable geolocation requirements. Full story via The Tax Foundation.  

Why this is important for your business:
If other states follow, businesses driving revenue through digital advertising might have some unpleasant tax surprises. 

3) Is inflation transitory or building?
U.S. businesses are experiencing escalating inflation that is being aggravated by a shortage of goods and likely will be passed onto consumers in many areas. Full story via CNBC


Why this is important for your business:
Rises prices, whether in labor or materials, will affect the bottom line. Indicators are mixed with an apparent slow down in China retail sales. 

4) Business tax return backlog slowly opening up.
Still waiting for your business return to be processed? Backlogs primarily affected employment tax returns and business tax returns for partnerships, corporations, estates and gifts, fiduciaries, and tax-exempt organizations. Full story via CNBC

Why this is important for your business:
The inability of the IRS to hire sufficient staff will affect taxpayers awaiting refunds or that have claimed pandemic business credits.

5) IRS adds the R & D Tax Credit to the annual Dirty Dozen list.
Increased scrutiny on this important credit may be met with increased enforcement. Full story via IRS.

Why this is important for your business:
Many businesses qualify but are not taking the credit as of yet. So don’t let a little scrutiny scare you away if you can benefit. 

Share this article...

Want tax & accounting tips and insights?

Sign up for our newsletter.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .
Workcation

“Bernard and his team at BR tax group are top notch. This is my first year using them after switching from a different local CPA and I didn't realize how much tax info I've been missing. His communication is great. The additional information he provides to maximize tax savings is something I didn't get from my previous CPA. Thanks Bernard”

Philip Ivey

Frequently Asked Questions

You can prepare your taxes yourself, especially if your business is simple.

But once you have contractors, employees, business loans, equipment purchases, mileage, mixed expenses, or growing revenue, things get more complex. At that point, tax preparation becomes a way to make sure your business is reported correctly, your deductions are handled properly, and your records can support what you file.

Send anything that shows what your business earned, spent, bought, paid, borrowed, or changed during the year.

That usually means your income records, bank statements, credit card statements, payroll reports, contractor payments, loan documents, mileage records, and prior-year tax return. Also tell me about anything unusual, such as buying a vehicle, hiring someone, opening a new location, or taking out a business loan.

Messy books can slow things down. If expenses are in the wrong categories, transactions are missing, or personal and business spending are mixed together, your tax return may not show the right profit. We may need to clean things up before filing, so your return is accurate and easier to support.

Possibly, if it was truly for your business and you have proof.

Still, it is much better to avoid this when you can. A separate business bank account and business credit card make everything cleaner. They save time, reduce confusion, and make your records much easier to defend if anyone ever asks questions.

Most small business owners can deduct ordinary business expenses like software, advertising, supplies, insurance, rent, payroll, contractor payments, professional fees, travel, and some vehicle costs.

The question I usually ask is simple. Was this expense clearly for the business? If yes, we can look at how it should be handled. Personal expenses should stay personal.

Our Offices

Let's Get Started

Our services are designed specifically for business start-ups, entrepreneurs and small businesses of all sizes. Let’s start the conversation.

Schedule Appointment