There are several significant clean energy tax credits available for business vehicles and property in 2024 and beyond. These credits are designed to incentivize businesses to adopt cleaner technologies and reduce their environmental impact.
Business Taxes
Can I claim the Work Opportunity Tax Credit?
Yes, you may be eligible to claim the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), but eligibility depends on several specific requirements related to your business type, the employees you hire, and proper certification procedures.
Are there tax credits for offering health insurance to employees?
Yes, there are several tax credits available for employers who offer health insurance to their employees. The primary credit is the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, along with various other considerations and requirements under the Affordable Care Act.
Can I still claim the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) in 2025?
No, you cannot claim the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) in 2025. The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) is only available for eligible employers that paid qualified wages to employees between March 13, 2020, and December 31, 2021
What are the 2024 small business tax credits I should know about?
The Research and Development Credit (IRC Section 41) has been made permanent and offers significant benefits for qualifying small businesses.
Can I pay my children or spouse through the business?
Yes, you can pay your children or spouse through the business, but there are specific rules and requirements that must be followed to ensure the payments are legitimate business expenses and comply with employment tax obligations.
How do I report owner’s compensation?
Reporting owner’s compensation depends significantly on the business structure and the owner’s role within the organization. The treatment varies dramatically between different entity types, and proper reporting is essential for both tax compliance and avoiding penalties.
How do I handle state unemployment and payroll tax filings?
Handling state unemployment and payroll tax filings requires understanding both the federal framework and the specific requirements of each state where you have employees. This process involves multiple components including registration, ongoing filings, tax calculations, and compliance with varying state-specific rules.
Are payroll taxes deductible as a business expense?
Payroll taxes are indeed deductible as business expenses, but the specific treatment depends on which type of payroll taxes you’re referring to and your role as either an employer or self-employed individual.
When do I need to issue W-2s to employees?
The requirement to issue Form W-2 to employees is governed by specific statutory and regulatory provisions that establish both the circumstances requiring issuance and the timing for providing these critical tax documents.
What forms do I issue to contractors (1099-NEC)?
When issuing forms to independent contractors, you primarily use Form 1099-NEC (Nonemployee Compensation), which replaced the use of Form 1099-MISC for reporting nonemployee compensation starting in tax year 2020.
What’s the difference between an employee and independent contractor?
The distinction between an employee and an independent contractor is one of the most fundamental and complex issues in tax law, with significant implications for both the worker and the entity paying for services. This classification affects tax withholding obligations, employment tax responsibilities, benefit eligibility, and various deduction opportunities.
What is bonus depreciation for vehicles in 2024?
Bonus depreciation for vehicles in 2024 is 60% of the adjusted basis for most qualified property placed in service during the year T.D. 9874 . This represents a continuation of the phaseout schedule established by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
How do I write off a vehicle used partially for personal use?
Deduct only the business-use percentage of expenses, based on accurate mileage tracking.
Is Section 179 applicable for SUVs or trucks?
Yes, Section 179 is applicable to SUVs and trucks, but with important limitations and restrictions that you must understand to properly claim these deductions.
Can I deduct lease payments on a business car?
Yes, lease payments are deductible if the vehicle is used for business and records are maintained.
How do I track business mileage for tax purposes?
Track each trip with date, miles, destination, and business purpose. Keep accurate, timely records.
Should I use the standard mileage rate or actual expenses for my vehicle?
Choose the method that offers a higher deduction. You must stick with one method per year.
Can I deduct dues, subscriptions, and memberships?
Yes, you can deduct certain dues, subscriptions, and memberships as business expenses, but there are important limitations and restrictions that you must understand to properly claim these deductions while maintaining compliance with federal tax law.
What portion of my phone/internet bills is deductible?
You can deduct the business-use percentage of your phone and internet bills with proper documentation.
Can I deduct professional services like legal and accounting fees?
Yes, fees for legal, accounting, and other professional services are deductible if they’re business-related.
How do I write off office equipment and furniture?
Office equipment and furniture can be depreciated or expensed under Section 179 if used for business.
Can I deduct business gifts, and what’s the limit?
Yes, business gifts are deductible up to $25 per recipient per year, if properly documented and business-related.
How do I deduct startup costs and organizational expenses?
Deduct up to $5,000 in startup and organizational costs, with the rest amortized over 15 years under IRS rules.
What’s the limit on business travel deductions?
Business travel is deductible if properly documented. Meals are 50% deductible, with strict IRS substantiation required.
Can I deduct meals and entertainment expenses?
Business meals are 50% deductible if conditions are met. Entertainment expenses are generally not allowed under current IRS rules.
What are the most common business deductions I can take?
Claim deductions like operating costs, travel, home office, and more if they’re ordinary and necessary for your business.
What’s the best way to track personal vs. business expenses?
Track personal and business expenses by keeping separate bank accounts, using dedicated business credit cards, documenting each expense’s purpose, and allocating mixed-use costs proportionally. Use accounting software to automate categorization and maintain compliance.
How do I handle cash transactions in my records?
Record all cash transactions daily, including date, amount, purpose, and customer info. Keep receipts, use a cash log, reconcile regularly, and report large payments over $10,000 using Form 8300.
What is the best method for organizing business receipts?
Organize business receipts using digital tools like QuickBooks or physical filing by year and category. Keep records for at least 3 years, separate personal/business finances, and back up all data for audit readiness.
What is the best method for organizing business receipts?
Organize business receipts using digital tools like QuickBooks, categorize by expense type, and keep records for at least 3 years. Separate personal and business finances for clarity and audit readiness.
How long do I need to retain business tax records?
Keep business tax records for at least 3 years from filing or due date. Employment taxes: 4 years. Property records: as long as owned, plus 3 years. Some cases require 6+ years or indefinite retention.
What records must I keep for business deductions?
Keep detailed records for all business deductions: receipts, invoices, mileage logs, and documentation showing amount, date, purpose, and business relationship. Retain for at least 3 years.
How do I report cryptocurrency received as payment?
Report cryptocurrency received as payment as ordinary income at its fair market value in USD. Use Schedule C or W-2 depending on employment status. Track gains/losses when sold.
Is foreign income from business activities taxable?
Foreign business income is generally taxable in the U.S. U.S. citizens report worldwide income; foreign persons pay tax only on U.S.-source or effectively connected income.
What do I do with a 1099-K received for business income?
Report Form 1099-K income on Schedule C as part of your gross receipts. Reconcile with records, deduct expenses and refunds, and pay tax on net profit. Keep documentation to support your return.
How do I report income from online platforms (Etsy, Amazon, Stripe, PayPal)?
Income from Etsy, Amazon, PayPal, or Stripe is taxable. Report all earnings on Schedule C, track expenses, and pay self-employment tax. Even without a 1099-K, you must report income.
Is advance payment or deposits taxable in the year received?
Advance payments are generally taxable in the year received. Deposits aren’t taxed until earned or conditions are met. Accrual basis taxpayers may defer some payments under IRS rules.
Do I report income on a cash or accrual basis?
Most individuals use the cash method, reporting income when received. Accrual basis reports income when earned. Choose based on IRS rules and your business needs.
How do I report business income and expenses on my personal return?
Learn how to report business income and expenses on your personal tax return using Schedule C. Understand deductions, record-keeping, and common mistakes to avoid.
What are the penalties for late filing or late payment for businesses?
Learn about penalties for late filing or payment for businesses, including failure-to-file fees, late payment charges, and exceptions for reasonable cause.
Can I file an extension for my business tax return, and how?
Yes, you can file an extension for your business tax return using Form 7004. Learn how to request an extension, payment requirements, and deadlines by business type.
What forms do I need to file as an LLC/S Corp/C Corp/Sole Proprietor?
Learn the tax forms required for LLCs, S Corps, C Corps, and Sole Proprietors. Ensure compliance with federal filing requirements for your business entity.
How do I determine my business entity’s filing status?
Determine your business entity’s filing status and tax obligations. Learn about default classifications, Form 8832 elections, and filing requirements for LLCs, corporations, and more.
Do I need to file quarterly estimated taxes in 2025?
Generally, the tax code requires taxpayers to pay federal income taxes as they earn income. To the extent these taxes are not withheld, a taxpayer must pay estimated income tax on a quarterly basis.
What are the 2024 tax filing deadlines for my business entity?
Discover the 2024 tax filing deadlines for your business entity, including C Corporations, S Corporations, Partnerships, and more. Stay compliant and avoid penalties.