A recent U.S. Tax Court decision drives home the important point that current deductions aren’t allowed for most expenses incurred while a new business is still in the start-up phase. Other decisions have dealt with the same issue in recent years. So, the proper federal income tax treatment of start-up expenses remains an ongoing source of confusion...

It can be difficult in the current job market for young people and recent college graduates to find full time and summer jobs. Business owners with children in this situation may be able to provide them with valuable experience and income while generating tax and financial savings for themselves. As a business owner, you may be...

There can be negative tax consequences when purported loan payments are recast as corporate distributions to shareholders. In some cases, the courts have ruled that withdrawals from two closely held corporations were constructive corporate distributions rather than loan proceeds and repayments. As such, the withdrawals triggered taxable dividends and capital gains for the shareholders. Corporate Distribution Basics...

The last thing anyone wants on April 15th is a big surprise in the form of a balance due on their individual income tax return.  To guard against this occurrence there are several steps that an individual can take to ensure that when they sit down with their CPA – the resulting outcome is in...

Generally, businesses are limited to deducting 50% of allowable meal and entertainment (M&E) expenses. But certain expenses are 100% deductible, including expenses: For food and beverages furnished at the workplace primarily for employees, Treated as employee compensation, That are excludable from employees’ income as de minimis fringe benefits, For recreational or social activities for employees,...

Incentive stock options allow you to buy company stock in the future at a fixed price equal to or greater than the stock’s fair market value on the grant date. If the stock appreciates, you can buy shares at a price below what they’re then trading for. ISOs must comply with many rules but receive...