Category: small business

  • Tap into the 20% rehabilitation tax credit for business space improvements

    If your business occupies a large space and you’re planning to relocate, expand or renovate in the future, consider the potential benefits of the rehabilitation tax credit. This could be particularly valuable if you’re interested in historic properties. The credit is equal to 20% of the qualified rehabilitation expenditures (QREs) for a qualified rehabilitated building…

  • The One, Big, Beautiful Bill could change the deductibility of R&E expenses

    The treatment of research and experimental (R&E) expenses is a high-stakes topic for U.S. businesses, especially small to midsize companies focused on innovation. As the tax code currently stands, the deductibility of these expenses is limited, leading to financial strain for companies that used to be able to expense them immediately. But proposed legislation dubbed…

  • DOs and DON’Ts to help protect your business expense deductions

    If you’re claiming deductions for business meals or vehicle expenses, expect the IRS to closely review them. In some cases, taxpayers have incomplete documentation or try to create records months (or years) later. In doing so, they fail to meet the strict substantiation requirements set forth under tax law. Tax auditors are adept at rooting…

  • Startup costs and taxes: What you need to know before filing

    The U.S. Census Bureau reports there were nearly 447,000 new business applications in May of 2025. The bureau measures this by tracking the number of businesses applying for an Employer Identification Number. If you’re one of the entrepreneurs, you may not know that many of the expenses incurred by start-ups can’t currently be deducted on…

  • Significant business tax provisions in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act

    The One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law on July 4. The new law includes a number of favorable changes that will affect small business taxpayers, and some unfavorable changes too. Here’s a quick summary of some of the most important provisions. First-year bonus depreciation The OBBBA permanently restores the 100% first-year…

  • Navigating tax complexities: Craft partnership agreements and LLC operating agreements with precision

    Partnerships are often used for business and investment activities. So are multi-member LLCs that are treated as partnerships for tax purposes. A major reason is that these entities offer federal income tax advantages, the most important of which is pass-through taxation. They also must follow some special and sometimes complicated federal income tax rules. Governing…

  • Be aware of the tax consequences of selling business property

    If you’re selling property used in your trade or business, you should understand the tax implications. There are many complex rules that can potentially apply. To simplify this discussion, let’s assume that the property you want to sell is land or depreciable property used in your business, and has been held by you for more…

  • If your business has co-owners, you probably need a buy-sell agreement

    Are you buying a business that will have one or more co-owners? Or do you already own one fitting that description? If so, consider installing a buy-sell agreement. A well-drafted agreement can do these valuable things: Transform your business ownership interest into a more liquid asset, Prevent unwanted ownership changes, and Avoid hassles with the…

  • 9 tax considerations if you’re starting a business as a sole proprietor

    When launching a small business, many entrepreneurs start out as sole proprietors. If you’re launching a venture as a sole proprietorship, you need to understand the tax issues involved. Here are nine considerations: 1. You may qualify for the pass-through deduction. To the extent your business generates qualified business income, you’re currently eligible to claim…

  • Key tax issues in M&A transactions

    Merger and acquisition activity dropped dramatically last year due to rising interest rates and a slowing economy. The total value of M&A transactions in North America in 2022 was down 41.4% from 2021, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. But some analysts expect 2023 to see increased M&A activity in certain industries. If you’re considering…