Tax

August Tax Calendar

August 1

Employers – Social Security, Medicare, and withheld income tax. File Form 941 for the second quarter of 2011. Deposit any undeposited tax. (If your tax liability is less than $2,500, you can pay it in full with a timely filed return.) If you deposited the tax for the quarter in full and on time, you have until August 10 to file the return.

Employers – Federal unemployment tax. Deposit the tax owed through June if more than $500.

Employers – If you maintain an employee benefit plan, such as a pension, profit sharing, or stock bonus plan, file Form 5500 or 5500-EZ for calendar year 2010. If you use a fiscal year as your plan year, file the form by the last day of the seventh month after the plan year ends.

Certain Small Employers – Deposit any undeposited tax if your tax liability is $2,500 or more for 2011 but less than $2,500 for the second quarter.

August 10

Employers – Social Security, Medicare, and withheld income tax. File Form 941 for the second quarter of 2011. This due date applies only if you deposited the tax for the quarter in full and on time.

Employees Who Work for Tips – If you received $20 or more in tips during July, report them to your employer. You can use Form 4070.

August 15

Employers – Nonpayroll withholding. If the monthly deposit rule applies, deposit the tax for payments in July.

Employers – Social Security, Medicare, and withheld income tax. If the monthly deposit rule applies, deposit the tax for payments in July.

Basic Hints to Help New Small Businesses

Folks starting a small business are often challenged by their new tax filing requirements. It can be overwhelming to learn about federal tax responsibilities.

The following is a list of basic tips to avoid potential problems:

  • Classify workers properly as employees or independent contractors as determined by law, not the choice of the worker or business owner.
  • Deposit federal employment taxes, called trust fund taxes, according to the appropriate schedule.
  • Start making estimated quarterly payments to cover your own income tax and Social Security self-employment tax liability.
  • Keep good records to protect your personal and financial investment and to make tax filing easier.
  • Consider a tax professional to help you with Schedule C.
  • File and pay your taxes electronically. It’s fast, easy, and secure.
  • Protect financial and tax records to ensure business continuity in the event of a disaster.

Starting a new business? Give us a call today. As always, we’re here to help sort out your tax responsibilities.

What to Do If You Haven’t Filed Your 2010 Return

The failure to file a federal tax return can be costly – whether you end up owing more or missing out on a refund.

There are several reasons taxpayers don’t file their taxes. Perhaps they didn’t know they were required to file. Maybe they just kept putting it off and simply forgot.

Whatever the reason, it’s best to file the return as soon as possible. If you need help, even with a late return, we are ready to assist you.

Here are some things to consider:

  • Failure to File Penalty. If you owe taxes, a delay in filing may result in a “failure to file” penalty, also known as the “late filing” penalty, and interest charges. The longer you delay, the more these charges grow.
  • Losing Your Refund. There is no penalty for failure to file if you are due a refund. However, you cannot obtain a refund without filing a tax return. If you wait too long to file, you may risk losing the refund altogether. The deadline for claiming refunds is three years after the original due date.
  • Earned Income Tax Credit. Individuals who are entitled to the Earned Income Tax Credit must file their return to claim the credit even if they are not otherwise required to file.

Whether you must file a tax return depends on a number of factors, including your filing status, age, and gross income.

Still need to file a tax return for 2010? Call us today. We can help you file your return and avoid additional fines and penalties.

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