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Business Tax

Six Tips for Paying Estimated Taxes

Estimated tax is a method used to pay tax on income that is not subject to withholding. Depending on what you do for a living and what type of income you receive, you may need to pay estimated taxes during the year.

These six tips from the IRS will provide you with a quick look at estimated taxes and how to pay them…

  1. If you have income from sources such as self-employment, interest, dividends, alimony, rent, gains from the sale of assets, prizes, or awards, then you may have to pay estimated tax.
  2. As a general rule, you must pay estimated taxes in 2011 if both of these statements apply: 1) you expect to owe at least $1,000 in tax after subtracting your tax withholding (if you have any) and credits, and 2) you expect your withholding and credits to be less than the smaller of 90% of your 2011 taxes or 100% of the tax on your 2010 return. There are special rules for farmers, fishermen, certain household employers, and certain higher-income taxpayers.
  3. For sole proprietors, partners, and S Corporation shareholders, you generally have to make estimated tax payments if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in tax when you file your return.
  4. To figure your estimated tax, include your expected gross income, taxable income, taxes, deductions, and credits for the year. Use the worksheet in Form 1040ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals, which we can send you. You want to be as accurate as possible to avoid penalties. Also, consider changes in your situation and recent tax law changes.
  5. The year is divided into four payment periods, or due dates, for estimated tax purposes. Those dates generally are April 15, June 15, Sept. 15, and Jan. 15.
  6. Form 1040ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals, provides all you’ll need to pay estimated taxes. This includes instructions, worksheets, schedules, and payment vouchers. The easiest way to pay estimated taxes, however, is electronically through the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System or EFTPS. You can also pay estimated taxes by check or money order using the Estimated Tax Payment Voucher or by credit or debit card.

Take our advice and don’t ignore your estimated tax payments. And please call us with any questions.

Tax

September Tax Calendar / Due Dates

September 2011
September 12 Employees – who work for tips. If you received $20 or more in tips during August, report them to your employer. You can use Form 4070.
September 15 Partnerships – File a 2010 calendar year return (Form 1065). This due date applies only if you were given an additional 6-month extension. Provide each partner with a copy of Schedule K-1 (Form 1065) or a substitute K-1.
Individuals – Make a payment of your 2011 estimated tax if you are not paying your income tax for the year through withholding (or will not pay in enough tax that way). Use Form 1040-ES. This is the third installment date for estimated tax in 2011.
Corporations – File a 2010 calendar year income tax return (Form 1120 or 1120-A) and pay any tax due. This due date applies only if you timely requested an automatic 6-month extension. Otherwise, see March 15.
S Corporations – File a 2010 calendar year income tax return (Form 1120S) and pay any tax due. This due date applies only if you timely requested an automatic 6-month extension. Otherwise, see March 15. Provide each shareholder with a copy of Schedule K-1 (Form 1120S) or a substitute Schedule K-1.
Corporations – Deposit the third installment of estimated income tax for 2011. A worksheet, Form 1120-W, is available to help you make an estimate of your tax for the year.
Employers – Nonpayroll withholding. If the monthly deposit rule applies, deposit the tax for payments in August.
Employers – Social security, Medicare, and withheld income tax. If the monthly deposit rule applies, deposit the tax for payments in August.
Business Tax

Tax Benefits for Job Seekers

Some folks – especially these days – are polishing their resumes and attending career fairs in search of employment. If you are searching for a job this summer, you may be able to deduct some of those expenses on your tax return.

Here are six things you need to know about deducting costs related to your job search.

  1. To deduct job search costs, the expenses must be spent on a job search in your current occupation. You may not deduct expenses related to looking for a job in a new occupation.
  2. You can deduct employment and outplacement agency fees you pay while looking for a job in your present occupation. If your employer pays you back in a later year for employment agency fees, you must include the amount you receive in your gross income up to the amount of your tax benefit in the earlier year.
  3. You can deduct amounts you spend for preparing and mailing copies of a resume to prospective employers as long as you are looking for a new job in your present occupation.
  4. If you travel to an area to look for a new job in your present occupation, you may be able to deduct travel expenses to and from the area. You can only deduct the travel expenses if the trip is primarily to look for a new job. The amount of time you spend on personal activity compared to the time spent looking for work is important in determining whether the trip is primarily personal or is related to your job search. (If you have questions about how to figure this, call us.)
  5. You cannot deduct job search expenses if there was a substantial break between the end of your last job and the time you begin looking for a new one.
  6. You cannot deduct job search expenses if you are looking for a job for the first time.

If you’d like more information about deducting expenses related to your job search, let us know. We’ll guide you through the process.

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