Why is my distribution being taxed as Capital Gains?!

If you’re a shareholder in an S Corporation, you might be surprised—or frustrated—to find out that a distribution you thought was tax-free is now showing up as capital gains on your tax return. What’s going on? Let’s break it down. The Issue: Basis Determines Taxability In most cases, distributions from an S Corporation to a…

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Shift Income to Save on Taxes with Child Wages

If you’re a business owner with children, you may be missing out on a valuable—and IRS-approved—opportunity to shift taxable income to a lower tax bracket. By employing your child in your business, you can reduce your overall tax liability and teach them the value of earning money at the same time. Why It Works: Two…

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Mixing Business & Pleasure Travel

Ah, the joys of combining business and pleasure—the ultimate two-for-one deal, right? Well, not exactly. While you can enjoy the benefits of mixing work with fun, it’s important to understand how the IRS distinguishes between business and personal travel. With some planning and recordkeeping, you can take advantage of valuable tax deductions without stepping outside…

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Employee or Business Owner?

For dental professionals considering a career shift, the choice between being an employee or a business owner comes with significant tax implications. While owning a practice or business can offer greater tax deductions, retirement savings opportunities, and financial flexibility, it also comes with additional responsibilities like self-employment taxes and operational costs. Understanding the tax advantages—such…

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Tax Benefits of Rental Real Estate

Real estate can be a powerful tool for building wealth while offering unique tax advantages. From depreciation deductions to rental income offsets, investing in rental properties can help reduce your tax burden and improve cash flow. However, the rules around real estate taxation can be complex, with depreciation schedules, passive loss limitations, and financing strategies…

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Business Tax Deductions & Credits

When it comes to managing your business’s tax liability, understanding the difference between deductions and credits is key. While both can lower your tax bill, they work in distinct ways. Deductions reduce your taxable income, while credits offer a dollar-for-dollar reduction in taxes owed. However, the interplay between the two can sometimes limit the overall…

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Workers – Are they 1099 or W-2?

Properly classifying workers as either independent contractors (1099) or employees (W-2) is a critical decision for businesses. While paying a worker as a contractor may seem easier, misclassification can lead to audits, penalties, and compliance issues with the IRS and state agencies. Employers often prefer 1099 workers to reduce payroll costs, while workers may favor…

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Vehicles – The Road to Tax Deductions

When using a vehicle for business purposes, understanding the tax implications and deduction options is crucial. Whether the vehicle is personally owned or owned by the business, the IRS provides guidelines for deducting expenses, including mileage reimbursement and actual costs. However, vehicle tax rules are complex and frequently updated, making proper documentation essential. This article…

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Rent Your Home to Your S Corporation – The Augusta Rule

Reduce Your Taxes With The Augusta Rule One often-overlooked tax benefit that could work in your favour is the Augusta Rule. If you own an S corporation, this “rent your home” provision might offer a smart opportunity to reduce your taxable business income. Here’s what you need to know about the Augusta Rule, its origins,…

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The Tax Benefits of Hiring Your Children: A Guide For Parents

Hiring your children is one of the smartest tax strategies for small-medium sized business owners. It’s not just about saving money; it’s also an opportunity to teach your kids about the value of work, responsibility, and managing finances. This guide will walk you through the key benefits, tax rules, practical steps, and some often-overlooked advantages…

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