Accounting News and Notes

Be Sure You Rely Upon a Professional CPA to Prepare Your Corporate Income Taxes

Tax law treats partnerships/LLC’s/LLP’s and partnerships as disregarded entities. In layman’s terms this means that the entities income flows down through the entities owners and each individual shareholder/partner is then responsible for the payment of respective taxes. Thus, it becomes imperative to not only consider the overall taxable income of the entity to which you belong but also the taxes which will be due on the tax items flowing down to the individual owners.

As each owner’s situation varies dramatically, great care should be afforded in closely held business to ensure that taxes have been appropriately considered for all. When there is more than one partner, it may be wise to consider assisting in making shareholder/member distributions at the highest partners marginal tax rate to ensure that everyone gets at least enough to cover their respective tax obligation. Each of these entities will issue a K-1 to each individual shareholder to reflect their corresponding share of entity profits.

Although S Corporations have to issue K-1’s and make distributions based upon stock ownership percentages, partnerships, LLC’s, and LLP’s are allowed by law to issue K-1’s and member distributions based on any method that all owners agree upon. This is a distinct advantage partnerships, LLC’s and LLP’s have as agreeing members have the ability to do what they will with the profits whereas S corporations are required to issue distributions and K-1’s based upon each shareholder’s ownership percentage.

Critiquing a client’s prior tax return a CPA can gain much guidance and information about a particular taxpayer. However there is no substitute for a CPA being keenly aware of all information that they receive from a client. The below is a sample letter that we might send to a client to ensure that all of the information is received to ensure that a timely and correct return is prepared thereby ensuring that only the lowest legal possible tax is paid: 

For your corporate return I need ASAP: 

To get a copy of where the IRS accepted your S election. 

To know if you have filed the applications I forwarded on October 15th for you to sign and return to me so I can file to get your company a State/GA Withholding number and to register your company with the Georgia Department of Revenue. 

Please forward to me the 2010 beginning and ending cash balance per your checkbook. 

Please advise if you have retained a payroll service for your 2011 payroll tax needs. 

Please advise as to what the $1000 Miscellaneous Items is so that I might list it properly on the tax return.

“Dare to Attempt Something so Great for the Kingdom of God, that it is Doomed to Failure Lest God be in it!”

 John Dillard, CPA of His CPA, PC (An Atlanta  CPA firm) 1940 Woods River Lane, Duluth, GA 30097  Phone 770-814-9304   http://www.hiscpa.com/    (All Rights Reserved) To retain John Dillard CPA (An Atlanta Christian Speaker/Author) for your business group or church congregation, you can contact him today at 770.814.9304. To discover John Dillard’s Published Books and their vision visit  http://www.john-dillard.com/

We advise clients on: IRS representation, Offer in Compromise, Tax Problems, Incorporation in Georgia, Corporate and Personal Income Tax Returns, Part-time CFO, Virtual Controller, Business Planning, Offer in Compromise, Back Taxes, Business Acquisitions/Sales, Forensic Accounting, Business Valuations and Bookkeeping.

Christian CPA: Maximizing Your Legal Tax Benefits 

Having served Metro Atlanta Business clientele as a Christian CPA for decades, I have learned there is no substitute for easy to understand verbal and written communication. The below is a sample of the correspondence we might send to someone as they are resolving their current tax issues: 

Please ASAP fax to me the revised financials reflecting your final decisions for the current tax year being sure to include a narrative of your decisions and you can later fax to me the new W-2 and amended W-3 as you decide to add yourself to payroll, as tax law requires you to pay a fair and reasonable salary to all active employee owners given position and profit. The truest test will be what he would have to pay someone to perform his duties/position. Please be reminded that tax law requires you to pay all salaries by year end.

Tax Advantages of S Corporations

As a Georgia LLC, LLP, partnership or sole proprietorship, you are subject to the 15.3% Self Employment/FICA tax on all of your net earnings. The S corporation, on the other hand, pays you a deductible salary (which is subject to FICA), and then the profits flow through your personal return via a Schedule K-1. This K-1 income allows for permanent deferral of the FICA tax. The Georgia S corporation allows small business owners to legally save taxes as long as they pay a fair and reasonable salary to themselves.

Please take a look at the following comparison. It shows the tax effects on a single year’s income for a Georgia LLC, LLP, partnership, or sole proprietor vs. a C corporation, and compares it to a subchapter S corporation. Due to the way Georgia C corporations are exposed to double taxation, the payments are spread out over two years, which is not the case for partnerships or S corporations. To learn more visit http://www.hiscpa.com/article6.html  Please be reminded that as we write this that Congress is considering changing the way S Corporations are taxed. Stay tuned for more details. 

If you can this to meet this a.m. I will be able to get the return completed by Friday. 

Please be advised we will be out of the office serving on a mission trip next week.

John Dillard, CPA of His CPA, PC (An Atlanta Christian CPA firm) 1940 Woods River Lane, Duluth, GA 30097  Phone 770-814-9304   http://www.hiscpa.com/    http://www.john-dillard.com/ To retain John Dillard CPA (An Atlanta Christian Speaker/Author) for your business group or church congregation, you can contact him today at 770.814.9304.   “Dare to Attempt Something so Great for the Kingdom of God, that it is Doomed to Failure Lest God be in it!”

We advise clients on: IRS representation, Offer in Compromise, Tax Problems, Incorporation in Georgia, Corporate and Personal Income Tax Returns, Part-time CFO, Virtual Controller, Business Planning, Offer in Compromise, Back Taxes, Business Acquisitions/Sales, Forensic Accounting, Business Valuations and Bookkeeping.

Serving Atlanta, Duluth, Gwinnett, Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Coweta,  Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Newton, Paulding, Pickens, Rockdale, Walton, Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Henry, Newton, Bartow, Walton, Rockdale, Barrow, Spalding, Coweta, Dawson, Douglas, Fayette, Newton, Paulding, Spalding, Walton, Henry, Paulding, Douglas, Coweta, Canton, Covington, Douglasville, Druid Hills, East Point, Forest Park, Griffin, Lithonia, Mableton, McDonough, Milton, Mountain Park, Newnan, Powder Springs, Stockbridge, Union City, Villa Rica, Winder, Woodstock,  Smyrna, Sandy Springs, Marietta, East Point, Gainesville, Snellville, Buckhead, Buford, Peachtree City, Dunwoody, Kennesaw, Decatur, Conyers, Stone Mountain, North Fulton County, DeKalb County, Hall County, Clayton County, Cobb County, Forsyth County, Hart County, Jefferson County, Duluth, Atlanta, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Milton, Norcross, Snellville, Roswell, Buford, Cumming, Grayson, Lake Hartwell, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Loganville, Lilburn, Dunwoody, Gainesville, Decatur, Atlanta GA, Gwinnett County, North Fulton County, Cherokee County, DeKalb County, Hall County, Clayton County, Cobb County, Forsyth County, Hart County, Jefferson County, Duluth, Atlanta, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Marietta, Milton, Norcross, Snellville, Roswell, Buford, Smyrna, Marietta, Cumming, Grayson, Hartwell, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Loganville, Lilburn, East Point, Gainesville, Snellville, Buckhead, Buford, Peachtree City, Dunwoody, Kennesaw, Decatur, Conyers, Stone Mountain, Decatur. Sandy Springs, Peachtree City, Douglasville, Newnan, Griffin, Woodstock, Carrollton, Forest Park, Canton, College Park, Cartersville, McDonough, Riverdale, Fayetteville, Covington, Stockbridge, Conyers, Clarkston, Barrow, Bartow, Butts, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Coweta, Dawson, and Douglas.

Incorporating Your New Georgia Business 

Incorporating 101: Ensure the Incorporation Process Works for You

Incorporating in Georgia
Starting your business off with the best tax elections for your business are amongst the most important business decisions you will ever reach. Discover how you can best set yourself up for business success as you consider this critical part of your business start-up. See http://www.hiscpa.com/incorporating-articles.html

Nevada and Delaware Incorporation
The incorporation of your business may cost you thousands in unnecessary registration and filing fees. Discover the ins and outs of this important decision and how to avoid unnecessary pitfalls and headaches. Visit http://www.hiscpa.com/incorporating-nv.html 

Determining Where to Incorporate
The decision of where to incorporate your business is a critical component of getting your business started. Learn what you need to know to make a well-informed decision. Visit http://www.hiscpa.com/incorporating.html

John Dillard, CPA of His CPA, PC (An Atlanta Christian CPA firm) 1940 Woods River Lane, Duluth, GA 30097  Phone 770-814-9304   http://www.hiscpa.com/    http://www.john-dillard.com/ To retain John Dillard CPA (An Atlanta Christian Speaker/Author) for your business group or church congregation, you can contact him today at 770.814.9304. “Dare to Attempt Something so Great for the Kingdom of God, that it is Doomed to Failure Lest God be in it!”

We advise clients on: IRS representation, Offer in Compromise, Tax Problems, Incorporation in Georgia, Corporate and Personal Income Tax Returns, Part-time CFO, Virtual Controller, Business Planning, Offer in Compromise, Back Taxes, Business Acquisitions/Sales, Forensic Accounting, Business Valuations and Bookkeeping.

Serving Atlanta, Duluth, Gwinnett, Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Coweta,  Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Newton, Paulding, Pickens, Rockdale, Walton, Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Henry, Newton, Bartow, Walton, Rockdale, Barrow, Spalding, Coweta, Dawson, Douglas, Fayette, Newton, Paulding, Spalding, Walton, Henry, Paulding, Douglas, Coweta, Canton, Covington, Douglasville, Druid Hills, East Point, Forest Park, Griffin, Lithonia, Mableton, McDonough, Milton, Mountain Park, Newnan, Powder Springs, Stockbridge, Union City, Villa Rica, Winder, Woodstock,  Smyrna, Sandy Springs, Marietta, East Point, Gainesville, Snellville, Buckhead, Buford, Peachtree City, Dunwoody, Kennesaw, Decatur, Conyers, Stone Mountain, North Fulton County, DeKalb County, Hall County, Clayton County, Cobb County, Forsyth County, Hart County, Jefferson County, Duluth, Atlanta, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Milton, Norcross, Snellville, Roswell, Buford, Cumming, Grayson, Lake Hartwell, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Loganville, Lilburn, Dunwoody, Gainesville, Decatur, Atlanta GA, Gwinnett County, North Fulton County, Cherokee County, DeKalb County, Hall County, Clayton County, Cobb County, Forsyth County, Hart County, Jefferson County, Duluth, Atlanta, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Marietta, Milton, Norcross, Snellville, Roswell, Buford, Smyrna, Marietta, Cumming, Grayson, Hartwell, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Loganville, Lilburn, East Point, Gainesville, Snellville, Buckhead, Buford, Peachtree City, Dunwoody, Kennesaw, Decatur, Conyers, Stone Mountain, Decatur. Sandy Springs, Peachtree City, Douglasville, Newnan, Griffin, Woodstock, Carrollton, Forest Park, Canton, College Park, Cartersville, McDonough, Riverdale, Fayetteville, Covington, Stockbridge, Conyers, Clarkston, Barrow, Bartow, Butts, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Coweta, Dawson, and Douglas.

Duluth/Lawrenceville/Gwinnett/Atlanta CPA on Utilizing Your Bookkeeping, Financial and Tax Return to Gain Key Management Information 

Keep Your Tax Bill As Low as Legally Possible: Only You Can Prevent Undue Tax Burdens

As each business owner/entrepreneurs situation varies dramatically, great care should be afforded in closely held business to ensure that taxes have been appropriately considered for all. When there is more than one partner, it may be wise to consider assisting in making shareholder/member distributions at the highest partners marginal tax rate to ensure that everyone gets at least enough to cover their respective tax obligation. Each of these entities will issue a K-1 to each individual shareholder to reflect their corresponding share of entity profits.

Understanding the Tax Advantages of Being an S Corporation

Although S Corporations have to issue K-1’s and make distributions based upon stock ownership percentages, partnerships, LLC’s, and LLP’s are allowed by law to issue K-1’s and member distributions based on any method that all owners agree upon. This is a distinct advantage partnerships, LLC’s and LLP’s have as agreeing members have the ability to do what they will with the profits whereas S corporations are required to issue distributions and K-1’s based upon each shareholder’s ownership percentage. Your CPA should be your primary financial adviser offering you insight and guidance, even when not initially sought for it is your CPA who is best able to offer information and suggestions to ensure that your business not only survives but thrives. The below is a sample letter we might use to guide a taxpayer with financial insight, while serving as their CPA and Virtual Chief Financial Officer:

Regarding Your 2009 Corporate Returns 

Your 2009 cost of goods sold (cost of doing business) is 90% leaving only 10% to cover salaries and other expenses creating a book loss of $25,000. I suggest ASAP that we review our pricing guidelines and adjust so that margins are at least 20%. This would allow for your operating expenses to approximately remain the same and break-even. To ensure profitability, given present expense levels, I would suggest increasing your gross margin to 25% ASAP. 

Tax law does not allow S Corporation owners to deduct tax losses except to the extent of your tax basis (which is calculated predominantly by a review of retained earnings and current loans made to the company). Therefore this year’s tax loss of $25,000 will be rolled forward to future years when you might have tax basis. 

Tax law requires all S Corporation owners to take a fair and reasonable salary given position and profit. The paying of  excessive salaries, when you have a business/tax loss, has resulted in you paying approximately $14,000 of FICA/Medicaid taxes that would otherwise not be due and payable and $10,000 of 2009 Income Taxes on your 2009 Personal Return that otherwise would not have been due, as your W-2 was taxable, while your losses are suspended as your did not have any tax basis in order to deduct them. 

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 

John Dillard, CPA of His CPA, PC (An Atlanta Christian CPA firm) 1940 Woods River Lane, Duluth, GA 30097  Phone 770-814-9304   http://www.hiscpa.com/    http://www.john-dillard.com/ To retain John Dillard CPA (An Atlanta Christian Speaker/Author) for your business group or church congregation, you can contact him today at 770.814.9304 

His CPA PC…A Christian Atlanta CPA Firm: Never Underestimate the Long-Term Benefits. Dare to Attempt Something so Great for the Kingdom of God that it is doomed to failure, lest Christ be in it! 

Serving Atlanta, Duluth, Gwinnett, Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Coweta,  Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Newton, Paulding, Pickens, Rockdale, Walton, Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Henry, Newton, Bartow, Walton, Rockdale, Barrow, Spalding, Coweta, Dawson, Douglas, Fayette, Newton, Paulding, Spalding, Walton, Henry, Paulding, Douglas, Coweta, Canton, Covington, Douglasville, Druid Hills, East Point, Forest Park, Griffin, Lithonia, Mableton, McDonough, Milton, Mountain Park, Newnan, Powder Springs, Stockbridge, Union City, Villa Rica, Winder, Woodstock,  Smyrna, Sandy Springs, Marietta, East Point, Gainesville, Snellville, Buckhead, Buford, Peachtree City, Dunwoody, Kennesaw, Decatur, Conyers, Stone Mountain, North Fulton County, DeKalb County, Hall County, Clayton County, Cobb County, Forsyth County, Hart County, Jefferson County, Duluth, Atlanta, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Milton, Norcross, Snellville, Roswell, Buford, Cumming, Grayson, Lake Hartwell, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Loganville, Lilburn, Dunwoody, Gainesville, Decatur, Atlanta GA, Gwinnett County, North Fulton County, Cherokee County, DeKalb County, Hall County, Clayton County, Cobb County, Forsyth County, Hart County, Jefferson County, Duluth, Atlanta, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Marietta, Milton, Norcross, Snellville, Roswell, Buford, Smyrna, Marietta, Cumming, Grayson, Hartwell, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Loganville, Lilburn, East Point, Gainesville, Snellville, Buckhead, Buford, Peachtree City, Dunwoody, Kennesaw, Decatur, Conyers, Stone Mountain, Decatur. Sandy Springs, Peachtree City, Douglasville, Newnan, Griffin, Woodstock, Carrollton, Forest Park, Canton, College Park, Cartersville, McDonough, Riverdale, Fayetteville, Covington, Stockbridge, Conyers, Clarkston, Barrow, Bartow, Butts, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Coweta, Dawson, and Douglas. 

Alpharetta/Duluth/Suwanee CPA on Understanding the “Ins & Outs” of  Business Tax Returns

Discover what type of returns your corporation is required to file and its corresponding due dates ensuring that you do not miss an important deadline resulting in unnecessary penalties and interest. Many service businesses opt to file their tax returns on a cash basis, which results in a client not paying taxes on their accounts receivable or deducting their accounts payable until paid. This is especially advantageous for profitable businesses that qualify, since they will not bear the additional tax burden of paying taxes on billed but yet still uncollected accounts receivable. Often cash needs of a rapidly growing business put an inordinate strain on the availability of funds, and the selection of this method will greatly help as it is very difficult to pay taxes on monies one has not yet collected. Below is sample letter that might be used to help Atlanta Business Owners and Entrepreneurs file their corporate income tax returns.

In reviewing the data for your corporate returns I need: 

-To know the amount of medical insurance premiums covering your family. 

-I need a copy of your yearend balance sheet but before you send it please make the below corrections/notations: 

- Debit due to Shareholder and Credit Common Stock for $500.

- Be sure that your retained earnings equals a negative $10,500. 

-Forward me a copy of your W-3 or a payroll report showing total wages for all employees. 

ASAP after I get the above I will complete the corporate return. 

Below are articles that you will find useful in addressing issues on your personal income tax returns, as well.

Determining Your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
The first page of Form 1040 is used to calculate the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income. While many people think of their income as what is reported on form W-2, there are some other additions (and possibly some deductions) that have to be made as well. See http://www.hiscpa.com/agi.html

Claiming Itemized Deductions on Your Tax Return
Itemizing deductions on your personal return can result in paying a smaller tax. However the rules on what can be deducted and what can’t are fairly strict. Use this guide to determine what’s deductible. See http://www.hiscpa.com/itemized-deductions.html

How Long Should I Save Tax Records?
Lift up the veil and discover how long and what types of records you should retain and for how long are often the point of consternation for many taxpayers. Learn what you need to keep so that you are never unduly surprised if ever asked to reproduce documents. Visit http://www.hiscpa.com/tax-records.html

Matthew 7:24  ”Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 

John Dillard, CPA of His CPA, PC (An Atlanta Christian CPA firm) 1940 Woods River Lane, Duluth, GA 30097  Phone 770-814-9304   http://www.hiscpa.com/    http://www.john-dillard.com/ To retain John Dillard CPA (An Atlanta Christian Speaker/Author) for your business group or church congregation, you can contact him today at 770.814.9304 

His CPA PC…A Christian Atlanta CPA Firm: Never Underestimate the Long-Term Benefits 

Dare to Attempt Something so Great for the Kingdom of God that it is doomed to failure, lest Christ be in it! 

We advise clients on: IRS representation, Offer in Compromise, Tax Problems, Incorporation in Georgia, Corporate and Personal Income Tax Returns, Part-time CFO, Virtual Controller, Business Planning, Offer in Compromise, Back Taxes, Business Acquisitions/Sales, Forensic Accounting, Business Valuations and Bookkeeping

Duluth/Gwinnett/Atlanta CPA Advises Atlanta S Corporation Owners on Deducting Tax Losses

Although there is no income tax paid by as S Corporation when the annual tax return is filed to the IRS. However, as a part of the corporate return which is prepared, a Form 1120S, there is an attached schedule which shows each owners respective ownership percentage and via a Form K-1 for which each shareholder should reflect on their personal return. K-1 profits, losses, and shareholder distributions are all required by tax law to be issued based upon the each shareholders ownership percentage. In order for losses to be deductible a shareholder has to have a positive tax basis, which is a component of past profits, losses, and loans to and from the business. If a shareholder has no basis to cover losses reported on a K-1, they are by tax law considered to be “suspended losses” and can be rolled forward to future years when the shareholder has positive basis, which can be created by future years profits or the shareholder loaning money to the business. Below is a sample letter we might send a client to ensure that to the extent legally possible, that tax basis is maintained in an S Corporation in order to take S Corporation losses:

Got the information you forwarded for your personal return and have already gotten started. Just wanted to confirm my understanding that the $50,000 Credit Line on the company books was done in the company name, rather in your name personally. Please advise/confirm. In the future if you have to get a loan to fund any business needs, if possible, get the loan in your name personally and then have you loan the monies to the business. That way you will have tax basis in the company that will allow us to deduct the losses as reflected on our 2009 K-1 and will not have to roll them forward to 2010/future year returns.

S Corporation  owner’s should report the K-1 profit, which is based upon their share of the business and not the amount of their shareholder distributions. This is a common misnomer about S Corporations and often leads to confusion for the new business owner. To that end it is best to remember that you pay taxes on the profits when you make them and not when you take them. For example generally speaking if your business nets $100,000 and you are the sole owner, you will pay taxes on $100,0000 whether you take zero dollar of shareholder distributions, a $100,000 or any number in between. Thus if you were to have a $100,000 profit in any given year and take no distributions then you would be able, absent any other issues, to take shareholder distributions in subsequent years with no additional tax responsibility as these monies would have already been taxed.

 Bookkeeping for Atlanta Small Business Unleash the power of information by learning the ABC’s of accounting for the business and financial operations of your business. To learn the nuances of Small Business Bookkeeping http://www.hiscpa.com/keeping-books.html

Preparing and Reviewing Financial Statements for Atlanta Business Owners As your financial results of your business are like a doctors chart of their patient, this will help enable you to understand financials and their use. To learn more visit http://www.hiscpa.com/financial-statements.html

http://www.hiscpa.com/article3.html  Gwinnett/Duluth CPA Teaches Personnel Keys to Managing Business Growth

 http://www.hiscpa.com/article6.html  Alpharetta/Roswell CPA Teaches the Tax Effects of Entity Choice

 http://www.hiscpa.com/marketing-efforts.html Norcross/Sandy Springs CPA on Tracking Marketing Statistics for Your Georgia Business And this is only some of the information available on our web site. You also have at our blog a host of other varied and timely tax and business management issues you can use.

John Dillard, CPA of His CPA, PC (An Atlanta Christian CPA firm) 1940 Woods River Lane, Duluth, GA 30097 Phone 770-814-9304 http://www.hiscpa.com/ http://www.john-dillard.com/ To retain John Dillard CPA (An Atlanta Christian Speaker/Author) for your business group or church congregation, you can contact him today at 770.814.9304

Dare to Attempt Something so Great for the Kingdom of God that it is doomed to failure, lest Christ be in it!

1 John 5:14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

We advise clients on: IRS representation, Offer in Compromise, Tax Problems, Incorporation in Georgia, Corporate and Personal Income Tax Returns, Part-time CFO, Virtual Controller, Business Planning, Offer in Compromise, Back Taxes, Business Acquisitions/Sales, Forensic Accounting, Business Valuations and Bookkeeping.

Tucker/Gwinnett/Duluth CPA Firm Helps Atlanta Taxpayers Addressing Entity Selection Issues When Incorporating in Georgia

Utilizing tax law to your best legal advantage is the responsibility of all. When Jesus said we are to submit to Cesar what is Cesar’s this also required us as Believers and Christians to pay all of the taxes we legally owe. However He did not require us to pay more than tax law required or stated that we owed. Recently I received an inquiry off of my web site seeking to learn the tax advantages and nuances of different entity choices and below is their inquiry:

Below is my response:

Thanks for visiting www.HisCPA.com Generally speaking I would suggest you be an S Corporation but before we make a final decision I will forward you an article for your review.

Let’s talk tomorrow a.m. about your particular situation. However generally speaking an LLC will pay more in taxes because of the way it is taxed, business deductions are substantially identical and the only major nuances will be the implementation and set up of a retirement account based determined exclusively based upon how the IRS defines earned income.

Cheers, John Dillard CPA, 770 814 9304

 http://www.hiscpa.com/article1.html Atlanta CPA Illustrates Difference Between Planning & Historical Accounting by North Fulton CPA
http://www.hiscpa.com/article3.html Gwinnett/Duluth CPA Teaches Personnel Keys to Managing Business Growth
http://www.hiscpa.com/article6.html Alpharetta/Roswell CPA Teaches the Tax Effects of Entity Choice
http://www.hiscpa.com/marketing-efforts.html Norcross/Sandy Springs CPA on Tracking Marketing Statistics for Your Georgia Business 

And this is only some of the information available on our web site. You also have at our blog a host of other varied and timely tax and business management issues you can use. 

John Dillard, CPA of His CPA, PC (An Atlanta Christian CPA firm) 1940 Woods River Lane, Duluth, GA 30097  Phone 770-814-9304   http://www.hiscpa.com/    http://www.john-dillard.com/ To retain John Dillard CPA (An Atlanta Christian Speaker/Author) for your business group or church congregation, you can contact him today at 770.814.9304 

His CPA PC…A Christian Atlanta CPA Firm: Never Underestimate the Long-Term Benefits 

Dare to Attempt Something so Great for the Kingdom of God that it is doomed to failure, lest Christ be in it! 

We advise clients on: IRS representation, Offer in Compromise, Tax Problems, Incorporation in Georgia, Corporate and Personal Income Tax Returns, Part-time CFO, Virtual Controller, Business Planning, Offer in Compromise, Back Taxes, Business Acquisitions/Sales, Forensic Accounting, Business Valuations and Bookkeeping.

CPA Serving Norcross/Alpharetta/Roswell Advises Atlanta Business Owners on Setting Up or Converting Your Georgia Business to an S Corporation 

Award Winning CPA on Incorporating in Georgia 

While evaluating what type of entity your business should be, we strive to balance the legal protection issues vs. the tax savings. Over the years, we have developed the mindset that there is no perfect election but there are ones that are better than others. The assumptions below are based upon the fact that my clients tell me that they want to pay as few tax dollars as legally possible. There are very specific rules, as well as some generalities. While considering incorporating in Georgia, we suggest that you sit down with a tax professional to see how these guidelines relate to you.

Understanding   S Corporations

S Corporations can have no more than one hundred shareholders and they all need to be U.S. citizens or resident aliens. An S Corporation almost always has to have a calendar year as the fiscal year. S Corporation rules have been around since the 1950s and were set up to simplify the rules and regulations of being a business owner.

Providing Liability Protection

Georgia S Corporation, like a Georgia C Corporation, affords the business owner personal liability protection from business risks. Some of the keys to maximizing that protection are to treat the corporation like one by doing all your business in the corporate name, signing all of your documents listing your corporate title, not co-mingling any personal issues/bills in the corporation, and by having your annual Board of Directors and Annual Shareholder Minutes Meeting.

How the Taxable Income of an S Corporation is Reported & Taxed

Income taxes are not paid when the corporate return is filed. The profits of the business are reported on the personal tax return of the S corporation’s shareholders. As long as you pay yourself a reasonable salary, you may also take shareholder distributions out of the business that are devoid of FICA/Medicaid taxes. If an  S Corporations has corporate losses, and you fund (you put the money in the business) those losses personally, then you can deduct those losses on your personal return. Any losses that are funded by the bank (a direct loan from the bank to the corporation) or by trade creditors are not deductible. 

It is frequently prudent (especially if you are going to be required by the bank to be a cosigner anyway) to set up a loan so that the bank lends to you personally and then you could do a personal loan to the company, which will result in you having contributed basis/the dollars to the business, thus making any losses that you fund deductible.

If you would like to learn more about S corporations and their advantages, please contact us.

How the IRS Taxes S Corporations

There is no income tax paid by as S Corporation when the annual tax return is filed to the IRS. However, as a part of the corporate return which is prepared, a Form 1120S, there is an attached schedule which shows each owners respective ownership percentage and via a Form K-1 for which each shareholder should reflect on their personal return. K-1 profits, losses, and shareholder distributions are all required by tax law to be issued based upon the each shareholders ownership percentage. In order for losses to be deductible a shareholder has to have a positive tax basis, which is a component of past profits, losses, and loans to and from the business. If a shareholder has no basis to cover losses reported on a K-1, they are by tax law considered to be “suspended losses” and can be rolled forward to future years when the shareholder has positive basis, which can be created by future years profits or the shareholder loaning money to the business.

Owners of a Georgia S Corporation should report the K-1 profit, which is based upon their share of the business and not the amount of their shareholder distributions. This is a common misnomer about S Corporations and often leads to confusion for the new business owner. To that end it is best to remember that you pay taxes on the profits when you make them and not when you take them. For example generally speaking if your business nets $100,000 and you are the sole owner, you will pay taxes on $100,0000 whether you take zero dollar of shareholder distributions, a $100,000 or any number in between. Thus if you were to have a $100,000 profit in any given year and take no distributions then you would be able, absent any other issues, to take shareholder distributions in subsequent years with no additional tax responsibility as these monies would have already been taxed.

Tax rules of being an S Corporation are only four and many businesses will qualify. To be an S Corporation you must have:

• A December 31st year-end.
• Less than 100 shareholders.
• Shareholders to be U.S. citizens or resident aliens.
• One class of stock.

Although most states recognize and reflect the same tax treatment for S Corporations as the IRS and charge a relatively insignificant net worth tax such as Georgia, there are many states which may charge a franchise tax as well.

Incorporating 101: Keeping the Process of Incorporating Your Georgia Business Simple

Incorporating in Georgia
Starting your business off with the best tax elections for your business are amongst the most important business decisions you will ever reach. Discover how you can best set yourself up for business success as you consider this critical part of your business start-up. See http://www.hiscpa.com/incorporating-articles.html

Where Should I Incorporate my Georgia Business?
The incorporation of your business may cost you thousands in unnecessary registration and filing fees. Discover the ins and outs of this important decision and how to avoid unnecessary pitfalls and headaches. Visit http://www.hiscpa.com/incorporating-nv.html

Determining Where to Incorporate
The decision of where to incorporate your business is a critical component of getting your business started. Learn what you need to know to make a well-informed decision. Visit http://www.hiscpa.com/incorporating.html  

And this is only some of the information available on our web site. You also have at our blog a host of other varied and timely tax and business management issues you can use. 

John Dillard, CPA of His CPA, PC (An Atlanta Christian CPA firm) 1940 Woods River Lane, Duluth, GA 30097  Phone 770-814-9304   http://www.hiscpa.com/    http://www.john-dillard.com/ Contact John Dillard CPA (An Atlanta Christian/Speaker & Author) to retain him to speak to your business group or church congregation. 

Dare to Attempt Something so Great for the Kingdom of God that it is doomed to failure, lest Christ be in it! 

His CPA PC: We advise clients on: IRS representation, Offer in Compromise, Tax Problems, Incorporation in Georgia, Corporate and Personal Income Tax Returns, Part-time CFO, Virtual Controller, Business Planning, Offer in Compromise, Back Taxes, Business Acquisitions/Sales, Forensic Accounting, Business Valuations and Bookkeeping. 

Serving Atlanta, Duluth, Gwinnett, Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Coweta,  Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Newton, Paulding, Pickens, Rockdale, Walton, Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Henry, Newton, Bartow, Walton, Rockdale, Barrow, Spalding, Coweta, Dawson, Douglas, Fayette, Newton, Paulding, Spalding, Walton, Henry, Paulding, Douglas, Coweta, Canton, Covington, Douglasville, Druid Hills, East Point, Forest Park, Griffin, Lithonia, Mableton, McDonough, Milton, Mountain Park, Newnan, Powder Springs, Stockbridge, Union City, Villa Rica, Winder, Woodstock,  Smyrna, Sandy Springs, Marietta, East Point, Gainesville, Snellville, Buckhead, Buford, Peachtree City, Dunwoody, Kennesaw, Decatur, Conyers, Stone Mountain, North Fulton County, DeKalb County, Hall County, Clayton County, Cobb County, Forsyth County, Hart County, Jefferson County, Duluth, Atlanta, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Milton, Norcross, Snellville, Roswell, Buford, Cumming, Grayson, Lake Hartwell, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Loganville, Lilburn, Dunwoody, Gainesville, Decatur, Atlanta GA, Gwinnett County, North Fulton County, Cherokee County, DeKalb County, Hall County, Clayton County, Cobb County, Forsyth County, Hart County, Jefferson County, Duluth, Atlanta, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Marietta, Milton, Norcross, Snellville, Roswell, Buford, Smyrna, Marietta, Cumming, Grayson, Hartwell, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Loganville, Lilburn, East Point, Gainesville, Snellville, Buckhead, Buford, Peachtree City, Dunwoody, Kennesaw, Decatur, Conyers, Stone Mountain, Decatur. Sandy Springs, Peachtree City, Douglasville, Newnan, Griffin, Woodstock, Carrollton, Forest Park, Canton, College Park, Cartersville, McDonough, Riverdale, Fayetteville, Covington, Stockbridge, Conyers, Clarkston, Barrow, Bartow, Butts, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Coweta, Dawson, and Douglas.

Duluth GA on Utilizing Entity Selection for Your New Georgia Business 

Choosing the correct entity for your new Georgia business is not the faint hearted or ill prepared. “Learning the Ropes” and how best to Incorporate Your New Metro Atlanta Business will do much to ensure that you only Pay Your Lowest Legal Possible Tax. Below is a sample of a recent inquiry received: 

On December 2, 2009, I formed an LLC. I am doing professional services as by business and it is in the State of Georgia. I have registered my company with the State and also have FEIN #. I have a business checking account and payment for my work is paid into that account. I draw my expenses from that. My revenue so far is small and for the last few months.

My question is: I want to convert to S-Corp by filing with IRS. How soon this should be done? Can I do this retroactively?

Appreciate a general reply, if not specific points.
Can I avail your CPA services? What are the charges? Thanks 

Below is my response: 

Thanks for visiting www.HisCPA.com I can help you with all of that. 

I will send you under separate cover a information about converting your LLC to an S Corporation for tax purposes and yes we can get the Incorporation Date as the S Corporation effective date if we act soon. 

Quality wise we strive to be second to no one, while fee wise we strive to be mid-range. 

I would welcome talking to you about your becoming a client and us serving your CPA needs for many years to come. 

All the Best, John Dillard CPA  

 LLC’s can Legally Convert to an S Corporation Saving Thousands Annually 

LLC’s came in vogue approximately fifteen years ago when the state of Georgia enacted legislation allowing an LLC (Limited Liability Company) to be established. Although the LLC does allow for some greater flexibility and ease of operation it often results in a higher tax obligation that might not have been incurred if the business was an S Corporation.  

Tax law treats all the earned income from an LLC as being subject to both FICA & Medicaid taxes whereas an S Corporation has to pay those taxes reflected on W-2’s. For tax purposes, the law allows an S Corporation to legally convert to being an S Corporation as long as all active employee/owners pay themselves a fair and reasonable salary. This number is best determined by the facts, position, and profit of a business and the truest test of this calculation is what a business owner would have to pay someone else to perform their position.  

All businesses are unique and therefore all saving opportunities are different. But even the smallest of businesses with the smallest of profits may save approximately $6000 by converting from an LLC to an S Corporation. Already this year, we completed this process for an LLC saving them $25,274 of FICA/Medicaid taxes.  

There are only four rules to qualify for being an S Corporation.  You must:

-Have a December 31st year-end.

-Have less than 100 shareholders.

-Have shareholders who are U.S. citizens or resident aliens.

-Have only one class of stock.

 We offer a free initial consultation to see if converting your business to an S Corporation for tax purposes makes sense to you. Put our decades of experience to work for you ensuring you pay your lowest legal possible tax.

Contact HIS CPA PC (A Christian Atlanta CPA Firm) today.

John Dillard is an Christian Speaker/Author and an Atlanta CPA. To See how he takes Christ along with him to work visit http://www.hiscpa.com/ and for his latest book Overcoming Life’s 9/11’s: Job’s Journey and a Voice of One: Nehemiah’s Prayer visit http://www.john-dillard.com/ or call John Dillard CPA today at 770.814.9304 (All Rights Reserved) Dare to Attempt Something so Great for the Kingdom of God that it is doomed to failure, lest Christ be in it!    

We advise clients on: IRS representation, Offer in Compromise, Tax Problems, Incorporation in Georgia, Corporate and Personal Income Tax Returns, Part-time CFO, Virtual Controller, Business Planning, Offer in Compromise, Back Taxes, Bookkeeping.

Serving Atlanta, Duluth, Gwinnett, Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Coweta,  Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Newton, Paulding, Pickens, Rockdale, Walton, Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Henry, Newton, Bartow, Walton, Rockdale, Barrow, Spalding, Coweta, Dawson, Douglas, Fayette, Newton, Paulding, Spalding, Walton, Henry, Paulding, Douglas, Coweta, Canton, Covington, Douglasville, Druid Hills, East Point, Forest Park, Griffin, Lithonia, Mableton, McDonough, Milton, Mountain Park, Newnan, Powder Springs, Stockbridge, Union City, Villa Rica, Winder, Woodstock,  Smyrna, Sandy Springs, Marietta, East Point, Gainesville, Snellville, Buckhead, Buford, Peachtree City, Dunwoody, Kennesaw, Decatur, Conyers, Stone Mountain, North Fulton County, DeKalb County, Hall County, Clayton County, Cobb County, Forsyth County, Hart County, Jefferson County, Duluth, Atlanta, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Milton, Norcross, Snellville, Roswell, Buford, Cumming, Grayson, Lake Hartwell, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Loganville, Lilburn, Dunwoody, Gainesville, Decatur, Atlanta GA, Gwinnett County, North Fulton County, Cherokee County, DeKalb County, Hall County, Clayton County, Cobb County, Forsyth County, Hart County, Jefferson County, Duluth, Atlanta, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Marietta, Milton, Norcross, Snellville, Roswell, Buford, Smyrna, Marietta, Cumming, Grayson, Hartwell, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Loganville, Lilburn, East Point, Gainesville, Snellville, Buckhead, Buford, Peachtree City, Dunwoody, Kennesaw, Decatur, Conyers, Stone Mountain, Decatur. Sandy Springs, Peachtree City, Douglasville, Newnan, Griffin, Woodstock, Carrollton, Forest Park, Canton, College Park, Cartersville, McDonough, Riverdale, Fayetteville, Covington, Stockbridge, Conyers, Clarkston, Barrow, Bartow, Butts, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Coweta, Dawson, and Douglas.

Duluth GA CPA Provides Tax Advice for S Corporation Owners &  C Corporations and LLC’s Electing to be Taxed as an S Corporation 

To help keep your payroll fees down I suggest issuing a monthly paycheck, whenever possible, that way you will save payroll processing fees and unnecessary administrative time. 

Also it is prudent that S Corporation owners estimate what they believe their net profit will be for the year so that I might advise them what to tell the payroll service withhold, and so that you can tax plan for accordingly. This will preclude you from the additional responsibility of also having to do quarterly estimated tax payments. 

Christian CPA Offers Free Tax Advice for Business Owners

When was the last time you got any good FREE Business and Tax Management Information you can use 24 Hours a day & 7 Days a week.

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http://www.hiscpa.com/recession-finances.html Georgia CPA Teaches Recession Proofing Your Business   And this is only some of the information available on our web site. You also have at our blog a host of other varied and timely tax and business management issues you can use.   John Dillard, CPA of His CPA, PC (An Atlanta Christian CPA firm) 1940 Woods River Lane, Duluth, GA 30097  Phone 770-814-9304   http://www.hiscpa.com/    http://www.john-dillard.com/   Dare to Attempt Something so Great for the Kingdom of God that it is doomed to failure, lest Christ be in it!   To retain John Dillard CPA (An Atlanta Christian Speaker/Author) for your business group or church congregation, you can contact him today at 770.814.9304  

We advise clients on: IRS representation, Offer in Compromise, Tax Problems, Incorporation in Georgia, Corporate and Personal Income Tax Returns, Part-time CFO, Virtual Controller, Business Planning, Offer in Compromise, Back Taxes, Business Acquisitions/Sales, Forensic Accounting, Business Valuations and Bookkeeping.

Serving Atlanta, Duluth, Gwinnett, Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Coweta,  Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Newton, Paulding, Pickens, Rockdale, Walton, Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Henry, Newton, Bartow, Walton, Rockdale, Barrow, Spalding, Coweta, Dawson, Douglas, Fayette, Newton, Paulding, Spalding, Walton, Henry, Paulding, Douglas, Coweta, Canton, Covington, Douglasville, Druid Hills, East Point, Forest Park, Griffin, Lithonia, Mableton, McDonough, Milton, Mountain Park, Newnan, Powder Springs, Stockbridge, Union City, Villa Rica, Winder, Woodstock,  Smyrna, Sandy Springs, Marietta, East Point, Gainesville, Snellville, Buckhead, Buford, Peachtree City, Dunwoody, Kennesaw, Decatur, Conyers, Stone Mountain, North Fulton County, DeKalb County, Hall County, Clayton County, Cobb County, Forsyth County, Hart County, Jefferson County, Duluth, Atlanta, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Milton, Norcross, Snellville, Roswell, Buford, Cumming, Grayson, Lake Hartwell, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Loganville, Lilburn, Dunwoody, Gainesville, Decatur, Atlanta GA, Gwinnett County, North Fulton County, Cherokee County, DeKalb County, Hall County, Clayton County, Cobb County, Forsyth County, Hart County, Jefferson County, Duluth, Atlanta, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Marietta, Milton, Norcross, Snellville, Roswell, Buford, Smyrna, Marietta, Cumming, Grayson, Hartwell, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Loganville, Lilburn, East Point, Gainesville, Snellville, Buckhead, Buford, Peachtree City, Dunwoody, Kennesaw, Decatur, Conyers, Stone Mountain, Decatur. Sandy Springs, Peachtree City, Douglasville, Newnan, Griffin, Woodstock, Carrollton, Forest Park, Canton, College Park, Cartersville, McDonough, Riverdale, Fayetteville, Covington, Stockbridge, Conyers, Clarkston, Barrow, Bartow, Butts, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Coweta, Dawson, and Douglas.