Making a personal loan to a family member or friend can create unexpected tax issues. If the loan carries little or no interest, the IRS might treat all or part of it as a taxable gift under the below-market loan rules.
Small Business Tax Thresholds and IRS Accounting Exemptions
Although your company may feel expansive to you, you might wonder how the federal government officially classifies it for tax purposes. If your organization qualifies as a small business, you can lock in several critical tax advantages.
However, the specific rules for individual tax provisions vary. Depending on your exact operational size, you might be eligible for some small-business breaks while being excluded from others.
Reducing IRS Audit Risk for Small Businesses
When business owners think about risk, they often focus on market pressures or operational challenges. An IRS audit usually isn’t top of mind — but it can be costly, disruptive and time-consuming. Although some taxpayers are randomly selected for an audit, many audits occur because the IRS has identified certain patterns or inconsistencies. Understanding where these risks typically arise can help you limit your business’s exposure.
Before You Shred: Know Which Tax Records to Keep
Tax documents can accumulate quickly. While clearing out old files can feel productive, it’s important not to discard anything until you’ve reviewed some record-retention guidelines.
Understand the Tax Details When Starting a Business
If you’re thinking about starting a business, make sure you understand your federal tax responsibilities before opening your doors. IRS Publication 583, Starting a Business and Keeping Records, covers the basics.
Husband-Wife LLC Rental Property: File a Partnership Return?
Quick Summary
- A husband-and-wife LLC holding rental property must generally file Form 1065 and issue Schedule K-1s to each spouse.
- The “mere co-ownership” exception does not apply once property is placed inside an LLC.
- The qualified joint venture election is explicitly prohibited for LLCs under IRS rules.
- Spouses in the nine community property states may treat the LLC as a disregarded entity and file a single Schedule E instead.
- Couples in all other 41 states have no federal workaround under the current tax law.
Tax Planning Includes Keeping Good Records — Seven Helpful Tips
It’s January, and tax season is right around the corner. For many people, that means scrambling to collect receipts, mileage logs, and other tax-related documents needed to prepare their tax returns. If this describes you, chances are, you’re wishing you’d kept on top of it during the year so you could avoid this scenario yet again. With this in mind, here are seven suggestions to help taxpayers like you keep good records throughout the year:
The Critical Role of Meticulous Business Recordkeeping
Running a successful business requires more than delivering great products or services. Behind the scenes, meticulous recordkeeping plays a crucial role in maintaining financial health, ensuring compliance, and maximizing tax savings.
Before a Weather Emergency Closes Your Business, Make a Plan
It’s hurricane season, which is just one of several weather emergencies and other natural disasters companies may face, depending on location. Tornadoes, floods, and wildfires also pose serious threats. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), about 25% of businesses never reopen after a major disaster. And many that do reopen struggle to recover.
Is Your Business Ready for Digital Documents and E-Signatures?
Whether signing a vendor agreement, approving a repair estimate, or applying for a loan, chances are you’ve signed something digitally in recent months. In 2025, digital documents and e-signatures are no longer just a convenience — they’re fast becoming the standard.