Get All Access for $5/mo

Six Year-End Tax-Saving Tips Consider these last-minute tax-saving strategies for small businesses -- before it's too late.

By Mark J. Kohler

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Six Year-End Tax-Saving Tips

The last days of 2011 are ticking away, and that means there are plenty of year-end tax strategy articles out there.

I say, "Give me a break!" Most of the advice involves investing in your Individual Retirement Account or harvesting losses in your stock portfolio. The so-called tax gurus ignore important steps you can still take that will save you money on your tax filings.

Small-business owners really do have an advantage over average taxpayers, so don't let the opportunity to save money slip by.
Here are some to-do items to consider in the next week:


• Shift income and expenses. Most small-business owners use cash-based accounting. Simply put, that means you don't pay taxes on income until you receive it, and you don't get to claim tax write-offs until you spend the money. So if you can, tell your customers they don't have to rush to pay you before January 1. And pay your January phone bill early. Run the numbers.

• Buy needed equipment now. Federal economic stimulus measures involving Section 179 and the related "bonus depreciation" can allow you to write off the entire purchase price of a smartphone or a copying machine. But the tax benefits will be greatly reduced after December 31, and then mostly go away after 2012. If you've been holding off on buying something for the business, do it now.

bIf you are in the market for a new business vehicle, there are some incredible tax incentives before December 31. Don't think the vehicle has to be new, either. The federal depreciation deduction on an SUV could be up to $25,000, and even more for large trucks or RVs used for business purposes. If you are a little more "green" in your tastes, the tax credits for electric vehicles are fantastic, too, with a federal credit of up to $7,500.

• Pay your family members. Has Junior been sweeping the store this year for allowance money? You still have time to put your child or other family members on the payroll or issue them a 1099 as a general contractor. Then, you can count the money you gave them as a business expense. Better yet, maybe give your new worker a year-end bonus in the next week. Not only do you get to deduct what you paid your family member, but you also will pay less tax on the amount. Your child will owe a tiny amount of federal income tax, but far less than you would pay at your higher tax rate if you kept the money for yourself.

• Make your holiday vacation pay for itself. If you're sitting on the beach in Hawaii reading this article on your iPad, something is wrong with you. But I'd say something is really wrong with you if you haven't scheduled lunch with a client or a similar meeting that will allow you to write off some holiday trip costs as business expenses.

• Set up a 401(k). A 401(k) is far more powerful than an IRA. A person under 50 could save up to $49,000 in a 401(k) this year; the limit for an IRA was $5,000. A self-employed person still has plenty of time to shelter a great deal of retirement savings from taxes. As with an IRA, you can generally make 2011 deposits until the April tax-filing deadline. However, the 401(k) must be created by December 31.

I know the following sounds a bit self-serving, coming from an accountant and lawyer. But it could prove very valuable to schedule a consultation with your accountant before year-end. It's a busy time of year for everyone, but the effort can be well worth the investment of time and money.

Mark J. Kohler

Entrepreneur Leadership Network® VIP

Author, Attorney and CPA

Mark Kohler, M.PR.A., C.P.A., J.D., is a highly respected Founding and Senior Partner at KKOS Lawyers, specializing in tax, legal, wealth, estate, and asset protection planning. With a reputation as a YouTube personality, best-selling author, and national speaker, Kohler is dedicated to guiding clients through complex legal and financial landscapes to achieve their American Dream. He also serves as the co-founder and Board Member of the Directed IRA Trust Company and has launched the Main Street Certified Tax Advisor Program to train CPAs and Enrolled Agents nationwide. As the co-host of The Main Street Business Podcast and The Directed IRA Podcast, he simplifies intricate topics like legal and tax strategy, asset protection, retirement, investing, and wealth growth. Mark Kohler's commitment to helping entrepreneurs and small business owners attain success and financial security has made him a trusted expert in the field, benefiting countless individuals and businesses in navigating the financial and business world with confidence.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Buying / Investing in Business

What to Know About Selling Your Business

Selling your business can be both an exciting opportunity and a daunting process. This article will help you learn what you need to know before starting your sale process to ensure you get yourself on the right path to the desired outcome.

Business Solutions

Build Investor-Ready Pitches in Minutes with PitchBob

Your AI-powered co-pilot for startup success.

Real Estate

Why You Should Consider Commercial Real Estate as Your Next Investment

This article highlights the benefits of investing in commercial real estate while also addressing the associated risks you should consider.

Franchise

How to Create Franchise Videos That Inspire — And Convert Interest Into Action

The best franchise videos don't just inform, they connect emotionally. To capture those kinds of stories, you need to do more than just scripted interviews and staged office shots.

Growing a Business

'Good Isn't Enough': He Turned a Company on the Brink of Collapse Into a $100 Million Brand. Here Is His Best Advice for Giving Your Business a Second Chance.

Brad Charron, CEO and "Re-Founder" of ALOHA, explains the moves he made to help this plant-based protein company finally thrive.

Starting a Business

What You Need to Know to Buy the Right Business and Acquire Your Empire

Once you've decided to follow the road of entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA), it's time to focus on what your destination should be and what supports can help you get there.