|
TOP 10 TIPS FOR TAX PLANNING IN THE RECESSION
1) MINIMIZE 2009 TAX BURDEN
For accrual-basis businesses, write-down of “sub-normal” goods, inventory shrinkage and other adjustments can result in significant tax benefits. Specific write-off (versus reserves) of partially or fully worthless bad debts can also generate material tax advantages. Section 179 expensing, bonus depreciation and cost-segregation analyses can further reduce 2009 taxable income. Fully accruing all year-end payables is also critical to avoid overpaying 2009 taxes.
Cash-basis taxpayers should analyze all prepaid expenses and credit-card charges incurred by year-end for potential tax deductibility. Depreciation and expensing of assets in excess of 2009 cash outlays, qualified retirement amounts funded after year-end, as well as any potential write-downs of assets occurring in 2009, can also generate tax deductions.
2) EVALUATING PRIOR YEAR REFUND POTENTIAL
If the taxpayer generates a tax loss for 2009 and paid income taxes in either of the prior two years (three years in the case of a capital loss carryback), a C Corporation can generate relatively quick cash via filing either IRS Form 4466 (Corporation Application for Quick Refund of Overpayment of Estimated Tax) or IRS Form 1139 (Corporation Application for Tentative Refund) to expedite their refunds. State refunds may also be available in certain states. Also see item 10 below.
3) ANALYZE TAX ACCOUNTING METHODS
In order to minimize both 2009 and 2010 taxable income, businesses should evaluate their tax elections and accounting methods to ensure that their revenue is deferred and expenses accelerated as much as possible. Over the past few years, the IRS has liberalized “automatic” changes in accounting methods and generally allow up to a four-year spread on “positive” IRC Section 481 adjustments (increasing taxable income) and “negative” 481 adjustments (reducing taxable income).
4) REVIEW LEGAL STRUCTURE OF OPERATIONS
With valuations generally down across the board, this could be an excellent time to convert C-Corporations to S-Corporations with lower Built-In-Gain tax impact. Additionally, the use of pass-through entities can maximize the tax benefits of loss-generating businesses. This is also a good time to review any sole proprietor businesses and consider setting up appropriate entities to allow for maximum asset protection. In addition, consider setting up an Interest Charge (IC) DISC for entities with significant foreign sales income as this can result in deferral for C Corp earnings and permanent tax savings of 10 percent or more for flow-through owners. The business will receive a deduction for commissions paid to the IC-DISC, and income distributed from the IC-DISC to its shareholders will be taxed at dividend rates.
5) ANALYZE EMPLOYEE BENEFIT STRUCTURING
Review current employee benefits structures for tax advantaged enhancements, such as: cafeteria plans, HSAs (Health Savings Accounts), 401(k) and qualified profit-sharing plans. Review the administrative cost of these plans as well as costs of the benefits themselves. Are these being administered as efficiently as possible, and providing maximum tax benefits for both employer and employee? Are your employees making use of all the benefits provided, or would other choices serve them better at a reduced cost to the company? Periodic information sessions with employees to cover the mechanics of these programs can ensure that both the company and the employees are obtaining optimal value.
6) EVALUATE PAYROLL-PROCESSING OPTIONS
Is payroll outsourced or processed internally? Does the method and provider you are using still make sense for your company? Are you paying for services you don’t need? This is generally a very competitive industry, and the larger payroll companies can be very competitive on “bundled” pricing of integrated services such as: 401(k) administration; employee benefits; Workers Compensation administration and Human Resources services.
7) ANALYZE EARNINGS AND PROFITS, AAA, ETC.
With the preferential dividend/capital gain rates set to expire in 2010, and potentially under scrutiny before that time by the new administration, this is an excellent time to analyze Earnings and Profits (E&P) and AAA Accounts for potential dividend distributions. In some cases these distributions can even be made tax-free, so consider taking this opportunity to clear out prior E&P and avoid potentially higher taxes in the future.
8) BUSINESS OWNERS' ESTATE PLANNING
Interest rates and asset valuations are generally low right now, so this could be the ideal time to consider asset transfers for estate planning purposes. Use this opportunity to set up various estate planning entities and transfer shares in closely held business or other assets while the values are at a low point.
9) OCCUPANCY COSTS
The economic slowdown has affected property owners. Commercial lease rates and overall commercial real estate values have decreased in many regions throughout the U.S. If you are considering a move to a new property, this may be the time to do so at a bargain rate. Landlords want to hang on to existing tenants, so it may also be possible to renegotiate your existing leases, or secure landlord-financed tenant improvements.
10) SALT ISSUES
Review current SALT (State and Local Tax) issues. Is sales tax being properly charged and documented? Are there any potential Use Tax issues for out of state purchases? Are you claiming all sales/use tax exemptions and credits?
Review multi-state taxation and NEXUS (the amount and degree of business activity that must be present before a state can tax an entity’s income) to make sure you are filing in all appropriate states, and that apportionment is correctly calculated. Are you taking advantage of all available income tax credits in each state, including various location based incentives (there are over 8,000 regions that offer state and federal tax incentives)?
MEET OUR STAFF
BRYAN GOLDMAN has been with Martinet Recchia for five years. He has always been in the world of accounting because his father was a CPA. He worked with his father when he was younger, then went to Bowling Green and graduated with his focus on Auditing and Accounting. He takes great pride in providing clients with excellent service.
On a personal note, Bryan has been umpiring baseball since 1989. He is a member of the Ohio High School Athletic Association. He umpires high school, college, and, occasionally, professional baseball.
| 
