We’re half-way through the year, and this is the best time to make sure that you and your business are doing the right things to save every possible dollar.  As a business owner, one of your many jobs is to maximize the tax code to minimize your tax dollars.  And as an individual, you need to make sure every dollar possible goes to your family, your entertainment, your investments and your retirement.

Have a plan.  Meet with your tax professional at least twice a year in addition to tax time.  When you are pulling documents and working towards filing a return, it’s not a good time to make changes and plans.  So set up a time to meet after the return is done, and again before the year is over.  Make sure you’ve discussed and checked off all these items:

• What taxes do I need to pay quarterly to avoid penalties?
• Have I maximized my non-taxable retirement contributions?
• Is my accounting system up to date and reconciled?
• If I’m an S-Corp, did I pay my own payroll?
• Am I on track to file all quarterly and year end reports?
• Do I need to/should I purchase capital items this year?
• How am I maintaining proof of all expenses?
• If I am a cash basis taxpayer, should I delay client invoicing? Make contractor payments before the end of the year?
• Have I maximized my healthcare costs for tax purposes?

Finally, mid-year is a good time to take a hard look at your financials and make adjustments.  With your accountant, partner(s), business mentor, your spouse, or all of the above, look at your profit-and-loss statement.  Compare your results to last year, adjust your marketing efforts and get rid of unnecessary expenditures.  Look at your balance sheet to understand where you are:  Is your business always ready to sell?  Is your borrowing in line with your revenues?  Are you compensating yourself enough? 

If it sounds overwhelming, it’s because you are the expert in your business, but maybe not in accounting and tax planning.  So ask the experts.  Make an appointment today with your tax professional and your accountant.  Spend an hour with each of them, let them help you plan. Your wallet will thank you. 

Article submitted by DeeAnne McClenahan, Enrolled Agent with  MCC Tax Experts.   Text or call  602.214.4608 or make an appointment here for a free consultation.

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