Finding Deductions for Qualified Business Income

As an accountant or CFO, you know that finding deductions for qualified business income isn't always easy, especially for startups that may not be familiar with tax laws. Nevertheless, with the right tools and knowledge, it's possible to maximize deductions and save your clients or company money. This blog post will cover some of the essential deductions to know, as well as tips for ensuring you claim them correctly.

Understanding the QBI Deduction

The Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction is a new tax benefit for small businesses and pass-through entities. Essentially, this deduction allows eligible taxpayers to deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income, which is the income generated by the business minus expenses. Some key things to keep in mind when claiming this deduction include understanding income limits, ensuring the business is eligible, and calculating the deduction correctly.

Claiming Deductions for Home Offices

One of the most significant deductions available to small businesses is for home office expenses. If you work from home, you may be able to claim deductions for a portion of your rent, utilities, internet bills, and more. To claim this deduction, you'll need to make sure that your home office is your primary place of business, and that it's exclusively used for business purposes. Additionally, you'll need to determine what percentage of your home is used for business and calculate your deductions accordingly.

Maximizing Your Business Expenses

In addition to home office deductions, there are a variety of other expenses that small businesses can deduct to help minimize their taxable income. These can include things like office supplies, travel expenses, advertising costs, and more. The key is to keep meticulous records of all business expenses throughout the year, so you have a clear picture of what can be deducted come tax time. Additionally, it's essential to ensure that all expenses are legitimate and directly related to the business.

Considering Retirement Contributions

While not a deduction per se, contributing to a retirement plan can help small business owners reduce their taxable income and save for the future. Depending on the type of plan, you may be able to deduct contributions from your taxes. There are several different retirement plan options available for small businesses, including SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, and 401(k)s. As with any financial decision, it's important to weigh your options and choose the plan that makes the most sense for you and your business.

As an accountant or CFO working with small businesses or startups, your goal is to help your clients or company save as much money as possible when it comes to taxes. By understanding the various deductions available to small businesses, you can help maximize savings while ensuring compliance with tax laws. Whether it's claiming the QBI deduction, taking advantage of home office deductions, maximizing business expenses, or contributing to a retirement plan, there are plenty of ways to save on taxes for your small business or startup.

‍