By: Lynn Montag
Tax season for 2019 may be in full swing, but it’s never too soon to start thinking about your 2020 business tax strategy. A new year means new tax challenges and opportunities for small business owners, so it’s best to understand recent tax code changes right at the beginning. Although different tax rules apply based on business structure, in general small business owners are responsible for sales tax; payroll tax; self-employment tax, which goes towards Social Security and Medicare; excise tax; federal and state (if applicable) income tax; property tax; and taxes on capital gains and dividends. Per the IRS, all businesses large or small, turning a profit or not, must submit an annual income tax. The exception to this rule is partnerships which are required to file an information return instead.
The top things small business owners should keep in mind for 2020 are: 1) changes to the tax code from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) impact deductions for pass through companies; 2) state and local tax (SALT) deductions are limited to $10,000; 3) commuters can no longer deduct their ride to work as a “qualified transportation fringe benefit”; and 4) there a new international tax considerations to deal with if you’re an American corporation.
- TCJA impacts deductions for pass through companies
For small business owners, recent changes to business deductions could have a huge impact in 2020. As a result of the TCJA, the corporate tax rate was cut from 35% down to 21%. If you are taxed as a c-corporation, this 14% drop could have a major impact on your bottom line. Although this flat rate mostly affects large businesses and corporations, the TCJA also changed the limits on interest deductions and net operating losses for pass-through companies – companies where taxes are passed-through to shareholders and owners – which make up most small businesses in the U.S. Under the TCJA for 2019, joint tax filers who have taxable income below $321,400 (or below $160,700 for individual filers) now qualify to deduct 20% of their qualified business income (QBI) from their annual taxes. If you plan to take advantage of this 20% deduction and your business’ taxable income falls above the thresholds mentioned, please contact our team to determine whether you qualify through other exceptions.
- SALT deductions are capped at $10,000
In high-tax states such as New York, California and New Jersey, the SALT deduction restriction could impact you and your small business. As of last year, for the first time ever SALT deductions were capped at $10,000 for combined property taxes plus either state income or state sales tax. For states with high property, income or sales tax, this could seriously limit the amount of federal deductions you are entitled to.
Additionally, if your business owns property overseas, under the new SALT deductions you can no longer deduct foreign real estate taxes from your U.S. tax return.
- Fringe benefit deductions for commuters have changed
The TCJA has removed employer deductions previously allowed for parking, transit and carpooling. Additionally, employers who offer transportation benefits for employees who are commuters can no longer deduct these reimbursements as “qualified transportation fringe benefit” from their tax return, although qualified bicycle commuting reimbursements are still allowed as business expense deductions through 2025, when the TCJA expires.
- International tax considerations
If your small business operates overseas, the TCJA creates new considerations when filing your taxes. It is vital for small business owners to manage their taxes correctly as penalties for incorrect filing can be severe, including anywhere from lofty fees up to a potential closure of your business. Increased IRS audits of small businesses over the past few years requires that business owners be aware of their tax requirements. Please consult with a tax professional to avoid any costly mistakes.