Category: software

Starting a Business is More Than Just an Idea!!

Posted on by Lorrie Reid

About two months ago, I met a young man full of enthusiasm to start his own business providing lawn services. The momentum was lost after a few weeks and he abandoned the idea. You may think he gave up, however, it was the capital that dried up. He purchased a used trailer that ended up using all his financial resources in repairs.

Starting any business is more than an idea – it is a combination of the idea, the working capital, the resources, the business environment, and the government rules and regulations. By following the basic startup steps, you are not guaranteed success, however, the likelihood increases significantly when you follow these steps.

  1. Create a Business Plan
  2. Secure financing for your business
  3. Decide on the legal structure
  4. Register your Business
  5. Register for the federal and state taxes
  6. Get your business licenses and permits
  7. Understand your responsibilities as an Employer

 

Contact your BRP Business Development team today to help you with your business startup! (321) 236-2771.

310 Almond Street, Clermont FL 34711

 

“NEW” IRS Collection Tactic

Posted on by Lorrie Reid

The IRS has sent us an interesting article that will affect many tax payers, we wanted to share this with you before the end of tax season.

Starting this month, the IRS will be using four private-sector collection agencies (PCA) to collect unpaid tax debts on the government’s behalf. This is authorized under a federal law that was enacted by congress in December of 2015. These are tax debts that are not currently being worked on and were assessed years ago. If a tax payer is being assigned to a private firm, there would have been multiple attempts to contact by the IRS in the past years.

  • How is this going to work?

The IRS will send an official letter to the tax payer and his or her tax representative informing them that they will be assigned to a PCA and will be given the name and contact information for the PCA. This mailing will also include a copy of Publication 4518 of what to expect.

Once your letter is sent, the designated private firm will send a letter to the tax payer with information that will assure that the transfer and all future collection calls are legitimate.

Important: The PCA are authorized to discuss payment options and payment agreements. However, all payments must be made directly to the IRS via check, or electronically. Never make a payment to a private firm or anyone besides the IRS or U.S Treasury. For more info on payment options, click here.

For a list of the agencies selected, visit this page.

  • Prepare for phone scams!

There will be scammers who jump at this opportunity to pose as PCA employees. It is important to know that these agencies will only be assigned if you owe money from previous tax years. You will be made aware about these PCAs before you hear from them.

The IRS or PCA will never:

  1. Call to demand immediate payment using a specific method such as prepaid card or wire transfer
  2. Threaten to call local police or other law-enforcement groups
  3. Demand payment without the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed
  4. Ask for any credit or debit card numbers over the phone

You don’t need to wait for a call or letter from the IRS! It is important to always come forward and pay what you owe, or set up a payment plan. For a list of ways to take advantage of this, visit IRS.gov.Tax filing deadline is approaching soon! Business Resource Partners has an Enrolled Agent on staff who will directly represent you to the IRS if ever needed. We would be happy to prepare and file your business and personal taxes! Give us a call to set up an appointment (321) 236-2771 or visit us at 310 Almond Street Clermont, FL 3711.

Need More Time to Pay Your Taxes?

Posted on by Lorrie Reid
Your taxes should always be filed on time regardless of whether or not you can pay what you owe. This prevents you from having to pay a penalty.
If you cannot pay your taxes in full by the April 18th deadline, here are four things you should know according to the IRS.
  1. File on time & pay as much as possible:

You have the option of paying online, by phone, or with the IRS2Go App. Visit this page for electronic payment options.

  1. Get Loan or use a credit card to pay the tax:

The interest and penalties by the IRS for failure to pay are higher than the interest rates of a bank or credit card company. For your credit card options, click here.

  1. Use Online Payment Agreement Tool:

Get ahead! Plan for your payments using the IRS Online Payment Agreement Tool. You may also file Form 9465 which is the Installment Agreement Request with your tax return. This allows you to set up a direct debit agreement and not have to worry about sending a check each month.

  1. Don’t Ignore a Tax Bill:

The IRS may take collection action when you ignore a tax bill. The best option is to call the number on the bill and talk about payment options.

Beginning in 2017, all taxpayers using a software product for the first time may need their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from their prior year’s tax return to verify identity. To learn how to verify identity and electronically signing your return, visit this page.

For all your present and future tax needs, Business Resource Partners is more than happy to provide you with tax preparation and filing.  Our Enrolled Agent will directly represent you to the IRS if ever needed. Our office also offers Payroll Services, HR, Virtual office space, and more! Call us to set up your appointment at (321) 236-2771, or visit us at 310 Almond Street Clermont FL 34711.

Is Your Personal Information REALLY Protected?

Posted on by Lorrie Reid
Protecting your personal information such as social security number and finances is always important any time of year, but most importantly during tax time.
We found an article published on the IRS.gov website about protection specific to computers and we wanted to share some key facts.
The IRS says to treat your personal information like cash, don’t hand it out to just anyone. Much of your information can be taken and used to steal your identity and open new accounts. Be wary of websites or people asking for personal information claiming that it is necessary, many scammers will attempt just about anything to get this information from you.
What practical steps can you take to protect yourself better?
  1. Avoid Phishing Scams:
Scammers can pose as banks, credit card companies, IRS, or third party working for governing authorities. Different methods can be used to get your attention such as winning something, urgent personal information update requirements. Never open an attachment or link of a suspicious e-mail. These oftentimes contain malware and can harm or hack your computer and information.
  1. Protect Personal Data:
Do not carry your social security card with you or anything that may include this number. Do not include this number when filling out forms on paper or online. Scammers will ask you to include this number in documents even when it is not needed.
  1. Use Strong Passwords:
When creating or updating passwords to your online data, always use 10-12 characters. Try not to use common information such as important dates or names. Be as unpredictable as possible! Don’t use the same password for multiple accounts and never send these through text or email. Always use a secure Wi-Fi network to prevent other networks from accessing your information.
  1. Use Security Software:
Always have security software installed on your computer. Most come with a pre-installed firewall, but it is important to have one that protects from viruses, Trojans, spyware and adware. Parents, use the parental control options and educate children about suspicious websites and emails.
  1. Back Up Files:
It is important to always save important documents such as tax returns, finances, etc into a removable USB as a back up. Have paper copies to help in the next year’s tax preparation and always keep track of where these are stored and who has access to them.
Business Resource Partners will help with your tax needs including preparation and e-filing. Time is almost out for tax filing! Give us a call or stop by our office to meet with one of our tax prep experts!

5 Overlooked Business Tax Deductions for 2017

Posted on by Lorrie Reid

We found an awesome article written by Steve Nicastro, a staff writer at NerdWallet. We wanted to share his useful information with you for this, and future tax seasons. For his full article, visit Nerdwallet.com


If you fail to claim your small business tax deductions, you could be losing out on a good amount of money. Deductions are a legal way of reducing the amount of income from your business that is subject to tax.

How can I make sure I’m always on top of this?

Keep a record! Always save receipts, invoices, and any other documents. You can deduct salaries and wages, mortgage interest and taxes, office supplies, repairs and insurance, and depreciation of property. Here are 5 commonly missed deductions.

  1. Home Office Deductions:

If you have a room in your home that you regularly use as a place of business to deal with patients, clients, or customers, you may be able to claim a home office deduction on your income taxes. If you are also using the room as a place for guests to stay, this could disqualify you. For more information about this, visit Home Office Deduction.

  1. Carryovers:

Depending on how profitable your business was, you may be able to carry back the loss 2 years for a refund, or carry it forward up to 20 years to offset your future taxable income. This, however, has many moving parts and it is best to consult a tax professional to look at your specific circumstance. For more on this, the IRS provides comparison methods.

  1. Start-up Expenses:

You may deduct up to $5,000 in start-up costs, and $5,000 in organizational costs. However, both deductions phase out when your total start-up expenses reach $50,000. If you exceed the $50,000, no first-year deduction is allowed and you will need to amortize you costs over the next 180 months of operation.

  1. Losses & Bad Debts:

The IRS defines a bad debt as one that was acquired in your business and became partly or completely worthless. This can include loans to clients, suppliers, employees, distributors, and debts of an insolvent partner. They become bad debts only after you’ve tried to collect the amount due over a reasonable period and have taken the correct steps to do so.

  1. Tax, Legal & Educational Expenses:

Expenses that are necessary and directly related to your business such as fees paid to your accountant and lawyers are deductible. However, legal fees that are paid to acquire business assets are not deductible.

Business Resource Partners understand these and countless other tax prep necessities. Our tax professionals are happy to assist you now, and in the future with your business and tax needs.

Call us at (321) 236-2771 or visit 310 Almond Street Clermont FL, 34711.

We look forward to serving you!