Business Tax Articles

The One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act introduces a range of impactful tax changes for businesses, including the permanent return of 100% bonus depreciation, expanded Section 179 expensing, and immediate deductions for domestic R&E expenditures. It also enhances credits for employer-provided child care and paid family leave, while phasing out several clean-energy tax incentives. Some less favorable provisions, such as the permanent disallowance of excess business losses, also take effect.

Republicans have successfully passed a comprehensive reconciliation bill, marking a significant legislative achievement. This bill encompasses a wide range of policy changes and reforms, reflecting the party's priorities and goals.

New business owners can deduct up to $5,000 in startup and organizational costs, but only if total expenses stay under $50,000. Any remaining costs must be amortized over 15 years, and deductions can only begin once the business is actively operating. Careful planning and recordkeeping are essential to maximize tax benefits for new business ventures.

A recent U.S. Tax Court case highlights how poor documentation can lead to the disallowance of business expense deductions, including meals, supplies, and home office costs. The taxpayer failed to provide sufficient evidence linking the expenses to her business, underscoring the importance of maintaining accurate and timely records.

The One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act, a new bill in Congress, proposes significant changes to business tax breaks, including restoring 100% bonus depreciation, increasing Section 179 expensing limits, and making the Qualified Business Income deduction permanent. These changes aim to provide substantial tax relief and flexibility for business owners, encouraging investment and innovation. Please note that the tax law discussed in this article is currently proposed and has not yet been enacted.

Business travel during the summer can offer valuable tax deduction opportunities if the trip is primarily for business purposes and involves an overnight stay. Deductible expenses may include transportation, lodging, meals (at 50%), and other business-related costs, while personal and entertainment expenses remain non-deductible.  Proper documentation and a clear separation of business and personal travel expenses are essential to ensure compliance and maximize tax benefits.

A New York court ruled that Public Law (P.L.) 86-272 does not protect non-solicitation internet activities from state taxation and cannot be applied retroactively to its 2015 proposal date. The court upheld New York's revised regulations but agreed that their retroactive application violated due process for businesses unaware of the new tax liabilities.

The federal tax code offers a strategy to mitigate business downturns by allowing certain losses to reduce taxable income in future years. The Net Operating Loss (NOL) deduction helps businesses average their income and losses over several years, ensuring fair tax payments. Recent changes under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) have introduced new limits and rules for NOLs, including the elimination of carrybacks and a cap on the deduction at 80% of taxable income.

Owners of C corporations and S corporations must ensure their compensation is reasonable to avoid IRS scrutiny, which can lead to penalties, back taxes, and interest. By conducting market research, maintaining detailed job descriptions, and documenting annual reviews, owners can justify their pay levels and stay compliant with tax laws.

Section 127 educational assistance plans allow businesses to provide up to $5,250 annually in tax-free educational benefits to employees. These plans cover a wide range of educational expenses, including graduate coursework, and can help attract and retain talented employees.