April 15th has come and gone and the last thing you want is to hear from the IRS; however, sometimes the IRS needs to follow up on tax-related issues and they will send notices that you might need to respond to. Don’t panic! Not all of these letters contain bad news--sometimes you could even be receiving more money for your tax refund! Here are some common reasons why people receive IRS notices: Balance Due You Qualify for Additional Tax Credits A Change to Your Estimated Tax Credit Amount A Change to a Previous Year’s Refunds Overpayments Issues with Direct Deposit Changes to Filing Requirements Confirmation of Tax Return Receipt Address Update Needed To learn … [Read more...]
How to File an Amended Tax Return
We all know filing taxes is not the easiest job in the world (that’s why you hire us!) Mistakes are bound to happen, so what do you do when you realize there is an error after you’ve already handed in your returns? Well, there are two options: The first option is plain and simple: do nothing. If it’s related to a mathematical error, the IRS will usually automatically fix it. If you forgot a certain form or schedule, the IRS will usually send you a request for them. The second option is to file an amended tax return if you made an error claiming your filing status, income, deductions or credits on your original return. An Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, also known as … [Read more...]
Why Every Business Needs a Website
Some people say that having a bad website is better than having no website at all. That is absolutely, 100% not true. Your website is your business’ online reputation. You need to keep it updated, fresh, and exciting for your customers so that they don’t leave your page due to slow downloading time, ugly design themes, and/or content that just doesn’t make any sense. So how do you start building a fabulous new website that everyone will flock to? Here are some tips: 1) Choose a recognizable domain name: Many companies use abbreviations in their domain names because their company names are too long. Make sure to choose a name or abbreviation that makes sense to the customer and that is … [Read more...]
5 Ways Exercising Helps Your Business
For many entrepreneurs it’s a struggle to find time to go to the gym every day. You come home from work and just want to sit and relax with your family. Or you set an alarm to go before work, but the bed is just too comfy. Then, that liiiiiiiittle voice in your head says, “I eat a healthy diet, and I’m constantly on-the-go, so I should be OK skipping the gym today.” Let me tell you why that little voice in your head is wrong, and why exercising is one of the things you need to be doing for yourself and your business. 1) Exercising reduces stress. We all know that being an entrepreneur doesn’t come without stress. Working out will produce natural hormones that reduce stress and increase … [Read more...]
Affordable Care Act Premium Tax Credit
Health care coverage can be a heavy burden for those who have a tight budget. Luckily, the IRS has allowed for a premium tax credit for those who have moderate incomes and need help paying for health care coverage. To be eligible for the premium tax credit, the IRS says you must: Get health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace Have a household income between one and four times the federal poverty line Not be eligible for other coverage, including Medicare, Medicaid, or sufficiently generous employer-sponsored coverage To read more on the Premium Tax Credit, visit the IRS' website. If you don’t have health insurance coverage in 2014 or you experience a … [Read more...]
Affordable Care Act Tax Exemptions
If you do not have health insurance coverage or have a gap in coverage in 2014, you will have to either file for an exemption or pay an individual shared responsibility fee when you file your taxes in 2015. According to the IRS, people who qualify for an Affordable Care Act tax exemption include those who: Do not have access to affordable coverage Have a gap of less than three consecutive months without coverage Qualify for one of several other exemptions, including having a hardship that prevents you from obtaining coverage, or belonging to a group explicitly exempt from the requirement The IRS also created a specific hardship exemption for those who purchased insurance … [Read more...]
Affordable Care Act Individual Shared Responsibility Payment
With the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, also known as “ObamaCare,” health care coverage is now required. If you do not have coverage, the IRS can charge you with an individual shared responsibility payment when you file your taxes in 2015. There are three reasons why you would have to make a payment: You have not signed up for a qualifying form of health insurance coverage You had a gap in coverage in 2014 (if it was less than 3 consecutive months, you might qualify for an exemption) You didn’t qualify for an exemption According to the IRS, the amount you owe will be based on the greater of: 1 percent of your household income that is above the tax return filing … [Read more...]
The Value of Networking
OK, you’ve got yourself a name, a logo, a website, and some business cards, so what’s next? Developing a networking strategy to gain new customers. Networking is a proven method for meeting new prospects. This is no time to be shy! From the big-name speakers to the wallflowers in the corner, there’s bound to be someone who can benefit from your business...but you’re never going to meet them unless you put yourself out there! Networking nerves are almost always inevitable at first, so here are some tips from Entrepreneur on how to avoid “networking fails.” Keep these in mind, and you’ll be prepared for a successful experience. Good luck! … [Read more...]
How to Prevent a Tax Headache
Is your tax headache coming? From collecting documents to reviewing write-offs, this can be a stressful time of year. The hardest part, especially for business owners, is the fear that you will owe more than you can handle. The best thing you can do during tax season to stop worrying is get organized. Knowledge is power. Figure out what papers you need, what deductions you’ll be claiming, and how you are going to file (online software, tax professional, etc.). Once your information is complete, you’ll know how much you owe, or how much you’ll be receiving. If you owe money, there are solutions that can help relieve some of the burden, as this Yahoo! Finance article explains. Not paying … [Read more...]