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The W-4 form we have been using for years and years has been revamped. Beginning in 2020, if you are a new hire to a company, you will be given the new W-4 form to fill out. If you follow the form exactly as it’s laid out, filling it out should be a fairly simple process. There are no tricks. The IRS has very clearly laid out instructions in each box for your convenience and guidance. 

If you are not a new employee in 2020 (or beyond), your W-4 form will remain the same and you will continue being taxed as you have been. Nothing will change for you. The new form is designed to work seamlessly with the previous form. However, if you decide to change how you file, you will need to fill out the updated form. Talk with whoever does your payroll to ensure you understand it and what it means for your taxes. 

There are certain questions you need to ask yourself when it comes to your business. It may be your heart and soul, but will the IRS consider it a real business, or just a hobby? The difference between the two isn’t merely a label, but they both are affected differently by taxes. If the IRS considers you a business, then you fall into a type of business, whether it be LLC or corporation, and there are different tax implications for each. 

It’s not uncommon for small businesses, or those just getting started, to use personal bank accounts. However, we recommend splitting your business and personal finances into two separate accounts - sooner rather than later. Some business owners think they don’t make enough money or have enough activity for an account, but that simply isn’t the case.

Business owners far and wide know there is one thing you try not to do: get the IRS involved. The best (and only) way to make this happen is to be careful and make sure you are doing everything correctly. We’ve compiled some activities that could be red flags to the IRS and could result in an audit. The best way to avoid an audit is to run your business in an honest and healthy manner.

Something as simple as consistently filing your taxes late can be a red flag and attract the IRS’s attention. This is easy to avoid. Making what seems to be an unreasonably high salary can draw attention to your business, as well. Whether the employee is also a shareholder of the company or if they are given a raise dramatically, it could very well result in an audit. To avoid this, before giving an employee a raise, check to see what the average is for that position in your industry. 

When it comes to your books, accuracy is vital. You want to handle them properly so the information you’re using is error-free and understood. If you’re doing any of the following, you’re not helping your books or your company.