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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. 

Choosing your filing status is one of the first sections you fill out when preparing your taxes. Your filing status refers to your marital status and your family situation. It’s important to choose the correct option for your specific situation so your return will reflect accordingly. Your filing status will determine which tax forms you need to complete, and which income bracket you’ll fall under. 

Something to keep in mind is the IRS looks at your marital status on the last day of Tax Year to determine your status for the entire Tax Year. In this case, it would be December 31, 2019. 

Tax season will begin soon, which means it’s time to start issuing tax forms to employees,  independent contractors, and vendors. A 1099 is a tax form that describes wages paid to someone not by their employer, and must be issued by January 31. Who should you send a 1099 to this tax season? A basic rule of thumb is to issue a 1099  to anyone you paid over $600 throughout the year, but follow our flow chart for guidance. 

Below is a decision-making tool to help you decide if you should send a 1099. Follow the bolded questions, choose between the options given, and follow the arrows until you find your answer.

WHAT DID YOU PAY THE VENDOR FOR?

Rent → Did you pay over $600?

• No → Do not issue 1099
• Yes → How was it paid?
  • PayPal or Credit Card  (PP or CC)
    • Yes → However, you do not have to issue the 1099, PP or CC will issue it.
  • From Your Bank Account via Check, Bank Draft or Debit Card
    • Yes → Issue 1099
    • No → Is the vendor a corporation (either C corp or S corp)?
      • No → Issue 1099
      • Yes → Do not issue 1099

Services → Did you pay over $600?

• No → Do not issue 1099
• Yes → How was it paid?
  • PayPal or Credit Card  (PP or CC)
    • Yes → However, you

Tax season is just around the corner! If you pass off your taxes to your tax preparer, whoever it may be, then you may not be aware of all the information your W-2 holds. Since this information pertains entirely to you, we encourage you to become familiar with the basics. Grab an old W-2 from past years (yes, you need to save these) to use as a reference. It may look intimidating, but everything is broken down very particularly and you’ll have a basic understanding of it by the time you’re finished. 

Tax Season comes around every year, yet people still always scramble come mid-February when filing has taken way like they had no idea it was coming. This tax season, that won’t be you. Follow our simple steps for preparing to file taxes - what to do before you file for an easier experience while filing. 

First and foremost, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with your tax preparer, whoever it may be. If you don’t have a tax preparer, reference our blog on how to find a reputable tax preparer you can trust. Once your appointment is scheduled, it’s time to turn to your important documents. This includes any documents that track your income, personal information, banking information, and records of any purchases. 

Accountants wouldn’t benefit from QuickBooks, right? Wrong! QuickBooks is a fantastic tool for them; they have a software specifically tailored for accountants to help them do their job better, faster, and more efficiently. It’s a triple threat for accountants!

Not only will QB Online Accountant display all of your clients that are QB users, but also the clients that are not. This allows accountants to see a big picture list of their clients before diving into each more in-depth. All the client information and notes can be recorded here and easy to reach for reference. Bonus: it’s a breeze adding clients - even non-QuickBooks clients! 

Tax season is approaching, which for some may mean stress and anxiety. What if we told you those feelings aren’t necessary? Take a deep breath and rest easy knowing that these tips will help you make your tax preparation smooth sailing.

Avoid procrastination 

As tax season rolls around, it’s important to know your options and to choose what’s best for you. This includes whether to have a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) do your taxes or TurboTax.

For a little background, TurboTax is an American tax preparation software. It’s the #1 best-selling tax preparation software, which means it must be the best choice for everyone, right? As a matter of fact, if you have opened a small business or own one, hiring a CPA during tax season is the way to go, not a software program.