If you plan to start a new business, or you’ve just opened your doors, it is important for you to know your federal, state and local tax responsibilities. The IRS has provided five tips in its Tax Tip. We’ve added two at the end.

Tax Tips if You’re Starting a Business

Here are five basic tips from the IRS that can help you get started.
1. Type of Business. Early on, you will need to decide the type of business you are going to establish. The most common types are sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, S corporation and Limited Liability Company. Each type reports its business activity on a different federal tax form.
2. Types of Taxes. The type of business you run usually determines the type of taxes you pay. The four general types of business taxes are income tax, self-employment tax, employment tax and excise tax.
3. Employer Identification Number. A business often needs to get a federal EIN for tax purposes. Check  Do you need an EIN to find out whether you need this number.
4. Recordkeeping. Keeping good records will help you when it’s time to file your business tax forms at the end of the year. They help track deductible expenses and support all the items you report on your tax return. Good records will also help you monitor your business’ progress and prepare your financial statements. You may choose any recordkeeping system that clearly shows your income and expenses.
5. Accounting Method and Tax Year. Each taxpayer must also use a consistent accounting method, which is a set of rules that determine when to report income and expenses. The most common are the cash method and accrual method. Under the cash method, you normally report income in the year you receive it and deduct expenses in the year you pay them. Under the accrual method, you generally report income in the year you earn it and deduct expenses in the year you incur them. This is true even if you receive the income or pay the expenses in a future year.
Our additional tips
6. You also have tax responsibilities to Kentucky and local governments. Applications need to be completed with each taxing authority.
7. Contact your CPA early. We can complete the applications you need to file with the IRS, KY Department of Revenue and the local government. There are deadlines on elections you will want to make.  Waiting will cause you to lose the opportunity to make the choices you want.  Call or e-mail us today.  Phone 859-734-0304 or e-mail ConoverCPA@gmail.com.

Reviewed 1/28/2022