Small Business

Make Business Succession and Estate Planning Inseparable

If you’re a business owner, your company is likely your most valuable asset. To ensure it survives after you’re gone, you first need a succession plan that will provide a smooth transition of the business to one or more of your children (assuming you want to keep it in the family). In addition, you need an estate plan that effectively addresses the tax impact of transferring your ownership interests to the next generation.

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Tax Secrets: Optimizing Business Website Expenses

Most businesses have websites today. Despite their widespread use, the IRS hasn’t issued formal guidance on when website costs can be deducted.

However, there are established rules that generally apply to the deductibility of business expenses and provide business taxpayers launching a website with some guidance about proper treatment. In addition, businesses can turn to IRS guidance on software costs. Here are some answers to questions you may have.

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Be Aware of the Tax Consequences of Selling Business Property

You should understand the tax implications if you’re selling property used in your trade or business. There are many complex rules that can potentially apply. To simplify this discussion, let’s assume that the property you want to sell is land or depreciable property used in your business, which you have held for over a year.

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The Importance of Buy-Sell Agreements for Co-owned Businesses

Are you buying a business that will have one or more co-owners? Or do you already own one fitting that description? If so, consider installing a buy-sell agreement. A well-drafted agreement can do these valuable things:

  • Transform your business ownership interest into a more liquid asset,
  • Prevent unwanted ownership changes, and
  • Avoid hassles with the IRS.

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Vroom Vroom: What Businesses Should Know about Sales Velocity

Owning and running a company tends to test one’s patience. You wait for strategies to play out. You wait for materials, supplies, or equipment to arrive. You wait for key positions to be filled. But, when it comes to sales, how patient should you be? A widely used metric called “sales velocity” can help you decide.

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Tax Considerations When Choosing a Business Entity

Are you in the process of starting a business or contemplating changing your business entity? If so, you’ll need to decide how to organize your company. Should you operate as a C corporation or as a pass-through entity such as a partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or S corporation? Among the important factors to consider are the potential tax consequences.

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How to Keep Control Over Inventory

Many businesses need to have some inventory available. However, having too much inventory is expensive, not just to purchase but also to store, safeguard, and insure. So, keeping your inventory as lean as possible is critical.

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