disaster - Linkenheimer LLP CPAs & Advisors

Tax Responsibilities If Your Business Is Closing Amid The Pandemic

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many businesses to shut down. If this is your situation, we’re here to assist you in any way we can, including taking care of the various tax obligations that must be met.

Of course, a business must file a final income tax return and some other related forms for the year it closes. The type of return to be filed depends on the type of business you have. Here’s a rundown of the basic requirements.

Sole Proprietorships. You’ll need to file the usual Schedule C, “Profit or Loss from Business,” with your individual return for the year you close the business. You may also need to report self-employment tax.

Partnerships. A partnership must file Form 1065, “U.S. Return of Partnership Income,” for the year it closes. You also must report capital gains and losses on Schedule D. Indicate that this is the final return and […]

By Linkenheimer LLP|2020-11-05T17:49:44+00:00November 5th, 2020|business, disaster, employer, New Tax Laws, small business|0 Comments

Reviewing Your Disaster Plan In A Tumultuous Year

It’s been a year like no other. The sudden impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in March forced every business owner — ready or not — to execute his or her disaster response plan.

So, how did yours do? Although it may still be a little early to do a complete assessment of what went right and wrong during the crisis, you can take a quick look back right now while the experience is still fresh in your mind.

Get specific

When devising a disaster response plan, brainstorm as many scenarios as possible that could affect your company. What weather-related, environmental and socio-political threats do you face? Obviously, you can now add “pandemic” to the list.

The operative word, however, is “your.” Every company faces distinctive threats related to its industry, size, location(s), and products or services. Identify these as specifically as possible, based on what you’ve learned.

There are some constants for nearly every plan. Seek out alternative suppliers who could fill in for your current ones if necessary. Fortify your IT assets and functionality with enhanced recovery and security capabilities.

Communicate optimally

Another critical factor during and after a crisis is communication, both internal and external. Review whether […]

By Linkenheimer LLP|2020-10-29T22:04:51+00:00October 29th, 2020|disaster, liability, small business|0 Comments

California Tax Updates for 9/24

Post 1:

Changes are being made in how California determines whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor. Under the CA Labor Code, effective 9/4/2020, a three-part test is required, commonly known as the ABC test, to determine the correct status of workers for purposes of following the Labor Code, the Unemployment Insurance Code and the wage orders of the Industrial Welfare Commission. The amended Labor Code also exempts certain specified occupations and business relationships from the application of the ABC test, in which case, a multifactor test previously adopted by the CA Supreme Court is applied.

Post 2:

California issues a guide that explains taxpayer options for disaster relief. The CA Dept. of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) has issued a three-page brochure, “Disaster Relief Tax Guide,” that provides information on the types of free assistance available from the CDTFA to taxpayers and feepayers when disaster strikes. Other taxing agencies that provide assistance include: the Franchise Tax Board, the Employment […]

By Linkenheimer LLP|2020-09-24T21:23:31+00:00September 24th, 2020|business, ca, CA tax, california, disaster, tax planning|0 Comments

California Tax Updates for 9/15

Post 1:

Emergency tax relief is available for business owners and feepayers directly affected by declared disasters, through the California Dept. of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA). “Thank you to the President for your partnership and granting this urgent Major Disaster Declaration. California is battling two of the largest fires in our history and has seen nearly 600 new fires in the last week caused by dry lightning strikes,” reported Governor Gavin Newsom, adding, “CA is strong, we will get through this.” Relief may include extension of tax return due dates, relief of penalty and interest, or replacement copies of records lost due to disasters. Here’s more: https://bit.ly/2QrTV02

Post 2:

California’s Sonoma County enacts emergency paid sick leave ordinance, for certain employers for COVID-19 related reasons. The ordinance took effect Aug. 18, 2020 and will remain in effect through 2020, unless the federal Families First Act (FFA) is extended. The ordinance now requires employers with 500 or […]

By Linkenheimer LLP|2020-09-15T20:17:59+00:00September 15th, 2020|ca, CA tax, california, disaster, employer, New Tax Laws|0 Comments

Do You Have Tax Questions Related To COVID-19? Here Are Some Answers

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected many Americans’ finances. Here are some answers to questions you may have right now.

My employer closed the office and I’m working from home. Can I deduct any of the related expenses?

Unfortunately, no. If you’re an employee who telecommutes, there are strict rules that govern whether you can deduct home office expenses. For 2018–2025 employee home office expenses aren’t deductible. (Starting in 2026, an employee may deduct home office expenses, within limits, if the office is for the convenience of his or her employer and certain requirements are met.)

Be aware that these are the rules for employees. Business owners who work from home may qualify for home office deductions.

My son was laid off from his job and is receiving unemployment benefits. Are they taxable?

Yes. Unemployment compensation is taxable for federal tax purposes. This includes your son’s […]

By Linkenheimer LLP|2020-09-03T20:02:59+00:00May 5th, 2020|business, deduction, deductions, disaster, employer, individuals, ira, irs, New Tax Laws, roth ira, small business, tax credit, tax deductions, tax implications, tax planning|0 Comments