By Greg Hart, CFP®

2022 has been a bit of a rollercoaster. With mass uncertainty surrounding a recession, high rates of inflation, and ongoing supply chain issues, we have certainly had a lot of obstacles to deal with. As we head into the final quarter of 2022, here are 5 things you can do at the end of this year to prepare for next tax season.

1. Review IRS Elections (Especially if You Had a Net Operating Loss)

If you had a net operating loss (NOL) this year, double-check your IRS elections to ensure you made the correct ones. This is one of the biggest issues our CPAs see when they help small business owners file their taxes. 

All these decisions play a role in how much money your business may owe in taxes. Talk with a CPA or financial professional about which elections may be right for you.  

2. Double-Check Major Election Dates

How you structure your small business can make all the difference in the world when it comes to taxes. A tax professional can help you decide which entity type is the best for your business and help you apply before the deadline hits. 

For example, let’s say you found out you could save more in taxes by structuring your business as an S corporation instead of an LLC. If you’re a new business, you have two months and 15 days from the day you file your articles of formation to file your S-corp elections. So, if you filed your articles of formation on March 1, you have until May 16 to file your S-corp election for it to take effect that same tax year. 

3. Review Depreciation 

New depreciation rules have come into effect in recent years due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). These changes allow you to write off most depreciable assets “in the year they’re placed into service,” according to the IRS. 

Common items you can write off for depreciation include computers, equipment, machinery, cell phones, buildings, office furniture, and vehicles, as well as intangible items like copyrights.

Make sure you keep a list of everything that counts as a depreciable expense. Doing so will help you lower your business’s taxable income.

4. Check Eligibility for SEP IRA

According to the IRS, an employee can participate in a SEP IRA if they:

  • Are at least 21
  • Have worked for the employer in at least 3 of the last 5 years
  • Received at least $650 in 2022

Business owners can choose to be less restrictive than this and allow other employees to participate in a SEP, but you can’t be more restrictive than these IRS rules allow.

Review your SEP IRA eligibility requirements to ensure employees can participate in the program if you want them to. 

5. Review New Due Dates & Filing Methods for 1099s

The 1099 IRS form changed back in 2020. Any freelancers or contract workers who earned more than $600 from your company will receive Form 1099-NEC instead of 1099-MISC. NEC stands for “non-employment compensation”—and it’s only used for reporting independent contractor income.

1099-NEC forms are due on January 31. If this day falls on a weekend, they’re due the following business day.

How We Help

As an RIA firm, we offer a comprehensive menu of services, including wealth management, retirement planning, and financial planning. If you need help tying up loose financial ends before the new year rolls around, we at Haddon Wealth Management would be happy to assist you. We also work closely with your CPAs and/or accountants to make sure we’re all working toward the same goal. To get started, call us at (856) 888-1744 or contact us online to schedule a complimentary get-acquainted meeting. 

About Greg

Gregory M. Hart, CFP® is the founder and managing director of Haddon Wealth Management, LLC, an independent, fee-only registered investment advisory (RIA) firm that provides comprehensive wealth management (in-depth financial planning and sophisticated investment management) for clients who value a relationship-driven approach that delivers customized solutions. Based in Haddonfield, New Jersey, Greg works with clients throughout the Delaware Valley, as well as nationwide. To learn more, connect with Greg on LinkedIn, visit our website at www.haddonwealthmgt.com, or call (856)-888-1744 to begin a discussion.

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