Midyear Tax Preparation Tips

Depending on how they're structured, different businesses have

Keep Up to Date on Your IRS Forms
Many small businesses rely on a network of "service providers" — e.g. accountants, electricians, contract laborers — in addition to full-time employees. If you pay an unincorporated service provider more than $600 during the year, you must provide them with a 1099 form at the end of the year. It is good practice to have all new service providers fill out a W-9 form before paying their first bill. Take the time now to make sure you have a W-9 form for each service provider. If the service provider is a corporation, then there's no need to send a 1099, with one exception: All attorneys (paid more than $600) need a 1099 whether they're incorporated or not.

Stay on Top of Your Fixed Asset Depreciation Schedule
Most small businesses purchase "fixed assets," which can range from buildings to cars to computer equipment, during the course of the year. Your business is entitled to a tax break for depreciation on such items, which the IRS defines as "an annual allowance for the wear and tear, deterioration, or obsolescence of the property."

The "property" must meet certain requirements for you to claim depreciation — it must have "a determinable useful life of more than one year," for example. But a good rule of thumb is to immediately add any item that costs more than $500 to your depreciation schedule. At the end of the year, your tax accountant can decide if it belongs there or not.

Get a Jump on Your Tax Records
Check to be sure all your tax-related documents are together and your bookkeeping and filing are up to date. Yes, it might be difficult to focus on tax preparation in June. But six months from now, you'll be glad you did as you hand a neat, complete file to your tax accountant with plenty of time to spare.