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Tax time for BSCs: be aware of the five tax hot spots

Over the next couple of months, most building service contractors in the US will start getting their records together, ready to file their taxes. It is important for BSCs to understand what the Internal Revenue Service typically scrutinises on a business tax return and hopefully, avoid an audit. In this article (which has useful information for BSCs everywhere), Tornado Industries Business of the Business offers some useful tips on how to tackle business taxes.

"It all starts with proper documentation," says Michael Schaffer, President of Tornado Industries and a Senior Executive With Tacony Corporation's Commercial Floor Care Division. "Proper record keeping year-round is critical and helps ensure taxes are filed correctly and deductions can be proven if questioned."

Michael also advises that BSCs should be aware of the five 'tax hot spots' - those areas the IRS puts greater emphasis on when scanning business tax returns. For a BSC and many small businesses, those often include the following:

* Unreported income: This is probably the IRS's number one item when reviewing small business tax returns at this time
* Employee classifications: Many BSCs outsource cleaning work to independent contractors; this is fine as long as it is a proper classification and not an attempt to avoid payroll taxes
* Home office deductions: "The IRS does not scrutinise this as much as they did years ago," says Michael. "However, claiming this deduction requires proper documentation"
* Large-sum miscellaneous deductions: It is always better to carefully itemise and label all deductions and expenses
* Mingling business and personal expenses: The government may scrutinise these if they are commingled; it is always best to maintain separate bank accounts and credit cards for personal and business use
* "The various tax software programs have really made filing taxes much easier," points out Michael. "However, BSCs must always remember, they still must have all their records in order for these programs to work."

The Business of the Business Advisory is designed to help building service contractors operate their businesses more efficiently and profitably.

Tornado Industries has been engineering quality cleaning equipment for more than 80 years. The company has a long history of developing innovative products and applying the latest technology to increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve safety. Tornado prides itself on always being on the cutting edge of cleaning solutions. Many of the company's products are manufactured in the United States with domestically and globally sourced parts.

T: 800-Vacuums (800-822-8867) / Chicago T: (630) 818-1300
E: [email protected]

21st February 2013