Business Taxes 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

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As we dive into the world of business taxes in 2024, it's essential to understand the key changes and updates that will impact your business. The standard deduction for businesses will increase to $25,900, allowing more entrepreneurs to take advantage of this tax savings.

The IRS has also introduced a new 20% pass-through deduction for qualifying businesses, which can significantly reduce tax liabilities. This deduction is available to sole proprietors, partnerships, and S corporations, and can be claimed on Form 1040.

Businesses with gross receipts over $25 million will be required to use the cash method of accounting, which means they'll only be able to deduct expenses as they're paid, rather than when they're incurred. This change may impact cash flow and require businesses to adjust their accounting practices.

Business Tax Basics

Corporations that do business in the city are required to pay the Business Corporate Tax. This includes any entity that is taxable as a corporation for federal tax purposes.

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A corporation is considered to do business in the city if it owns or leases property, employs capital, or maintains an office in the city in a corporate or organized capacity. This can also include partnerships that do business in the city.

S-corporations are exempt from the Business Corporate Tax, but they may still be subject to the General Corporation Tax or Banking Corporation Tax.

Employment

As a business owner, it's essential to understand your employment tax responsibilities. You're required to pay and file forms for employment taxes, which include Social Security and Medicare taxes.

These taxes are a significant responsibility, and it's crucial to get them right. You'll need to pay a portion of your employees' Social Security and Medicare taxes, which can add up quickly.

You'll also need to withhold federal income tax from your employees' paychecks. This is money that's set aside for the government on behalf of your employees.

Federal unemployment (FUTA) tax is another employment tax you'll need to pay. This tax is used to fund unemployment benefits for workers who lose their jobs.

Here's a breakdown of the employment taxes you'll need to pay:

  • Social Security and Medicare taxes
  • Federal income tax withholding
  • Federal unemployment (FUTA) tax

Excise

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Excise taxes are a type of tax that businesses must pay when they manufacture or sell certain products, operate certain kinds of businesses, or use various kinds of equipment, facilities, or products.

If you're in a business that accepts wagers or conducts a wagering pool or lottery, you'll need to figure the federal excise tax on wagering using Form 730.

Manufacturers taxes on the sale or use of a variety of different articles are also a type of excise tax, and you'll need to report this on Form 720.

The federal excise tax on wagering is not the only type of tax you may need to pay - there are several broad categories of taxes on Form 720, including environmental taxes, communications and air transportation taxes, fuel taxes, and tax on the first retail sale of heavy trucks, trailers, and tractors.

Here are some examples of the types of excise taxes you may need to pay:

  • Environmental taxes
  • Communications and air transportation taxes
  • Fuel taxes
  • Tax on the first retail sale of heavy trucks, trailers, and tractors
  • Manufacturers taxes on the sale or use of a variety of different articles

If you have a truck, truck tractor, or bus with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more, you'll need to report the tax on Form 2290.

Who Pays This?

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Corporations that do business in the city are required to pay this tax. This includes entities that are taxable as a corporation for federal tax purposes, such as publicly traded partnerships that did not elect out of City corporate taxation in 1996.

S-corporations are exempt from the Business Corporate Tax, but they are still subject to other taxes like the General Corporation Tax or Banking Corporation Tax.

To determine if you need to pay this tax, consider the following: do you own or lease property in the city, employ capital, or maintain an office in the city in a corporate or organized capacity?

Here's a breakdown of the types of corporations that must pay this tax:

Tax Credits and Deductions

Tax Credits and Deductions are a business owner's best friend when it comes to saving money on taxes. Our experts are backed by a team of experts and will find every tax break, guaranteed.

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Every business deserves to keep more money in its pocket, and our team is dedicated to finding those savings. They'll work tirelessly to uncover every possible tax deduction and credit.

Tax credits can be a game-changer for businesses, allowing you to keep a significant amount of money in your business. With our team's expertise, you can be sure to get the most out of your tax credits.

We're not just talking about small changes either - our team's research and expertise can lead to substantial savings. In fact, our experts are guaranteed to find every tax break, and if they don't, you get your money back.

Tax Filing and Compliance

You'll need to file your business taxes by April 15th, 2024, to avoid any late fees or penalties.

Make sure to keep accurate records of your business income and expenses throughout the year, as this will make tax filing much easier.

The IRS requires businesses to report all income earned, including cash payments and credit card transactions.

Income

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Income is a crucial aspect of tax filing and compliance. Businesses must file an annual income tax return, except for partnerships, which file an information return.

You'll need to use a specific form, which depends on your business's structure. Refer to the relevant section for more information.

As an employee, you're likely used to having income tax withheld from your pay. This is a pay-as-you-go tax system, where you pay tax as you earn or receive income during the year.

If you're not required to make estimated tax payments, you can pay any tax due when you file your return.

Filing Dates

Filing dates are crucial for corporations to meet their tax obligations. If a corporation chooses an accounting period based on the calendar year, annual returns and tax payments must be postmarked by March 15 of the following year.

For corporations using a fiscal year, the filing date is a bit more complex. They must file a return on the 15th day of the third month after the close of their fiscal year.

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Here's a table to help you keep track of the filing dates:

If you're required to file a Declaration of Estimated Tax, the due date is determined by when you first meet the requirement. If you meet it before June 1, the due date is June 15.

Penalties and Interest

If you file a report after the due date, you'll face a $50 penalty. This penalty is applied to each report filed late.

If you pay your tax within 30 days of the due date, you'll be charged a 5 percent penalty. This is a relatively small price to pay compared to the 10 percent penalty if you pay over 30 days late.

Past due taxes start accumulating interest 61 days after the due date. To calculate how much interest you owe, you can visit the Interest Owed and Earned page.

Here's a breakdown of the penalties and interest rates:

Remember, paying your tax on time can save you from these penalties and interest charges.

Who Is Exempt?

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If you're wondering who's exempt from this tax, it's actually quite specific.

You're exempt if your activities are limited to investing or trading securities for your own account within the meaning of the federal safe-harbor contained in section 864(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.

If that's not the case, you might still be exempt if you have not elected to be taxable as a domestic corporation and have no effectively connected income for federal income tax purposes.

Here are the specific conditions that make you exempt:

  • Investing or trading securities for your own account within the meaning of the federal safe-harbor contained in section 864(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.
  • Not electing to be taxable as a domestic corporation and having no effectively connected income for federal income tax purposes.

Business Structure and Regulations

Business Structure and Regulations can be a complex and time-consuming aspect of business taxes.

A sole proprietorship is a basic business structure that can be easily set up, but it also means that the owner is personally responsible for all business debts and liabilities.

In contrast, a C-corporation can provide more liability protection, but it also means that the business is taxed on its profits at the corporate level, which can lead to double taxation.

The IRS requires businesses to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to file taxes and open a business bank account.

Final Franchise Reports

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Final Franchise Reports are a crucial step in the lifecycle of a business. Texas entities, in particular, have specific requirements when terminating, converting, or merging.

If you're a Texas entity, you must file your final tax report and pay any amount due in the same year you plan to terminate, convert, or merge. This is a non-negotiable requirement.

On the other hand, out-of-state entities that are ending their nexus in Texas have a bit more time. They must file their final report and pay any amount due within 60 days of ceasing to have nexus.

Business Corporation Regulations

Business Corporation Regulations are a crucial aspect of running a business in New York State. The Department of Finance (DOF) is responsible for developing regulations for the business corporation tax, which was enacted in 2015.

The DOF's new regulations for the New York State corporate tax are substantially similar to the state's, with several notable differences. For taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, the threshold at which a corporation and a unitary group are deemed to be deriving receipts from activity in New York City is $1,128,000.

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The DOF has published several memoranda to provide guidance on the business corporation tax reform. These memoranda include Finance Memoranda #16-2, which discusses the direct and indirect attribution of interest deduction, and Finance Memoranda #16-3, which addresses additional investment capital identification periods for certain non-dealers.

If you're a business owner in New York State, it's essential to be aware of these regulations and memoranda to ensure compliance and avoid any potential penalties.

What Is Franchise?

A franchise tax is a privilege tax imposed on each taxable entity formed or organized in Texas or doing business in Texas.

The Texas franchise tax is a specific type of tax that only applies to certain entities, such as those formed or organized in Texas or doing business there.

For general information, see the Franchise Tax Overview for more details on how it works.

Combined Reporting

Combined reporting is a way for corporations to simplify their tax filing process. Domestic corporations and alien corporations with common ownership or control can file a combined report if they conduct a unitary business.

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This means the combined group is treated as a single tax entity, making it easier to manage taxes. The combined group is treated as if it were a single tax entity.

However, combination across tax types remains prohibited, so corporations need to be mindful of this rule. The combined group is treated as if it were a single tax entity.

Commonly owned groups can also elect to file a combined return, without needing to conduct a unitary business. This election is effective for 7 years.

Here are the key requirements for combined reporting:

  • Domestic corporations and alien corporations with common ownership or control can file a combined report if they conduct a unitary business.
  • The combined group is treated as a single tax entity.
  • Combination across tax types remains prohibited.
  • Commonly owned groups can elect to file a combined return, without needing to conduct a unitary business.

Tax Reform and Publications

The New York State Corporate Tax Reform is a significant change for businesses in the state. Corporate Tax Reform Outline is a key document outlining the reform's key provisions.

Transitional Filing Provisions provide relief for taxpayers affected by the reform. This includes a specific filing period for taxpayers who need extra time to adjust to the new rules.

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Investment Capital Identification Requirements are crucial for businesses to accurately calculate their tax liabilities. This includes identifying specific categories of business capital.

New York State Corporate Tax Reform has a dedicated summary of tax provisions. This summary is a useful resource for businesses looking to understand the reform's impact on their tax obligations.

Finance Memoranda #16-2 Direct and Indirect Attribution of Interest Deduction under the business corporation tax (Corporate Tax of 2015) provides guidance on how to calculate interest deductions. This is a critical aspect of tax planning for businesses.

Finance Memoranda #16-3 Additional Investment Capital Identification Periods for Certain Non-Dealers under the business corporation tax (Corporate Tax of 2015) offers relief for non-dealers who need extra time to identify their investment capital.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new IRS law for small business 2024?

As of Jan. 1, 2024, small businesses and LLCs must report beneficial ownership information to FinCEN to help identify company owners and controllers. This new requirement aims to prevent financial crimes and ensure business transparency.

When can I start filing taxes in 2024?

You can start filing your 2024 taxes on January 2, 2024, according to the California Franchise Tax Board. Mark your calendars to get a head start on tax season!

Is there an extension for corporate taxes in 2024?

Yes, corporate taxes in 2024 can be extended, with a deadline of October 15, 2025, by filing Form 7004. This extension is automatically granted for six months, with an additional month for corporations with a June 30 tax year end.

Tommy Weber

Lead Assigning Editor

Tommy Weber is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With extensive experience in assigning articles across various categories, Tommy has honed his skills in identifying and selecting compelling topics that resonate with readers. Tommy's expertise lies in assigning articles related to personal finance, specifically in the areas of bank card credit and bank credit cards.

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