SOME DEDUCTIONS ARE AVAILABLE EVEN IF YOU DON’T ITEMIZE

If you’ve given up itemizing deductions, you’re not alone. These days over half of all taxpayers find they’re better off using the standard deduction. But even if you take the standard deduction, you can also deduct some individual expenses on your 2011 tax return, including the following:

DEPRECIATION RULES CHANGE FOR 2012

If you're planning to buy equipment or other business assets this year, you need to be aware of the changes in how much of the cost you can deduct in 2012.

IF YOU HAVE FOREIGN INVESTMENTS, YOU MAY HAVE A NEW FILING OBLIGATION

If you own foreign investments, you may have an additional federal tax filing requirement this year.

ARE YOU IGNORING THIS NEW TAX CREDIT?

Health care legislation passed in 2010 included a tax credit for small businesses that provided health care coverage for their employees. Recent surveys have shown that the majority of small companies that could qualify for the credit have failed to take it. The reasons given for ignoring the credit ranged from being unaware of it to finding the credit too complicated to compute.

MEETINGS UNDERWAY ON PAYROLL TAX CUT EXTENSION

Last December, the 4.2% social security tax rate that workers pay on wages was extended through February 29, 2012.

IRS PLANS RANDOM SMALL BUSINESS AUDITS

The IRS plans to conduct random audits of 2,500 returns from 2010 filed by corporations with less than $250,000 in assets. The results will be used to update the IRS formulas for selecting returns for audit.

The IRS is also trying to improve tax compliance among sole proprietors. According to a Treasury report, sole proprietors accounted for 20% of the $345 billion tax gap calculated for 2001.

USE ADJUSTED TAX NUMBERS FOR 2012 PLANNING

The IRS is required by law to adjust certain tax numbers each year. Here are some of the adjusted numbers you'll need for your 2012 tax planning.

BASIS REPORTING EXPANDS THIS YEAR

Your broker statement for 2011 reported the basis in the stocks you acquired last year. This basis reporting requirement expands this year to include mutual fund shares and stock acquired in a dividend reinvestment plan. The cost basis for these investments is included in reports that brokers send to the IRS. The IRS will compare this information with the basis you report on your tax return when you sell the investment.

BRING YOUR CORPORATE MINUTES UP TO DATE

Writing up the minutes of board of directors' meetings is not exactly a high priority for most business owners. Yet well-documented corporate minutes can provide valuable supporting evidence if your tax positions are ever questioned.

MORE TAX DEADLINES AHEAD

Don't miss these deadlines if they apply to your business:

February 15 - Brokers must provide 2011 Forms 1099-B and 1099-S to customers.

February 28 - Send Forms 1099 with Form 1096 to the IRS. If you file these forms electronically, you have until April 2 to file with the IRS.

February 29 - Send Copy A of employee W-2s for 2011, along with Form W-3, to the Social Security Administration. If you file electronically, you have until April 2 to file.

March 1 - Farmers and fishermen who did not make 2011 estimated tax payments must file 2011 tax returns and pay taxes in full.

For more information or filing assistance contact our office at (518) 798-3330.