START SMART: FIVE ITEMS TO FOCUS ON WHEN STARTING A NEW BUSINESS

Are you starting a new business in the new year? Put these items on your to-do list.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO ITEMIZE TO CLAIM THESE DEDUCTIONS ON YOUR 2016 RETURN

Can't itemize? You can still claim some expenses on your 2016 federal income tax return. Here's how you can benefit.

MANAGE BUSINESS INSURANCE COSTS

Liability, property, vehicles, directors, officers, employees – you can buy an insurance policy for many of the risks your business faces. While going without insurance is generally a penny-wise, pound-foolish decision, considering ways you can reduce the cost of your premiums makes sense. For example, you might ask about higher deductibles. The deductible is the amount you pay in the event of a loss before your insurance company will write a check. For more money-saving tips that can benefit your business, contact us at (518) 798-3330.

KEEP UP WITH WAGE LAWS

While the new federal overtime rules that were scheduled to take effect in 2016 have been put on hold, perhaps permanently, other wage laws are still around, including those that establish minimum pay levels. These minimum wage laws vary from state to state, and some have changed beginning January 1. In addition, you may be required to post notices or posters in your workplace, and maintain certain records. Contact us at (518) 798-3330 if you have questions.

BE AWARE OF THESE THREE NEW TAX FILING DEADLINES

As you begin preparing your final payroll tax returns for 2016, take into account earlier due dates for two common information reporting forms and one extended due date for health coverage reporting forms.

Forms W-2 for 2016 are due January 31. The January 31 deadline applies to forms given to employees, as well as those submitted to the Social Security Administration.

Forms 1099-MISC with non-employee compensation in Box 7 are due January 31, 2017. The January 31 due date applies to forms given to the payee, as well as paper and electronic copies filed with the IRS.

Forms 1095-B and 1095-C are due to recipients on March 2, 2017, instead of January 31. There is no change to the February 28 due date for filing paper forms with the IRS, nor the March 31 due date for filing electronically.

UPDATE YOUR MILEAGE RATE REIMBURSEMENTS FOR 2017

If you intend to use your vehicle for business, charitable activities, medical appointments, or moving during 2017, be aware that the optional standard mileage rates for computing the deductible costs have changed. Here are the rates to use to calculate reimbursements and deductions this year.

Business. Starting January 1, 2017, the rate is 53.5¢ per mile when you use your vehicle for business purposes.

Charitable. The standard per-mile rate for charitable service remains at 14¢.

Medical and moving. The rate for medical and moving mileage is 17¢ per mile.

DO YOU NEED TO REVISE YOUR FINAL ESTIMATED PAYMENT?

The last installment of your 2016 estimated federal income tax is due January 17, 2017. As a general rule, to avoid penalties you need to pay in the lesser of 90% of your 2016 estimated tax liability or 100% of the tax shown on your 2015 return when your adjusted gross income (AGI) is less than $150,000. When your AGI is over $150,000, you're required to prepay the lesser of 90% of your 2016 estimated tax liability or 110% of your 2015 tax liability. What if you haven't paid in enough? Increase your last installment to make up for the underpayment. Contact us at (518) 798-3330 for help with the calculation.