Technology Tax Saving For Small Business

The IT & Web Source for Small Business

Existing Business - Use Section 179 and Deduct up to $112,000 on Technology Purchases

2007 is turning out to be a very good year for businesses and organzations in need of a technology update. Grow your business by taking advantage of Section 179 of the tax code which allows for deductions of up to $112,000 for new equipment purchases including IT assets such as computers, notebooks, servers, printers and networking equipment. It’s a great way to cope with the high cost of technology for your business. The Launch Pad can advise you on the best purchases for your needs and help you make the most out of any dollars you spend.

Writing Off Your Business Start-up Expesnses for Consultant Fees such as Website Development

Business owners – especially those operating small businesses – may be helped by a recent tax law change allowing them to deduct up to $5,000 of the start-up expenses in the first year of the business’ operation. This is in lieu of amortizing the expenses over 180 months (15 years). Note: Start-up expenses incurred prior to October 23, 2004 generally were deducted by amortizing the costs over no less than 60 months. These expenses continue to be eligible for the 60-month amortization.

Generally, start-up expenses include all expenses incurred to investigate the formation or acquisition of a business or to engage in a for-profit activity in anticipation of that activity becoming an active business. To be eligible for the election, an expense also must be one that would be deductible if it were incurred after the business actually began. An example of a start-up expense is the cost of analyzing the potential market for a new product.

As with most tax benefits, there is always a catch. Congress put a cap on the amount of the start-up expenses that can be claimed as a deduction under this special election. Here’s how: If the expenses are $50,000 or less, you can elect to deduct up to $5,000 in the first year, plus you can amortize the balance over 180 months. If the expenses are more than $50,000, then the $5,000 first-year write-off is reduced dollar-for-dollar for every dollar start-up expenses exceed $50,000. For example, if start-up costs were $54,000, the first-year write-off would be limited to $1,000 ($5,000 – ($54,000 - $50,000)).

The election to deduct start-up costs is made by claiming the deduction on the return for the year in which the active trade or business begins, and the return must be filed by the extended due date.

On Schedule C, the deduction is taken as part of the “Other Expenses” in Part V. If the entire amount of start-up costs isn’t deductible in the business’ first year, use Form 4562 to amortize the excess amount over 180 months.

Qualifying Start-Up Costs – A qualifying start-up cost is one that would be deductible if it were paid or incurred to operate an existing active business in the same field as the new business, and the cost is paid or incurred before the day the active trade or business begins. Not includible are taxes, interest or research and experimental costs. Examples of qualified start-up costs include:

    * Surveys/analyses of potential markets, labor supply, products, transportation facilities, etc.;
    * Wages paid to employees and their instructors while they are being trained;
    * Advertisements related to opening the business;
    * Fees and salaries paid to consultants or others for professional services; and
    * Travel and other related costs to secure prospective customers, distributors, and suppliers.

For the purchase of an active trade or business, only investigative costs incurred while conducting a general search for or preliminary investigation of the business (i.e., costs that help the taxpayer decide whether to purchase a new business and which one to purchase) are qualified start-up costs. Costs incurred attempting to buy a specific business are capital expenses that aren’t treated as start-up costs.

You should of course consult a qualified tax profession for advice on your business.