Go To Namecheap.com
Hero image of Prepare Now to Make Tax Time Easier
Managing a Business

Prepare Now to Make Tax Time Easier

Have you checked your calendar lately? 2020 is finally coming to a close. 

Let’s add a little bit of pain to the end of the year by talking about taxes. Small business owners deal with taxes throughout the year. The most significant date is in April when tax returns and final payments are due. But entrepreneurs can make tax time easier by doing a few simple things before the end of the year.

Here are ways you can prepare now to make tax time less stressful.

Run your books year-to-date

It’s important to understand where you stand now, not after the close of the year or when your final 2020 tax payment is due. Knowing where you stand gives you time to prepare and complete any necessary transactions before the calendar year expires.

I like to run my books through the end of November and then sit down with my tax accountant. Whether you use a professional tax preparer or not, it’s smart to look at your year so far and compare it to last year.

Make more money this year than last? Congratulations! Oh, but get ready to pay the IRS more. It’s a good problem to have, but it’s also smart to know that you will owe a bit more in taxes.

After you do your books, you will be prepared to take further steps during 2020 to make tax time much easier in April.

Time to be a big spender?

If your profits are coming in a bit higher than usual, or if you think your tax rate might be lower next year, it might make sense to make some purchases in December. 

Some purchases can be expensed right away. Depending on your tax and company situation, you might be able to deduct the cost of expensive equipment the year you purchase it through a Section 179 deduction.

Consider your situation this year compared to previous years, and what you think will happen next year, to decide if you should make that big expenditure this year.

Fix mistaken payments

Business owners know how easy it is to accidentally pull out a business credit card at the grocery store rather than using a personal card. Sometimes it goes the other way — you use your personal credit card for a business expense.

Rather than zeroing these expenses out after the year ends, write a check between accounts to fix any errant expenses before the calendar year ends. This will make your books a lot cleaner.

Hedgehog in boat fishing for W-9 forms

Collect W-9s

OK, so you’re supposed to collect W-9s from most contractors before you pay them more than $599 during a calendar year. But life (AKA the million tasks you have to do as a business owner) sometimes gets in the way.

Some contractors are slow to return W-9s, so start asking now.

You need contractors’ W-9 forms in order to issue form 1099 to them. 1099s are due much earlier than tax returns. Companies must file them by the end of January, 2021 for tax year 2020.

Making matters more complicated, tax year 2020 uses a new form to report payments made to non-employees. It’s called the 1099-NEC. While it’s simpler than the old form, it might take some time to familiarize yourself with it.

Check for outstanding payments

Many small businesses use “cash accounting”, which means they only count revenue when they receive the payment. This is a lot simpler than accrual accounting but means that last-minute payments can lead to an unexpected jump in revenue (and the corresponding tax payment). 

Prevent these surprises by reaching out to companies that owe your business money to see when they expect to pay their invoices. Be clear with them why you’re asking; explain that you use cash accounting and want to forecast the rest of the year.

Make provisions for your January payment

Many entrepreneurs make quarterly estimated payments throughout the year. Things got a bit wonky in 2020 with taxes and estimated payment deadlines extended due to the pandemic. But your final estimated payment is still due on January 14, 2021.

Make other contributions for 2020

Aside from your business, now is when you should make any end-of-year charitable donations. Also, make sure you’ve contributed to other tax-deductible accounts, such as Health Savings Accounts, if you are eligible. Many of these contributions must be made by December 31.

Make tax time a breeze

April 15 doesn’t have to be a scary date circled in red on your calendar. It’s an easy date if you prepare for tax time accordingly. By preparing before the end of the year, you will be 90% of the way toward completing your tax return. Most importantly, you won’t be hit with surprises.

Was this article helpful?
1
Get the latest news and deals Sign up for email updates covering blogs, offers, and lots more.
I'd like to receive:

Your data is kept safe and private in line with our values and the GDPR.

Check your inbox

We’ve sent you a confirmation email to check we 100% have the right address.

Help us blog better

What would you like us to write more about?

Thank you for your help

We are working hard to bring your suggestions to life.

Andrew Allemann avatar

Andrew Allemann

Andrew is the founder and editor of Domain Name Wire, a publication that has been covering domain names since 2005. He has personally written over 10,000 posts covering domain name sales, policy, and strategies for domain name owners. Andrew has been quoted in stories about domain names in The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, New York Times and Fortune. More articles written by Andrew.

More articles like this
Get the latest news and deals Sign up for email updates covering blogs, offers, and lots more.
I'd like to receive:

Your data is kept safe and private in line with our values and the GDPR.

Check your inbox

We’ve sent you a confirmation email to check we 100% have the right address.

Hero image of What Is Cloud Computing and When Should You Use It?Prepare Now to Make Tax Time Easier
Next Post

What Is Cloud Computing and When Should You Use It?

Read More