facebook

Blog Post

Your Pot of Gold Awaits: How to Save More on Taxes This Year

March 19, 2025

St. Patrick’s Day has come and gone, but if you’re still hoping to improve your business finances, it’s not too late. While luck might play a role in some things, keeping more of your hard-earned money comes down to smart tax planning—not chance.

If tax season feels like money is slipping through your fingers, here are some effective tax-saving strategies every small business owner should know.

Claim Every Deduction Available

One of the biggest mistakes business owners make is missing out on valuable deductions. Every business expense you properly track and claim reduces your taxable income and keeps more money in your business.


Commonly missed deductions:

  • Home office expenses (if you qualify)
  • Mileage and vehicle-related business use
  • Business meals and travel
  • Marketing and advertising expenses
  • Professional development, including courses, memberships, and certifications


Keeping detailed records throughout the year is essential. Accounting software or working with a tax professional can help ensure you don’t miss any deductible expenses.


Pay Quarterly Taxes to Avoid IRS Penalties

Many small business owners wait until April to think about taxes, which often results in penalties and unexpected tax bills. If you are self-employed or run a business, the IRS requires you to make estimated tax payments throughout the year.


2024 Quarterly Tax Deadlines:

  • April 15
  • June 17
  • September 16
  • January 15, 2025


A good rule of thumb is to set aside at least 25-30 percent of your income for taxes to avoid cash flow issues when payment deadlines arrive.


Take Advantage of Tax Credits

While deductions lower your taxable income, tax credits directly reduce your tax bill. Many business owners are unaware of the credits they qualify for, leaving money on the table.


Small business tax credits to consider:

  • Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit for businesses developing new products or technology
  • Employee Retention Credit for eligible businesses that kept employees on payroll
  • Energy Efficiency Credits for businesses making eco-friendly upgrades


A tax professional can help determine which credits apply to your business and ensure you maximize your savings.


Stay Organized to Avoid Last-Minute Stress

Scrambling at tax time often leads to mistakes, missed deductions, and unnecessary stress. Businesses that maintain accurate records throughout the year are better positioned to reduce their tax liability.


Best practices for tax organization:

  • Use accounting software to track income and expenses
  • Keep digital copies of receipts using expense management apps
  • Reconcile bank statements monthly to ensure accuracy
  • Work with an accountant or bookkeeper to identify tax-saving opportunities


The earlier you organize your financial records, the easier it will be to file your taxes efficiently and accurately.


Proactive Tax Planning Saves Money

The best way to reduce your tax burden isn’t through last-minute deductions but through year-round planning. By tracking expenses, making estimated payments, claiming available credits, and staying organized, you can ensure your business holds onto more of its revenue.


If you need guidance on tax planning, bookkeeping, or financial strategy, consider working with a professional. A little planning now can lead to significant savings when tax season arrives.


Would you like assistance with your business taxes? Contact us today to discuss how we can help you maximize deductions, streamline your bookkeeping, and develop a tax strategy tailored to your business.

Basketball Representing Business March Madness and Financial Strategy
March 4, 2025
March Madness isn’t just for basketball—your finances need a winning strategy too! Learn how cash flow management, tax planning, and financial tracking can keep your business from a costly upset. Read more for expert tips!
Deadline for businesses filing a BOI
February 19, 2025
The BOI reporting deadline has been extended to March 21, 2025, but more changes may be coming. Stay informed on the latest updates, compliance requirements, and what your business needs to do now. Read more on AdminBooks.
Computer screen with
February 5, 2025
Protect your QuickBooks Online account from fraud by enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA). Follow our step-by-step guide to secure your financial data today.
January 24, 2025
The Supreme Court has ruled to reinstate BOI Reporting.
January 20, 2025
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles County have devastated communities, leaving thousands dealing with property loss, displacement, and financial uncertainty. In response, both the IRS and the State of California have granted tax deadline extensions and financial relief to help individuals and businesses recover.
January 7, 2025
The new year is here, and with it comes an important deadline for business owners: January 31, 2025. If you’ve paid independent contractors, service providers, or freelancers $600 or more in 2024, you may need to file a 1099 form for them. With the deadline just weeks away, now is the time to get organized. Filing your 1099s on time not only avoids penalties but also keeps your business in good standing.
December 30, 2024
The requirements for filing Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reports under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) have shifted yet again. As of December 26, 2024, BOI filing is not currently required, following an order from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals that restored an injunction against enforcing the CTA. However, this situation remains fluid and could change on short notice.
A reminder for end of the year accounting tasks for business owners
By Renee Daggett November 13, 2024
The end of the year is fast approaching! It’s time to wrap up those final tasks that can make a big difference in reducing stress and preparing your business for tax season. Here’s a handy checklist to help you complete important end-of-year to-dos: Record Your Vehicle’s Odometer Reading Note the odometer reading for any vehicles used for business. This is essential for calculating your business versus personal mileage usage. Ideally, you have a mileage log, but at the very least, an end-of-year reading will help determine your annual total. Count Your Inventory If your business holds inventory, you’re required to do a year-end count and record its value. This ensures accurate records for taxes and helps you start the new year on track. Collect W-9s from Vendors Check if you’ve paid any contractors or vendors over $600 throughout the year, as you’ll need to issue a 1099-NEC form for them or a 1099-MISC for rent or attorney payments. The IRS provides free forms (call 1-800-829-3676), but be sure to order early as they can take a couple of weeks to arrive. Back Up Your Data Make sure to back up all your data, especially financial records. Double-check that backups are copying correctly and consider keeping a second backup for added security. Verify Payroll Tax Rates For businesses with payroll, check if your state’s employment tax rates have changed for the upcoming year. You should have received a letter with any updated rates by early December. Send them to your payroll processing team ASAP. Copy Thermal Receipts Many receipts, like those from gas stations and office supply stores, are printed on thermal paper, which can fade over time. Make copies of these receipts, as the IRS requires readable details, not just credit card statements, in case of an audit. Schedule Corporate Minutes If applicable, make note of your corporate meeting dates for the coming year. Corporate minutes are often required annually, so it’s helpful to mark them in your calendar now. Review and Update Your Business Plan Reflect on your business goals. What are your revenue projections for 2024? Consider how they compare to 2023, and think about strategies to boost profits and streamline operations in the year ahead. Set a Closing Date in QuickBooks In QuickBooks, set a closing date and password to lock down your financial records, helping ensure accuracy and security for the year-end. Review Accounts Receivable and Payable Check your outstanding invoices and follow up with any clients who haven’t paid yet. Also, settle any bills you owe to maintain accurate records and cash flow. Assess Estimated Tax Payments Review your quarterly estimated tax payments to ensure they’re accurate. Making an extra payment by the end of the year can help avoid penalties and reduce next year’s tax burden. Evaluate Your Tax Deductions Look for any additional expenses you can deduct this year, like office supplies or software subscriptions. You may also want to contribute to retirement plans to maximize deductions. Analyze Business Expenses Go through your expenses to identify any unnecessary costs you could reduce or cut in the coming year. This can improve profitability and efficiency. Renew Business Licenses and Permits Check if any licenses or permits are expiring soon and renew them in advance. This helps avoid penalties and interruptions in business operations. Review and Update Employee Benefits Review your employee benefit plans, such as health insurance and retirement contributions, to ensure they’re competitive and compliant with regulations. Evaluate Your Financial Goals and Set New Ones Look at your business’s financial performance and set realistic goals for the next year. Whether it’s increasing revenue, reducing costs, or expanding services, setting measurable goals can help guide your strategy. Completing these tasks will help your business start the new year in a stronger position and make tax season that much smoother.
November 11, 2024
For businesses where tips and gratuities are common—such as salons, spas, or other service industries—knowing how to record these amounts correctly is essential. Tips need to be accurately recorded to ensure employees are paid properly and taxes are managed. Here’s a simple guide on handling tips in QuickBooks Online (QBO), with options to make your process as smooth as possible.
Grandparents learning about the tax liabilities of investing in their grand children.
September 4, 2024
Investing in your grandchild's future can be one of the most rewarding ways to secure their financial well-being. Whether you're contributing to a 529 College Savings Plan or setting up a UGMA/UTMA account, understanding the tax implications is key to maximizing your investment. Learn about gift tax exclusions, how to avoid the Kiddie Tax, and tips for using tax-advantaged accounts. This guide will help you make smart decisions for long-term growth while minimizing tax burdens. Discover how to invest wisely in your grandchildren's future! Read our complete guide now.
More Posts
Share by: