Everyone worries about taxes and looks for ways to reduce the tax burden. When you have a small business, you must update your knowledge of tax laws that pertain to “small businesses.” As a business owner, you must clearly understand accounting systems and tax planning. Sit down with your accountant and plan on ways of maintaining business expenses, filing receipts, planning on “tax saving” investments, and a strategy for running the business most beneficially.

Did you know that:

1. According to the law, you can reduce your tax liability by hiring family members to work in your business. Pay your children and spouse to perform assigned duties. This way, you can shift from higher tax rates to lower ones.

2. Consider hiring independent contractors instead of employees. You will save on payroll taxes. However, ensure that you meet the IRS’s criteria.

3. Think about “deferring income” and postpone receiving the money to January instead of December. This means that payments received will be up for “tax” calculations a year away. However, ask your accountant’s advice as the benefits depend on profit and losses for the year and your corporate legal structure.

4. Take advantage of tax deductions allowed for charitable donations. Make donations in November or December instead of January to include the donations for tax deductions in the current year.

5. Maximize your expenditure on equipment and office supplies. Buy in advance for a quarter and use the tax deductions allowed in the current fiscal year.

6. Include expenses of business-related travel in the current year.

7. Pay all bills due before the end of the year. Payment for cell services, rent, insurance, and utilities related to the business can be included for accounting and applicable tax waivers.

8. Plan a retirement plan and make payments before the end of the year. This will reduce your income for the year and proportionately the tax due. Be sure to check on the limits. Plan a feasible and beneficial strategy with your accountant.

9. Deduct from your taxable income money paid to license fees, business taxes, and annual memberships to business-related organizations. Be sure to deduct interest paid on borrowings for running the business and related fees. Insurance premiums paid to insure the business office and machinery are eligible for tax deductions. Make a list of your memberships and check which ones are eligible for tax deductions.

10. Check whether you have deducted management and administration expenses and money spent on equipment maintenance and repairs.

Decide whether a cash accounting system or an accrual one will benefit your business. The tax deductions are different depending on the system you use. When setting up your small business, take the advice of a tax and accounting professional as to which accounting system would be most suitable.