Business Taxation
Business taxation is a necessary part of running a business, but it can be complicated and difficult to understand. This article dives deep into the subject, explaining the different types of taxation and how they work.
At the most basic level, business taxes are the taxes any business must pay to the local, state, and federal governments. Most businesses must pay income tax on their profits, as well as being required to collect and remit sales tax on goods and services sold.
When it comes to federal taxes, businesses can legally reduce their tax obligations by taking advantage of credits, deductions, and exemptions. A business must file a tax return with the IRS to take advantage of these benefits.
State taxes can vary significantly from state to state. Every state has its own set of taxes that businesses must pay, such as the state income tax, corporate tax, sales tax, and franchise tax.
Local taxes are taxes paid to local governments, such as city and county taxes. These can include individual income tax, property tax, business tax, and other taxes. These taxes provide revenue to municipalities, which helps fund schools, roads, and local services.
Then there are payroll taxes, which are taxes paid by businesses that are based on their employees wages. The two main payroll taxes are the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) and the Medicare. Both the employer and the employee must pay contributions to both of these payroll taxes, although the employer typically pays a larger portion.
In addition to the taxes mentioned above, businesses may also be required by law to pay specific taxes to the government, such as employer taxes, excise taxes, and environmental taxes.
Taxes can add up quickly for businesses, so it is important to understand tax law and be compliant. Doing business taxes can be complex and requires the help of an accountant, who will ensure your business is up to date on all tax obligations.
Failing to pay taxes can have serious consequences, so if you are feeling overwhelmed, contact an accountant to help you stay on top of your obligations.