March, 2010
How to file your own Extension
The day is getting close to file an extension. Corporations and LLC’s taxed as Corporations are DUE MONDAY MARCH 15th.
People are due Thursday April 15th.
If you don’t file an extension, you may receive a Penalty for Late Filing. For corporations, partnerships and LLCs (which are also partnerships), the extension form is 7004 and here’s the link: www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f7004.pdf You’ll need to decide which entity you are based on the return you file S Corporations file an 1120S, and C Corporations file an 1120. Each has a different code to enter on the extension. You’ll also need to decide if tax is owed tentatively, and make a payment.
It is possible your extension may be invalidated if you don’t make a proper payment. The payment is made either through the on-line EFTPS system, or via Form 8109 coupon, the payment does not go with the extension form.
In California, generally the federal extension suffices—you don’t need to file a state extension, although if you owe California money, you pay WITH the extension. The California extension form is a payment voucher numbered 3539 and here’s the link: www.ftb.ca.gov/forms/94_forms/94_3539.pdf
Some states DO require a separate extension from the federal extension, in addition to the federal extension, like Washington DC.
If you want me to put you on extension, I’ll need an idea
about your income for last year, and I’ll make an estimate of what you’ll owe.
I will also send you an invoice for the minimum fee for your return. If you
owe a payment, I will
send you a payment coupon for the state or give you an amount to pay to the
IRS.
Just a reminder that the office will be closed March 16th and the week of April 5-9 this year.
If I don’t respond to your e-mails or phone calls during these times, don’t panic. I’ll be back. If you do panic, the best way to reach me will be via e-mail. I will check in a few times during the April absence. Max is on vacation this week and we plan to do something as a family, but we haven’t yet settled on definite plans.
I was inspired by Duncan Sandiland to spread my workflow out this year, rather than burning midnight oil, so I can focus more on your return to get the best result for you. I work better if I’m properly rested. I’m trying to balance this with a fast turnaround time.
We’re also planning on switching over to webmail this Wednesday morning,
March 3rdth, which may result in a delay of an hour or two in mail delivery,
but I’m told nothing will be lost, merely delayed. Again with the not
panicking.
The Eightfold Path to Pay Less Tax and Avoid an Audit
Eight basic things business owners want to know printed in booklet form. This is ten years of working with the IRS Tax Code distilled down so it doesn’t take YOU ten years.
Just another way we’re trying to simplify your life. And the purchase is tax deductible!
You can order from Amazon.com. Here’s the link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Eightfold-Path-Less-Avoid-Audit/dp/0615233422/ref=sr_1_22?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226611038&sr=1-22
The
booklet also contains a sections on how returns are selected for audit, when
to seek professional help, and how long to keep your tax records.
Classes – Intermediate S Corporation, Basic Payroll, Schedule C, and Household Employees
The website has been recently updated to include a calendar in the Seminars section showing dates for upcoming classes in a more visual way, so you can pick a date that works for you.
Intermediate S Corporation Class will be presented in Alameda to up to five participants. This is an intermediate class, so we won’t be discussing how to fill out the form. Rather, we’ll be looking at how to quickly solve the most common problems encountered with preparing an 1120S, and what to do now to reduce the likelihood of future problems. Class is limited to 5 participants, so you’ll be able to ask all your questions. I moved the time up by an hour because it was difficult to get to Alameda in morning traffic.
“This is the best class on S Corps I’ve ever been to, and I’ve been to a lot.”
There is one new date:
Monday, May 10th, 2010 from 10 am to 2 pm 4 seats
available.
This class will be held in the Law Office Conference Room, 1516 Oak Street, Suite 109 in Alameda CA. Fee to attend is $225, but reduced to $175 for NAEA/CSEA members. CPE credit of 4 hours available for Enrolled Agents who attend, no credit currently available for CTEC, but it’s a good class.
Send me an e-mail if you want to attend. Flyer is on the website at www.TaxBuddha.com/1120_S_Flyer_2010.pdf
In conjunction with the IRS and EDD, Andy's going to be doing some Basic Payroll seminars coming up in the near future.
Basic Payroll: Seminar runs 9 am 3 pm with an hour for lunch
The next seminars will be
Basic Payroll in San Francisco at the SBA office 455 Market Street, 6th floor (I take BART to Embarcadero) 9 am 3 pm, April 28th and May 26th and June 23rd.
Basic Payroll in Oakland at Elihu M. Harris State Building,1515 Clay Street, Room 1, Second Floor, 9 am 3 pm, March 11th.
Basic Payroll in San Rafael will be Thursday May 20th
Register by going to http://www.edd.ca.gov/Payroll_Tax_Seminars/ and find your favorite location. We’re working on the 2010 schedule, and trying to figure out how I can present this in other states.
These seminars have proven to be very popular, plus they’re free.
How to Prepare your Own Schedule
C
Prepare your business taxes for ’09
and get ready for ‘10. Review what the IRS wants to know from you and how
to report it on the Schedule C for your business. This is a class for business
owners
who need a basic understanding of their 1040 Schedule C tax forms. We’ll
also talk about what to do with the numbers once you have them. We can’t
guarantee you won’t get audited, but this class will make it less likely.
This class will be presented for free in San Jose Wednesday, May 5th 10 am 12:30 pm at the SBA Entrepreneur Center, downtown, 84 W Santa Clara St, Suite 100, San Jose, but the address may change. Still in San Jose, but the SBA may move.
Andy will be at the US Small Business Administration offices in San Francisco at 455 Market Street, 6th Floor Tuesday May 4th, 6-8:30 pm. This class will be free. To register, check out the SBA website www.SBAtraining.eventbrite.com, or just show up.
Household Employees class was very successful and I’m working on finding an additional venue to present this again in 2010.
I went to a
class on QuickBooks given by Kim Woodrum. If you’re in the market
for QuickBooks training in a classroom setting, I recommend her. She teaches
a two day QuickBooks seminar and travels a great deal. Her website is http://www.manibusinessservices.com/
For Relaxation and Clear Thinking: On The Spot
To carry you through the stressful tax season, we recommend meditation and that you check out On The Spot Massage at http://www.onthespotmassage.com/corporate.html to help you relax. A relaxed mind is a clear thinking mind. We have some discount cards for $5 off at the Alameda Natural Grocery location on Park Street, open daily 11 am 7 pm.
Our northern California physical office is shared commercial
space in Alameda.
Phone numbers are:
Phone (510) 522-2300
Fax (510) 522-2307
Our mailing address:
3527 Mt. Diablo Blvd #366, Lafayette CA 94549
“The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax.” — Albert
Einstein, physicist