Don’t Procrastinate Filing Your 2019 Business Taxes

It’s Tax Day…but not really. Tax Day was moved along with many other aspects of our lives in the wake of the current COVID-19 outbreak. We understand that this is already a stressful time for small business owners, but we must urge you not to make it any more stressful and take action now to get ahead of your taxes if you haven’t already done so. You may have had to shut your doors, you may be in a touch place trying to crunch numbers to keep staff on the payroll, but don’t let your taxes become one more thing that keeps you up at night. We have three tips to help.

1.) With the current state of our national workforce, most of you are probably reading this from your home office or couch, so let’s start with an obvious one. Deduct your home office. With the current circumstances, we have a feeling more people will be able to do this for 2020 taxes than ever before, but for those of you who already worked from home in 2019 you can do this right now! 

2.) Don’t wait until the new deadline. Today, April 15, 2020 was the original Tax Day, but it was moved in light of the nationwide shutdown. Just because the government has extended the due date until July 15th, doesn’t mean you should wait that long. Earlier is always better to beat the rush, especially if you are expecting a refund. Getting in early was always standard practice, and now it is even more important. With stimulus checks being released, there may be an influx in people reaching out to the IRS. A lot of things are changing, businesses are adjusting, and you may need more time to crunch numbers. All understandable, but promise yourself that you will do whatever you can today, and the next day and the next…and not wait until July.

3.) When in doubt, ask for help. Whether you use an online program like TurboTax and H&R Block, or if you have a CPA that prepares your taxes in person, don’t be afraid to ask questions to ensure:

  • You know exactly what you are turning in to the IRS
  • You are accounting for the deductions that you qualify for
  • You feel comfortable with the process

 

Just a reminder, that the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida is here as resource for small businesses especially during these challenging times. Please feel free to contact our staff via email at info@blackcommerce.org.