Tips to Help You Plan Your Business Taxes in 2012

It's smart to bear in mind how the tax landscape may change next year. When you know what's coming may help you make a few smart moves before the end of this year. Here are a five tips from tax expert Barbara Weltman on what to expect:

1. Some business tax breaks live on. While some helpful credits expire at the end of this year, good things that continue for 2012 include the 100 percent bonus depreciation write off and the chance to deduct up to $500,000 of first-year expenses immediately through the Section 179 deduction. Also still alive is the research credit and some of the work opportunity credits -- particularly if you hire veterans.
   
   Related: Six Small-Business Tax Breaks for 2010 
    
2. You could get audited. A recent KMPG survey found small-business tax audits are on the rise. So be sure you understand tax laws, are in compliance and have the documentation you need to answer any questions.
   
   Related: How to Survive a Tax Audit 
    

3. The healthcare tax credit may change. The U.S. Supreme Court will hear the National Federation of Independent Business's case on the constitutionality of healthcare reform, with a decision expected in June. In the meantime, there's a key provision that may change -- the tax credit to help small business owners pay for healthcare coverage for workers. The hope was that 4.4 million businesses would use it, but only about 300,000 have done so. The NFIB has suggested the credit be simplified and improved.
    

4. Estate planning -- just do it. The crystal ball is completely cloudy on this one, as the estate-tax rules are only known through next year. After that, the rules revert to only a $1 million tax exemption instead of the current $5 million. This is likely to change next year and beyond, depending on who is elected. Expect renewed interest in abolishing the estate tax, which can hit small, family-owned businesses hard. But the one thing that's for sure is -- reducing your estate by gifting heirs now will always be a good idea.
   
   Related: What Entrepreneurs Should Know About Estate Planning
    

5. Low interest rates. If you end up owing penalties on outstanding money the Internal Revenue Service thinks you should have paid sooner, the good news is interest rates are currently only about 3 percent. That's so low, it may not provide much incentive for some taxpayers to pay up on time. Let's hope that doesn't lead to unexpected budget shortfalls.

What do you think will happen with taxes in 2012? Leave a comment and give us your predictions.

The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the authors and those providing comments or external internet links are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, positions or strategies of First Capital, we make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, current, suitability, or validity of this information and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All registered trademarks, copyright, images, or other items used are property of their respective owner and are used for editorial purposes only.

Visit First Capital Online or call: 310-458-0010