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Could your business deductions survive an IRS audit?

In this episode, Mike Jesowshek breaks down a real-life case where a business owner lost $2 million due to an IRS audit after attempting to write off a yacht as a business expense. He explains how poor bookkeeping and a lack of proper documentation led to the disallowance of the deduction. Mike emphasizes the importance of understanding and correctly implementing tax strategies, along with maintaining detailed records to defend against audits. The episode highlights the need for business owners to carefully substantiate deductions and avoid shortcuts, even when seemingly successful entrepreneurs do so.

[00:00 - 05:06] Lessons from Poor Bookkeeping

• Mike highlights a case where a business owner wrote off a $2 million yacht as a business expense.
• The IRS disallowed the deduction due to poor records and no evidence of business-related activities.
• Mike stresses the importance of having clear documentation and bookkeeping to defend business expenses in an audit.
• He discusses how many business owners wrongly assume that if someone else gets away with a deduction, they can too.

[05:06 - 07:04] Understanding Business Deductions

• Business deductions must be ordinary and necessary for the type of business.
• It is not enough to claim the deduction; proof must be provided through proper logs and receipts.
• Mike emphasizes the importance of correct implementation, using the home office deduction as an example.
• Even legitimate deductions can be disallowed if not implemented and documented properly.

[10:12 - 14:52] Correct Documentation: A Defense Against Audits

• Having detailed records and logs can protect business owners if the IRS audits them.
• Mike shares an example of a client who successfully navigated an audit by having all documentation in place.
• He also touches on various tax strategies like the Augusta rule, employee entertainment, and travel deductions.

Direct Quotes:

"Bookkeeping is the backbone of a business. Not only does it help your business grow, but it also helps defend your business expenses in the event of an audit." - Mike Jesowshek, CPA

"Just because someone down the road takes a deduction and doesn't get caught doesn't mean it’s right or that you won't get caught." - Mike Jesowshek, CPA

"A business deduction has to be ordinary and necessary for your type of business, and then you need the proof to back it up." - Mike Jesowshek, CPA

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Podcast Host: Mike Jesowshek, CPA - Founder and Host of Small Business Tax Savings Podcast

Join TaxElm: https://taxelm.com/

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Podcast Website: https://www.TaxSavingsPodcast.com

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/taxsavings/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com

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Have you ever wondered how to maximize your tax deductions while staying on the right side of the IRS?

In this episode, Mike Jesowshek provides an in-depth guide on over 30 tax write-offs and strategies that can save businesses thousands of dollars. He emphasizes the importance of understanding pre-tax versus after-tax spending, the significance of selecting the right business entity structure, and how to effectively maximize deductions. Mike also covers strategies such as using an S corporation to reduce self-employment taxes, hiring children within a business, and setting up a board for additional tax benefits. He stresses the need to correctly implement tax strategies to ensure they remain legal and beneficial.

[00:00 - 12:24] Pre-Tax vs. After-Tax Spending, Entity Structure, and S Corporations

• Mike introduces the importance of understanding tax strategies.
• Optimize spending to shift after-tax expenses into pre-tax deductions.
• He discusses how the business entity structure forms the foundation of your business.
• Different types of entity structures: sole proprietorship, LLC, C corporation.
• Choose the right entity structure to ensure proper tax benefits and legal protection.
• Consider S corporation status once your business reaches a certain profit level.

[12:24 - 26:03] Maximizing Deductions

• Mike breaks down the various business expenses that qualify as deductions, including advertising, contract labor, equipment, and gifts.
• Regularly review personal expenses to identify potential business deductions.

[26:03 - 35:18] Accountable Plan and Setting Up a Board for Tax

• Ensure proper documentation and exclusivity in home office use.
• Use a board for accountability, perspective, and additional tax deductions.

[35:18 - 44:47] Additional Tax Strategies: Meals, Travel, Automobile, and Retirement Planning

• Proper documentation and fair market value rental rates are crucial.
• Be strategic in everyday business activities to maximize deductions.

[44:47 - 57:30] Implementation of Tax Strategies

• Mike emphasizes the importance of not only learning tax strategies but also correctly implementing them.
• Correct documentation and cautious implementation are key to successful tax strategies.

Direct Quotes:

"The government doesn't come knocking and let you know when you missed out on an incentive that they gave you." - Mike Jesowshek, CPA

"Every business owner should have a home office of some sort." - Mike Jesowshek, CPA

"The implementation piece is where you start to see those tax savings." - Mike Jesowshek, CPA

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Podcast Host: Mike Jesowshek, CPA - Founder and Host of Small Business Tax Savings Podcast

Join TaxElm: https://taxelm.com/

IncSight Packages (Full-Service): https://incsight.net/pricing/

Book an Initial Consultation (IncSight): https://app.simplymeet.me/o/incsight/sale

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Podcast Website: https://www.TaxSavingsPodcast.com

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/taxsavings/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com

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Mike Jesowshek shares how he saved a small business owner over $15,000 in taxes in just 12 months. Mike breaks down the practical strategies implemented, including changing the business entity structure, maximizing home office and vehicle deductions, strategically categorizing business expenses, and more!

Learn how these strategies led to over $132,000 in tax savings for Alex's business over five years.

[00:00 - 03:28] Case Study

• Alex is a former corporate digital marketer who transitioned from a W2 employee to an entrepreneur in the healthy eating influencer space
• Alex's quick growth, generating about $100,000 profit in the first year as a sole proprietorship
• During tax season Alex got hit with an unexpectedly large tax bill in the first year
• He realized he lacked knowledge of tax-saving strategies

[03:29 - 06:18] Tax Saving Solutions Implemented

• We changed Alex’s entity type from sole proprietorship to S Corporation
• We implemented home office deduction through an accountable plan
• We utilized a personal vehicle for business and claimed deductions
• We maximized deductions by finding business purposes for existing spending
  • Meals with clients or business discussions
  • Travel combined with business purposes
  • Office equipment and supplies

[06:19 - 12:01] Advanced Tax Saving Strategies

• Set up a board for the business
  • Created opportunities for travel and meal expense deductions
  • Implemented the 14-day home rental rule for board meetings
• Established retirement savings with a solo 401(k)
• Set up a Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Properly deducted self-employed health insurance
• Implemented estimated tax payments to avoid penalties

[12:02 - 19:47] Results and Key Takeaways

• These strategies saved Alex over $15,000 in taxes in the first year
• Over five years, Alex saved more than $132,000 in taxes
• These strategies are available to most small business owners
• Proper implementation is crucial for realizing tax savings

Direct Quotes

"Implementation, understanding strategy is one thing you do not see any tax savings until you implement that strategy. And I also want to put in the effort that says implementation is one thing. The correct implementation is the key." – Mike Jesowshek, CPA

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Podcast Host: Mike Jesowshek, CPA - Founder and Host of Small Business Tax Savings Podcast

Join TaxElm: https://taxelm.com/

IncSight Packages (Full-Service): https://incsight.net/pricing/

Book an Initial Consultation (IncSight): https://app.simplymeet.me/o/incsight/sale

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Podcast Website: https://www.TaxSavingsPodcast.com

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/taxsavings/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com