If you own a business, you should be aware of the taxes you must pay. These taxes are determined by the government and are assessed on taxable events. These events include sales, payroll, and income. Different types of taxable events require different tax liabilities, which are calculated as a percentage of the total event.
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Taxes you pay as a small business owner
The amount of taxes you pay as a small business owner may vary depending on the state and type of business you own. Fortunately, there are several resources available to help you understand the different types of small business taxes and how to save money on them. One great resource is the Small Business Administration, which has an excellent guide on how to navigate the tax code and determine your responsibilities as a small business owner.
Small businesses are subject to different taxes than corporations but they are not as difficult to understand like how is pain and suffering calculated in a car accident case. While there are common tax rates, they can vary based on the type of business you own, where you do business, how many employees you have, and the products or services you sell. You may also have to pay business property tax on your profits.
State-level taxes you pay
If you have a business, you likely pay state-level taxes on your business income. These taxes vary by state and the legal form of your business. Traditional C corporations must file separate state tax returns, while partnerships, S corporations, and limited liability companies are taxed through a pass-through mechanism. Business owners also pay property taxes on the value of their inventories and assets.
The tax authority of state governments is derived from the US Constitution. However, it may be limited by state laws and the Commerce Clause. The Constitution also provides that US treaties do not apply to state taxes. Therefore, if you are planning to operate a business in a state, it is important to understand how state taxes work.
State-level taxes you pay by business structure
The type of business structure that you choose can affect the amount of state-level taxes that you owe. While the structure may not affect day-to-day operations, choosing the right one is vital for several reasons, including controlling liability, limiting personal liability, and preparing for future growth.
If you run a business with one owner, the best business structure is an LLC. It has lower startup costs than a full corporation. An LLC may be taxed as an S Corporation or a C Corporation depending on the number of shareholders. However, if you have employees, you should pay state employment taxes. These taxes vary between states and may include taxes for workers’ compensation insurance, unemployment insurance, and temporary disability insurance. Furthermore, you may also be responsible for employee income taxes. Check with your state tax authority to determine how much of each of these taxes to withhold from employees’ paychecks.
State-level taxes you pay by business activity
The tax burden on your business is most often determined by the activity you engage in. Some states apportion income based on the amount of property or payroll your business has in the state, while others apportion income based on your total sales within the state. There are also other ways to measure activity. For example, some states weight sales activity more heavily than payroll or property. However, the current trend among states is to apportion income according to a single sales factor. This will increase the state’s taxable reach, while reducing the percentage of taxes paid by out-of-state taxpayers.
The authority to levy state taxes derives from the US Constitution. However, there are several limitations to state taxation, including the Due Process Clause and Commerce Clause. Additionally, US treaties generally do not apply to state taxation. As a result, it is important for foreign entities to understand the basis of state taxation.
