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Frequently Asked Questions

Where's my refund?

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Tax Refund Status
If you would like to know when you will be receiving your federal or state tax refund, please use this form.
If your state is not listed, it is because they do not offer this service.
 

What kind of financial statement service does my company need, Audit, Review, or Compilation?

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Reporting on Financial Performance

Almost every organization — whether it’s a privately held business, a publicly owned corporation, or a nonprofit organization — must prepare reports on its financial performance. Such reports help owners and managers make operating decisions, enable creditors to evaluate loan applications, and provide individuals with information to make investment decisions.

The accounting profession recognizes that different entities have different accounting needs. Acknowledging these differences, the profession has developed standards that enable CPAs to offer a range of financial statement services.

A CPA may provide a client with three distinct services involving financial statements. Each is designed to meet a different need.

A compilation is useful to small, privately held entities that need help in preparing their financial statements. A review, on the other hand, may be adequate for entities that must report their financial positions to third parties, such as creditors or regulatory agencies. Reviewed financial statements may also be useful to business owners who are not actively involved in managing their companies.

An audit is the third and most extensive service. An audit is appropriate for entities that must offer a higher level of assurance to outside parties. An unqualified opinion from a CPA after an audit provides reasonable assurance to outside parties that the entity's financial statements fairly present its financial position and results of operation in accordance with certain accounting principles.

COMPILATION Preparing financial statements of private entities based on information provided by the entity’s management.

Through compilation services, a CPA prepares monthly, quarterly, or annual financial statements. However, he or she offers no assurance as to whether material, or significant, changes are necessary for the statements to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, the cash basis, or the income tax basis of accounting. During a compilation, the data is simply arranged into conventional financial statement form. No probing is conducted beneath the surface unless the CPA becomes aware that the data provided is in error or is incomplete.

However, before agreeing to perform a compilation, a CPA will take a "common sense" look at the entity to decide whether the client needs other accounting services, such as help in adjusting the accounting records.

Here’s what a compilation entails:

The CPA becomes familiar with the accounting principles and practices common to the client’s industry, and acquires a general understanding of the client’s transactions and how they are recorded.

After compiling the financial statements, the CPA is obliged to read them and consider whether they are appropriate in form and free from obvious material errors. The CPA then issues a standard report that says, in effect, that the financial statements were compiled, but because they were not audited or reviewed, no opinion is expressed.

Compilation standards permit an accountant to compile financial statements that omit footnote disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles or another comprehensive basis of accounting (cash or income tax). This is allowable as long as the omission is clearly indicated in the report and there is no intent to mislead users. However, when footnote disclosures have been left out, the CPA adds a paragraph to the compilation report stating that management has elected to omit disclosures. This paragraph lets the user know that if the financial statements contained this information, it might affect the user’s conclusions.

A compilation is sufficient for many private companies. However, if a business needs to provide some degree of assurance that its financial statements are reliable, it may be necessary to engage a CPA to perform a review or an audit.

REVIEW Inquiry and analytical procedures applied to financial statements of private entities.

A private entity may engage a CPA to perform a review of its financial statements and issue a report that provides limited assurance that material changes to the financial statements are not necessary. With respect to reliability and assurance, a review falls between a compilation, which provides no assurance, and the more extensive assurance of an audit.

Before a review, the CPA may have to compile the financial statements; however, in all cases, the financial statements are management’s statements, not the CPA’s. Management must have a sufficient understanding of the financial statements to assume responsibility for them.

Two other factors differentiate a review from a compilation — the CPA must remain independent of the client during a review, and all appropriate footnotes must be included in the reviewed statements.

Here’s what a review entails:

The CPA obtains a working knowledge of the industry in which the entity operates and acquires information on key aspects of the organization, including operating methods, products and services, and material transactions with related parties.

The CPA will then make inquiries concerning such financial statement-related matters as accounting principles and practices, record-keeping practices, accounting policies, actions of the board of directors, and changes in business activities. Then the CPA will apply analytical procedures designed to identify unusual items or trends in the financial statements that may need explanation. Essentially, a review is designed to see whether the financial statements "make sense" without applying audit-type tests.

Keep in mind that during a review, a CPA does not confirm balances with banks or creditors, observe inventory counting, or test selected transactions by examining supporting documents. However, in many instances, a review—with its limited assurance —may be adequate for a business or its creditors. If more assurance is necessary, the organization may need to engage a CPA to perform an audit.

AUDIT Includes such procedures as confirmation with outside parties, observation of inventories, and testing selected transactions by examining supporting documents.

A public or private company may engage a CPA to audit its financial statements and to issue a report that provides the highest level of assurance that the financial statements are presented fairly in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

In an audit, as in a review, the CPA must be independent of the client and the financial statements must contain all required footnotes.

Here’s what an audit entails:

To gather evidence on the reliability of the financial statements, the CPA performs "search and verification" procedures. In an audit, the CPA generally confirms balances with banks or creditors, observes inventory counting, and tests selected transactions by examining supporting documents. In addition, the CPA contacts sources outside the client organization to gather information that may be more objective than that obtained from internal sources. For example, the CPA usually obtains written confirmation from a client’s customers about amounts owed to the client at a specific date. By accumulating this type of evidence, the CPA tries to reduce the risk that the financial statements will be materially misstated.

The auditor then issues a report stating that the financial statements are presented fairly, in all material respects, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

An audit is planned and performed with an attitude of professional skepticism; that is, the auditor designs the audit to provide "reasonable assurance" that material errors or fraud are detected. However, fraud concealed through forgery or collusion may not be found because the auditor is not trained to catch forgeries, nor will customary audit procedures detect all conspiracies.

An audit provides a reasonable level of assurance that the financial statements are free of material errors and fraud. An audit does not, however, provide a guarantee of absolute assurance.

What Services Do You Need?

Compilation CPA prepares financial statements from information provided by management.
A compilation is useful when limited in-house capabilities for preparing financial statements exist.

Review CPA applies inquiry and analytical procedures to financial statements provided by management to determine if they are reasonable.
A review provides limited assurance that no material changes need to be made to the financial statements.

Audit CPA examines financial statements by conferring with outside parties, completing physical inspections and observations, and testing selected transactions by examining supporting documents. An audit provides the highest level of assurance that the financial statements fairly represent the entity's financial position and results of operation in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
 

How do I obtain a Federal Identification Number For My Business?

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https://sa2.www4.irs.gov/modiein/individual/index.jsp

 
 

What is the maximum gift tax exclusion?

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The 2009 Annual Gifting Exclusion is $13,000 per person per year.

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What is the current prime rate of interest?

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http://www.bankrate.com/brm/ratewatch/leading-rates.asp
 

How long do I need to keep records?

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Record Retention

In business, good record keeping is essential not only for tax reporting purposes but also for the success of the company. The guidelines below give retention periods for the most common business records.

Accounting Records Retain:
Accounts Payable 7 years
Accounts Receivable 7 years
Audit Reports Permanent
Chart of Accounts Permanent
Depreciation Schedules Permanent
Expense Records 7 years
Financial Statements (annual) Permanent
Fixed Asset Purchases Permanent
General Ledger Permanent
Inventory Records 7 years
Inventory Records (LIFO) Permanent
Loan Payment Schedules 7 years
Purchase Orders (one copy) 7 years
Sales Records 7 years
Tax Returns Permanent
Bank Records Retain:
Bank Reconciliations 2 years
Bank Statements 7 years
Canceled Checks 7 years
Canceled Checks (Real Estate Purchases) Permanent
Electronic Payment Records 7 years
Corporate Records Retain:
Board Minutes Permanent Bylaws Permanent
Business Licenses Permanent
Contracts - Major Permanent
Contracts - Minor Life + 4 years
Insurance Policies Life + 3 years
Leases/Mortgages Permanent
Patents/Trademarks Permanent
Shareholder Records Permanent
Stock Registers Permanent
Stock Transactions Permanent
Employment Records Retain:
Benefit Plans Permanent
Employee files (ex-employees) 7 years or statute of limitations for employee lawsuits
Employment Applications 3 years
Employment Taxes 7 years
Payroll Records 7 years
Pension/Profit Sharing Plans Permanent
Real Property Records Retain:
Construction Records Permanent
Leasehold Improvements Permanent
Lease Payment Records Life + 4 years
Real Estate Purchases Permanent
Other Records Retain:
Tax Returns (uncomplicated) 7 years
Tax returns (all others) Permanent
W-2's 7 years
1099's 7 years
Cancelled Check Supporting Tax Deduction 7 years
Bank Deposit Slips 7 years
Bank Statements 7 years
Charitable Contribution Document 7 years
Receipts, Diaries, Logs pertaining Tax Return 7 years
Credit Card Statements 7 years
Retirement Plan Annual Reports Permanent
IRA Annual Reports Permanent
IRA Nondeductible Contributions Form 8606 Permanent
Loans Term of Loan + 7 years
Insurance Policies Life of Policy + 3 years

Divorce Documents

 Permanent
Estate Planning Documents Permanent
Investment Purchase and Sales Slips Ownership Period + 7 years
Dividend Reinvestment Records Ownership Period + 7 years
Year-End Brokerage Statements Ownership Period + 7 years
Mutual Fund Annual Statements Ownership Period + 7 years
Investment Property Purchase Documents Ownership Period + 7 years
Home Purchase Documents Ownership Period + 7 years
Home Improvements Rcpts and Cancelled Ck. Ownership Period + 7 years
Home Repairs Receipts and Cancelled Ck.

Warranty Period for Item
 

Where do I find my local IRS office contact information?

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City

Street Address

Days/Hours of Service

Telephone *

Keene

196 Main St.
Keene, NH 03431

Thursday
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
(Closed for lunch
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon)

(603) 352-3720

Manchester

1000 Elm St. 
9th Floor
Manchester, NH 03101

Monday-Friday
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
(Closed for lunch
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.)

(603) 668-6763

Nashua

410 Amherst St.
Nashua, NH 03063

Monday-Friday
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
(Closed for lunch
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.)

(603) 594-8370

Portsmouth

80 Daniel St.
Portsmouth, NH 03801

Monday-Friday
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

(603) 430-9598

http://www.irs.gov/localcontacts/article/0,,id=98312,00.html
 

Where do I file my Tax Return?

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http://www.irs.gov/file/index.html
 

Where can I find out the meaning of various financial terms?

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1099-DIV A statement of dividends paid, sent to IRS and taxpayer.
1099-INT A statement of interest paid, sent to IRS and taxpayer.
1099-OID Original Issue Discount statement, sent to IRS and taxpayer.
401(k) A type of retirement program sponsored by employers for their workers. Contributions deducted directly from your paycheck make it easy to save and can reduce your taxable income for that year. Earnings grow quickly because they’re tax-deferred. Many employers also match the employee’s own contributions up to a set limit.
Accountant An individual trained and knowledgeable in the profession of accountancy.
Accounting (Accountancy) The function of compiling and providing financial information primarily by reports referred to as financial statements. Accounting includes bookkeeping, systems design, analysis and interpretation of accounting information.
Accounts Payable Obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired on open accounts from suppliers. Accounts Payable is a current liability in the Balance Sheet.
Accounts Receivable Amounts due the company on account from customers who have bought merchandise or received services. Accounts Receivable is a current asset in the Balance Sheet.
Accrual Basis The method of keeping accounts which shows all expenses incurred and income earned for a given period of time, even though such expenses and income may not actually have been paid or received in cash during the same period of time.
Accrued Expense An expense incurred, but not yet paid.
Accrued Revenue Revenue earned, but not yet collected.
Accumulated Depreciation An account to which estimated depreciation is added.
Adjustable Rate Mortgage or ARM. A mortgage with an interest rate that may increase or decrease during the term of the loan, according to determined margins with limits on increases or decreases (called "caps").
Adjusted Entry An entry made in the general journal at the end of an accounting period to bring certain accounts up to date.
Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) A person's entire income reduced by adjustments including a deduction for an IRA (Individual Retirement Account), medical savings accounts, and alimony paid to an ex-spouse. Saving money now in an IRA for your retirement (yes, even though it seems like a million years away) could be one of your smartest moves yet.
Agent A person authorized by another to act on their behalf. Thus, an agent can enter into contacts and other such legal binding functions on behalf of another. Usually, the corporation’s officers act as corporate agents.
Amortization Accounting or financial process of reducing an amount by periodic payments or write-downs. Refers to liquidation, writing off or extinguishing of a debt over a period of time.
Annual Meeting of Shareholders Nearly all states require a corporation to hold an annual meeting of shareholders at which time directors are elected and other corporate issues are voted on.
Annuity A sequence of equal payments, usually made at regular intervals of time.
Appreciation Increase in value. Often used with reference to an asset, such as land, building, stocks or bonds.
Articles of Incorporation (Certificate of Incorporation or Charter) The articles are the primary legal document of a corporation; they serve as a corporation’s Constitution. The articles are filed with the state government to begin corporate existence. The articles contain basic information on the Corporation as required by state law.
Articles of Organization LLCs must file the articles with the proper state authorities to begin existence. The articles of organization are very similar to a corporation’s articles of incorporation.
Asset Anything of value owned or controlled by a corporation or individual. An asset may be tangible or intangible.
Asset Allocation The division of holdings among different types of assets, such as bonds, domestic stocks, international stocks, real estate, and cash.
Asset Class Securities which have similar features, such as cash (money market), bonds large cap stocks, small cap stocks, and international stocks.
Assumed Name A name under which a corporation conducts business that is not the legal name of the corporation as shown in its articles of incorporation. If a corporation does business under an assumed name, it may be required to file registration of the assumed name with the state. Also known as a Fictitious Business Name.
Authorized Shares or Stock The total number of shares a corporation is authorized to sell. This number is specified in the articles of incorporation. All of the shares authorized need not be issued.
Bad Debts Accounts receivable that are un-collectable Used in Accrual Method accounting.
Balance Amount arrived at by adding all debits and subtracting all credits. To ensure total debits equal the total credits.
Balance Sheet Statement, at a particular point In time, of the financial position of a business or organization-divided into three parts: assets, liabilities and ownership (equity). Also known as Statement of Financial Position.
Bank Overdraft Balance of a bank account when funds withdrawn exceed funds deposited.
Bank Reconciliation Analysis that accounts for the difference between the balance shown on the bank statement and the balance shown in the accounting records on a given date.
Bankrupt Legal status of a person/corporation who/which is unable to pay its debts as they become due and who/which has made a transfer of property or of a right or interest in property to a trustee for the benefit of creditors.
Bankruptcy State of being bankrupt.
Beneficiary The recipient, typically a person, an organization, or a trust, of the proceeds of a life insurance policy when the insured person dies
Benefits Received When people pay taxes according to the amount of government aid (benefits) they receive. Examples of benefits the American public receives include (to name only a few): welfare, child care, Medicare, Medicaid. Some people believe it's only fair that people pay taxes based on the amount of government aid they receive.
Bill of Lading Written document issued by the carrier of goods. Also, a receipt for goods and a contract to deliver goods.
Bond Essentially, a loan made to companies and government entitles who promise to pay interest at a specified rate over a specified period of time, and repay the total loan amount at the end of the specified period.
Book of Original Entry A journal in which transactions are recorded for the first time before summarizing and/or posting to ledger accounts, for example, purchase journal, cash receipts journal, accounts payable journal, disbursements journal, general journal and payroll journal. See General Journal and Journal.
Book Value (1) The current value of a fixed asset as shown by the records; the difference between the original cost of the asset and the accumulated depreciation. (2) The difference between the accounts receivable and the allowance for bad debts. (3) The value of a share of stock as shown by the corporate books.
Bookkeeping The recording of financial transactions electronically or manually. The record-keeping part of the accounting process.
Broker A person who handles the transfer of a security from a seller to a buyer.
Budget An estimate of future income and expenditures.
Business Taxes Are you a budding entrepreneur? Just remember that businesses pay taxes to federal, state and local governments. Businesses pay taxes on their profits. Businesses also pay unemployment insurance, worker's compensation, social security and Medicare insurance.
Bylaws Bylaws are the rules and regulations adopted by a corporation for its internal governance. It usually contains provisions relating to shareholders, directors, officers and general corporate business. At the corporation’s initial meeting the bylaws are adopted. Bylaws are a private document not filed with any state authority. Bylaws are more flexible than the articles of incorporation because they are easier to amend.
Canceled Check A check that has cleared the bank and is returned to the depositor with his monthly statement.
Capital (or Equity) Interest of the owner in the business that is the difference between Assets & Liabilities. Also called Equity or Networth. In a corporation, capital represents the stockholders’ equity.
Capital Asset Assets, of either a tangible or intangible nature, owned or held by a business which are expected to be used or held over several fiscal periods.
Capital Gain Difference between an asset's purchase price and its selling price, when the selling price is greater.
Capital Loss Difference between an asset's purchase price and its selling price, when the purchase price is greater.
Capital Stock See Stock and Authorized stock
CAPS A limit on how much the interest rate can change either at each adjustment or during the life of the mortgage, e.g., "2/6" equates to 2% per year and 6% over life of loan.
Cash Basis A method of accounting in which no transactions are entered for income until cash is actually received, and no entries are made for expenses until cash is actually paid.
Certificate of Authority A document issued by the proper state authority to a foreign corporation granting the corporation the right to do business in that state.
Certificate of Deposit (CD) Evidence that the holder has deposited at a financial institution a certain amount of money for a certain period of time. By issuing a CD, a financial institution pledges to redeem the certificate at maturity and pay a certain rate of interest for use of the deposited funds.
Certified Public Accountant A professional accountant who is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Designation CPA.
Check Register A form of cash payments journal which is used to record deposits and expenditures in and out of a bank account.
Close Corporation or Closely Held Corporation A close corporation is a corporation that possesses the following traits: a small number of shareholders; no ready market for the corporation’s stock; and substantial participation by the majority shareholders in the management of the corporation. Some states have close corporation statutes.
Common Stock The primary stock of a corporation. This stock gives shareholders the right to participate in management of the corporation and give the shareholder a proportionate share of the dividends.
Compound Interest Interest calculated on both the principal amount invested and the previously accumulated unpaid interest.
Consignee A person who receives goods that belong to someone else for future sale or other purpose. Although consignees are not the owners of the goods, they are accountable for them.
Consignment Goods that are in the hands of someone other than the owner for future sale or other purpose.
Consignor The owner of goods that are in someone else’s hands for future sale or other purpose.
Consolidated Financial Statements Financial statements that show the results of all operations under the parent company’s control, including those of any subsidiaries.
Controlling Interest Direct or indirect ownership of voting shares sufficient to elect the majority of the board of directors of a corporation.
Corporate Record Book Maintaining the proper records is very important to assure limited liability to corporate shareholders. The corporation should have a record book that contains a copy of the articles of incorporation, bylaws, initial and subsequent minutes of directors and shareholders meetings and a stock register.
Corporation Legal entity formed under the authority of either provincial or federal statues usually formed to make a profit. Liabilities of shareholders (owners) are generally limited to the amount of their investment. The name of a corporation ends with Limited, Ltd., incorporated, Inc., Corporation or Corp.
Credit Legal obligation to make repayment at a later date for goods, services or money obtained through the extension of credit i.e., a promise to pay in the future. The cost of credit is usually referred to as a finance charge, interest or time-price differential
Credit Entry recording an increase to a liability or owner’s equity or revenue, or a reduction to an asset or expense. Credits are recorded in the right hand column of an account or a two-column book. Opposite of debit.
Credit Bureau Clearinghouse of consumer credit information used by businesses to determine the credit.
Credit Note Issued by a seller to a purchaser to record the reduction of a bill because of an allowance, return or cancellation. Opposite of an invoice.
Credits If you have a store credit, you can use the credit to purchase merchandise free of charge. If you have a tax credit, your taxes are reduced by the amount of your credit. You can get tax credits for purposes such as child care expenses and the earned income credit for low-income taxpayers.
Cumulative Voting This method of voting is intended to create adequate representation of minority shareholders. Cumulative voting allows shareholders to aggregate their votes in favor of fewer candidates than there are slots available.
Current Asset Unrestricted cash, or other asset that is expected to be converted into cash or consumed in the production of income within a year.
Current Liability Liability expected to be liquidated in a year.
Debit Entry recording an increase to an asset or expense or a reduction to a liability, revenue or owner’s equity. Debits are recorded in the left-hand column of an account or a two-column book. Opposite of credit.
Deficit A negative amount (debit balance) of retained earnings caused by cumulative losses and dividend distributions exceeding cumulative net income.
Demand Loan Loan repayable upon demand of creditor.
Dependents A person who relies on someone else for financial support. Sound like a mooch? Not really. Think about it- most "young adults" (under 21 years old) are supported by their parents. Is this you? If it is, your parents can claim an exemption for you-their adorable dependent-if dependency tests are met.
Depletion Gradual using up or consumption of a natural resource.
Depreciation Accounting process of allocating in a systematic manner the cost or other basic value of a tangible, long-lived asset or group of assets over the useful life of the asset. See Amortization.
Direct Cost Costs identified with a specific unit of product (for example, clay in the production of flowerpots or tubing in the production of bicycles).
Direct Deposit When you give the IRS the go-ahead, they'll send your refund directly to your bank account. It's the fastest way to get your cash.
Direct Tax A direct tax cannot be shifted to others (unlike an indirect tax). A good example of a direct tax is the Federal income tax. You just gotta pay it.
Directors Directors are elected by the shareholders. They manage or direct the affairs of the corporation. Typically, the directors make only major business decisions and monitor the activities of the officers.
Disposable Income An individual’s income after taxes.
Dissolution The termination of a corporation’s legal existence. Dissolution may be caused many ways including: failure to file annual reports, failure to pay certain taxes, bankruptcy, or voluntary dissolution of the corporation by the shareholders and directors.
Distribution Amount paid to mutual fund investors for capital gains on sales of investments and for dividends received from investments.
Dividend A distribution of money or property paid by the corporation to a shareholder. These distributions are subject to a double tax; both the corporation and the dividend recipient must pay federal taxes on these earnings.
Domestic Corporation A Corporation is a domestic corporation in the state where it has incorporated.
Double Taxation Corporations are treated as a separate legal taxable entity for income tax purposes. Therefore, corporations pay tax on their earnings. If corporate earnings are distributed to shareholders in the form of dividends, the corporation does not receive the reasonable business expense deduction, and dividend income is taxed as regular income to the shareholders. Thus, to the extent that earnings are distributed to shareholders as dividends, there is a double tax on earnings at the corporate and shareholder level. S corporations and LLCs are pass-through entities that are not subject to the double tax.
Earned Income In simple English: All the money you earn. This includes any wages, salaries, tips, net earnings (if you're self-employed), and any other income received for personal services. Add it all up, it's all earned income.
Earned Income Credit Low-income workers can file a tax return to get an earned income credit, even if no income tax was withheld from the worker's pay.
Education IRA A tax-deferred savings and investment account for education expenses of children and grandchildren under 18.
Electronic Filing (IRS e-file) IRS e-file options allow you to file Federal income tax returns (and some state returns) through a tax professional, through your home computer or even through your telephone. It may also be available in many other places in your local community.
Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP) A qualified retirement plan which gives employees a stake in the company without investing employees' funds.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) A plan which permits employees to purchase company stock, usually at a discount.
Engagement Letter Written communication between an accountant and a client with respect to a professional engagement, outlining the scope of the accountant’s responsibilities and arrangements agreed upon.
Enrolled Agent An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a federally-authorized tax practitioner who has technical expertise in the field of taxation and who is empowered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before all administrative levels of the Internal Revenue Service for audits, collections, and appeals.

Source: National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA)

Weblink to NAEA: www.naea.org
Equity The ownership of a shareholder in a corporation. See Capital.
Estate Real and personal property owned by a person at the time of death (real property is land and anything permanently attached to it).
Excise Tax Excise taxes are taxes on the sale or use of certain products or transactions. So every time you make a telephone call, buy a plane ticket, or ride in a car (to name but a few) you'll be paying excise taxes.
Exempt (From Tax Liability) Before a taxpayer pays taxes, he/she can claim a set amount of tax deductions for him/herself, a spouse and eligible dependents. The total amount is subtracted from the adjusted gross income. Then the tax on the remaining income is figured out.
Exempt (From Withholding) Have you ever been exempt from taking an exam because your average was high enough? What a feeling! Well, taxpayers can be exempt from paying a certain amount of federal income tax if they meet certain income, tax liability, and dependency requirements. In fact, you could be exempt from having certain taxes taken out of your paycheck. If you have a job, be smart and check into this.
Expenditure Consumption of an asset or payment for an expense. Incurrence of a liability.
External Auditor An independent accountant engaged to determine if the financial statements of an entity represent the economic events that occurred during the period audited. The external audit is for the shareholders/owners (rather than for management).
F.O.B. Shipping term meaning "free on board" to inform the purchasers of the location at which they become responsible for the shipping charges (for example, F.O.B. Toronto means the vendor pays the charges to Toronto’s freight yard and the purchaser is responsible from there).
Fair Market Value The highest price available in an open and unrestricted market between informed, prudent parties, acting at arm’s length and under no compulsion to transact expressed in terms of money or money’s worth.
Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Federal law requiring businesses with 50 or more employees to offer at least 12 weeks of unpaid leave for personal health reasons, to provide medical care for immediate family members, or to care for a newborn or newly adopted child.
Federal Tax Identification Number A number given to a corporation or other business entity by the federal government for tax purposes. Banks generally require a tax identification number to open bank accounts.
FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) The Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) consists of both a Social Security (retirement) payroll tax and a Medicare (hospital insurance) tax. The tax is levied on employers, employees, and certain self-employed individuals.
Fiduciary A person who holds something in trust for another (often used to describe executors and administrators of estates and trusts).
File A Return To file a return is to send in your completed tax forms, or return ("return" is the official term-use it, you'll sound smarter). All your tax information appears on the return, including income and tax liability.
Filing Status Your filing status determines your tax bracket and amount of taxes you must pay. Factors such as marital status affect your filing status.
Financial Statements Formal financial reports prepared from accounting records (for example, Profit & Loss Statement, Balance Sheet, Statement of Retained Earnings).
Fiscal Year A period of one year for which financial statements are prepared that may or may not coincide with the calendar year. Any twelve-month period used by a business as its accounting period.
Fixed Assets See Capital Assets
Fixed Rate A mortgage with an interest rate which does not increase or decrease during the term of the loan.
Flexible Benefits Plan A benefits plan which allows employees to choose from a range of taxable and non-taxable benefits, usually including 401(k), health insurance, and flexible spending accounts.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) A benefit program which allows money to be deducted from an employee's wages or salary on a pre-tax basis, to pay for qualifying health care and dependent care expenses.
Foreign Corporation A Corporation is referred to as a foreign corporation in all states except for the state where it is incorporated. If a corporation conducts business in a state other than where it was incorporated, it must register for a certificate of authority to transact business in the other state or possibly lose access to that state’s courts and face fines.
Form 1040EZ This form is great if you're single or married, don't have any dependents. If your income is $50,000 or less and your interest income is $400 or less --- use this easy (get it, EZ) IRS form to file your return.
Form W-2 By January 31 of each year --- your employer (even if you don't work there anymore) will provide you with a statement of how much you earned in wages, tips and other compensation from the previous year. This form will reflect state and federal taxes, social security, Medicare wages, and tips withheld. It also includes a lot of other really important information you will need to file your return.
Form W-4 (Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate) If you have or had a part-time or summer job, you probably completed this form on your first day of work. This form determines how much of your paycheck is withheld for federal income taxes.
Formal Tax Legislation Process There are strict steps (that involve the President and Congress) that a proposed tax must pass through before it becomes a law.
Franchise Tax A tax imposed by the State for the privilege of carrying on business as a corporation or LLC. The value of the franchise tax may be measured by amount of earnings, total value of capital or stock, or by amount of business done.
GAAP Abbreviation for generally accepted accounting principles. Accounting principles that have been given formal recognition or authoritative support.
GAAS Abbreviation for generally accepted auditing standards. Auditing standards that have been given formal recognition or authoritative support.
General Journal Journal in which transactions are recorded for which specific journals are not provided (for example, adjustments and corrections). In a small operation the general journal may be the only book of original entry.
General Ledger Ledger in which all the assets, liabilities, equity, revenue and expenses are posted and from which financial statements are prepared.
Goodwill The difference between going-concern value and tangible asset value (tangible assets include identifiable intangible assets having values that can be separately determined).
Gross Income This deals with all the money, goods and property you receive that must be included as taxable income. Fact: people who use the barter system (exchanging non-monetary goods/services as payment) have to include whatever they've bartered for as part of their gross income.
Holding Company A corporation that has no other function except owning other corporations.
Home Equity Loan Loan in which the lender allows the borrower to use the equity in his or her home as collateral for a line of credit or revolving credit. The borrower may then obtain cash advances by using a credit card or checks up to some predetermined limit.
Horizontal Equity Horizontal equity says that people in the same income groups should be taxed at the same rate. "Equals should be taxed equally."
Income Money or its equivalent, earned periodically by an individual, a corporation, etc., in return for goods or services provided. Opposite of loss.
Income Disability Benefits Insurance which pays a monthly benefit to replace a percentage of earnings lost due to illness or injury resulting from a covered accident.
Income Statement A financial statement summarizing revenues, expenses, gains and losses for a stated period of time. The Income Statement is also known as Profit & Loss Statement, Statement of Earnings, Statement of Income or Statement of Operations.
Income Tax These are taxes on income, both earned income (salaries, wages, tips, commissions) and unearned income (interest from savings accounts, dividends if you hold stock). Individuals and businesses are subject to income taxes.
Incorporated (Inc.) See Corporation
Incorporator The person or entity that prepares and files the articles of incorporation. Total Tax Solutions acts as an Incorporator for many new companies.
Indemnify To reimburse or compensate. Directors and officers of corporations are often reimbursed or indemnified for all the expenses they may have incurred during the incorporation process.
Indirect Tax You might not think you're paying this tax, but you probably are. It's the type of tax that can be shifted to others: hence the name. For example: A company might have to pay a specific tax to the government, let's say a fuel tax. The company pays the tax but can increase the cost of their products so consumers are actually paying the tax indirectly by paying more for the company's products.
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs): A tax-deferred product offered by banks, mutual funds and other companies. Under current law, a married couple can put $4,000 ($2,000 each) into their own IRA each year in a wide range of savings accounts and investments. Earnings are tax-deferred until you begin withdrawing the money (which you can start doing without penalty after age 59 ½). Under current tax law, some people (depending on their income, marital status or other factors) can deduct all or part of their IRA contributions, which reduces their taxes.
Informal Tax Legislation Process Ever joined a book club? What about a study group? Well, if you're interested, there are also informal tax legislation meetings where individuals and interest groups get together to discuss tax issues. Once you become a steady wage earner, these are meetings you probably won't want to miss.
Insolvency When liabilities exceed assets. Also, the inability to pay debts when due. See Bankruptcy.
Installment A part of a sum of money or a debt to be paid at regular intervals, usually made up of principal and interest combined.
Intangible Asset An asset without physical substance that has value due to rights resulting from its ownership and possession (for example, goodwill, patents, trademarks).
Interest (1) "Interests" represent a member’s ownership of an LLC just as a partner has an interest in a partnership and shareholders own stock in a corporation.
Interest (2) The cost of using money over time usually expressed as an annual percentage.
Interest Income You deposit your money into a savings account for a reason, right? So you can earn interest on your money. People also earn interest from lending money to people. We're not talking about you lending your buddy Dave a couple bucks to buy lunch; we're talking about lending lots of money so the interest really accumulates on the loan. Well, add up all that interest you accumulate and there's your interest income. Not to burst your bubble, but that interest income is all fully taxable.
Internal Auditor An employee of an entity (for example, a corporation) who audits for management, providing valuable information for decision-making concerning the effective operation of its business.
Internal Control A coordinated system of procedures and techniques designed to safeguard a company’s assets, to ensure the accuracy of its accounting records, and to promote efficiency and adherence to prescribed policies.
Inventory Items of tangible property held for sale. An Inventory is a detailed list of items and their values owned at a specific point in time. Stock inventory would include raw materials for manufacture, materials partly processed and finished products including items in transit for which title is held, but would not include items physically held for which title belongs to others. Inventories may also be made of fixed assets, stationery and supplies, etc.
Investment Funds committed to acquire something tangible or intangible in order to receive a return, either in revenue or use.
Invoice Document for goods purchased or services rendered showing details such as quantities, prices, dates, shipping details, order numbers, terms of sale, etc.
Joint Products Two or more goods having approximately the same economic value that are manufactured simultaneously from the same raw material.
Journal A book of original entry in which financial transactions are recorded (for example, a purchase journal is a record of purchase transactions).
Journal Entry An entry in any journal.
Keogh Accounts: Similar to a 401(k), but for the self-employed.
Lease A legal contract conveying the use of property from the owner (lessor) to another (lessee) at a fixed rate, for a stated length of time.
Leasehold Improvements Additions, improvements or alterations made to leased property by the lessee.
Ledger A book of final entry containing all the accounts of a business or all the accounts of a particular type (for example, general ledger, accounts receivable ledger).
Liability The Liabilities of a business are the debts of a business. For example, if money is borrowed from a bank, there is a liability to repay the loan. In this case, the borrower would be known as the debtor and the bank to which the debt is owed would be called the creditor.
Limited (Ltd.) See Corporation
Limited Liability Company A business entity formed upon filing articles of organization with the proper state authorities and paying all fees. LLCs are a new entity in the United States, although the concept has long been used internationally. LLCs provide limited liability to their members, and are taxed like a partnership, preventing double taxation. LLCs can be formed in every state.
Limited Partnership A partnership with two classes of partners: Limited partners and one or more General partner. Limited partners have no personal liability for debts of the limited partnership beyond the amounts invested.
Liquid Asset An asset, such as cash, that can be readily converted into other types of assets or used to buy goods and services or satisfy obligations.
Liquidation The winding-up of an organization by settling with debtors, creditors and shareholders. Usually done by selling or otherwise disposing of assets to pay off liabilities.
Liquidation Value The net amount realized on assets in the event of a liquidation.
Local Tax In addition to federal and state taxes, your local town or city may also need tax money to operate services such as garbage pick-up, water treatment, and street-cleaning.
Long-Term Health Care Insurance Coverage intended for elderly to provide for expenses related to long-term home health care or extended stays in nursing homes.
Loss The excess of expenditures over revenues. Opposite of income/profit.
Lump-sum distribution A disbursement of the entire funds in an account, commonly paid when an employee retires or leaves a company, potentially with tax consequences if not rolled over into another retirement plan or an IRA when taken prior to retirement.
Management Accounting Accounting concerned with providing information to managers; that is, to those who are inside an organization and who direct and control operations. Management Accounting includes cost accumulation for product costing, budgeting and financial statement analysis.
Manager An LLC may be operated by a group of managers who act much like a board of directors. If an LLC is to be controlled by mangers this fact must be stated in the articles of organization.
Market Value The highest price that an owner could realize in an open market transaction. See Fair Market Value.
Materiality A term used to describe the significance of financial statement information to decision makers. An item of information is material if it is probable that its omission or misstatement would influence or change a decision.
Medicare The Medicare program funds the federal health program for people over 65. It helps out people at a time in their lives when they may have health problems but may not have a lot of money.
Member A member is a person who is an owner of a Limited Liability Company. The members make the business decisions of an LLC unless the articles of organization provide that the LLC will controlled by a manager or managers.
Merger Merger occurs when one corporation is taken over by another.
Minority Interest The equity of all shareholders who do not hold a controlling interest in a company.
Minutes A written record which details the events of the corporation. These records should be kept in the corporation’s record book.
Money Market Financial markets in which short-term debt instruments such as Treasury bills, commercial paper and CD’s are traded.
Name Reservation The name of a corporation or LLC must be distinguishable on the records of the state government. If the name is not unique, the state will reject the articles of incorporation or articles of organization (for LLCs). A name can be reserved, usually for 120 days, by applying with the proper state authorities and paying a fee.
Net Income Profit after all expenditures have been deducted from the revenue. See Profit.
Net Worth Excess of total assets over total liabilities as reported in a company’s balance sheet. See Capital (or Equity)
No-Par-Value Stock Stock with no minimum value. Most states allow no-par stock. If the stock is no-par stock then the amount of stated capital is an arbitrary amount assigned by the board of directors. Further, the value of capital for franchise tax purposes is determined by the state and this may result in higher franchise taxes in comparison with low par-value stock.
Not-For-Profit Corporation A Corporation organized for some charitable, civil or other social purpose that does not entail the generation of profits for shareholders. These corporations receive special tax treatment. Not-for-profit corporations must file not-for-profit articles of incorporation with the state.
Note Payable (Promissory Note) Written promise made by one individual to another to pay a specific amount on demand or by a definite date.
Note Receivable Written promise by another party to make payment to you at a specified date.
Officers Officers are people who are appointed by the directors. They manage the daily affairs of the corporation. A Corporation’s officers usually consist of a president, vice-president, treasurer, and secretary. In most states, one person can hold all of these positions.
Operating Agreement An agreement among the LLC members which govern the LLC operations and the rights of its members. It is analogous to corporate bylaws.
Options Marketable securities that provide for future exchange of cash and common shares contingent upon the option owner’s choice.
Organizational Meeting The initial meeting where the formation of the corporation is completed. At the organizational meeting a number of initial tasks are completed such as: the articles of incorporation are ratified, the initial shares are issued, officers are elected, bylaws approved, and a resolution authorizing the opening of bank accounts is passed. If the initial directors are named in the articles of incorporation, they can hold the organizational meeting. If they are not named, then the Incorporator holds the organizational meeting.
Overhead Fixed costs not directly applicable to the production of a -product (for example, costs of lighting and heating a factory).
Owner’s Equity What the business is worth to the owner. See Capital and Equity.
Paid in Capital Requirements A few states require corporations to have a specified amount of paid in capital prior to starting business. These states include CT, DC, SD, and TX and require that the company have $1,000 in paid in capital before starting business.
Par-Value The stated minimum value of a share stock. Stock must be sold for at least this value or the owner of the stock can face liability. With low par value stock or no par value stock this liability is minimized.
Parent Company A corporation that directly or indirectly owns a controlling interest in another corporation. See Subsidiary.
Partnership Two or more persons carrying on a business for profit, each partner having unlimited liability for the debts of the partnership, except in a limited partnership in which some of the partners may have limited liability.
Pass-Through Taxation Income to the entity is not taxed. Instead the income is "passed through" to the individual shareholders or interest holders. S corporations, Partnerships and LLCs are pass-through taxation entities.
Payable An obligation to pay a sum at a future date.
Payroll A record of wages or salaries paid or payable. The actual wages and salaries paid during a given period.
Payroll Taxes Your employer deducts a certain amount from your paycheck to pay for taxes. This tax money funds many finance specific programs, including social security, health care and worker's disability. These programs might not mean a whole lot to you now, but you may likely benefit from them when you're older. Check out
Pension Arrangement whereby an employer agrees to provide benefits to retired employees. A pension is paid out in a series of regular payments or a lump sum of money to retired employees or their beneficiaries.
Personal Income Tax Everyone pays a tax on his/her yearly total amount of taxable income. Remember that the personal income tax is not a tax on the taxpayers total income (the taxpayer can take deductions). Deductions are subtracted first from the taxpayer's income and then he/she pays the tax on the remaining amount.
Piercing the Corporate Veil If corporate formalities are not followed, it is possible that the corporate entity will not protect shareholders from corporate debt. Keeping proper records and holding regular meetings help solve this possible problem.
Posting Process whereby transactions are transferred from a journal to a general ledger or subsidiary ledger.
Preemptive Rights Rights delineated in the articles of incorporation granting shareholders the first opportunity to buy a new issue of stock in proportion to their current equity. The shareholder has the right to buy the new issue of stock, but is not required to make the purchase. If the shareholder elects not to exercise this right, the shares can be sold on the open market.
Preferred Stock Stock that generally provides the shareholder with preferential payment of dividends but does not carry voting rights.
Premium An amount paid for insurance.
Prepaid Asset created by payment for economic benefits that do not expire until a later time; as the benefit expires the asset becomes an expense (for example, prepaid rent, prepaid insurance).
Principal The capital portion of a loan as opposed to interest.
Professional Corporation A Corporation that is organized for the purpose of engaging in a learned profession such as law, medicine or architecture. Professional Corporations must file articles of incorporation with the state which meet the state’s requirements for professional corporations.
Profit The excess of total revenue over total expenses for a period of time.
Progressive Tax This type of tax takes a larger percentage of income from higher income groups than from low-income groups. Is this fair? Check out What is Fair?
Property Tax Proportional taxes take the same percentage of income from everyone regardless of how much (or little) a person earns. This type of tax is not currently in use, but some feel it's the way to go. What do you think? Check out What is Fair?
Proportional Tax Proportional taxes take the same percentage of income from everyone regardless of how much (or little) a person earns. This type of tax is not currently in use, but some feel it's the way to go. What do you think? Check out What is Fair?
Proxy If a shareholder can not attend a meeting, the shareholder is allowed to vote by proxy. A proxy grants another individual the power to vote on their behalf.
Qualified Retirement Plans Plans such as 401(k)s, IRAs, etc., which are IRS approved for favorable tax treatment for contributions and tax-deferred earnings.
Quorum The minimum attendance required to conduct business at a meeting. Usually, a quorum is achieved if a majority of directors are present (for directors meetings) or outstanding shares are represented (for shareholder meetings). The percentage needed for a quorum may be modified in the bylaws.
Ratio Relative size, expressed as the number of times one quantity is contained in another (for example, the ratio of assets to liabilities of a company having total assets of $200,000 and liabilities of $150,000 would be $200,000 / $150,000 = 1.33)
Receivable An amount to be received at a future date.
Refinancing Rescheduling of payments due, usually resulting in smaller payments over a longer period of time.
Refund When your employer deducts too much money from your paycheck, the government owes you that money back. When they pay it, it's called a refund.
Registered Agent The agent named in the articles of incorporation. The agent will receive service of process on the corporation and other important documents. The agent must be named in the articles of incorporation.
Registered Office The office named in the articles of incorporation. The registered office must be where the registered agent is located, and need not be the principal office or place of business of the corporation.
Regressive Tax This is the tax that takes a smaller percentage from those with high income than from those with lower income. Is this fair? What do you think?
Required Minimum Distribution Minimum distribution, based on life expectancy or the joint life expectancies of holder and beneficiary, that the IRS rules must be withdrawn from IRAs, 401(k)s, etc. or be subject to penalties.
Resolution A resolution is a formal decision of the corporation that has been adopted by either the shareholders or the board of directors.
Retained Earnings Cumulative net incomes of a corporation less losses and dividend distributions to shareholders (profits not distributed).
Revenue Gross proceeds from sale of goods or services. Also, interest and dividends earned on investments. Revenue is a source of income.
Review Engagement The un-audited review of financial statements of a business or organization by an independent accountant for the purpose of determining the plausibility of the information reported on. A review includes making inquiries concerning financial, operating and contractual information, applying analytical procedures and having discussions with appropriate officials of the enterprise.
Review Engagement Report The accountant’s report that prefaces un-audited financial statements and provides negative assurance that the financial information conforms to generally accepted accounting principles.
Risk Possibility that the actual return on an investment will be less than its expected return.
Rollover Transfer of funds from one tax-deferred account to another without tax consequences, provided IRS rules are followed.
Roth IRA Differing from a traditional IRA, contributions to a tax-deferred Roth IRA are not tax-deductible, but there is no tax on withdrawals if the taxpayer is over 59 1/2 and the account has been open for five years.
S Corporation A small corporation which elects subchapter S tax treatment. This tax treatment allows the corporation to avoid federal level taxation. Corporate Profits and Losses are passed through to the shareholders.
Sales Taxes You gotta have that new CD, but do you have enough cash? Don't forget to add the sales tax to the price. Depending on the state you live in, you pay an extra percentage of sales tax for items purchased.
Schedule Your class schedule essentially organizes your day, right? Taxpayers have to be organized too. They use certain schedules (or forms) to itemize specific sources of income or specific expenses they claim should be deducted from their taxes. It can pay to be organized! SOCIAL SECURITY
Security Collateral for a debt (for example, accounts receivable may be pledged as security for a loan). Security is a generic term used to refer to a bond, share certificate or other medium or long-term investment evidencing debt or ownership.
Self-Select Pin Does a paperless return sound good to you? If you choose the Self-Select Pin option, it's magic. . . no paper to mail!
SEP or SEP-IRA Generally following the rules for IRAs, a Simplified Employee Pension is a tax deferred retirement plan for self-employed persons and for businesses with fewer than 25 employees.
Share An interest in a corporation. The total ownership of a corporation is divided into shares of stock. See Stock
Shareholder Any holder of one or more shares in a corporation. A shareholder usually has evidence that they are a shareholder. This evidence is represented by a stock certificate.
Simple IRA The Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees is a tax-deferred retirement plan for businesses with fewer than 100 employees and for self-employed persons which generally follows rules for traditional IRAs.
Social Security Social Security is America's government-run retirement plan. One day, when you're your grandparents' age, you'll get the money back.
Sole Proprietorship A business carried on by the owner as an individual. The owner of a sole proprietorship is personally liable for all business debts; thus, personal property could be taken to pay business debts. A Sole Proprietorship is an unincorporated business wholly owned by one individual.
Spousal IRA A tax-deferred retirement account for spouses who do not work for pay which allows an employed taxpayer to contribute $2,000 a year on behalf of a stay-at-home spouse, provided the couple files a joint return.
Standard Deductions Some taxpayers choose to take a standard amount instead of itemizing all of their deductions. This is a fixed amount that is generally based on a person's filing status.
State Taxes There are all kinds of taxes which are used to pay for all sorts of things. Some of our money goes to the Federal government, which pays for services like Interstate highways, the armed forces, the FBI, and a lot more. Your state also needs money for schools, roads, state troopers-to name just a few. At the end of the tax year, you will need to send one form to the Federal government, and another to your state government.
Stated Capital The par value of shares multiplied by the number of shares outstanding. The amount of stated capital may affect the ability to pay dividends.
Statement Summary of an account for a period of time (usually one month) showing invoices, credits and balance due. A statement is provided to a customer by a supplier.
Statement of Changes in Financial Position A financial statement showing the effect of operating, financing and investing activities effecting the cash position of the company. Also known as Cash Flow Statement, Statement of Cash Flow, Statement of Operating, Financing and Investing Activities, or Statement of Changes in Cash Resources.
Statement of Earnings See Income Statement
Statement of Financial Position See Balance Sheet.
Statement of Retained Earnings A financial statement summarizing the changes in retained earnings for a stated period. Also known as Statement of Changes in Capital Accounts or Statement of Changes in Retained Earnings and Reserves.
Stock Capital of a corporation that is divided into portions or shares. Stock refers to an equity or ownership interest in a corporation. There may be several classes of stock in a corporation, each class divided into equal portions or shares. Ownership of shares is demonstrated by stock certificates. See Share.
Stock Certificate A written instrument that shows ownership of shares in a corporation.
Stock Dividend A dividend paid by the issuance of shares of capital stock.
Stock Option The right to buy shares of capital stock at a stated price on or by a given date. A privilege often extended to executives or employees of a company.
Stock Transfer Book A record book which lists the owners of shares of stock in a corporation.
Stockholder See shareholder.
Subsidiary A corporation controlled by another corporation that owns directly or indirectly an interest sufficient to elect a majority of the board of directors. See Parent Company.
Tariff Duty Ever travel abroad and do a little duty-free shopping at the airport? You're buying tax-free products. When you buy that same product at your corner store (assuming it's not a duty-free shop), you're paying a tariff duty or tax on the product.
Tax Avoidance Legal minimization of the impact of taxation.
Tax Basis The basis used for calculating capital gains or losses, it is the original cost paid for an investment, plus expense, which must be reported to the IRS when the investment is sold.
Tax Credits The amount of money that tax payers can deduct directly from their taxes.
Tax Deductions The amount that a person or business can subtract from their taxable income. The more you can deduct, the less you pay.
Tax Deferment Certain contributions and investment with earnings which are taxed at a later date.
Tax Evasion Illegal attempt to escape the impact of taxes.
Tax Exempt Pretty excited when you're exempt from gym class? Taxpayers are pretty happy when they see there's a part of their total income on which no tax is imposed. That's a tax exemption.
Tax Free Investments, such as municipal bonds, whose earnings are never taxed, but whose capital gains may be taxed if investment is sold at a profit.
Tax Liability There's no getting out of it- tax liability is the total amount of tax that a person must pay. Taxpayers pay this through withholdings, estimated tax payments, and payments attached to their yearly tax forms.
Tax Shelter Investment to acquire something of value with the expectation it will produce income and reduce or defer taxes.
Tax Shift One lucky person or group is able to shift a tax that they're supposed to pay to someone else.
Tax Witholdings There's a portion that your employer takes from your (and other employees) paycheck to pay part or all of your taxes.
Taxable Income Everything you earn that can be taxed.
Taxes Taxes are required payments of money to the government. This money is used to make your life better. You might not even realize it, but tax money provides public goods and services for the community as a whole (think roads, schools, law enforcement, public libraries, etc.). Show a little gratitude, pay your fair share.
Telefile The IRS knows that millions of people like you have simple tax returns, but some of them don't have access to a home computer. However, most people do have access to a touch-tone telephone. Telefile lets you use your tone touch phone, but not a cell phone, to send tax information directly to an IRS computer. It's free, simple, accurate and secure. The IRS will send you the TeleFile package if you are eligible to participate. Check out IRS e-file using Telefile. When you visit, be sure to check out the seven states that offer state TeleFile during the same call!
Tips Here's a tip on receiving tips: If you earn more than $20 a month in tips, you must report the amount to your employer. To keep track of your tips keep a daily "tips-earned log" where you write down the exact amount of tips you earn each day. Share the monthly total with your employer who will make certain federal, state, and local taxes are paid. Remember, it still pays to be nice . . . so don't forget to smile. Publication 1244 contains forms for daily record keeping of tips and for reporting tips to your employer. The freely available Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view this publication.
Title Legal right to ownership of property.
Transaction Taxes The sale of all goods and services have transaction taxes. These taxes can be a set percentage of a sales value or a set amount of a physical quantity. What's that all about? Let's say you buy a CD-you pay a set amount in sales tax, but when you fill up your tank with gas, you pay a tax per gallon.
Treasury Bills Debt obligations of the U.S. Government that mature in one year or less.
Treasury Shares Shares of stock that were issued and later acquired by the corporation.
Trial Balance Listing and totaling all balances in a ledger to verify that total debits equal total credits.
Trust Fiduciary relationship under which property is held by one person (a trustee) for the benefit of another (the beneficiary).
Trust Fund Money, property or valuables legally held by a person or company for the benefit of another.
Trustee A person or company legally responsible for the property of another.
Ultra Vires Traditionally, the purpose of a corporation was closely spelled out in its articles of incorporation. If the corporation acted beyond its described purposes these actions were unenforceable against the corporation or by the corporation. However, most modern statutes allow corporate purposes to be any lawful activity. Therefore, the importance of this doctrine has greatly diminished.
Unanimous Written Consent Nearly all states allow directors to act without a meeting if they each give their consent
Valuation Day Date established by law as the basis of one method of valuation for the calculation of capital gains or losses for income tax purposes.
Variance Difference between standard cost and actual cost. Also, the difference between an actual revenue or expense item and the budget for that item (budget variance).
Vertical Equity Who said all taxpayers are created equal? Vertical equity states that people in different income groups should pay different rates of taxes. Our current tax system is one of vertical equity.
Voluntary Compliance Your mom might order you to clean up your room. Well, the IRS doesn't have time to tell every single taxpayer to file taxes correctly and on time . . . there are millions of taxpayers in this country after all. This system relies on citizens to report their income, calculate tax liability and file tax returns on time. Everyone's gotta grow up sometime. Check it out.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Available in most communities are Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites to help with tax return preparation. People volunteer their time to help their neighbors. The service is free to those with limited or moderate income people, non-English speaking, the elderly and the disabled. Some VITA sites even offer free electronic filing. If you want to know more about a VITA site in your community or volunteering your time, call the IRS at 1 800-829-1040. Check out IRS e-file.
Walk-In Electronic Filing If you need help preparing your taxes visit the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) office nearest you. Many VITA offices have IRS representatives who can help you fill out your forms and then transmit the information on your forms electronically.
Withholding ("Pay-As-You-Earn" Taxation) Your employer takes out a certain amount from your check for the government. You are credited for these taxes when you file your return. This money is used to pay for your federal income taxes, federal social security, and Medicare taxes, and state and local income taxes.
Withholding Allowance An allowance an individual claims on a W-4 Form. It is mainly used to assist an employer in calculating the amount of income tax to withhold from an employee's paycheck. The more allowances you wish to claim, the less income tax will be withheld from your paycheck. You can claim one allowance for yourself, one for your spouse, and one for each of your dependents.
Worker's Compensation Insurance required by law which compensates employees who are injured on the job.
Write-off To transfer an item that was an asset to an expense account (for example, to transfer an uncollectable account receivable to bad debts expense).
Yield Interest earned on a bond, or the dividend paid on a stock or mutual fund, usually expressed as a percentage.
 

Where can I find out more about the new Energy Tax Credits?

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https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index

 

Where can I find information for NH’s Low and Moderate Income Homeowner’s Property Tax Relief

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http://www.nh.gov/revenue/forms/low_mod_program.htm
 

What is the maximum annual Section 179 expense election (special depreciation deduction) for 2009?

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* Section 179 limits. The maximum section 179 expense deduction you can elect for qualified section 179 property you placed in service in tax years that begin in 2009 remains at $250,000 ($285,000 for qualified enterprise zone property and qualified renewal community property). This limit is reduced by the amount by which the cost of section 179 property placed in service in the tax year exceeds $800,000

* Depreciation limits on business vehicles. The total depreciation deduction (including the section 179 expense deduction) you can take for a passenger automobile (that is not a truck or a van) you use in your business and first placed in service in 2009 is $2,960 ($10,960 for automobiles for which the special depreciation allowance applies). The maximum deduction you can take for a truck or van you use in your business and first placed in service in 2009 is $3,060 ($11,060 for trucks or vans for which the special depreciation allowance applies).

* Caution. These limits are reduced if the business use of the vehicle is less than 100%.
 

What is the difference between the Marginal Tax Rate and the Effective Tax Rate?

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The Marginal Tax Rate is the tax rate used to calculate the tax on taxable income according to the federal tax brackets.  The Effective Tax Rate is the percentage of your total income that you paid in taxes.  Divide total taxes by total income to calculate the Effective Tax Rate.
 

What do I do with old, outstanding checks?

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If you have checks that have not been cashed that are old, you need to contact the State of New Hampshire - Treasury Department - Abandoned Property Division at (603) 271-2619 or e-mail them at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for information on how to report these checks.
 

What are the maximum Social Security wages subject to FICA tax for 2009 and 2008?

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2009 Rate

Maximum Wage Base

Maximum Tax

Social Security 6.20%

$106,800.00

$6,621.60

Medicare 1.45%

Unlimited

Unlimite

2008 Rate

Maximum Wage Base

Maximum Tax

Social Security 6.20%

$102,000.00

$6,324.00

Medicare 1.45%

Unlimited

Unlimited
 

What are the IRS retirement plan limitations?

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IRA Contribution Limits

Year

AGE 49 & BELOW

AGE 50 & ABOVE

2002-2004

$3,000

$3,500

2005

$4,000

$4,500

2006-2007

$4,000

$5,000

2008

$5,000

$6,000

2009

$5,000

$6,000

2010

$5,000

$6,000

 

Roth IRA Phase-Out Range & Limits

Year

Single

Married Filing Jointly

2005

$95,000 - $110,000

$150,000 - $160,000

2006

$95,000 - $110,000

$150,000 - $160,000

2007

$99,000 - $114,000

$156,000 - $166,000

2008

$101,000 - $116,000

$159,000 - $169,000

2009

$105,000 - $120,000

$166,000 - $176,000

2010

$105,000 - $120,000

$167,000 - $177,000

*(Rollover limit removal)

*(Rollover limit removal)

You can contribute to a Roth IRA if your income falls below the Roth limits. You're allowed a prorated contribution if your income falls within the "phase-out" range. If your income exceeds the income range you won't qualify for a Roth IRA contribution. *Though the 2010 Roth IRA conversion limit is removed, phase out limits still apply for contribution.

 

Simple IRA Limit

Year

AGE 49 & BELOW

AGE 50 & ABOVE

2005

$10,000

$12,000

2006

$10,000

$12,500

2007

$10,500

$13,000

2008

$10,500

$13,000

2009

$11,500

$14,000

2010

$11,500

$14,000

 

SEP IRA Limit

Year

Max Dollar Allocation

Max Considered Compensation

2005

$42,000

$210,000

2006

$44,000

$220,000

2007

$45,000

$225,000

2008

$46,000

$230,000

2009

$49,000

$245,000

2010

$49,000

$245,000

The maximum amount that can be contributed to a simplified employee pension (SEP) plan is 25% of an employee's compensation, which is capped at a maximum, per above.

 

403(b) Contribution Limits

Year

AGE 49 & BELOW

AGE 50 & ABOVE

2005

$14,000

$18,000

2006

$15,000

$20,000

2007

$15,500

$20,500

2008

$15,500

$20,500

2009

$16,500

$22,000

2010

$16,500

$22,000

 

Section 457 Plan Limits

Year

AGE 49 & BELOW

AGE 50 & ABOVE

2005

$14,000

$18,000

2006

$15,000

$20,000

2007

$15,500

$20,500

2008

$15,500

$20,500

2009

$16,500

$22,000

2010

$16,500

$22,000

 

401k Contribution Limits

Year

AGE 49 & BELOW

AGE 50 & ABOVE

2005

$14,000

$18,000

2006

$15,000

$20,000

2007

$15,500

$20,500

2008

$15,500

$20,500

2009

$16,500

$22,000

2010

$16,500

$22,000

 

Defined Contribution Plans, basic limits

Year

Max Dollar Allocation

Max Considered Compensation

2005

$42,000

$210,000

2006

$44,000

$220,000

2007

$45,000

$225,000

2008

$46,000

$230,000

2009

$49,000

$245,000

2010

$49,000

$245,000

The maximum amount that can be contributed to a defined contribution plan is 25% of an employee's compensation, which is capped at a maximum, per above.
 

What are the 2009 Mileage Reimbursement Rates?

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The 2009 Mileage Reimbursement Rate for Business Miles is $.55.

For 2009 the Medical Reimbursement Rate is $.24.

The Charitable Use Mileage Rate for 2009 is $.14.
 

What are quarterly and yearly important dates that I need to remember?

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http://www.irs.gov/publications/p509/ar02.html
 

What are prohibited and permissible political activities of tax-exempts?

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Examples illustrate prohibited and permissible political activities of
tax-exempts Rev Rul 2007-41, 2007-25 IRB

As detailed below, tax-exempts face loss of their exempt status and excise taxes if they engage in certain prohibited political activities. As the 2008 Presidential election season begins to heat up, a new revenue ruling illustrates permissible and prohibited political activity in the context of 21 examples. 

RIA recommendation: Practitioners should make sure that affected clients strictly adhere to the new guidance as IRS last year signalled that it is going to more vigorously enforce the political activity rules in upcoming elections.

Background. Under Code Sec. 501(c)(3) , tax-exempt organizations are prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for federal, state or local public office. ( Reg. § 1.501(c)(3)-1(c)(3)(iii) ) Violation of this prohibition may result in denial or revocation of tax-exempt status and imposition of excise taxes.

Political campaign intervention explained. In Rev Rul 2007-41 , IRS provides 21 examples to illustrate when a Code Sec. 501(c)(3) organization participated or intervened in a political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office under Code Sec. 501(c)(3) . This articles explains the rules, as discussed in the revenue ruling, that the examples illustrate.

Voter education, voter registration and get out the vote drives. Code Sec. 501(c)(3) organizations may conduct certain voter education activities (including the presentation of public forums and the publication of voter education guides) if they are carried out in a non-partisan manner. They may encourage people to participate in the electoral process through voter registration and get-out-the-vote drives, conducted in a non-partisan manner. But voter education or registration activities conducted in a biased manner that favors (or opposes) one or more candidates is prohibited.

Individual activity by organization leaders. The bar on political campaign intervention isn't intended to restrict free expression on political matters by leaders of organizations speaking for themselves, as individuals. Leaders aren't prohibited from speaking about important issues of public policy. But, for their organizations to remain tax exempt, leaders cannot make partisan comments in official organization publications or at official functions of the organization.

Candidate appearances. An organization may invite political candidates (in their capacity as candidates or in their individual capacity) to speak at its events. Candidates may also appear without an invitation at organization events. When a candidate is invited to speak as a political candidate, factors in determining if there is political campaign intervention by the tax-exempt organization include whether: (1) it provides an equal opportunity to other political candidates seeking the same office; (2) it doesn't indicate any support for or opposition to the candidate (including when he is introduced and in communications concerning his attendance); and (3) any political fund-raising occurs. In determining whether candidates are given an equal opportunity to participate, a tax-exempt should consider the nature of the event to which each candidate is invited (e.g., not inviting one candidate to a well attended annual banquet, and another to a sparsely attended general meeting), as well as the manner of presentation.

When an organization invites several candidates for the same office to speak at a forum, it should consider whether: (1) questions for the candidates are prepared and presented by an independent nonpartisan panel; (2) the topics discussed by the candidates cover a broad range of issues that they would address if elected to the office sought and are of interest to the public; (3) each candidate is given an equal opportunity to present his view on the issues discussed; (4) the candidates are asked to agree or disagree with the organization's positions, agendas, platforms or statements, and (5) a moderator comments on the questions or otherwise implies approval or disapproval of the candidates.

Candidate appearances where speaking or participating as a non-candidate. Candidates may also appear or speak at organization events in a non-candidate capacity. For example, a political candidate may be a public figure who is invited to speak because he or she: (a) currently holds, or formerly held, public office; (b) is considered an expert in a non-political field; or (c) is a celebrity or has led a distinguished military, legal, or public service career. The candidate's presence does not, by itself, cause the organization to be engaged in political campaign intervention. But, a number of factors must be assessed to determine if the candidate's appearance results in political campaign intervention.

Issue advocacy vs. political campaign intervention. A tax-exempt may take positions on public policy issues, including issues that divide candidates in an election. But a statement by a tax-exempt is at risk of violating the political campaign prohibition if there is any message favoring or opposing a candidate, even it doesn't expressly tell an audience to vote for or against a candidate. A statement can identify a candidate not only by his name but by showing his picture, referring to his political party, or other distinctive features of his platform or biography.

Business activity. Whether an activity constitutes participation or intervention in a political campaign may also arise in the context of a business activity of the tax-exempt, including the selling or renting of mailing lists, the leasing of office space, or the acceptance of paid political advertising.

Web sites. A web site is a form of communication, and if a tax-exempt posts something on its web site that favors or opposes a candidate for public office, it will be treated as if it distributed printed material, oral statements or broadcasts that favored or opposed a candidate. Links to candidate-related material, by themselves, do not necessarily constitute political campaign intervention. All facts and circumstances must be taken into account to assess whether a link produces that result.

© 2007 Thomson/RIA. All rights reserved.
 

How do I obtain my free credit report?

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NH joins the rest of the country in qualifying for a free annual credit report from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. The free reports were mandated by Congress in The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (FACTA), which requires each of the nationwide credit bureaus to provide consumers with a free copy of their credit report, at their request, once every 12 months. Consumers who want to access their credit report online can go to www.annualcreditreport.com Consumers also may order their free annual credit report by calling toll free, 1-877-322-8228, or mailing a completed Annual Credit Report Request form to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. The form can be downloaded from www.annualcreditreport.com or from the FTC's Web site. It also can be requested by calling the FTC's Consumer Response Center at 1-877-FTC-HELP. It is best to contact one agency every four months. This way it gives you a chance to check all three reports in one year but spreading it out as so you see any activity throughout the year however, you can choose to have all three done at once to compare the information.
 
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