Capitalization of Assets Policy

Ten Forty + Quality Tax Preparation & Financial Services 281-397-7777 Fax 281-397-7443 Tax Tips Is your capitalization policy up to date? It's January — time to update your capitalization policy! A recent IRS notice increased the safe harbor amount for deducting tangible property expenses currently, starting January 1. That means you'll need to review the written policy you use to set a threshold for which qualifying costs you'll record as assets and which you'll charge to expense. As you may remember, the "repair regulations" became effective in January 2014. This guidance from the IRS on the capitalization and repair of assets applies to all businesses, including sole proprietorships, rentals, and farms. The guidance explains the federal income tax treatment of expenditures you make for materials and supplies, repairs and maintenance, and business property you buy, produce, or improve. In general, you're required to capitalize these items. However, the regulations provide a de minimis safe harbor for expensing certain costs. The amount of the safe harbor depends on the type of financial statement you have prepared. For instance, if you have an applicable financial statement, the safe harbor is $5,000. (An example of an applicable financial statement is a certified audited statement with a report by an independent CPA that you use for credit or reporting purposes.) If your business does not have an applicable financial statement, the de minimis safe harbor was originally set at $500. Beginning January 1, 2016, the safe harbor is $2,500 per invoice or item with a supporting invoice. Please give us a call to discuss how this change to the capitalization and repair regulations will affect your business and what you need to do to update your accounting policy. Tax season is here. Go to www.tenfortyplus.com and complete your online organizer (under forms and documents). Make your appointment using our online appointment system. Call 281-397-7777 and get a user id with password set up so you can send us all your information through our online secure portal and do your taxes from the comfort of your home or office or come see us at our office. 1040 + Quality Tax Preparation & Financial Services Joseph C Becker www.tenfortyplus.com 281-397-7777, Fax 281-397-7443 joeb@tenfortyplus.com Contact Us There are many events that occur during the year that can affect your tax situation. Preparation of your tax return involves summarizing transactions and events that occurred during the prior year. In most situations, treatment is firmly established at the time the transaction occurs. However, negative tax effects can be avoided by proper planning. Please contact us in advance if you have questions about the tax effects of a transaction or event, including the following: • Pension or IRA distributions. • Retirement. • Significant change in income or • Notice from IRS or other deductions. Revenue department. • Job change. • Divorce or separation. • Marriage. • Self-employment. • Attainment of age 59½ or 70½. • Charitable contributions • Sale or purchase of a business property in excess of $5,000. • Sale or purchase of a residence or other real estate.