A small business distinguishes between items purchased for the short term and long-term expenditures, both in accounting and in taxes. Capital expenditures are business improvements, upgrades or expansions. A capitalized expenditure is primarily a tax term, reflecting depreciation for loss of value over a period of years.
Use Form 1040-ES â You can calculate your quarterly estimated tax payment using Form 1040-ES (the same form used to pay estimated taxes), which includes a worksheet that helps you estimate how much you owe for the current year. Corporations should use Form 1120-W to calculate estimated taxes. Refer to Last Yearâs Return â If you have been in business for a while, you can refer to your previous year's federal tax return.
Schedule C Method. The IRS requires small business owners to select cash or accrual accounting when they complete Schedule C. The method reported on the tax forms must be the method actually used in the business. Once you choose cash or accrual, you must request approval from the IRS to change the accounting method.