CHAPTER 26Tax Strategies for Opening or Closing a Business

Two of the most challenging times of running a business are, perhaps, the start‐up and close‐down phases. Taxwise, there are certain opportunities that should not be overlooked.

For further information, see IRS Publication 583, Starting a Business and Keeping Records.

Initial Tax Decisions to Make

When you start a business of any kind, whether a full‐time or part‐time one, you need to make certain choices. Here is a checklist of the elections, choices, and decisions to make when commencing a business (the chapter in which the item is discussed is also noted):

  • Type of entity (Chapter 1). Should you incorporate? Form an LLC?
  • Tax year (Chapter 2). Should you use a calendar year? A fiscal year (and which fiscal year)?
  • Accounting ...

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