When you run a one‑person company, every dollar you earn is also your tax bill. Thankfully, the tax code is packed with options to ease that burden, given you plan ahead and meet deadlines. Below is a practical guide to proven methods that can help you keep more of your hard‑earned money.
- Select the Appropriate Business Structure
Your entity determines how you’re taxed. Sole proprietorships are simple but expose personal assets to liability. If you’re comfortable with extra paperwork, consider forming an LLC or an S‑Corporation.
- Limited Liability Company: Gives liability protection and flexible profit‑sharing. Income is routed through to your personal return, sidestepping double taxation.
- S‑Corp: Allows you to pay yourself a reasonable salary (subject to payroll taxes) and take the rest as dividends, potentially saving on self‑employment tax.
- Maximise Deductions Early
The sooner you identify deductible expenses, the more you can reduce taxable income. Common deductions for solo entrepreneurs include:
- Home office expenditures (a portion of rent, utilities, insurance, and internet).
- Vehicle mileage or actual vehicle outlays if you use a car for business.
- Professional services: legal, accounting, consulting fees.
- Health insurance premiums paid directly by the company.
- Retirement contributions (IRA, Solo 401(k), SEP‑IRA).
Maintain meticulous records—digital receipts, mileage logs, and a dedicated expense spreadsheet—so you can prove every deduction if the IRS asks.
- Utilize the Qualified Business Income Deduction
Section 199A allows many small businesses to claim up to a 20% deduction on qualified business income. The deduction phases out for higher‑income taxpayers, but it can still trim a large portion of your liability if your earnings fall within the threshold.
- Defer Income, Accelerate Expenses
Tax timing is an underexploited strategy. If you foresee being in a lower tax bracket next year—possibly because of a dip in business activity—consider deferring invoicing until January. Conversely, purchase necessary equipment or pay for software subscriptions in December to claim the full deduction in the current year.
- Exploit Depreciation and Section 179
Large purchases such as computers, office furniture, or a new machine can be depreciated over several years. Section 179 allows you to deduct the full cost of qualifying equipment in the year it’s placed in service, up to an annually changing limit. This can generate a substantial immediate tax benefit.
- Handle Payroll Taxes
If you operate as an S‑Corp, you must pay yourself a "reasonable salary." The IRS scrutinizes this closely; a salary that's too low can trigger penalties. When you establish a defensible salary, the remaining profits are taxed only once, at the corporate level, and then at your personal rate on dividends, which are exempt from self‑employment tax.
- Boost Retirement Contributions
Solo retirement plans, like a SEP‑IRA or Solo 401(k), let you contribute up to 25% of your net earnings—often surpassing the limits of a traditional IRA. Contributions are tax‑deferred,
確定申告 節税方法 問い合わせ and you can even take a tax deduction for the contributions made.
- Leverage Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
If you have a high‑deductible health plan, an HSA gives triple tax advantages: contributions are tax‑deductible, growth is tax‑free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax‑free. The contribution limits are generous and can be a powerful way to lower taxable income.
- Keep Up with State and Local Rules
Many states offer small‑business tax credits, research and development incentives, or low‑income tax rates for sole proprietors. Visit your state’s department of revenue website or consult a local tax professional to ensure you’re not overlooking a credit.
- Schedule Estimated Taxes
Single‑owner companies often pay taxes quarterly via estimated tax payments. Not paying enough can trigger penalties. Employ the IRS’s "Safe Harbor" rule: pay at least 90% of the current year’s tax or 100% of the previous year’s tax (110% if your income exceeded $150,000).
- Explore a Tax‑Efficient Business Expense Strategy
Some expenses are more tax‑efficient when considered capital expenditures instead of current expenses. For example, buying a computer can be capitalized and depreciated, whereas purchasing office supplies is a current expense. Recognizing these nuances can affect when and how you record costs.
- Stay Alert to Emerging Tax Laws
Tax legislation evolves. For example, recent proposals to adjust the deduction for business interest or modify the thresholds for the Qualified Business Income deduction could impact your strategy. Keep informed via reputable news outlets, IRS updates, or by maintaining a relationship with a tax advisor.
- Work With a Qualified Tax Professional
Although DIY software can manage basic filings, a seasoned CPA or tax attorney can uncover deductions you might miss, advise on legal structures, and help you navigate complex areas such as payroll and retirement plans. The expense of professional advice is often outweighed by the tax savings they secure.
- Record Your Reasoning
In the event of an audit, having a clear, logical rationale for your deductions, business structure, and income deferrals simplifies the process. Keep a "tax strategy" file that explains your decisions, backed by receipts, contracts, and correspondence.
- Conduct an Annual Review
Tax planning isn’t a one‑time task. Each year, review your income, expenses, and business goals. Change your structure, contributions, and deduction strategy accordingly to keep your tax liability as low as possible.
By combining these approaches—structuring your company wisely, maximizing deductions, timing income and expenses, and staying current with tax law—you can dramatically decrease the tax burden on a one‑person company. The key is disciplined record‑keeping, proactive planning and periodic consultation with a tax professional. The money you save can be reinvested in your business, used for personal enjoyment, or saved for future goals.
