Tax season is one of the most stressful times of the year. This is particularly true if you're a small business owner. According to Nationwide, these businesses pay an average federal tax rate of about 19.8%. However, being prepared can help you lower your tax rate more than you realize. Here are a few ways to ensure you're ready for next year.

Donate Early

Donating to charity is good for your heart, other people, and tax breaks. You can deduct specific donations, like clothing, but you must be able to verify said donations. Take pictures of items donated and save receipts. When donating cash, always get documented evidence that you've done so. Then, put all your charity receipts for the year in a folder to hand over to your tax accountants.

Save Receipts

No one remembers what they bought in February. However, you need to know those things for tax season. Save receipts for every business purchase you make. That includes laptops, business equipment, or even printer paper. Then, hand all the receipts to tax accountants to deduct as much as possible.

Practice Record Keeping

Keeping donation receipts and purchase receipts are both great ideas, but you must do a lot more than that. You should keep records of everything that is spent. Work with tax accountants to learn what you can deduct and keep track of it all year. Businesses can deduct business expenses. Homeowners can deduct energy-efficient appliances, repairs, and other costs. People can often deduct things like medical and childcare expenses.

Plan for Tax Payments

If you must pay taxes at the end of the year, then planning ahead is crucial. It can be overwhelming to find out you owe thousands and only have a few bucks in your bank account. Instead, set aside money weekly or monthly. Put this money in a separate savings account if necessary. Then, when tax season comes around, you won't be stressed about how much you owe in federal taxes.

Read Tax Laws

Tax laws change every year. You may qualify for deductions next year that you didn't the previous year. Take the time to read tax laws and pay attention to the news regarding changes to make sure you get every deduction possible. Tax accountants are always up-to-date on the latest changes. We can help you maximize your deductions to reduce your tax liability.

Don't get caught off guard by tax season again. Minimize the yearly stress by taking action early and getting in contact with tax experts. Reach out to the professionals at Carpenter, Evert & Associates today to learn more about our services.