Timing your income and deductible expenses to your advantage is easier if you can project your business’ income for this year and the next. And, unless you expect to be in a higher tax bracket, it’s also generally a better idea to defer tax. For cash-basis taxpayers, timing income and expenses may be easier. On the other hand, when it comes to deductions, if you are an accrual-basis taxpayer, you have some unique tax saving opportunities.
Review Incurred Expenses
The key to saving tax as an accrual-basis taxpayer is to properly record and recognize expenses that were incurred this year but won’t be paid until 2026. This will enable you to deduct those expenses on your 2025 federal tax return. Common examples of such expenses include:
- Commissions, salaries, and wages
- Payroll taxes
- Advertising
- Interest
- Utilities
- Insurance
- Property taxes
You can also accelerate deductions into 2025 without actually paying for the expenses in 2025 by charging them on a credit card. (This works for cash-basis taxpayers, too).
Look At Prepaid Expenses
Review all prepaid expense accounts. Then, write off any items that have been used up before the end of the year.
If you prepay insurance for a period of time beginning in 2025 and ending in 2026, you can expense the entire amount this year rather than spreading it between 2025 and 2026, as long as a proper method election is made.
More Tips To Consider
Be sure to review your outstanding receivables and write off any that you can establish as uncollectible. Also, pay interest on shareholder loans. For more information on these strategies and to discuss other ways your business can reduce 2025 taxes, contact us.
