McDemus CPA

Business owners and self-employed individuals who use their vehicle for business may be able to deduct auto-related expenses. But if a vehicle (including a car, van, pickup or panel truck) is used both for business and personal purposes, the expenses must be split based on mileage. These rules apply to both owned and leased vehicles. There are two methods for calculating auto expenses: actual expenses and the standard mileage rate. Both require careful recordkeeping, though using the mileage rate is generally easier. Contact us at (703) 270-1006 to determine which method makes sense for your situation.

Tax planning requires more than preparing returns at filing time. We work with individuals and businesses throughout the year to identify tax-saving opportunities, address compliance requirements and respond to changing tax laws. Call us at (703) 270-1006 to schedule an appointment to discuss your tax needs.

Applying for a business loan can feel like a catch-22. On one side of the desk is the risk-averse lender, who’s willing to loan money only to successful business owners. On the other side is the business owner, who needs the funds to grow and be successful! To avoid this paradox, approach a loan as a partnership rather than a provider-customer interaction. After all, if you were going into business with someone, you’d want to clearly understand their vision for the venture. Contact us at (703) 270-1006 for help effectively presenting your business plan and financials to prospective lenders.

A donor-advised fund (DAF) is one option available to support charities while reducing your taxable estate. By contributing cash or appreciated assets to a DAF, you also may qualify for an immediate charitable income tax deduction without needing to identify the specific charitable recipients right away. This gives you more time to research potential recipients or change the organizations you support from year to year. For families focused on legacy planning, DAFs can also help align heirs around charitable goals. Contact us at (703) 270-1006 for additional details.