Monday is S-Corp Time.

Business taxes are normally due on March 15th. Since this date falls on a Saturday, the IRS extended the filing deadline to Monday, March 17th! Here are a few tax tips if it is crunch time for your business taxes. I’m not a professional so make sure to check my tips against your personal situation with your CPA.

TIPS:

1. S corporations generally don't pay taxes. Their owners pay taxes on their share of the corporations’ net income. To enable owners to figure their personal taxes, S corporations must issue these schedules to shareholders. Schedule K-1 tells shareholders their share of income, deductions, credits, and other items.

2. There are some changes related to Form 1120S to consider. S corporations may need to complete a new Schedule B accompanying their Form 1120S.

3.New on this year’s Schedule K-1 is code U of box 17 for reporting information related to the net investment income, or NII, tax. This is an additional Medicare tax of 3.8 percent on the lesser of net investment income or the shareholder’s modified adjusted gross income over his or her threshold amount that depends on tax-filing status.

Happy tax filing,

Twyla N. Garrett

Is Your Website Competitive?

People can try to sell me on SEO, PPC and other three-lettered acronyms all day long. I don't buy any of it. And, I'm not alone. Many marketing firms are now focusing on content versus SEO or PPC campaigns. Why? Well, more people buy something based on a company's about page, not because it is ranked high. Sure, a highly-ranked website can attract visitors. But, are these visitors being converted to clients? If more than 70% of your website's visitors are clicking on and then tuning out- you have a problem.

A company's about page is the most important part of your website. It is more important than your price sheet, service descriptions or former client reviews. People want to know about you and what makes your company special. It is your time to sell yourself and talk about how you are going to fulfill their needs when they sign with you or buy from you.

When writing your about page remain objective. Sure, you may want to sign your praises but do so tastefully. List your accolades, education and the basics about you and your company. Using too many big words to define who you are and not how you can help will be an immediate turn off.

I'm hopeful some of you will share your websites with me. I would love to review them, provide some insight and share the really great ones! Find me on Twitter and let's discuss!

Twyla