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Question: So...Exactly WHAT am I supposed to be doing with regard to the new tax law? Answer: First of all Happy New Year and welcome to 2018. It is gonna be a good year!!! Regardless of all other factors from this point forward, we will indeed have a new tax code for 2018. I am totally sure you have heard more than you would normally choose to hear about taxes and will undoubtedly continue to hear more. Just in case, here is a summary of the biggest changes…

Q: I’m about to hire my first employee and I have a few questions. Am I required to provide health insurance? Can I provide a health insurance stipend and have that qualify as providing health insurance? What is a reasonable amount to provide as a health insurance stipend?

We operate a fast-growing tutoring business with more than 20 tutors. Although we are still small, we’ve decided to form an LLC. This is an exciting time in our business, and we want to make the best choices regarding structure and entity. Does the NASE offer a step-by-step guide to help small-business owners make these difficult and important decisions?

Q: I've been a licensed professional counselor and marriage and family therapist for 21 years, and I've been in solo private practice since 1999 and have always rented office space. My wife and I are in the beginning stages of looking into arranging for me to work out of our home. Could you please provide us with any ideas or issues we need to be paying attention to in this endeavor?

Q: I'm filing 1099 forms for independent contractors that I worked with this year. Can I complete the forms myself or do I need to pay a service to do it for me? Q: Can I deduct my NASE Membership dues on my taxes?

Q: I have a product that I am going to manufacture. I will have to contract out the manufacturing, and I’ll also need the manufacturer’s engineers to help me with the final design of the product. How do I prevent the manufacturer from stealing my product idea?

Q: My wife has a small janitorial business with three part-time employees. The only benefit offered is a health reimbursement arrangement for one of her employees (I am that employee). We are currently bidding on our first large contract, which will require a full-time employee. What benefits are we required to provide to this full-time employee?

Q: I purchased a business in 2000 and am currently in negotiations to sell it to a corporation. At the time, I took depreciation for goodwill, equipment, restrictive covenant, etc. I will be selling this business at a loss. Am I permitted to deduct the loss on my taxes?

Q: I’m just starting a business. I’ve heard about having to track certain kinds of vendors (or customers) in order to send them a Form 1099 at the end of the year. Does that exist? If so, how is it done, what needs to be tracked, and where is it reported?

Q: We are wondering if buying a new vehicle would be a good tax deduction for us. Our current work vehicle is paid for, but it’s 8 years old.

Q: Can you tell me which employment forms a contract employee needs to complete before starting to work for my company?

Q: I’ve operated a handyman business for several years as a sole proprietor. I’m now starting a second business as a voice-over artist. I’ll be operating both businesses for at least two years. What would be the best business structure?

Q: Can you take Section 179 depreciation on used equipment? Where is this deduction explained in the IRS rules? I’ve been struggling through Publication 946 and can’t find any requirement that the equipment has to be new to qualify for the deduction.

Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) eligibility

Q: As a small-business owner, what tax changes should I be aware of when completing my 2011 tax forms?

The problem for many small-business owners is the thinking that just because they have a website, Facebook page, or LinkedIn presence that customers will be knocking down their doors.