Welcome to Seber Tans, PLC
Choosing the right accounting firm is one of the most important business decisions you will make. Any firm can add up the numbers and tell you where you’ve been, but Seber Tans will help you focus on where you want to go. In Southwest Michigan, the firm that unites professional expertise with creativity and vision is Seber Tans. With a team of experienced professionals on our staff, we can provide the capabilities of a large national organization, plus the personal attention of an independent firm. Clients choose us because we offer much more than off-the-shelf solutions. We will listen, ask questions, and learn all we can about your current situation. From that input, we’ll find creative solutions to help you focus on your opportunities rather than your obstacles. Join us and see why our clients trust us for their accounting, tax, and business advising needs.
Is your money-losing activity a hobby or a business?
Let’s say you have a sideline activity that you consider a business. Perhaps you offer photography services or sell handmade items online. Will the IRS agree that your venture is a business, not a hobby? It’s an essential question for tax purposes. If the expenses from an activity exceed the revenues, you have a net loss. You can’t necessarily deduct that loss on your federal income tax return. The IRS often claims that money-losing sidelines are hobbies rather than businesses, and the tax rules for hobbies aren’t favorable. However, we may be able to help you prove your money-losing activity is really a for-profit business that hasn’t paid off yet. That way, you can deduct the losses. ... See MoreSee Less
How your business can prepare for and respond to an IRS audit
The IRS has been increasing its audit efforts, focusing on large businesses and high-income individuals. Another area of focus is taxpayers who personally use business aircraft. With proper preparation, you should fare well if you’re selected. It helps to know what might catch the IRS’s attention. For example, some audit red flags are unusually high deductions, major inconsistencies between previous years’ returns and the current one, and expenses that are markedly different from those of similar businesses. The IRS usually has three years to conduct an audit. If you’re facing one, we can help you understand the issues, gather necessary documents and respond to inquiries effectively. ... See MoreSee Less
Unlock your child’s potential by investing in a 529 plan
If you have a child or grandchild planning to attend college, you may wonder about investing in a qualified tuition program or 529 plan. You don’t get a federal tax deduction for contributions, but the earnings aren’t taxed while the funds are in the program. (There may be a state deduction in your state.) You can change the beneficiary without income tax consequences. Distributions are tax-free up to the amount of the qualified higher education expenses. These include tuition (up to $10,000 for an elementary or secondary public school), fees, books, supplies and required equipment. Room and board are also qualified expenses if enrolled at least half time. Contact us to learn more. ... See MoreSee Less