By Steve Moskowitz
Guest Columnist

At the end of the year, many small-business owners start looking for ways to lower their business taxes. Although the best tax plans are usually implemented year-round, it's not too late to save in 2018 while you begin to plan for next year.

Time your income and expenses

Although it is difficult to predict how your business will fare next year, we can review your books and business plan to see whether receipt of income and payment of expenses would benefit you more this year or next. If you have had a great year, you may wish to decrease your revenue by delaying some of your December billings until early January. If you have the cash available, you can also increase your deductions this year by (1) purchasing equipment that you were planning to buy in the near future; (2) stocking up on office supplies and other items that you utilize on a regular basis; and (3) pre-paying your business mortgage, rent, insurance and/or professional subscriptions.

Depreciate your new equipment

Businesses are now permitted to take a first-year deduction of up to $1 million on purchases of qualified equipment. Above this amount, the deduction is reduced dollar for dollar until it completely phases out at $2.5 million. For equipment expenditures that either don't qualify under or exceed the limits of Section 179, you can take an immediate first-year deduction of 100 percent of the adjusted basis of the property under the new bonus depreciation rules. 

Set up a 401(k) plan

You are entitled to a tax credit of up to $500 per year towards the setup and the first three years of administering a company 401(k) plan. You also receive a deduction for all amounts put into the plan, which are tax-deferred until you or your employees withdraw funds. 

Give bonuses to your staff

You can lower your business taxes and make your employees happy with gifts or bonuses at year-end. Keep in mind that while S corporations can deduct the full amount, C corporations can only deduct bonuses to shareholders with a 50 percent or greater interest in the company. 

Take all available deductions and write-offs

Remember that pass-through entities such as S corporations and partnerships are now able to take 20 percent off qualified purchases under Section 199A of the new tax code. 

Buy energy-efficient business property

Be good to the environment and yourself (through tax deductions and credits) by purchasing energy-efficient business property, vehicles and equipment.

Meet with your tax professional now!

Plan now in order to tap the benefits of the new tax law. Otherwise, you may regret missing a benefit because you only found out about it after Dec. 31.

Steve Moskowitz founded the full-service tax law firm of Moskowitz LLP with the firm belief that no one with the drive and commitment to start and operate a profitable business should be held back by fear or ignorance of the tax code.