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.
Deduct a loss from making a personal loan to a relative or friend
Suppose your adult child or friend needs to borrow money. You may want to help by making a personal loan. But there are tax implications that you should understand. You want to be able to prove that you intended for the transaction to be a loan rather than an outright gift. That way, if the loan goes bad, you can claim a non-business bad debt deduction for the year the loan becomes worthless. You should have a written promissory note. It’s best to charge an interest rate that equals or exceeds the applicable federal rates set by the IRS. They potentially change each month. For April 2025, they range from 4.09% to 4.52%, depending on the loan length. Contact us if you have questions. ... See MoreSee Less
6 essential tips for small business payroll tax compliance
Staying compliant with payroll tax laws is crucial for small businesses. Mistakes can lead to fines, strained employee relationships and legal consequences. Here are four quick tips: 1) Maintain organized records so you can verify to the IRS that you’re withholding and remitting the correct amounts. 2) Understand withholding and adhere to filing and deposit deadlines. A “responsible person” who willfully fails to withhold or deposit employment taxes can be held personally liable for a steep penalty. 3) Stay current with regulatory changes. 4) Seek professional advice. We can help you select the right system, calculate employee withholding, navigate multi-state filing requirements and more. ... See MoreSee Less
Turning stock downturns into tax advantages
Have you ever bought stock shares that later became worthless? (This may become relevant in light of recent market volatility.) At least you can claim a tax deduction. You can claim a capital loss equal to your basis in the stock (generally what you paid for it). The stock is treated as if it was sold on the last day of the tax year. This date affects whether the loss is short- or long-term. You may discover that a stock is worthless after you’ve filed your return for the year. In that case, you can amend your return for that year to claim a credit or refund. This can be done for 7 years from the due date of your original return, or 2 years from the date you paid the tax, whichever is later. ... See MoreSee Less