The Main Types of Taxes: A Guide for Businesses

Understanding the role of taxation in the business world is crucial to profitability. At the same time, taxes can take a large slice of profit margins when done incorrectly. Paying taxes correctly can save a lot of money.

When figuring out your business profit, every invoice counts. Your taxable gain will increase if you cannot deduct part of these costs. With a higher taxable profit margin, you may wind up owing more money.

To learn more about avoiding this outcome, keep reading to find the main types of taxes.

Individual Income Taxes

Individuals pay income taxes on the money they make from employment wages, self-employment earnings, alimony, capital gains, rents, dividends, and other sources. The government taxes income to fund social services, national defense, and other government functions. Income tax is a complex subject, so individuals must understand their obligations.

Income taxes vary from state to state. Still, individual income taxes are usually based on a person’s status in filing taxes, taxable income, and the specific credits or deductions available for their situation.

Depending on the state, individuals may need to file more than one tax return, such as federal tax returns, a state tax return, and a local tax return. Self-employed people may need to pay quarterly estimated taxes.

Corporate Income Taxes

It is a type of indirect tax since the burden of the taxes can fall on the consumer through higher prices and fewer jobs available. Corporate income taxes are assessed based on a company’s profits and are paid by the company’s shareholders.

The tax rate varies between districts but can range from 11 percent to 28 percent of the company’s profits. Corporate income taxes can be a significant source of revenue for governments.

Still, they can also discourage companies from investing in their local economy due to the excessive cost of filing and paying taxes. Businesses should be aware of the different tax rates. They should develop strategies to ensure they are maximizing their deductions and only paying the proper amount.

Payroll Taxes

Employers must pay payroll tax contributions on behalf of employees, and businesses may have to pay extra payroll taxes on wages paid. Payroll taxes, imposed by both federal and state governments, are the largest source of income for most governments. Both employers and employees must pay the following: Social Security and Medicare, Federal Unemployment Taxes, State and Local Taxes, Withholding Taxes, and Payroll Taxes.

Employers and employees pay Social Security taxes to the Social Security Administration. Medicare taxes are paid by both employers and employees. Employers are responsible for about half of the amount due for these taxes.

Federal unemployment taxes are paid by employers and are usually based on a certain number of wages. State and local taxes vary depending on location.

Withholding taxes are imposed on employees and are deducted from their salaries. Finally, added payroll taxes may also be assessed depending on the state.

Capital Gains Taxes

Capital Gains Taxes are taxes applied to profits or gains that a business makes from investments, like the sale of property or stocks. They are indirect taxes because they are imposed on the revenue from the sale of assets, not the business’s income.

Capital Gains Taxes are paid each year when the gain is realized. The tax rate applied depends on the asset type, the holding period’s duration, and the income level.

Businesses that fall under the medium and large categories must pay higher Capital Gains Taxes than those in the small category. Companies must keep track of their investments and any gains or losses to accurately pay the right amounts of taxes at the correct times.

Sales Taxes

Sales taxes are taxes on all final sales of specific goods and services in a particular district. Sales taxes are a vital source of revenue for the government and are applied at various levels: federal, local, and state. Sales taxes are paid by buyers, though the seller handles collecting and remitting the tax to the applicable tax authorities.

Sales taxes tend to be regressive, meaning the tax burden will fall on low-income households. For businesses, a key challenge is to stay up to date on varying sales tax regulations, as these can change.

Companies need to understand what items are subject to sales tax and which items are exempt, as well as the tax rate and any applicable exemptions. Businesses should practice due diligence in examining and remitting sales taxes to the proper tax authorities.

Gross Receipt Taxes

Gross receipt taxes apply to businesses of all sizes. They are also known as “turnover taxes” because they are based on the total amount of money a company takes in. This taxation is usually imposed on the seller of goods or services and is due on each sale instead of the traditional income tax.

Examples of gross receipts taxes include state and local sales taxes, gross premiums taxes, and franchise taxes. Businesses within the same state will be charged the same rate for gross receipt taxes.

Although, individual municipalities may be subject to added taxes. To stay compliant with tax law, businesses should keep the right records of all taxable sales and pay the correct tax amount.

Property Taxes

These are taxes imposed on businesses and individuals by the government. This is based on the assessed value of the property of those businesses and individuals. People who own real estate or other tangible property may be assessed taxes on those properties based on their estimated worth.

Companies that own commercial or industrial real estate may also be subject to property taxes. This is incorporated into their operating costs. Though property taxes vary between states and local municipalities, the assessed property value will be multiplied by the tax rate for the geographical area.

Property taxes are a long-term source of revenue for states and local governments that rely on the income from such taxes to fund public services.

Learn the Types of Taxes

Businesses should understand the main types of taxes to remain compliant and successful. This includes income taxes, payroll taxes, sales taxes, property taxes, and more.

Additionally, businesses should have a clear understanding of local, state, and federal tax requirements.

Make sure to check out some of our other posts while you’re here! You can find great business tips and tricks.