CDSmith |
12-23-2007 10:35 PM |
Quote:
Originally Posted by minusonebit
(Post 13428510)
report as little income as possible.
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Bad idea and very shortsighted, and here's why: Let's say a few years from now you are in a situation where you need a large loan or you want to buy a house. You go to your bank and the first thing they want from you is your income tax information for the past two or possibly even three years. This is obviously a situation where the more income you have to show them the better... But oops, you've been declaring only a fraction of your true income for the last few years. Instead of showing $50K/year you only claimed $25K. Or maybe you made $100K but only declared $40K.
The bank is going to take one look at that and tell you to take a hike on the $50K you want to borrow. They'll tell you access denied on the $200K mortgage you want.
Bottom line: it's always best to treat this business LIKE a business. Declare everything, always. Keep receipts to show for all your deductions, and either learn to find and take advantage of every deduction you're entitled to legally, or HIRE someone good with taxes and numbers who can do it for you.
The better way to go also is to find and hire a good investment broker, one who knows some good legal strategies for sheltering your savings from taxes while maximizing your ROI.
Your advice on "padding" the books is, well, for want of a better term... very ill-advised. I was going to say 'retarded' but it being so close to Christmas I suppose a modicum of tact is called for.
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