Taxes and Accounting

One of the major differences between accounting and taxation is the way to record income and expenses. In both cases, the amount of income is subject to tax, but the method of accounting varies depending on the legal form and income tax slab. Typically, income tax expenses are calculated according to the financial statements, while income tax liabilities are determined according to the relevant income tax act. Separate two-way calculations result in a different tax liability for financial reporting, as well as a different tax value for the actual tax purpose.

Tax accounting refers to the collection of accounting information specifically for tax purposes. This discipline is separate from traditional accounting, which focuses more on displaying public financial statements. Corporations and individuals must comply with specific standards in tax accounting, which include filing and reporting tax returns. These procedures are defined by the Internal Revenue Code, which is the governing body for accounting. While some people may be exempt from paying taxes, they still must participate in the process.

Accounting and taxation are separate but related. Accounting involves calculating financial statements to determine taxable income or losses. For example, company XYZ may use one accounting method for depreciation when reporting to investors, but may use a different method for tax purposes. This could result in different net income numbers with the SEC and IRS. Therefore, both types of accounting must be used to avoid any ambiguity. QuickBooks provides an intuitive way to calculate income taxes.

Every entity must engage in tax accounting. Nonprofit organizations, for example, must file informational returns annually with the IRS. For-profit entities, it is necessary to file annual informational returns as well. In some cases, nonprofit entities may be tax exempt. As such, nonprofit entities must keep track of incoming cash and determine whether they are tax exempt. For the nonprofit sector, accounting is crucial to the success of their mission.

Tax accounting concerns only the income, investment gains, and activities that directly affect the tax burden of the individual taxpayer. It is possible to hire a tax accountant, although this is not required. General accounting involves the tracking of all funds, even those that are not tax-deductible. This book also has a chapter on myths surrounding accounting. A common myth is that accountants are boring and have a strict dress code. This is an inaccurate portrayal of the profession and requires personal experience to decipher.

People with a Specific Interest in Taxes and Accounting often find financial accounting and tax preparation satisfying. Common tasks include analyzing accounting records, maintaining budgets, working with spreadsheets, computing taxes, and preparing forms. The following areas may interest you. When choosing an accounting career, consider whether your background would be a good fit for a tax job. So how do you know if you’re a good fit?