UPCOMING DEADLINES

Fourth Quarter 2022 Estimated Tax Payments are due by Tuesday, January 17, 2023.  (see below)

INCOME TAX RETURNS

Partnership and S-Corporation tax returns are due Wednesday, March 15, 2023.  Individual and C-Corporation tax returns are due Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

PAYROLL REPORTING

Forms 1099-NEC, W-2, and W-3 are due Tuesday, January 31, 2023.  Forms 1099-MISC are due Tuesday, February 28, 2023 (paper-filed) or Friday, March 31, 2023 (e-filed).

Getting ready for tax filing season

“EXTENDED” FILING DEADLINE:  With the weekend and federal holiday, the filing deadline for individual income tax returns this year is pushed back to April 18th.  As always, the earlier you get your documents to us the better, so please send us your W-2s, 1099s, K-1s, etc. no later than February 15th.  Most should be delivered to you in late January or early February.

TAXCADDY:  We will continue to use TaxCaddy as our document delivery system.  For clients that are new to the Dental Accounting Group, you will receive a separate email with instructions on how to setup your account.  It is a secure portal that allows us to request specific documents, and you can even upload them by taking pictures with your phone.  Once your return is complete, it is also the place where you will receive your digital copy of the return.  If you have not received your invitation by early February, please let us know.

ID THEFT PIN: If you have been the victim of identity theft in recent years, the IRS will likely mail you a PIN number which must be included with your filed tax return.  Do not forget to include that letter with your tax documents.

2023 LIMITS AND UPDATES 

With recent inflation, several IRS amounts received significant increases for 2023.

Amount

2022

2023

401(k) deferral max

20,500

22,500

401(k) catch-up if 50+

6,500

7,500

SIMPLE deferral max

14,000

15,500

SIMPLE catch-up if 50+

3,000

3,500

FICA wage base

147,000

160,200

Business mileage rate

62.5 cents/mile

65.5 cents/mile

Standard deduction (single)

12,950

13,850

Standard deduction (married joint)

25,900

27,700

While the individual tax rates remain the same ranging from 10% to 37%, the brackets within which each rate begins have been adjusted upward as well.

FORM 1099-K REPORTING 

Form 1099-K has been around for several years and is used by payment processing companies (credit cards, PayPal, Venmo, etc.) to report certain transactions.  In prior years, they were only required if a recipient received more than $20,000 and 200 transactions in a year. That was set to change to $600 and no transaction minimum for tax year 2022. This would result in millions more 1099-Ks being issued to individuals who had never received one before.

After many complaints, the IRS acquiesced at the last minute to delaying the change for another year, so the lower threshold will go into effect this tax year, with the first such 1099-Ks issued in January 2024.

It is important to note that the actual taxation of such transactions has not changed. If you receive payment for services through Venmo or sell something on eBay, you are required to report the income (if the sale results in a gain; a loss is likely a non-deductible personal loss and is not reported). The only change surrounds who is issued a 1099-K.

The backlash related to scenarios such as splitting the bill at a restaurant and reimbursing a friend through PayPal. That remains a non-taxable event. But the payment processing company likely does not know what the payment was for and will issue a 1099-K if your annual total exceeds $600. While still a little unclear, the likely result in that scenario is to show the “income” on your individual income tax return, then back it out as non-taxable. Failing to report the income at all could result in a notice from the IRS that you underreported income.

NEW WASHINGTON CAPITAL GAINS TAX

As a reminder, Washington State enacted a 7% tax on capital gains for Washington residents with gains above $250,000 (with exceptions for assets such as real estate, property used in a trade or business, etc.).  It went into effect January 1, 2022, which, as things stand, means taxes on 2022 gains will be due by April 18, 2023.  According to the WA DOR, if the Court eventually finds the statute to be unconstitutional, any tax payments received will be promptly refunded with interest. 

We have explored this topic multiple times, but we still do not have a final decision on if it will stand.  A recent court case reversed a prior decision that barred the State from collecting the tax.  While it technically allows the State to collect the tax, it essentially just ensures that the State Supreme Court will have to ultimately decide on the tax’s legality.

Fourth Quarter 2022 Estimated Tax Payments

***THIS IS ONLY FOR THOSE THAT PAY BY QUARTERLY INSTALLMENTS***

We highly encourage that estimated payments be made online at EFTPS.gov – this very convenient site allows you to enter multiple payments and dates in advance. Call us if you need help!

However, if you still prefer to mail in a paper check:

If we have prepared your 2022 return, you will find pre-printed estimated tax payment vouchers in your TaxCaddy account or in your folder if we mailed your tax return to you. Otherwise, detach or photocopy the voucher below.

  1. Complete the name, address and social security number sections.
  2. Fill in amount (call us at 425.216.1612 if you have questions regarding the amount).
  3. Address your envelope to:

Internal Revenue Service

PO Box 802502

Cincinnati, OH 45280-2502

*** NOTE THE NEW ADDRESS – DO NOT SEND TO SAN FRANCISCO ANYMORE ***

  1. Make your check payable to the United States Treasury.
  2. Note your social security number and “2022 1040-ES” on the memo line of your check.
  3. Enclose the voucher and check in your envelope addressed to the Internal Revenue Service (see above).
  4. Mail on or before Tuesday, January 17, 2023.

estimated tax payments picture3

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Questions?  Please email us at mail@cpa4dds.com or call us at 425.216.1612

3015 112th Ave NE, Suite 210

Bellevue, WA  9804

 

STUDY CLUBS

If you would be interested in having us speak at one of your upcoming Study Club events, we would be happy to do so. Online meetings are available.  Contact our office for more details: mail@cpa4dds.com

Dentists, like any other business owner, have to worry about the financial aspect of their practice. This includes keeping track of their income and expenses, preparing and filing taxes, and making sure they are operating in a financially healthy manner. While some dentists may be able to handle these tasks on their own, it is often beneficial to work with a dental specialized CPA and accounting firm.

A dental specialized CPA and accounting firm has expertise in the unique financial needs of dental practices. This means they understand the specific tax laws and regulations that apply to dentists, as well as the typical income and expense streams of a dental practice. This specialized knowledge can help ensure that dentists are taking advantage of all available tax deductions and credits, and are properly reporting their income and expenses.

Working with a dental specialized CPA and accounting firm can also help dentists save time and hassle. These firms can handle all of the financial tasks for the dental practice, freeing up the dentist to focus on providing dental care to their patients. This can be especially helpful for dentists who are not trained in accounting and finance, or who simply do not have the time or inclination to handle these tasks on their own.

Another benefit of working with a dental specialized CPA and accounting firm is the peace of mind it can provide. These firms are knowledgeable and experienced in their field, and can provide assurance that a dentist’s financial affairs are being handled properly. This can help dentists avoid mistakes and costly errors that can have negative consequences for their practice.

In addition to their specialized knowledge and expertise, dental specialized CPA and accounting firms can also provide valuable guidance and advice on financial matters. This can include help with creating a budget, setting financial goals, and identifying areas where the dental practice can improve its financial performance. This type of guidance can be invaluable for dentists who want to grow and succeed in their field.

In conclusion, dentists should consider working with a dental specialized CPA and accounting firm to help manage the financial aspects of their practice. These firms have specialized knowledge and expertise that can help dentists save time, avoid mistakes, and ensure their practice is operating in a financially healthy manner. In addition, these firms can provide valuable guidance and advice to help dentists grow and succeed in their field.

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Questions?  Please email us at mail@cpa4dds.com or call us at 425.216.1612

3015 112th Ave NE, Suite 210

Bellevue, WA  9804

 

STUDY CLUBS

If you would be interested in having us speak at one of your upcoming Study Club events, we would be happy to do so. Online meetings are available.  Contact our office for more details: mail@cpa4dds.com

Bookkeeping is an essential aspect of running a successful dental practice. It involves keeping track of the financial transactions of the business, including income, expenses, and profits. Proper bookkeeping allows dental practices to monitor their financial health, make informed decisions, and meet their financial obligations.

Bookkeeping for dental practices typically involves recording transactions in a system of accounts, such as a general ledger or accounting software (we utilize QuickBooks Online). This is a separate system from the office’s patient management system (think Dentrix or Open Dental). While the patient management system records production and collections, the QuickBooks Online accounting system is synced with bank, credit card and loan accounts. It’s best practice to have separation of accounting functions in an office- never let an office manager have direct access to your private bank information. Using a modern cloud accounting system like QuickBooks Online (QBO) allows dental practices to classify and organize their financial information into categories, such as revenue, expenses, and assets.

One of the key aspects of bookkeeping for dental practices is tracking income. This includes recording payments from patients, insurance companies, and other sources of revenue. It is important to accurately record income in order to properly calculate the profitability of the practice. Some of this information is recorded in both the patient management system, and again in the QuickBooks Online accounting software. The final collected revenue in these two separate systems should reconcile (match) at the end of the year. 

Expenses are another important aspect of bookkeeping for dental practices. This includes tracking the costs of running the business, such as dental supplies, rent, salaries, and utilities. By tracking expenses, dental practices can monitor their spending and identify areas where they can save money. Salaries are the largest expense line item in running a practice and one that the owner has the most control over. Sometimes an owner will “over staff” their office by mistake, which will result in lower profitability. Partnering with a skilled dental practice business advisor like us can help discover if you have a “right-sized” staff model for your revenue level. 

Profit and loss statements, also known as income statements, are a crucial tool for dental practices to monitor their financial performance. These statements show the practice’s income, expenses, and net profit (or loss) over a given period of time. By regularly reviewing these statements, dental practices can make adjustments to improve their profitability.

Another important aspect of bookkeeping for dental practices is tax compliance. This involves accurately tracking income and expenses in order to properly report taxes to the government. Dental practices must also keep records of their financial transactions in case they are audited by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Income tax audits can become huge issues if you don’t have clean and accurate bookkeeping records. We recommend owners follow strict guidelines for keeping business and personal expenses separate. The IRS has increased funding and will be pursuing more audits in the next decade. 

In conclusion, bookkeeping is an essential part of running a successful dental practice. It allows practices to track their income, expenses, and profits, and make informed decisions about their financial health. By properly managing their bookkeeping, dental practices can ensure their financial stability and compliance with tax laws.

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Questions?  Please email us at mail@cpa4dds.com or call us at 425.216.1612

3015 112th Ave NE, Suite 210

Bellevue, WA  9804

 

STUDY CLUBS

If you would be interested in having us speak at one of your upcoming Study Club events, we would be happy to do so. Online meetings are available.  Contact our office for more details: mail@cpa4dds.com

There is more to our profession than “dropping numbers in boxes”

There is more to our profession than “dropping numbers in boxes” and filing tax returns once a year. We are more than your average accountant, CPA, EA or Bookkeeping professional. We pride ourselves in our bench of knowledge, client obsession and proactive approach. We are students of the business of dentistry. Through working with only dentists and staying up-to-date with compliance rules, best business practices and industry trends, we are able to consult with our practice owners and help guide them to greater financial success.

Not all CPA’s are created equal. We focus on business, specifically the business of dentistry. We also work with high net-worth family groups and real estate owners through our affiliated company, Benton Bray PLLC. Through this experience, we are able to bring an extra layer of advisory and estate planning to our engagements. We are fortunate to have curated an awesome team of accounting professionals. We collaborate daily and are always working hard to level up our skills and knowledge base.

We build communication into our engagements and perform a mid-year and year-end tax projection so there are no surprises. We are also available as-needed to additional business advisory meetings. If we also partner with other industry consultants to support our clients.

If you are ready to take your practice to the next level, contact our team to schedule an intro Zoom meeting to discuss.


Kevin manages marketing, business development, and customer success for Dental Accounting Professionals LLC & Benton Bray PLLC. He is highly analytical, creative, and forward thinking in his approach to working with clients. His background is in commercial real estate with a focus in dental office leasing and investment sales. Kevin’s passionate about investing for the future and implementing new technologies to streamline outdated workflow processes to increase bottom line results.  

Follow Kevin J. Bray on LinkedIn

Let’s face it. Did you go to dental school to do bookkeeping?

I would imagine (and hope) your answer is “No.”

Let’s face it. Did you go to dental school to do bookkeeping?

I would imagine the answer is “No.”

You should be focusing your time on the profit generating aspects of your business. Your hourly bill rate is better spent chair-side with patients. Leverage our team to take care of the numbers and compliance headache for you. Let us simplify your accounting workflow process.

And no… you should NOT hand over your bookkeeping to a “trusted” employee. This opens the floodgates to potential fraud & embezzlement and adds an awkward dynamic to the team when one staff member has a window into your financial world. You should keep these details private.

Can you do it yourself? maybe. Can your spouse figure it out the basics of posting expenses? probably. Chances are there will be reconciliation errors or missed fillings… we see this all of the time. We are the problem solvers at the end of the year. Why not chase perfection throughout the year? Having a clean set of bookkeeping records is important to understand the financial health of your business.

I preach this all of the time to business owners. You should surround yourself with experts so you can be on a “Need to Know” basis to have more time to focus on what’s important (being chair-side with patients). Stop the DIY mindset. Leverage is key to exceptional financial results in your business. Leverage our team so you can gain more time back in your day, month and year to focus on leveling up your practice.

Ready to get started? Schedule time with our team to discuss next steps.


Kevin manages marketing, business development, and customer success for Dental Accounting Professionals LLC & Benton Bray PLLC. He is highly analytical, creative, and forward thinking in his approach to working with clients. His background is in commercial real estate with a focus in dental office leasing and investment sales. Kevin’s passionate about investing for the future and implementing new technologies to streamline outdated workflow processes to increase bottom line results.  

Follow Kevin J. Bray on LinkedIn

Dental Practice Fraud: How It Happens & How to Discourage It

According to an American Dental Association survey, one in three dental practices will experience some form of employee fraud or embezzlement during their lifetime. Dental office fraud occurs more often than it should, and is often the product of poor or non-existent internal office checks and balances, too much autonomy and authority given to one specific employee, lack of oversight by the practice owner, and failure to prescreen employees adequately.

Common Types of Employee Embezzlement:

Skimming Cash

Petty cash or the occasional payment from a patient is often the first asset that a fraudulent employee targets to see if they can steal money without being detected. Fraudulent employees rationalize their misdeeds; i.e., “I am underpaid” or “the doctor makes more than enough money.” $10 turns into $100, and that turns into thousands. It is not uncommon for a fraudster to increase the magnitude of their theft as time goes on. They get braver, bolder, and feel invincible.

Deleting or Altering Transactions

Once a fraudulent employee perfects their scheme to steal money from the practice, they need to cover their tracks in the patient management system (PMS). In other words, they need to show that a payment has been made in order to clear the accounts receivable. This can be done by adjusting or deleting activity in the PMS.

Modifying Patient Checks

Patients typically pay their portion of fees on the day of service, either by credit card or by check. One fraud scheme involves a fraudulent employee telling the patient to leave the “pay to the order of” section of a check blank because they have a stamp. The stamp would be made out to the fraudsters’ own bank account using a “business-like name” that wouldn’t raise any suspicions from the patient. Without internal checks and balances that reconcile the PMS activity to actual bank deposits, this scheme goes undetected.

Refunding Patient Credits

Offices typically estimate and collect the patient’s portion of fees on the day of service and when the EOB clears; it is not uncommon for patients to have nominal credits in their account. This fraud scheme involves a fraudulent employee processing these nominal patient credits as refunds to their own credit card. Patients may not be aware that they have a nominal credit and never inquire about it. Without oversight, no one is the wiser and the fraudulent employee has successfully stolen money from the practice.

Unauthorized Expenditures

Offices commonly give a key employee (office manager) a business credit card to pay practice expenses as they arise (dental supplies, lab bills, utilities, etc.). Some offices even give that employee signature authority on the business checking account. Without oversight or protocols that are designed to monitor the practice’s financial affairs, a fraudulent employee can pay personal expenses and simply post those transactions like any other legitimate business expense.

We provide all of our prospective client’s with our Fraud Monitoring Checklist. Contact our office to learn more! info@dentalaccountingpros.com 

Originally posted July 3rd, 2017. Updated July 21st, 2020.

Every time we meet with a new practice owner who is in the process of a dental transition or start-up, we ask them who is on their professional team. You should have a go-to team of dental industry professionals working with you toward your business success.

Every successful Dental Transition or Start-Up has a team of professionals behind it:

Buyer-Rep/Dental Practice Consultant
Your Buyer-Rep helps you learn the process of buying a practice and fields initial purchase or start-up opportunities. Your practice consultant is your business coach and helps you identify and implement business improvement initiatives. Your coach offers expertise on best business practices – operating systems and protocols – that drive improved results in the key operating functions of your practice such as scheduling, recall, case presentation, etc.

CPA
Your CPA fills the role as one of your key business advisors, guides you on structuring your taxes to pay no more than required, and handles your tax filings in a manner that keeps you out of trouble with the IRS. Your CPA helps with the cash-flow analysis on a transition and works in tandem with your buyer-rep, attorney and dental banker to help get the deal done. You should engage with an accounting firm like ours to help set up your accounting systems and payroll about two weeks prior to closing. We recommend Gusto: https://gusto.com/partners/invite/dental-accounting-pros

Dental Banker
Your banker coordinates your financing needs for acquisition or start-up funding, real estate purchases, new equipment loans, and operating lines of working capital. Dental bankers are experts at matching loan structures to the funding need, and many times, act as a key business advisor.

Attorney (With Dental Transition or Start-Up Experience)
Your attorney is instrumental in making sure your contracts for acquiring a practice or real estate, employing an associate doctor, adding a partner, leasing a clinic facility and so forth are structured to protect your interests and safeguard your business.

Real Estate Broker
Commercial real estate brokers help negotiate a new lease, renewal or purchase of real estate for your dental practice. Most tenant-rep brokers are paid by the landlord when representing you (the tenant) on a new lease or renewal. They know what lease rates should be and what market concessions you should be getting in the deal. These terms are always changing as market forces change, which is why it’s important to enlist the services of a qualified broker.

Dental Accounting Pros helps with organizing your accounting systems and setting up payroll prior to acquiring or starting up your new practice. We work in collaboration with Benton Bray PLLC to offer tax services, business advisory, and continuing education.

Need help with your transition, start-up or need quality accounting services? Schedule an intro Zoom meeting with our team to discuss next steps.


Kevin manages marketing, business development, and customer success for Dental Accounting Professionals LLC & Benton Bray PLLC. He is highly analytical, creative, and forward thinking in his approach to working with clients. His background is in commercial real estate with a focus in dental office leasing and investment sales. Kevin’s passionate about investing for the future and implementing new technologies to streamline outdated workflow processes to increase bottom line results.  

Follow Kevin J. Bray on LinkedIn