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Common Definitions & Differences


Cash Flow Statement vs. Income Statement


**Cash Flow Statement**

- Shows the inflow and outflow of cash during a specific period

- Divided into operating, investing, and financing activities

- Helps assess liquidity and ability to generate cash


**Income Statement**

- Reports revenues, expenses, and profits/losses over a period

- Shows financial performance and profitability

- Does not reflect actual cash movements


Key differences:

- Cash flow focuses on cash movements, income statement on accrual-based performance

- Cash flow includes non-operating activities, income statement only shows operating results

- Cash flow helps assess liquidity, income statement shows profitability


 Accrual vs. Cash Basis Accounting


**Accrual Basis**

- Records revenue when earned and expenses when incurred

- Provides a more accurate picture of financial performance

- Required for larger businesses and public companies


**Cash Basis**

- Records revenue when cash is received and expenses when paid

- Simpler method, easier for small businesses to use

- Does not match revenues and expenses to the correct period


Key differences:

- Accrual recognizes transactions earlier, cash basis only when cash changes hands

- Accrual provides better matching of revenues and expenses

- Accrual gives a more accurate financial picture, cash basis is simpler to maintain


 Depreciation vs. Amortization


**Depreciation**

- Allocates the cost of tangible assets over their useful life

- Applied to physical assets like equipment, vehicles, and buildings

- Reflects the gradual decrease in value of physical assets


**Amortization**

- Allocates the cost of intangible assets over their useful life

- Applied to non-physical assets like patents, copyrights, and goodwill

- Spreads the cost of acquiring intangible assets over time


Key differences:

- Depreciation is for tangible assets, amortization for intangible assets

- Depreciation methods can vary, amortization is typically straight-line

- Depreciation can be accelerated for tax purposes, amortization usually cannot

 Gross Profit vs. Net Profit


**Gross Profit**

- Revenue minus cost of goods sold

- Measures profitability of core business operations

- Does not include operating expenses, taxes, or interest


**Net Profit**

- Revenue minus all expenses, including cost of goods sold, operating expenses, taxes, and interest

- Represents the final profit after all costs are accounted for

- Also known as "bottom line" or net income


Key differences:

- Gross profit only considers direct costs, net profit includes all expenses

- Gross profit is higher than net profit

- Net profit gives a more complete picture of overall profitability


 Accounts Receivable vs. Accounts Payable


**Accounts Receivable**

- Money owed to a company by its customers for goods or services provided on credit

- Considered an asset on the balance sheet

- Represents future cash inflows


**Accounts Payable**

- Money a company owes to its suppliers or vendors for goods or services received on credit

- Considered a liability on the balance sheet

- Represents future cash outflows


Key differences:

- Accounts receivable is an asset, accounts payable is a liability

- Accounts receivable represents money coming in, accounts payable represents money going out

- Managing accounts receivable impacts cash inflows, managing accounts payable impacts cash outflows


Remember, even with extensions, taxes owed are still due by the original deadline to avoid penalties and interest. Always consult with a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.




Income Tax Basics

Income tax is a percentage of your income that you pay to the government.

There are different tax brackets based on your income level - the more you earn, the higher percentage you pay.

Common types of taxable income include wages, salaries, bonuses, self-employment income, and investment income.

You can reduce your taxable income through deductions and credits.


Tax Deductions vs. Tax Credits

Tax deductions reduce your taxable income, while tax credits directly reduce your tax bill.

Common deductions include mortgage interest, charitable donations, and state/local taxes.

Popular tax credits include the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, and education credits.

Credits are generally more valuable than deductions since they provide a dollar-for-dollar reduction in taxes owed.


Filing a Tax Return

Most people need to file a federal tax return annually by April 15th.

You'll report your income, claim deductions/credits, and calculate if you owe additional taxes or are due a refund.

Key forms include the 1040 for individuals and Schedule C for self-employment income.

Be sure to keep records and receipts to support the information on your return.


Basic Financial Statements

The three main financial statements are the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement.

The income statement shows revenue, expenses, and profit/loss over a period of time.

The balance sheet provides a snapshot of assets, liabilities, and equity at a specific point in time.

The cash flow statement tracks the inflows and outflows of cash from operating, investing, and financing activities.

Budgeting 101

Track your income and expenses to understand your spending habits.

Categorize expenses as needs (e.g. housing, food) vs. wants (e.g. entertainment).

Set specific and realistic financial goals.

Use the 50/30/20 rule as a starting point: 50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings.

Automate savings and bill payments to stay on track.

Saving Strategies

Pay yourself first by automatically transferring money to savings when you get paid.

Build an emergency fund with 3-6 months of expenses.

Take advantage of employer 401(k) matches for retirement savings.

Consider high-yield savings accounts or CDs for short-term goals.

Look for ways to reduce expenses and increase income to boost savings.


Individual Tax Forms

Form 1040 (Individual Income Tax Return)

Deadline: April 15, 2025

Extension: October 15, 2025 (File Form 4868)


Penalties:

Late filing: 5% of unpaid taxes per month, up to 25%4

Late payment: 0.5% of unpaid taxes per month, up to 25%

Form 1040-ES (Estimated Tax for Individuals)

Deadlines: April 15, 2025; June 15, 2025; September 15, 2025; January 15, 2025


No extension available

Penalty:

Varies based on underpayment amount and timing

Form 4868 (Application for Automatic Extension)

Deadline: April 15, 2025

Extends filing deadline to October 15, 2025

Note: Does not extend time to pay taxes



Business Tax Forms

Form 1120 (U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return)

Deadline: 15th day of the 4th month after the end of the tax year (April 15 2025, for calendar year filers)

Extension: 6 months (File Form 7004)

Penalties: Similar to individual returns


Form 1120S (U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation)

Deadline: March 15, 2025

Extension: September 15, 2025 (File Form 7004)

Penalties: $245 per month per shareholder for late filing


Form 1065 (U.S. Return of Partnership Income)

Deadline: March 15, 2025

Extension: September 15, 2025 (File Form 7004)

Penalties: $245 per month per partner for late filing


Employment Tax Forms

Form 941 (Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return)

Deadlines: April 30, July 31, October 31, January 31


No standard extension

Penalties: Vary based on lateness and amount owed

Form 940 (Employer's Annual Federal Unemployment Tax Return)

Deadline: January 31, 2025

Extension: 10 days if all tax deposits made on time

Penalties: Vary based on lateness and amount owed


Information Returns

Forms W-2 and 1099 series

Deadline to provide to recipients: January 31, 2025

Deadline to file with IRS: January 31, February 28, or March 31, 2025 (depending on filing method)

Extensions: Available in some cases

Penalties: Vary based on lateness and number of forms

State-Specific Forms (California Example)

Form 540 (California Resident Income Tax Return)

Deadline: April 15, 2025

Extension: October 15, 2025 (automatic, no application required)

Penalties: Similar to federal, applied to state taxes owed



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