Tax season can be overwhelming for business owners — especially if you’re juggling daily operations while trying to stay compliant with federal and South Carolina tax laws. If you’re searching for a small business accountant in Conway, SC or need help with business tax preparation in Conway, avoiding common mistakes can save you thousands.

At Peavy and Associates, we help small businesses throughout Conway, Myrtle Beach, and Horry County stay organized, compliant, and financially efficient during tax season and year-round.

Here are seven common small business tax mistakes that could be costing you money.

1. Mixing Personal and Business Expenses

One of the most common errors we see is blending personal and business finances. Without a dedicated business bank account and credit card, tracking deductible expenses becomes difficult — and risky.

Why it matters:

• Increases audit risk
• Causes missed deductions
• Creates bookkeeping confusion

A Conway, SC CPA can help you structure your accounts properly and keep clean records.

2. Missing Legitimate Business Deductions

Many business owners don’t realize how many expenses are deductible. Commonly missed deductions include:

• Business mileage
• Home office expenses
• Software subscriptions
• Marketing and advertising costs
• Professional services
• Equipment purchases

Working with a small business accountant in Conway, SC ensures you capture every eligible deduction under both IRS and South Carolina guidelines.

3. Filing 1099s Incorrectly

If you hire independent contractors, you’re responsible for issuing 1099 forms accurately and on time. Common mistakes include:

• Misclassifying workers (1099 vs. W-2)
• Missing filing deadlines
• Reporting incorrect payment amounts

Penalties for misclassification can be significant. Peavy and Associates helps Conway business owners stay compliant with federal and state regulations.

4. Ignoring Quarterly Estimated Taxes

Self-employed individuals and business owners in South Carolina are typically required to make quarterly estimated tax payments.

Missing these payments can result in:

• IRS penalties
• Interest charges
• Large unexpected tax bills

A proactive CPA in Conway, SC can calculate and schedule estimated payments to prevent surprises.

5. Poor Bookkeeping Throughout the Year

Waiting until February or March to organize receipts is stressful — and often inaccurate.

Poor bookkeeping can lead to:

• Missed deductions
• Incorrect reporting
• Cash flow confusion

Peavy and Associates offers bookkeeping services in Conway, SC to keep your financial records organized year-round, not just at tax time.

6. Overlooking South Carolina Tax Requirements

South Carolina businesses must comply with state-specific rules, including:

• Sales tax filings
• Employer withholding
• State income tax reporting

Online tax software often doesn’t account for local nuances. Working with a local Conway accounting firm ensures compliance with the South Carolina Department of Revenue.

7. Trying to Do Everything Yourself

DIY tax software may seem cost-effective, but small business taxes are complex. Without expert guidance, you may:

• Overpay in taxes
• Miss deductions
• Trigger audits
• Make costly filing errors

Hiring a small business CPA in Conway, SC provides personalized strategy, compliance support, and peace of mind.

Why Choose Peavy and Associates for Business Tax Preparation in Conway, SC?

At Peavy and Associates, we provide:

• Small business tax preparation
• Bookkeeping services
• Payroll support
• Tax planning strategies
• Year-round advisory services

We proudly support businesses throughout Conway, Myrtle Beach, and Horry County with proactive, personalized accounting solutions.

Schedule Your Small Business Tax Consultation Today

Tax season is the perfect time to evaluate your financial systems and ensure you’re not leaving money on the table.

📅 Looking for a trusted small business accountant in Conway, SC? Contact Peavy and Associates today to schedule your business tax preparation appointment before the filing deadline.

Tax season is officially here, and if you’re searching for tax preparation in Conway, SC, now is the time to get organized. Filing early helps avoid delays, reduces stress, and ensures you don’t miss valuable deductions.

At Peavy and Associates, a trusted full-service accounting firm in Conway, South Carolina, we help individuals and families throughout Horry County navigate federal and South Carolina tax laws with confidence.

Here’s what Conway residents need to know before filing their 2026 taxes.

Key 2026 Tax Deadlines for South Carolina Residents

Mark these important dates on your calendar:

• April 15, 2026 – Federal income tax filing deadline
• April 15, 2026 – South Carolina state income tax deadline
• Quarterly Estimated Tax Deadlines – April, June, September, and January (for self-employed individuals)

Missing deadlines can result in penalties and interest. Working with a local CPA in Conway, SC ensures your return is filed accurately and on time.

Documents You’ll Need for Tax Filing in Conway, SC

Before meeting with your accountant, gather the following:

• W-2 forms from employers
• 1099 forms (self-employment, contract work, investments)
• Mortgage interest statements
• Property tax statements
• Charitable donation receipts
• Medical expense records
• Retirement contribution statements

Being prepared speeds up your tax preparation process and helps maximize your refund.

Common Tax Deductions Individuals Miss

Many taxpayers in Conway leave money on the table. Some commonly overlooked deductions include:

1. State and Local Taxes (SALT)

South Carolina residents can deduct certain state and local taxes paid, subject to federal limits.

2. Retirement Contributions

Contributions to IRAs or certain retirement accounts may reduce your taxable income.

3. Education Expenses

If you or a dependent paid tuition, you may qualify for education credits.

4. Self-Employment Expenses

If you’re self-employed in Conway or Myrtle Beach, you may deduct:

• Home office expenses
• Mileage
• Business supplies
• Health insurance premiums

A knowledgeable CPA in Conway, SC can ensure every eligible deduction is applied correctly.

Why Filing Early Matters in 2026

Filing your taxes early offers several advantages:

• Faster refunds
• Reduced risk of identity theft
• More time to plan if you owe taxes
• Less stress as the April deadline approaches

Tax season in Horry County can get busy quickly. Scheduling your appointment with Peavy and Associates early ensures you receive personalized attention.

South Carolina-Specific Tax Considerations

South Carolina has unique tax laws that differ from federal regulations. For example:

• Military income rules may differ
• Retirement income may qualify for exclusions
• Certain state credits may apply

Online tax software often overlooks state-specific nuances. Working with a local Conway accounting firm ensures compliance with both IRS and South Carolina Department of Revenue requirements.

Why Choose Peavy and Associates in Conway, SC?

When searching for the best CPA in Conway, SC, experience and local knowledge matter.

At Peavy and Associates, we provide:

• Accurate and timely tax preparation
• Personalized tax strategies
• Year-round financial guidance
• Audit support if needed
• Individual and family tax services

We proudly serve clients throughout Conway, Myrtle Beach, and the surrounding Horry County area.

Schedule Your Tax Preparation Appointment in Conway, SC

Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you have a straightforward return or more complex financial circumstances, professional guidance makes a difference.

📅 Ready to file your 2026 taxes? Contact Peavy and Associates in Conway, South Carolina today to schedule your tax preparation appointment before the April deadline.

Contributions to non-profit organizations increase during the holidays. It’s an excellent way to support your favorite cause and the gifts are tax deductible on your income tax return.

The Revenue Act of 1917

Prior to the Act, charitable donations weren’t tax deductible. With passage of the Act, individuals were able to deduct their donations to tax-exempt organizations on their federal income tax for the first time. At that time, tax rates were increasing to fund the war effort during World War I. Making contributions tax deductible was a way to increase charitable giving at a time when it was decreasing.

Why They’re Tax Exempt

Non-profits work for the private and public good. They don’t seek to profit for their efforts or create personal gain. Organizations that qualify for 501(c)(3) status don’t have to pay taxes so that any money they raise or is donated can go back into the organization to further their work. They have a specific mission, such as churches, foundations and animal shelters.

Exclusions for Tax Exempt Status

If a non-profit organization earns too much income from activities unrelated to the organization’s mission, its tax-exempt status can be revoked. Charitable organizations have to file income tax returns each year to maintain their tax-exempt status. They have to provide information about donations received, their mission and board members. Their status can also be in jeopardy if the organization benefits any of the board members, officers, employees or other insiders.

5 Types of Non-Profits

Non-profit organizations fall into one of 5 categories.

• Charitable organization
• Churches and religious organizations
• Political organizations
• Private foundations
• Other non-profits

They’re operated for specific purposes and must meet IRS requirements. It’s important research any charitable organization before making a monetary donation. Scams are particularly prevalent during the holidays when people are in an especially giving frame of mind. Research them online and utilize a charity evaluator to ensure they’re legitimate.

At Peavy and Associates PC our mission is to assist you with all your tax preparations, payroll and accounting needs.  We provide our clients with professional, personalized accounting services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs. Give us a call today (843) 347-0849 and discover why our clients return to Peavy and Associates, PC year after year!

The tax laws in the U.S. seldom make sense to most people. Taxes are complex, complicated, and individuals feel there are too many tax breaks for the wealthy and corporations, while the poor and middle class are being taxed to the point of poverty.

An increasing number of people feel they’re experiencing taxation without representation, despite electing the members of Congress that enact tax law within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Warren Buffet, chairperson of Berkshire Hathaway, famously said he paid less in taxes than his secretary due to tax breaks.

A Tilted System?

Tax laws have been written in favor of the wealthy for decades, by people who are themselves wealthy. The reasoning is that tax breaks for the highest earners give those launching their own business something to which they can aspire. Once business owners make enough, they can take advantage of the same tax breaks as a form of reward. However, that doesn’t take into account the millions of Americans who will never own their own enterprise or be able to take advantage of those tax breaks. The most common are:

• Depreciation
• Deduction of business expenses
• Hiring their children
• Selling inherited real estate
• Earn income from investments
• Deduct business expenses
• Roll forward business losses
• Purchase whole life insurance
• Purchase multiple homes or a yacht
• Contribute to a health savings account (HSA)
• Open a solo 401(k) Plan

There are a wide variety of more complicated methods and strategies that the wealthy can employ to reduce their tax burden.

That’s not to say that low- and middle-income earners don’t receive some credit or deduction opportunity on their taxes. They just aren’t on the same scale and include:

• Earned income tax credit (EIC) if they qualify

• Child tax credit (CTC)
• Child and dependent care credit
• Lifetime learning credit
• Adoption credit
• Student loan interest
• Medical expenses exceeding 75 percent of adjusted gross income
• Charitable contributions

At Peavy and Associates PC our mission is to assist you with all your tax preparations, payroll and accounting needs.  We provide our clients with professional, personalized accounting services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs. Give us a call today (843) 347-0849 and discover why our clients return to Peavy and Associates, PC year after year!

Many individuals dream of owning their own business, but don’t fully understand what their tax liabilities are depending on the type of enterprise they’re operating. Knowing your tax liabilities is essential for growth and profitability. Your accountant will play an integral role in every facet of your business.

Federal Taxes

Depending on the size and scope of your operation, you may need to pay quarterly taxes and meet specific reporting deadlines. Those conducting a side hustle or working in the gig economy can often report their income on their personal tax return to the IRS.

State and Local Taxes

Your business structure and the city within which you operate will dictate which taxes you’ll have to pay. Florida is a tax-friendly state. Corporations are subject to a 5.5 percent income tax. Sole proprietorships, limited liability corporations (LLCs), and S corporations are exempt from paying state taxes.

Employment Taxes

Florida business owners will be responsible for paying federal and state employment taxes if they have employees. You’ll be required to pay a payroll tax and report wages, tips and other forms of compensation paid to an employee. There are special forms for doing so. You’ll typically be responsible for workers’ compensation insurance, unemployment insurance taxes, and temporary disability insurance. You’ll be required to report taxes that have been withheld from employee paychecks.

Why You Need an Accountant

The Florida tax code is a highly complex and complicated set of regulations. It can drive business owners to distraction trying to decipher the code, but an accountant is cognizant of all the intricacies. He or she can provide expert guidance on ways to reduce your federal, state and city tax liabilities.

An accountant will advise you of your tax responsibilities and be able to file at the appropriate time on the correct forms. The professionals help you work toward your individual goals, minimize costs, and maximize your profitability.

At Peavy and Associates PC our mission is to assist you with all your tax preparations, payroll and accounting needs.  We provide our clients with professional, personalized accounting services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs. Give us a call today (843) 347-0849 and discover why our clients return to Peavy and Associates, PC year after year!

People can lower their federal and state tax obligation through credits and deductions. Credits typically produce a more favorable result, as they lower the taxes owed. However, in combination with deductions, they provide a way to reduce your taxable income and reduce your total tax bill.

Tax Credits

There are a number of tax credits available to individuals that reduce overall income and can put you in a different tax bracket, meaning your income is taxed at a lower rate They include the earned income credit, child tax credit, child and dependent care credit, and American Opportunity tax credit. These and others reduce the amount you owe the federal government and work to lower your income.

Retirement Savings

Income set aside for retirement purposes and company-sponsored 401(k) accounts can lower your taxable income. They include traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, and 401(k) plans.

Health Savings Account

People contributing to an HSA for health care expenses can use those funds to lower their taxable income, as they’re made with pre-tax income.

529 Plans

As an educational savings plan, earnings and distributions aren’t subject to taxes – providing the funds are used for qualified educational costs. They’re not deductible on federal taxes, but can lower the state tax burden. Be aware that rules vary by state. Pre-paid tuition plans are another option for qualified institutions.

Charitable Contributions

Those who volunteer at a qualified non-profit organization can deduct travel expenses associated with volunteering. Cash and non-cash contributions can also be deducted – be sure to keep a receipt. Claiming a charitable contribution will lower income and tax burden, but itemization of deductions is required and there are limits on how much can be deducted.

Depreciation and Business Expenses

For those that operate a home business or farm, for example, a portion of equipment or machinery can be deducted as depreciation. A percentage of a home used exclusively for conducting business can also be deducted.

At Peavy and Associates PC our mission is to assist you with all your tax preparations, payroll and accounting needs.  We provide our clients with professional, personalized accounting services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs. Give us a call today (843) 347-0849 and discover why our clients return to Peavy and Associates, PC year after year!

Everyone dreads tax time, as evidenced by the number of people that wait until the last minute to file. Waiting until the deadline can be a costly mistake for individual filers and those that operate a home or small business. There’s an increased risk of mistakes, missing a deadline, and you may not catch deductions and credits for which you’re entitled.

Get Organized

You need to start thinking of tax time long before you’re ready to file. That means keeping and organizing receipts. Keep bills and receipts in folders according to type. If nothing else, at least keep them in a box. It will be a mess for you or a tax preparer to decipher, but worth it. If you utilize the services of a tax professional, you’ll typically have been sending them your receipts, which makes the process easier.

Know Your Obligations

There are plenty of resources online that provide all the information you’ll need for your individual circumstances to file local, state and federal taxes. Bear in mind that you could be audited at any time.

Credits and Deductions

Whether you’re an individual filing your taxes, operate a home business or a gig worker, there are numerous tax credits and potential deductions for which you may qualify. They can reduce your taxable income, the taxes you pay, and could place you in a tax bracket where you’ll be taxed at a lower rate.

Tax Software

Completing your taxes can be much easier with tax software. You’ll still need to keep track of your receipts, but tax software can make it easier to track expenditures and income.

Professional Expertise

A tax professional is well worth the money, especially for those with a home or small business. The professionals use software that’s highly specialized and sophisticated. They’re also cognizant of the constantly changing tax laws and can provide strategies for saving.

At Peavy and Associates PC our mission is to assist you with all your tax preparations, payroll and accounting needs.  We provide our clients with professional, personalized accounting services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs. Give us a call today (843) 347-0849 and discover why our clients return to Peavy and Associates, PC year after year!

Everyone wants to find ways to lower their tax burden each year. There are some everyday write offs that many individuals are eligible to take on their federal income tax and they don’t even know it. A tax write off is a deduction that taxpayers can use to reduce the amount of taxes they owe. Not everyone qualifies for each write off, but the following are some of the most popular.

Vehicles and Mileage

People that use their own vehicle as part of their job can deduct the milage on their vehicle used strictly for work. It applies to people such as delivery drivers, reporters, and gig workers.

Mortgage Interest

Homeowners can deduct the interest paid on their home mortgage. Space used for a home office can’t be counted and deductions must be itemized.

Home Office

More people are operating a home business and a percentage of the space used for business can be deducted if the area is used exclusively for business purposes.

Student Loan Interest

The interest paid on a student loan is deductible for yourself, a spouse, or a dependent child. You can deduct up to $2,500 worth of interest, whether from a private or federal loan.

Charitable Donations

Cash and non-cash items donated to a qualifying charitable organization can be deducted if you itemize deductions. Volunteers can deduct the mileage they drive to the organization. Taxpayers that claim the standard deduction can no longer take the charitable contribution write off.

Medical and Dental Expenses

Any expenses greater than 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income can be deducted – provided you itemize deductions.

State and Local Taxes

State and local income taxes paid can be claimed on your federal tax return, up to $10,000.

IRA and Retirement Contributions

To take this, you need to have had earned income from work. The amount that can be written off depends on age.

Health Savings Accounts

Setting aside money to cover medical expenses is a good idea. The amount you can set aside depends on age.

At Peavy and Associates PC our mission is to assist you with all your tax preparations, payroll and accounting needs.  We provide our clients with professional, personalized accounting services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs. Give us a call today (843) 347-0849 and discover why our clients return to Peavy and Associates, PC year after year!

Tax day is a highly stressful event for many people, prompting them to procrastinate as long as
possible. Waiting to file yearly taxes can result in mistakes, missed deadlines and financial
penalties. Armed with a personal checklist, individuals will have the documentation they need,
filing will be easier, and tax day will be far less stressful.
Keep a Folder
Create a physical folder and place all documentation inside as the information arrives. Many
individuals use home accounting software and print-outs of pertinent information can make
filling out tax forms much easier.
Personal Information
The IRS wants very specific information about individuals. To fulfill those requirements, the
following information is required if applicable.
 Social Security numbers and birthdates for all filers and dependents
 Statement of earnings from all employment
 Social Security received
 Pension income received
 Earning information from side hustles or the gig economy
 Unemployment benefits
 Investment income
 State and local refunds
 Alimony paid or received
 Business or farming income
 Property taxes paid
 Home office expenses
 Any miscellaneous income from sources such as gambling
Adjustments
There are several ways to reduce tax liability and the amount owed. Some of those include:
 Student loan interest
 Education expenses
 Health Savings Account
 IRA contributions
 Self-employment health insurance expenses
Credits
Tax credits also help people lower their tax burden. Individuals will need documentation of:

 Child care expenses
 Adoption costs
 Home mortgage interest paid
 Charitable donations
 Insurance reimbursements
 Work expenses such as uniforms and union dues
 Medical-related expenses
 Energy credits
Taxes Already Paid
These can include personal property taxes, real estate taxes, and fees for vehicle licensing,
along with state and local taxes.
Miscellaneous Information
Individuals will need information about their bank accounts – both foreign and domestic – and
bank routing numbers. The IRS will need to know what account from which to deduct any taxes
owed or to deposit a refund.

At Peavy and Associates PC our mission is to assist you with all your tax preparations, payroll and accounting needs.  We provide our clients with professional, personalized accounting services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs. Give us a call today (843) 347-0849 and discover why our clients return to Peavy and Associates, PC year after year!

For those that own a business or are considered self-employed by the IRS – begin preparing for tax season now. There’s a mountain of documentation to collect. Waiting until the last minute can result in fines and other penalties.

Organize Documents

A substantial amount of tax reporting begins in January. There will be a variety of final documents that must be available when preparing a tax return. Preparation is especially important for small business owners and those considered by the IRS to be self-employed.

Prepare Early

Business owners can begin their returns as soon as they have the necessary documents. They can utilize personal tax software or use online filing sites, but the best solution is to hire a tax professional. Even though tax returns can be prepared early, the IRS won’t begin accepting them until a time the entity will announce.

Documentation

It’s far less stressful and more cost effective to have a tax professional do the work. The expert will need to understand the business and its financials. Individuals should be prepared with their employer ID number, along with receipts from sales and services, expenditures, and bank accounts, to name a few.

All of these documents and more are required for a tax professional to ensure a client is receiving all the deductions and credits to which they’re entitled, and to take advantage of any new state or federal tax laws. They can also ascertain if the business would benefit from itemizing expenses and calculate projected payroll taxes.

Extension

If necessary, a tax professional will be able to file for an extension, which gives business owners an additional 6 months of leeway to submit their tax return. An extension provides a grace period in which to file the return, but business owners will still have to pay any taxes that may be due on time.

An extension can be especially beneficial if any clarification is needed or if all of the essential documents aren’t immediately available. For those in some industries, there may be compliance and regulatory issues to consider.

At Peavy and Associates PC our mission is to assist you with all your tax preparations, payroll and accounting needs.  We provide our clients with professional, personalized accounting services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs. Give us a call today and discover why our clients return to Peavy and Associates, PC year after year!

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