Tax Accountant in Cambridge, Ohio | Perry & Associates, CPAs

closeup of bottles being manufactured

closeup of bottles being manufactured

Find the Right Tax Accountant in Cambridge, Ohio

Perry CPAs is proud to serve businesses large and small throughout the Ohio River Valley. In this article, we want to highlight opportunities for businesses to partner with a professional tax accountant in Cambridge, OH. We understand that each city is unique with its own industries, challenges, and complexities. From 1806 until now, Cambridge, Ohio has adapted and grown alongside the wider Ohio economy. 
There are important tax considerations for any-sized business operating in the Cambridge area. A Cambridge tax professional from Perry CPAs will be able to give in-depth insight into each of these issues.

Large Manufacturing

Ohio is home to a deep and storied manufacturing base. Cambridge is no exception. Located at the intersection of I-70 and I-77, the city is one day’s drive from half of the nation’s consumers and manufacturers. Cambridge is home to over 49 manufacturing facilities that make paints, electronics, glass products, plastics, machine mine tools, ceramics, wood products, electric motors, tools, and metal alloys.
When it comes to state and regional taxes, the Ohio sales tax rate is currently 5.75%. The Guernsey County sales tax rate is 1.5%. The Cambridge sales tax rate is 0%.

Use Tax

As a manufacturer, you likely use equipment and services that were not sold or produced in Ohio. These items come from other states, which means you don’t pay taxes the same way you would if these items were sold in Ohio itself. For example, your office computers likely qualify for use tax since they were sold by a company outside of Ohio. Storage containers for fuel or solvents also qualify. You can read this guide from the Ohio government for more information on what equipment qualifies for use tax. A professional tax accountant in Cambridge, OH can help you determine what machinery falls under the use tax category.

Tax Exemptions

Because Ohio has traditionally been a hub for manufacturing enterprises, the state government provides many tax exemptions for manufacturing equipment. Most of these exemptions apply to sales tax. You’ll likely be exempt from sales tax if you purchase manufacturing machinery, warehouse machinery, or equipment related to research and development. Tax exemptions are determined by The Ohio Tax Credit Authority. 

Small “Mom and Pop” Businesses

Not all businesses in Cambridge, Ohio are based on manufacturing. As a small town, Cambridge relies on its local businesses for its charm and attraction. Running a small town business can be very challenging. You’re competing with big box stores on price. You’re likely figuring out how to engage worldwide customers on the internet. But knowing what tax benefits you qualify for can give your business a competitive edge.

Qualifying for the Healthcare Tax Credit

The IRS allows small businesses to write off up to 50% of employee healthcare premiums paid by employers. To qualify, your business must:

  • Have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees
  • Pay average wages of less than $50,000 a year per full-time equivalent (indexed annually for inflation beginning in 2014)

According to recent census data, the average worker in Cambridge, Ohio makes about $20,000 a year, which means many businesses would qualify for the healthcare tax credit.

Hiring Freelancers and Contractors

More and more skilled professionals are moving their services online due to COVID-19 and broader economic trends. This means that even a small business in Cambridge, Ohio can have a world-class designer build a new website or create promotional videos. However, contractors are not taxed the same as traditional employees. Depending on how much you pay your contractors, you might need to fill out and send 1099 forms. 
Contact one of our tax accountants for a full explanation on how hiring a contractor and freelancer will affect your 2020 tax return. 

Deducting Transportation Costs

Depending on your business, you may need to travel quite often to major cities in Ohio and surrounding states. Thankfully, you’re close to both I-70 and I-77. If you do a lot of driving for work, you can write off your miles as an expense. 
Quickbooks reminds business owners, “You also have to choose between two methods: actual expense method or standard mileage method. The standard mileage rate for 2019 is 58 cents per mile. This figure is meant to reflect each of the following expenses: gasoline, lease payments, insurance, maintenance and repairs, vehicle registration, and depreciation. On the other hand, the actual cost method entails deducting each business-related car expense by itself. This includes gasoline, insurance, maintenance, depreciation and lease payments.”

Partnering with a Tax Accountant in Cambridge, OH

Whether you run a large manufacturing facility or a small corner store, you’ll want to hire a Cambridge, OH tax professional to advise your business. Perry CPAs has the professional and regional expertise to set your business up for financial success. Contact one of our representatives today and learn how our team can support you.