Starting or expanding a business often requires more funds than you have on hand. This is where SBA loans come into play. Backed by the Small Business Administration, they offer favorable terms, including lower down payments and flexible overhead requirements.
Now as you navigate your business’ finances, you might be wondering: Are SBA loan interests tax deductible? The answer is yes! Learn why by reading the article below.
Before we explore the specifics of tax deductions, let’s first discuss a few things about SBA loans. Despite their name, they’re not directly provided by the Small Business Administration. Rather, the SBA backs the ones who do. This helps reduce the risk for lenders, making it easier for small businesses to get funding.
For a business expense to be deductible, it must be both ordinary and necessary. This means the expense is common in your trade and is appropriate and helpful for your business. And fortunately, interest paid on SBA loans often meets these criteria..
So back to the main question: Is interest from an SBA loan tax deductible? The short answer is yes! However, there are certain factors to consider.
Only the interest on the part of the loan used for business expenses can be deducted. If you used your loan for both business and personal, only deduct interest from the business portion. Keep a clear record of how every dollar is spent to make this easier.
You must be legally required to pay back the loan. This means the loan agreement is in your name or your business’s name, making you officially responsible for repayment. Without this legal tie, you can’t claim the interest deduction.
Actual payments made on the loan interest during the tax year are deductible. If you haven’t made payments yet, or if they’re for a future date, those aren’t eligible. Only paid interest counts for deduction.
Your business’s accounting method (cash or accrual) affects how you report income and expenses. Be consistent with this method, as it influences when you can deduct loan interest. If you’re unsure, ask a tax professional which method you’re using.
Be aware of any limits to how much interest you can deduct. Changes in tax laws, like those from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, may affect your deductions. For small businesses, there might be exemptions, but it’s crucial to know these rules to avoid surprises.
Deducting taxes from your SBA loan interests can save you money. However, it’s important to follow these steps to do it correctly.
First, make sure your loan interest is eligible for deduction. The loan must be used for business expenses, and you need to be legally obligated to repay it. If you meet these conditions, you’re on the right track.
Collect all documents related to your SBA loan, especially if you applied for it twice. This includes the loan agreement, payment records, and how you used the loan for your business. These documents are crucial for proving your eligibility for the deduction.
If you used part of your SBA loan for non-business activities, separate these expenses. You can only deduct interest from the portion used for business. This step is vital for accurate tax filing.
Review your payment records to determine how much interest you paid during the tax year. This amount is what you can potentially deduct from your taxes.
On your business tax return, look for the section on business expenses or interest expenses. Enter the total amount of deductible interest here. If you’re unsure, tax software or a professional can guide you through this process.
After filing your taxes, keep all your documents safe. This includes your tax return, loan documents, and payment records. If the IRS has questions, these documents will be your proof of eligibility for the deduction.
Yes, you can. However, only the interest on the portion of the loan used for business is deductible. You need to clearly separate business from personal expenses in your records.
You need your loan agreement, proof of payments, and records showing how the loan was used for business purposes. These documents prove to the IRS that your deduction is valid. Keep them organized and easily accessible.
Yes, there might be limits based on current tax laws. These include the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which caps business interest deductions at 30% of adjusted taxable income. However, small businesses often have exemptions from these limits. Check the latest tax regulations or consult with a tax professional to make sure you’re deducting the correct amount.
Look at your payment records to find out how much interest you paid over the tax year. This amount is what you can deduct. If your loan was used for both personal and business purposes, only calculate the interest for the business portion. Use this figure when filing your taxes under business expenses.
Yes, you can deduct the interest paid before the loan is forgiven. Loan forgiveness does not cancel out the deductions for the interest you’ve already paid. Make sure to keep records of interest payments up until the forgiveness. This deduction is especially relevant for loans like the PPP, where forgiveness is a possibility.
So in conclusion, SBA loan interests are indeed tax deductible. However, you must be mindful of the conditions and limitations involved.
If you’re currently dealing with SBA loan interests, best read the steps we provided above. That way, you can optimize your tax situation and steer your business towards better financial health.
Asset financing can seem complicated, but it’s quite simple. But, the jargon used in the industry can be confusing, especially as some asset financing methods have terms that sound identical, abbreviated, or used interchangeably.
Is bookkeeping hard? The short answer is no. It’s a common misconception that you need a formal education to be a bookkeeper, but anyone with solid math skills and the right resources can do it.
There’s the 1West way to get smart financing fast — and there’s everything else. We believe in your small business and we believe in our approach. No nonsense. No surprises. Just expert guidance from start to finish.
Find out what's next
