What Dentists Need to Know This Tax Season

Make sure all documents are gathered and prepared. These documents include W-2’s, IRS Form #1099, IRS Form #1099 Interest and IRS Form #1099 Dividends. Documents may include stockbroker annual statements, cryptocurrency transactions, IRS Form #1098 mortgage statements, etc.

Check receipts. Not only is it essential to have your documents gathered, but make sure all financial transactions have been accounted for prior to filing (i.e., payroll, any equipment depreciation and amortization of goodwill).

Be aware of deductions. There are the typical tax deductions (i.e., dental supplies, lab fees and employee payroll), but there may also be other deductions to be aware of. This includes equipment purchases, continuing education and new owner startup costs. Even how your business is set up as a taxing entity (employee, sole proprietor, corporation, LLC) can determine if the above expenses are deductible.

Remember to factor in all Health Savings Accounts. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are tax-exempt accounts that are used to pay or reimburse certain medical expenses. Having an HSA may qualify for a tax deduction.

Don’t forget about any individual retirement accounts (IRAs) contributions. If you are under 50, your total contributions in 2022 to all traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs can be at most $6,000. If you are 50 or older, that amount is $7,000.

This is the last call for the employee retention tax credit (ERTC). Watch out for those “pop-up” tax credit firms that claim to specialize in such credits. The statute of limitations is quickly approaching when you can file your amended payroll tax form using IRS Form #941X for the ERTC.

Consider using a dental accountant. Don’t hesitate to speak with an accountant about filing your taxes. It can be beneficial for dentists who are filing as owners for the first time.

Source: ada.org

Copyright Reminders

By Casey Stoutamire, FDA Chief Legal Officer

This is just a friendly reminder that any time you use a photo in an email publication, print publication (meeting brochure, newsletter, etc.) or on your website, you must have permission to use that photo. For example, if it is for an upcoming meeting and you want to use pictures of the hotel and/or rooms, work with your hotel contact to get permission, in writing, to use them (this is usually in the form of a license or sublicense).

In addition, if you use a web designer, check your agreement with them to make sure it contains a provision under which the designer will indemnify the association (component or affiliate) if the designer’s improper use of a third-party intellectual property (for example, pictures of a hotel) subjects the association to a claim/liability from the owner.

The same goes for playing music and offering television or movies in your office. The U.S. Copyright Act, Title 17 of the United States Code, gives copyright owners control over the public exhibition of their works. In nearly all cases, this means that a public performance license is required to show copyrighted content in public. And yes, dental and medical offices are considered public spaces when it comes to copyright law. This requirement applies even if the content can only be viewed by a single patient. This section of law applies to movies, television programs, and other audiovisual content enjoyed from sources like broadcast, cable or satellite television; DVDs; downloads; or streaming services. If you fail to comply with copyright law, you could be liable for damages ranging from $750 to $150,000 for each illegal showing, plus court costs and attorneys fees. Long story short, by showing tv programs and movies without a license, you risk fines for copyright infringement and the monetary repercussions can be significant.

However, there is good news. For several years, the American Dental Association has worked with the Motion Picture Licensing Corporation (MPLC) to provide a discount for members on copyright licensing. MPLC issues the license your practice needs to show copyrighted content in compliance with federal copyright law. The Umbrella License allows for unlimited showings at your dental office without fear of copyright infringement. It provides coverage for old and new titles from more than 1,000 motion picture and television rights holders, including Disney, CBS, Warner Bros., NBCUniversal, Paramount, ABC, Televisa, HGTV, Lionsgate, Discovery and many more. To secure an Umbrella License, visit dentist.mplc.org/ or contact MPLC at 866.552.MPLC (6752) or info@mplc.com. Information is also available at ada.org/mplc.

New Issue of Today’s FDA is Available to Read Online NOW!

The 2023 January/February issue of Today’s FDA is available online for Florida Dental Association (FDA) members NOW! Check it out for great articles about implant dentistry – the latest in dental implants: communication, techniques and technology, as well as how technology can make implant placement more seamless. So, what are you waiting for? Head to floridadental.org/publications or just click the cover image below to read the issue.

Nearly 2,000 Volunteers Set to Help Make a Difference at the 2023 Florida Mission of Mercy

Tomorrow begins the 2023 Florida Mission of Mercy (FLA-MOM) — a free, two-day dental clinic hosted by the FDA Foundation. Happening at the Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach, patients will be seen on a first-come, first served basis between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. The goal is to treat 2,000 patients in those two days (Feb. 24-25). Currently, there are nearly 2,000 volunteers registered for the clinic, including nearly 325 dentists. You can find more information and details on the services that will be provided, as well as those who are eligible to receive treatment by checking out the flyer below.

Beginning today, the Florida Mission of Mercy Veterans First Initiative will provide FREE dental care to military veterans at the Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Additional details are provided in the flyer below.