July 5, 2024
Ah, the age-old question: loan or gift? It’s right up there with other great mysteries like "What came first, the chicken or the egg?" and "Why do socks always disappear in the laundry?" For entrepreneurs, legacy-builders, and stewards of family businesses, distinguishing between a loan and a gift can be as murky as swamp water. But don't worry—I'm here to clear things up with a dash of humor and a splash of wisdom.
First, let me introduce you to Campground Accounting—the full-service CPA and RV enthusiast team that will make your financial woes vanish faster than marshmallows at a campfire. Whether you're overwhelmed by operations, fatigued by decisions, or simply terrified of financial surprises, this team is your trusty guide through the wilderness of accounting. Because let's face it, there's more to life than business—and there's definitely more to taxes than being on time.
Donna, our fearless leader, is passionate about bringing a progressive perspective to accounting. She firmly believes that your campground investment should be a source of joy, not a source of stress. With her guidance, you'll explore options for growing a robust campground business—no guesswork involved. And who knows? You might even find yourself pressing play on some of those bigger ideas you've been daydreaming about while staring at your balance sheets.
Now, let’s get back to our main topic: loans versus gifts. Picture this—you’re sitting around the campfire with friends and family, savoring s’mores and stories. Someone offers to lend you money to help expand your business or just to get through a tight spot. Is it a loan, or is it a gift wrapped in good intentions?
If it's a loan, there are terms involved. When are you going to pay it back? How long do you have? What’s the interest rate? Think of it as a campsite reservation—you need to know the details to avoid unexpected visitors (like the IRS). Without these specifics, what you have is likely considered a gift.
Donna once had a client who claimed to have a loan from a family member. But after asking about the terms, it turned out there were none. No payments, no interest, just a friendly “pay me back when you can.” The IRS would laugh (and then probably audit you), because that's not a loan! Proper documentation is crucial—write down the terms and make sure everyone understands them. This isn't just about keeping Uncle Sam happy; it’s about preserving your family relationships too.
Here's a fun fact: the IRS requires you to impute interest on loans over $10,000, even if you’re not charging any. Currently, the rate hovers around 4%. So, even if you’re not paying real interest, you should act like you are. Deduct the imputed interest on your business taxes, and the lender reports it as income. Simple, right? Okay, maybe not—but that's why Donna is here to help untangle this knot.
At the end of the day, owning a campground should be about breathing life into your dreams, not suffocating under a pile of paperwork. With Campground Accounting, you'll never miss an opportunity for growth, exploration, and understanding. So, grab your marshmallow stick and get ready to dive deeper into how proper financial management can transform your campground business.
Ready to untangle the webs of loans and gifts? Want to breathe easy knowing your finances are in expert hands? Read the full article and let Campground Accounting guide you to a stress-free, profitable future.
Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Please make sure to check out our blog and our website link below. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the bell to be notified when we post. You can email me at donna@campgroundaccounting.com.
Donna Bordeaux, CPA with Campground Accounting
Creativity and CPAs don’t generally go together. Most people think of CPAs as nerdy accountants who can’t talk with people. Well, it’s time to break that stereotype. Lively, friendly, and knowledgeable can be a part of your relationship with your CPA, as demonstrated by Donna and Chad Bordeaux. They have over 50 years of combined experience as entrepreneurial CPAs. They’ve owned businesses and helped business owners exceed their wildest dreams. They have been able to help businesses earn many times more profit than the average business in the same industry and are passionate about helping industries that help families build great memories.