Common tax mistakes in SMEs and how to avoid them

The relevance of timely compliance

For an SME, the TAX FINES can represent a severe blow to your cash flow. Knowing the most frequent errors will allow you to implement controls that will keep your business in compliance and avoid costly penalties.

Error 1: Incorrectly filed declarations

  • Lack of documentation: send declarations with unsupported items.
  • Confusion of periodsVAT from one month to another.
  • Erroneous amountsDifferences between CFDI and reported figures.

How to avoid it: uses a monthly checklist and double check each return before sending it to SAT.

Error 2: Invalid CFDI

  • Invoices with expired folios.
  • CFDI without payment complement.
  • Incorrectly written RFC of customers or suppliers.

How to avoid it: integrates a reliable billing system to validate in real time the validity of certificates and RFC.

Error 3: Lack of bank reconciliation

Failure to reconcile bank statements causes differences that the SAT detects.
How to avoid it: establishes a process of daily reconciliation or weekly; records each transfer and collection.

Mistake 4: Incorrect payroll and deductions

  • Misapplied ISR or IMSS/INFONAVIT calculations.
  • Delays in payments.

How to avoid it: implements a approved payroll software and performs simulated calculations before the actual payroll.

Mistake 5: Not taking advantage of authorized deductions

Many SMEs are unaware of tax incentives (research, digitalization).
How to avoid it: consultation with a tax advisor that identifies all the savings opportunities.

Implementation of fiscal controls

  1. Policy Manualdocuments processes and responsible parties.
  2. Annual trainingKeep your team updated on tax changes.
  3. External reviewInternal audits: program of six-monthly internal audits.
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