Why Use a Tax Accountant?

If you’ve ever tried to do your own taxes by hand, you know just how difficult it can be. If you’re not well-versed with IRS tax codes, you can really be sure that you are getting the maximum amount of deductions and credits that you are entitled to. If you are unsure of how to do a tax return or how to engage in tax planning, hiring a qualified tax accountant could be in your best interests.

Tax Planning

Hiring a tax accountant can provide you with the help you need in planning out your taxes. While most people simply go about their business and then file a tax return at the end of the year, others are proactive about saving money on taxes. By taking certain steps throughout the year, you can lower your taxable income and the amount of taxes that you have to pay. If you are running a business, there are a number of deductions that you can take that others are not entitled to. For example, you can deduct any supplies or equipment that you buy from your taxable income. A qualified tax accountant will be able to look at your business situation and determine what areas you could save money in.

Filing Returns

In addition to planning out your tax saving strategies, and accountant can also help you file your tax return. At the end of the year, the Internal Revenue Service expects you to file a tax return and report all of your income and expenses. This process can be very confusing if you do not have any experience with it. An accountant will be able to take your financial records and come up with the necessary information for your tax return.

If you have a business and a personal tax return to handle, separating the two can be difficult. A good tax accountant can help you file both tax returns and make sure that each area of your financial life is divided appropriately.

Avoiding Audit

If you do not complete your tax return correctly you were you leave something out, the Internal Revenue Service may audit your return. When an audit occurs, the IRS may disallow certain deductions or credits that you claim if they are not legitimate. A qualified accountant will be able to look at your return and see if anything looks out of the ordinary. Certain items are more likely to trigger audits by the IRS. A good accountant will be able to see if your return looks like it might be selected for audit or if it is fine.

If you’ve ever tried to do your own taxes by hand, you know just how difficult it can be. If you’re not well-versed with IRS tax codes, you can really be sure that you are getting the maximum amount of deductions and credits that you are entitled to. If you are unsure of how to do a tax return or how to engage in tax planning, hiring a qualified tax accountant could be in your best interests.

Tax Planning

Hiring a tax accountant can provide you with the help you need in planning out your taxes. While most people simply go about their business and then file a tax return at the end of the year, others are proactive about saving money on taxes. By taking certain steps throughout the year, you can lower your taxable income and the amount of taxes that you have to pay. If you are running a business, there are a number of deductions that you can take that others are not entitled to. For example, you can deduct any supplies or equipment that you buy from your taxable income. A qualified tax accountant will be able to look at your business situation and determine what areas you could save money in.

Filing Returns

In addition to planning out your tax saving strategies, and accountant can also help you file your tax return. At the end of the year, the Internal Revenue Service expects you to file a tax return and report all of your income and expenses. This process can be very confusing if you do not have any experience with it. An accountant will be able to take your financial records and come up with the necessary information for your tax return.

If you have a business and a personal tax return to handle, separating the two can be difficult. A good tax accountant can help you file both tax returns and make sure that each area of your financial life is divided appropriately.

Avoiding Audit

If you do not complete your tax return correctly you were you leave something out, the Internal Revenue Service may audit your return. When an audit occurs, the IRS may disallow certain deductions or credits that you claim if they are not legitimate. A qualified accountant will be able to look at your return and see if anything looks out of the ordinary. Certain items are more likely to trigger audits by the IRS. A good accountant will be able to see if your return looks like it might be selected for audit or if it is fine.

Considerations

If you are interested in hiring an accountant to handle your taxes, make sure that you do your homework first. You have to put a lot of faith in an accountant and you do not want to simply hire anyone. Get some referrals and find out how long the accountant has been in business. If you find a good accountant, it can make your life a lot easier overall.

If you are interested in hiring an accountant to handle your taxes, make sure that you do your homework first. You have to put a lot of faith in an accountant and you do not want to simply hire anyone. Get some referrals and find out how long the accountant has been in business. If you find a good accountant, it can make your life a lot easier overall.

This article was written by the tax accounting experts at Tax Resolution Centre.  http://www.taxresolutioncentre.ca/

How to Choose A Good Accountant or Tax Attorney

Depending on your situation, you may look to obtain services from a tax preparer such as an accountant or tax attorney in completing your income taxes. A tax professional can help assure you receive all deductions you qualify for and make sure your income tax return is filed according to standards set within tax laws.  The following tips can help you find the right person to assist you in tax preparation.

Learn about different tax professionals and types of tax preparers.  This allows you to choose someone that is qualified based on your financial situation.  There are preparers and professionals that deal with tax issues related to divorce, small businesses, rental property and more.  Titles may include Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Enrolled Agents (EA) and Accredited Tax Advisors and Tax Preparers.

Review their qualifications.  Qualifying professionals may have affiliation with different organizations that provide ongoing education and resources for tax professionals.  Practicing tax professionals should have a preparer tax identification number.

Review their history with the Better Business Bureau.  Know the status of their license and learn of any disciplinary action taken against them.  There are state board organizations that can provide status of a tax professional.

Learn about services they provide and fees charged.  Those who base their fee on a percentage of your refund or claim they get you a higher refund amount than another preparer should be avoided.

A tax professional you are considering to work with should be easily accessible. Should you have questions or concerns after filing your return, you should be able to contact them.

A reputable tax preparer will review records and paperwork along with asking related questions to your finances.  A preparer should thoroughly review your situation to determine qualifications for deductions review your expenses and take time to learn in depth about your income.

Avoid tax preparers that want you to sign a blank tax return form.

Make sure to review tax forms in detail before signing them.  Ask questions when you are unsure about details and make sure you are comfortable with information on the form being accurate.

By law, a tax preparer should include their prepare tax identification number or PTIN when signing a completed tax form.  The preparer should also give you a copy of your tax return.  Although they sign the return along with your signature, the taxpayer is responsible for information presented on the form.  It is important to make sure items presented are truthful and honest as possible.

 

Andrew is a tax blogger and financial journalist. He writes about everything tax and finance related, from 401K to tax avoidance and from credit cards to mortgage loans.