Tag: Certified Public Accountant

  • Some Useful Tax Software Programs to File your Taxes Easily and Quickly

    Some Useful Tax Software Programs to File your Taxes Easily and Quickly

    If you want to file an income tax return and are wondering how to do your own taxes online then you can opt for e-tax filing which is a simple and easy way to file your taxes. With the convenience and comfort of your home, you can file IRS tax forms. Online tax preparation services bring ease and convenience to the people. Users do not need any prior experience of filing returns and they can complete income tax returns easily and quickly with the help of a tax software program.

    Day 093/365 - Tax Time Phat Cash!
    Day 093/365 – Tax Time Phat Cash! (Photo credit: Great Beyond)

    Turbo Tax:
    It is one of the most preferred e-tax filing software programs which is recommended for newbies, small business owners, heavy investors and multi-income filers. If you are a newbie and do not know how to do your taxes online then this software will be best suited for you. Here are some features of Turbo Tax software.

    Clean and intuitive interface.
    Logical flow of processes.
    Easy to comprehend learning resources for the beginners.
    Offers high-level of autonomy.
    Audit risk meter
    Latest military edition for Army officials

    H And R Block:
    It is an elite piece of software to file your taxes online. It has logical workflows and that will simplify the process of tax filing. The software is recommended for heavy investors and newbies. Here are its features.

    Section overviews containing useful information.
    Several pages having embedded links.
    Bookmarking system is well integrated.
    In-person and round the clock support.
    Latest print returns features.
    Useful form finding tool.

    TaxACT:
    This e-filing software is recommended for college students, deal seekers and DIY filers. Following are some of the important features of TaxACT:

    Import tax from the previous year feature.
    Lowest price.
    Stock assistance tools for entering stock information manually.
    Best quality and comprehensive learning resources.
    Mini-alerts.

    TaxSlayer:
    It is a well designed and one among the best e-filing tax software. Given below are its important features.

    Life events guide.
    Previous year comparison.
    Gives you choice to handle processes on the major sections like income tax deductions.
    Movement between sections for convenience of the users.

    So, stop running from pillar to post when you need to file your taxes and stop wondering how to do your own taxes online as you can easily do it with the help of several user-friendly e-filing software. By using this software you can file your tax returns quickly and easily even if you are a newbie and filing your tax for the first time.

  • Do Your Taxes Online This Year

    Do Your Taxes Online This Year

    When you do your taxes, do you usually get all of the paperwork and fill it out manually? Instead of doing this, perhaps you go to a local CPA and pay them to do your taxes for you, cutting into your return dramatically. If you have been using either one of these two tactics, you need to know that there is a better way with online programs like TurboTax 2013.

    Death & Taxes (film)
    Death & Taxes (film) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

    Many of the online programs are actually free, so you just have to create an account in order to work on your taxes. This allows you to save your information to the server. If you need to log in later to finish the job, it is easy to do so. You do not have to worry about security when you do your taxes since programs like TurboTax 2013 and the various free programs use encryption software to protect you.

    The programs make life easy for you while you do your taxes by walking you through the process. Systems like TurboTax 2013 will ask you questions that you can answer, rather than just giving you a box and a sentence of legal writing to tell you what to do. These questions are straightforward and easy to understand. The program then takes the information and puts it into the correct boxes so that you do not have to do the work of figuring out what goes where.

    When filling in information from W2s or 1099s while you do your taxes with TurboTax 2013 or a free program, the program may just tell you to fill in the numbers from the corresponding boxes. You do not need to know exactly what the box means or what all of the other, empty boxes are for. The program will simply tell you what information that it needs. You will write it down, and then you will move on to the next step. This makes it possible to do your taxes on your own even if you have never studied tax law or accounting.

    One of the best things about deciding to do your taxes with an online program like TurboTax 2013 is that you can often e-file when you get done. You do not have to print anything out, though it is a good idea to save PDF files for your records. You do not have to write any checks, buy any stamps, or put anything in the mail. You just have to provide the information for your bank account, including the bank account number and the routing number, and then your return will be sent to you automatically. This all means that you can instantly and easily file your taxes, even at the last minute.

  • 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.