by Paulette Marshall | Mar 14, 2013 | Tax Preparation
Unclaimed Tax Refunds
There are many reasons that millions of Americans don’t file their tax returns.
Unclaimed Tax Refunds
The main reason is fear of owing.
I was talking to some tax clients who stated that they had a friend who had not filed her tax
returns since the early 1980’s.
I explained that she is probably leaving money on the table by not filing.
So I wanted to share this article regarding unclaimed tax refunds.
You only have 3 years to claim your tax refund from the year tax year that was due.
Right now the expiration is on for unclaimed tax refunds of 2009.
Source Yahoo News – $917M in unclaimed tax refunds to expire April 15
According to the IRS 917 million dollars in unclaimed tax refunds are set to expire.
This got me to thinking about the people who fail to file because they free that they owe.
You never know if you owe unless you prepare your return.
Having unclaimed tax refunds is losing money that you could use to pay bills or a prior debt
to the IRS site web.
Avoiding the IRS is not a good idea.
If you do owe taxes you can make payment arrangements.
Our tax firm is able to prepare your 2009 to present tax returns.
We can also make recommendations for changes to your W-4 so that you have enough
with-holdings from your pay check.
Your Tax and Accounting Coach,
Paulette Marshall
by Paulette Marshall | Jan 19, 2012 | Tax Preparation
Finding The Right Tax Preparer
Now that the traditional tax season has arrived many people are deciding if they should prepare their own taxes or find a professional to prepare their tax return.
Finding the right tax preparer is a big decision to make.
Over the past 30 years I’ve seen many changes in the tax industry:
The ever changing tax codes.
Electronic filing verses mailing in tax returns.
Choices paying up front or having fees deducted for your tax preparation.
The verification of social security number for dependents.
Do it yourself software for consumers.
I recently came across an article that I wanted to share regarding finding the right tax preparer for you.
“Unfortunately, anyone can call themselves a tax preparer. So, in order to find one who will do the best job for you, you need to delve into their background and services a little deeper.
The consequences of choosing the wrong tax preparer can be high. Any mistakes, made on your tax return, could come back to haunt you, not the preparer.”
Source Yahoo Finance – How To Find The Right Tax Preparer
Finding the right tax preparer means looking at their credentials.
All tax preparers who charge money must be registered with the IRS.
Not all tax preparer’s have the same credentials.
Depending on the type of return determines the amount of experience your preparer needs.
Finding the right tax preparer means finding out about their experience.
Before selecting a tax preparer you should ask them have they worked on tax returns like yours.
You want to make sure they are familiar with all the deductions and regulations related to the type of return.
Finding the right tax preparer means getting clarity of fees.
The article talks about getting the fees in writing when comparing tax preparers so that you are comparing apples to apples.
Many times you may be quoted a price by a tax preparer, however; if you don’t give them enough information regarding your tax situation the quote may be wrong.
It has been my experience when talking to potential clients over the phone many do not know what schedules and forms they need to properly file their tax returns.
In order to get a correct price quote go into a office with your paper work so the tax preparer is able to see what schedules and forms that you need.
Finding the right tax preparer means having a rapport with them generic zoloft.
You want to feel comfortable with the person that is preparing your tax return.
The tax preparer should be able to clearly communicate with you in laymen’s terms regarding your individual tax situation.
They should also make it easy for you to ask questions.
You also want to have a tax preparer who is available through out the year.
You may face different circumstances during the year where you need to make changes.
Or you could receive a notice in the mail from the IRS, State or local government for a previous tax year.
The tax preparer you choose should be available for any questions or concerns that come up.
Your Tax and Accounting Coach,
Paulette Marshall
