Individual Tax Returns
Individual returns are prepared either by appointment or drop off and we file them electronically when possible. Many clients like to have an appointment the first year or two and then switch to a drop off. Some clients will switch back and forth based on the complexity of their return for a particular year. Our team reviews each return with the client prior to completing it in order to ensure accuracy. Tax planning to help avoid a surprise balance due is imperative and we recommend a combination of withholding/estimated tax payments to meet this goal.
Many clients do not realize that the IRS will gladly allow most taxpayers to pay back taxes over time (installment agreement) and that the interest rate is very fair. In some cases, we can ask the IRS to put the balance due on hold, until the client’s earnings allow. We like to review several prior years for new clients. There have been cases where we amended three prior years of returns for a new client and obtained a refund for each year!
Many of our clients who have moved outside the area choose to mail or ship their tax return info to us for preparation because they value the relationship we have built with them.
Business Tax Returns
Business tax returns can be prepared much quicker, and with less expense, when you maintain monthly bookkeeping. Some clients choose to have their own staff bookkeeper enter transactions and prepare monthly reports. Some clients have a staff person enter transactions during the year and then hire us to review, adjust, prepare statements and file the business tax return. We file tax returns electronically when the taxing jurisdiction allows. This verifies the filing date and helps eliminate processing errors. Tax planning to help avoid a surprise balance due is imperative and we recommend a combination of withholding/estimated tax payments to meet this goal. We like to review several prior year tax returns for new clients to make sure they did not overpay. In some cases, we can suggest an amendment to a prior year return and ask for a refund.
When clients are planning a new business, we take time to explain the differences and advantages/disadvantages between the available entity types for their situation. Sometimes clients use an online service or other source to help them set up a business resulting in accidental omissions on forms or elections. We can file the late forms and advise you when there is relief for the late election. We also assist our clients when they decide to sell or close their business and file final tax returns.
Fiduciary, Trust, Estate, Gift and Non-Profit tax returns are also prepared:
Fiduciary Returns
Fiduciary returns are sometimes required for a decedent and cover the time period from the date of passing to the closing of the estate with the Clerk of Court. We analyze the proposed distributions/expenses and their timing in order to make suggestions about minimizing taxes and maximizing potential deductions. We work closely with the estate attorney in order to complete the return promptly.
Trust Returns
Trust returns include Family Trusts, Charitable Remainder and Charitable Unitrusts. Family Trusts are often set up by a person to control both the timing and dollar amounts that can be distributed from their estate after they pass away. Charitable Remainder and Unitrusts are tax planning tools that provide an income stream to the donor and a charitable contribution to their selected charity.
Estate Tax Returns
Estate tax returns are required for large estates that may owe tax. Due to recent tax law changes, they can also potentially be used as a tax planning tool for any married couple.
Gift Tax Returns
Gift tax returns are required when a donor gifts more than the current year annual exclusion per donee. The gift tax return usually requires no tax due because of recent gift tax changes which significantly increased the unified credit.
Non-Profit Tax Returns
Non-Profit tax returns are required by most non church non-profits. Smaller organizations can file a short online form (e-postcard). One point that is often overlooked about non-profit returns is that they are very important as an advertising or outreach tool. The reason is that all non-profit returns are required to be made open to public inspection. Thus, we make sure to encourage clients to list and update their charitable accomplishments each year and to quickly provide a copy of the return to potential donors or anyone else who asks to see it. We can assist newly formed non-profits with the application for IRS tax exempt status. Established non-profits sometimes have their tax exempt status revoked by IRS for non filing. We can help with the process of reestablishing tax exempt status.
Call us at 336.885.4177