For the last three years or so, the IRS has given a name to the most common and dirty schemes to cheat either taxpayers or the nation’s treasury. They are called the “The Dirty Dozen.” This year, half the dozen are scams by third parties that attempt to rip off taxpayers. The other half are taxpayer attempts to rip off … Read More
Tax Errors You Can Avoid This Year
Taxes are hard and stressful enough to do without making avoidable errors. Before clients file, they should double check to make sure they don’t make the following tax errors. We often hand out this checklist to clients to avoid mistakes in advance. Not signing the return (if you file paper copies) Number transposition and spelling errors Unchecked or unanswered questions … Read More
Flower Mound CPA Advice: Is an Extension Right for You?
If you can’t pay your taxes by this year’s April 18th deadline, you can always request a 60- to 120-day extension to pay. Don’t forget about asking your local certified public accountant and tax preparation specialist about the benefits. You may still be charged penalties and interest but at a lower rate. The IRS also offers installment agreements that allow … Read More
Tax Preparation Stress Doesn’t Have to Happen Every Year
Are you stressed about your business taxes and looking for a tax consultant? You are not alone. Tax season stress doesn’t have to be an annual occurrence. Here are some of the causes of the stress and the things you can do to cure your tax preparation stress: MONEY = STRESS Money is a major source of stress in people’s … Read More
New Tax Plan Changes
The goal of any tax policy should be pretty simple: raise the required revenue to pay for whatever government actually—minimally—needs to do. And the government should do those things as fairly and neutrally as possible. What do the new tax plan changes propose to do and what kind of trends could happen as a result? The Current Tax System Is … Read More
The Most Important Taxpayer Rights to Know
Most of you probably know that breaking tax rules, even if on accident, can bring serious consequences like an audit, but you should know your important taxpayer rights as well. Below we’re outlining what your rights are in case you run into a problem with the IRS. Important Taxpayer Rights The Taxpayer Bill of Rights, which the IRS adopted in 2014, … Read More
Tax Moves to Make Before New Year
As the end of the year gets closer, unfortunately it’s time to think about taxes and make some moves. The tax season may seem far off, but this is the time of year to get the ball rolling. Let’s look at some easy steps to take that could help you in the springtime: Deduct Contributing to charity is a great … Read More
New IRS Tool to View Tax Balance
The IRS has announced the launch of a new online tool to help taxpayers. This new IRS.gov tool allows taxpayers to view their tax account balance online. The balance includes any amount owed for tax, as well as penalties and interest for each tax year. Once you look at your balance, you can take advantage of online payment options. These include direct pay, … Read More
An Intro to Trump’s Tax Plan
What do you know about president-elect Donald Trump’s tax plan? For starters, he has proposed the largest tax cuts since Ronald Reagan. If Trump were to get everything he has proposed from a Republican-controlled Congress, a taxpayer who makes between $48,000 to $83,000 a year would save about $1,000 under his plan, said Howard Gleckman, a senior fellow at the … Read More
Being a Parent Lowers Your Taxes
If you are a parent, you can lower your tax burden significantly. Eight different tax credits and deductions are out there that can help lower your tax burden: Dependents In most cases, a child can be claimed as a dependent in the year they were born. Be sure as a parent to state if your family size has increased … Read More