Tag: tax preparer

Why Pay More When You Can Use FreeTaxUSA to Do Your Taxes

Why Pay More When You Can Use FreeTaxUSA to Do Your Taxes

Everyone knows about the tax companies advertising that they will do your taxes for a low cost of $xx. But why pay their “low cost”, which is usually between $30 and $100, when you can have your taxes done for free? These companies that charge for their service purport to do your taxes for you, allegedly. Really what they do is have you answer all the questions asked on tax forms but in a simpler way. You are still doing half the work.

FreeTaxUSA will do the same … Read the rest

Why Pay More When You Can Use FreeTaxUSA to Do Your Taxes

Everyone knows about the tax companies advertising that they will do your taxes for a low cost of $xx. But why pay their “low cost”, which is usually between $30 and $100, when you can have your taxes done for free? These companies that charge for their service purport to do your taxes for you, allegedly. Really what they do is have you answer all the questions asked on tax forms but in a simpler way. You are still doing half the work.

FreeTaxUSA will do the same thing – for free. From the comfort of your home you answer the same simplified questions that another company would ask. This information is used to fill in all the necessary forms for you that might otherwise be confusing or simply too much work. Why do the extra work if you do not have to?

Additionally, FreeTaxUSA utilizes programs that will recommend any tax credits and write-offs you qualify for. When you use other companies, you are reliant upon your tax preparer to qualify you for any available programs. Because the software FreeTaxUSA uses is automated, based on the information you provide there will be no chance to miss or forget any credits or write-offs available to you.

Even complicated tax returns that involve self-employment, buying or selling a house, or unemployment can be handled by FreeTaxUSA. The automated software programs which scour your information in order to give you the best advice and suggestions come in especially handy when your tax returns start to get more complicated.

FreeTaxUSA is a great alternative to the other tax service companies that will charge a fee for the very same services. You can save yourself some money in fees and potentially even get more money for your tax return through credits and write-offs.

Selecting a Good Tax Preparer

Selecting a Good Tax Preparer

Maybe you have completed your tax return at home with one of the available tax preparation packages like TurboTax but you want a tax professional to personally review your return. The IRS wants to make sure you have the information you need to select the best tax preparer and has provided these tips to avoid issues with the quality of your filed return.

Availability. Make sure the preparer will be available for questions even after the return is filed. You want someone to assist you in the case of an IRS audit.

Background Check. Like … Read the rest

Selecting a Good Tax Preparer

Maybe you have completed your tax return at home with one of the available tax preparation packages like TurboTax but you want a tax professional to personally review your return. The IRS wants to make sure you have the information you need to select the best tax preparer and has provided these tips to avoid issues with the quality of your filed return.

Availability. Make sure the preparer will be available for questions even after the return is filed. You want someone to assist you in the case of an IRS audit.

Background Check. Like hiring anyone, background checks are useful. Check the Better Business Bureau, the state’s board of accountancy, or the state’s bar association depending on the perspective preparer’s license.

Check Qualifications. Many preparers are CPAs or Enrolled Agents and need to meet certain criteria to maintain the designation. Check for these and similar affiliations that require continuing education and ethical practices.

Fee Based Services. If the preparation fees are based on the amount of your return, the return could be prepared incorrectly to increase the fee. Avoid preparers that charge for income tax returns in this manner.

Records Request. If your preparer fails to request all the forms needed to complete your return or doesn’t ask the necessary questions to determine your tax situation, you should consider a different tax professional.

Signatures. Always wait until your return is ready to be mailed to sign it. Review all parts of the return before taking this final step. And make sure your preparer also signs the return in the appropriate location.