It's tax season and for millions of Americans, that means tracking down a professional to help them with their return. If it's your first time doing your taxes or you're planning on using someone different than you have in past years, you need to make sure you choose a trustworthy individual to handle the job. Tax scams occur ... Read More
Tax Help
6 Most Common Tax Filing Mistakes to Avoid
Tax Day 2012 is April 17th, but don’t let those extra two days to file lull you into a sense of complacency. The time to be preparing your taxes is now. Procrastination leads to last-minute rushing, and rushing leads to mistakes on your tax form. Whether you prepare your taxes by hand, use tax software or hire a licensed ... Read More
How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft This Tax Season
Everyone is concerned about identity theft, and tax time can be of particular concern. Identity theft begins when someone gains access to your personal information - most often a Social Security number - and uses it for his or her own gain. The information may be used to get a job or to file for a tax refund, which can result in ... Read More
How to Choose a Tax Preparer to Help With Your 2011 Tax Filing
This tax season, you may want to do what millions of people do and hire a tax preparer to help you file your income tax return. To choose the best professional to help you with your specific tax needs, there are several criteria that you should consider. When making this important decision, be sure to take the following factors ... Read More
IRS e-file for 2011 Income Tax Filing Now Available
The 2011 fiscal year tax season will mark more than two decades of the extremely popular and highly successful IRS e-file program. This year, there are more options than ever for the average American to settle up with the IRS in a fast, free, safe and secure manner by using IRS e-file. Since e-filing means filing a paperless tax ... Read More
When to Fire an Accountant or CPA and How to Go About Doing It
Most businesses and individuals with complicated tax returns require the help of a certified public accountant (CPA). A good CPA not only files your taxes, but also analyzes your financials and gives you advice on how to minimize your bottom line. Unfortunately, not all CPAs are good, nor are they all trustworthy. Being able to ... Read More
Can the IRS Find My Real Estate, Bank Accounts & Other Property?
Many people attempt to “sneak one past” the IRS, but anyone who attempts to hide real estate, bank accounts or other assets that he owns is asking for trouble, plain and simply. The IRS has a number of tools and methods that facilitate the uncovering of an individual's assets, and the risks involved in hiding these assets are ... Read More
Small Business Accounting Services: What CPAs Do & What to Expect
Your accountant is not a mind reader, and unless you communicate your expectations of them, you may be surprised at what services they provide you. An accountant for a small business can do more than simply prepare a tax return – and if you do not discuss your individual needs you may find he or she plans to provide a full ... Read More
How to Get Free Tax Assistance for Elderly, Low Income & Military
Numerous income tax filers can receive assistance when it comes to preparation and filing of their tax returns this year. These services are most often free and include free filing as well. Here is a rundown of the different services that are offered in order to help you determine if you qualify. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance ... Read More
IRS Helps Homeowners Impacted With Rotting Drywall
Homeowners experiencing property losses due to certain imported drywall installed in their homes between the years 2001 and 2009 can receive assistance from the Internal Revenue Service. The corrosive drywall is identified via a two step method published by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Department of Housing ... Read More
Guide to Keeping Financial Documents for Tax Purposes
Part of being a diligent taxpayer includes keeping proper documentation. One rule to good organization is keeping up with your tax related documents as soon as you are done with them. There are some documents that need to be kept for years and other that can be tossed away as soon as you have finished using them. Acting ... Read More
2010 is the Year to Die: Understanding Changes to the Estate Tax
If you got a lot of cash, this may be your year to kick the bucket. 2010 is a year in which Congress has permitted the estate tax to slip which means heirs to a fortune will be receiving their inheritance without having to pay the government. This is the first time in nearly 100 years that the estate tax has lapsed. When owner ... Read More
