Tax Preparation Services for Personal Taxpayers

Optimize your tax return by working with a CPA firm. Many can utilize this tremendous benefit—not only is this service for individual taxpayers, but those with a side business, freelancers, rental property owners, and real estate investors.

CPA for Personal Taxes

Tax laws are increasingly complicated. With new and changing tax laws every year, individual taxpayers often overlook deductions and credits that may reduce their tax liability. There is no substitute for the services of a professional tax expert when reporting your personal and household income taxes.

While the income taxes for some individuals can be complex, additional factors add even more considerations for filing an accurate return.

MULTI-STATE TAX RETURNS

Those who commute to another state for work will have to file a resident tax return in their home state and may also have to file a nonresident state tax return in their employer’s state. Anyone who has moved to another state may have to file in both the previous and current residential states.

INTERNATIONAL TAX RETURNS

Whether you are a United States citizen, a resident alien living and working abroad, or a foreign person living in the United States, you are still subject to federal income taxes. Citizens with foreign financial interests also have tax obligations that, if not reported, can face steep penalties from the IRS.

AMENDED INCOME TAX RETURNS

Unless the IRS rejects an e-filed return, no changes are permitted after filing income taxes. If additional information or documents surface that changes the tax return, an amended return is necessary to adjust the return and tax liability.

TRUST TAX RETURNS

Trusts are entities separate from the trustee. Income generated by the trust is subject to a tax liability.

ESTATE TAX RETURNS

All estates must prepare a final individual income tax return that reports the income earned from January 1st until the date of death. An estate tax return can be very complex.

Tax Audit Assistance

When receiving a notice of audit from the IRS, the best defense is enlisting the professional assistance of a CPA to develop a strategy on your behalf.

Delinquent Taxes / Debt Resolution

In the case of unpaid tax debt, the IRS can take over personal assets. Individual taxpayers resolving delinquent taxes can hire a CPA to find a forgiveness plan that fits their financial situation.

- - Installment Agreement
  - Innocent Spouse Relief
  - Offer In Compromise
  - Currently Not Collectible
  - Penalty Abatement

Income Tax Prep Checklist

Every taxpayer has different documentation needs when preparing their income tax return. A general list is below.

LAST YEAR’S TAX RETURN

If the client is new to Griffin & Furman and we did not prepare their tax return from the year before, we will need a copy.

ID

All tax filers should provide copies of their driver’s licenses. We require social security cards or accurate security numbers for filers and dependents. A mistake in a single digit can delay any refunds due.

PROOF OF INCOME

Proof of income is documentation that demonstrates earnings over time. The first items to consider are any wages earned from jobs—employers provide documentation in W-2s. Other sources of income can include the following:

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rental income

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unemployment

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trusts

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prizes

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social security

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retirement benefits

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sale of real estate

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income from hobbies

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independent contractor wages earned

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investments (including dividends)

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credit union & bank interest earned

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debt that has been forgiven

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alimony

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gambling winnings

PROOF OF EXPENSES

Whether clients itemize tax returns or not, they should always keep documentation of deductible expenses. Some tax-deductible expenses:

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Self-employment expenses, such as mileage and equipment

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Medical expenses (over 10% of your adjusted gross income)

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Documentation of any investments you sold during the year

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Tuition payments – form 1098-T is sent for qualified tuition expenses

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Work-related education expenses

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The cost of last year’s tax preparation

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IRA contributions

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Union dues

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Un-reimbursed employee business expenses (client meals, travel, etc.)

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Student loan interest – if you paid $600 or more in student loan interest, you should receive a 1098-E from the lender

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Mortgage loan interest – if you paid $600 or more in student loan interest, you should receive a 1098 form from the lender

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Charitable contributions – this includes non-cash donations, such as donated food, clothes, and household goods. Any vehicles or boats donated to a charity would receive a 1098-C.

PROOF OF LOSSES

In the case of property loss, clients should bring documentation of the theft, fire, or catastrophe—including police reports, insurance claims, receipts, proof of insurance payments, and federal or state relief payments.