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.
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- Installment Agreement
- Innocent Spouse Relief
- Offer In Compromise
- Currently Not Collectible
- Penalty Abatement
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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:
rental income
unemployment
trusts
prizes
social security
retirement benefits
sale of real estate
income from hobbies
independent contractor wages earned
investments (including dividends)
Credit Union & bank interest earned
debt that has been forgiven
alimony
gambling winnings
PROOF OF EXPENSES
Whether clients itemize tax returns or not, they should always keep documentation of deductible expenses. Some tax-deductible expenses:
Self-employment expenses, such as mileage and equipment
Medical expenses (over 10% of your adjusted gross income)
Documentation of any investments you sold during the year
Tuition payments – form 1098-T is sent for qualified tuition expenses
Work-related education expenses
The cost of last year’s tax preparation
IRA contributions
Union dues
Un-reimbursed employee business expenses (client meals, travel, etc.)
Student loan interest – if you paid $600 or more in student loan interest, you should receive a 1098-E from the lender
Mortgage loan interest – if you paid $600 or more in student loan interest, you should receive a 1098 form from the lender
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.
BLANK CHECK
If a direct deposit refund is preferred, provide a blank check with the routing and account number.
CPA for Personal Income Taxes
At Griffin & Furman, our goal is to minimize your tax liability while maintaining compliance with federal and state tax laws. Give us a call today.
