Tax Preparation Services for Personal Taxpayers

Hiring a CPA firm is a tremendous benefit to optimize your tax return for individual taxpayers, those with a side business, freelancers, and if you own rental property or invest in real estate.

CPA for Personal Taxes

Tax laws are increasingly complicated. With new and changing tax laws every year, it is incredibly easy for individual taxpayers to overlook deductions and credits that may reduce your 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 can add even more considerations for filing an accurate return.

MULTI STATE TAX RETURNS

If you commute to another state for work, you will file a resident tax return in your home state, but you may have to file a nonresident state tax return for the state of your employment. Anyone who has moved to another state may have to file in both the previous and the current residential states.

INTERNATIONAL TAX RETURNS

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

AMENDED INCOME TAX RETURNS

Once you’ve filed your income taxes, you cannot make changes (unless your e-filed return was rejected and requires changes). If you’ve found additional information or documents that will change your tax return, an amended return is necessary to adjust your 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 also prepare the final individual income tax return which reports the income earned from January 1st until the date of death. An estate tax return can be extremely complex.

Tax Audit Assistance

If you receive a notice of an audit from the IRS, your strongest defense is to enlist the professional assistance of a CPA. We develop a strategy and work on your behalf.

Delinquent Taxes / Debt Resolution

The IRS can take over your personal assets when a tax debt is not paid. For individual taxpayers trying to resolve delinquent taxes, a CPA can work with you and the IRS to find a forgiveness plan that fits your 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 to prepare their income tax return. A general list is below.

LAST YEAR’S TAX RETURN

If we did not prepare your tax return last year, we will need a copy of your prior year income tax return.

ID

It’s always a good idea to have the driver’s licenses of the tax filers available. This is especially true for individuals new to Griffin & Furman.

Also, the social security cards or accurate social security numbers for filers and dependents. A mistake in a single digit can delay any refunds due to you.

PROOF OF INCOME

Proof of income starts with wages earned from your job(s), and documentation is provided from your employer with W-2s. Other sources of income can also include some of 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 you itemize your tax returns or not, 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

If you’ve experienced a loss of property from a natural disaster, theft, fire, or catastrophe, bring documentation of the event, fire or police reports, insurance claims, receipts, or proof of insurance payments or federal or state relief payments.