FAQ’S

I need to bring when I am having my taxes prepared?

Following is a list of the more common items you should bring

if you have them.

Wage statements (Form W-2)
Dates of Birth and SS#s
Pension, or retirement income (Forms 1099-R)
Dependents’ Social Security numbers and dates of birth
Last year’s tax return
Information on education expenses
Information on the sales of stocks and/or bonds
Self-employed business income and expenses
Lottery and/or gambling winnings and losses
State refund amount
Social Security and/or unemployment income
Income and expenses from rentals
Record of purchase or sale of real estate
Medical and dental expenses
Real estate and personal property taxes
Estimated taxes or foreign taxes paid
Cash and non-cash charitable donations
Mortgage or home equity loan interest paid (Form 1098)
Unreimbursed employment-related expenses
Job-related educational expenses
Child care expenses and provider information

And any other items that you think may be necessary for your taxes.

How do I find out about my refund?

The best way is to use the Check Your Refund link from the Resources pages of our website! To look up the status of your federal or state refund, you will need your social security number, filing status, and exact amount you’re expecting back. Alternatively, you can go directly to the IRS website: http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96596,00.html

How long do I keep my records and tax returns?

You should keep your records and tax returns for at least 3 years from the date the return was filed or the date the return was required to be filed, whichever is later. It is recommended that you keep these records longer if possible.

What college expenses may I deduct?

There are several ways you can claim deductions for college expenses on your tax return. They are the tuition deduction, the HOPE credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit. If we are preparing your return we will determine which ones you qualify for and which one gives you the greatest tax benefit.

What do I need to keep for my charitable contributions?

First, is your contribution cash or non-cash?? If you make a cash donation, you must have a bank record or written communication from the charity showing the name of the charity and the amount of the donation. A bank record can be the cancelled check or a statement from a bank or credit union—so long as it lists the charity’s name, the date, and the amount of the contribution. Personal records such as bank registers, diaries and notes are no longer considered acceptable proof of contributions.
? Any used items (such as clothing, linens, appliances, etc.) must be in good condition and may only be deducted at the price you could reasonably ask for the item in used condition. For contributions worth $250 or more, you must have a written receipt or letter from the organization. For contributions worth $500 or more, you must file Form 8283 (Noncash Charitable Contributions) and attach it to your Form 1040. All contributions must be made to qualified charitable organizations.

I donate my time and drive for charity wearing a uniform. What may I deduct?

If you drive to and from volunteer work, you may deduct either the actual cost of gas and oil or a standard amount of 14 cents per mile. Please note that any mileage reimbursement in excess of 14 cents per mile must be treated as income. You may also deduct the cost of buying and cleaning uniforms if the uniforms are not suitable for everyday use, and you must wear them when volunteering. You may not claim a deduction for the value of your time.

How should I keep records for my business driving?

Keep a log in your vehicle and record the purpose and mileage of each trip. You also need to record the odometer readings at the beginning and end of each year, as the IRS will ask you for total miles driven during the year. Keep your repair bills as these normally record odometer readings when the car is serviced.

Can I deduct expenses for a business run out of my home?

If you use a portion of your home for business purposes, you may be able to take a home office deduction whether you are self-employed or an employee. Expenses you may be able to deduct for business use of your home may include the business portion of real estate taxes, mortgage interest, rent, utilities, insurance, depreciation, painting, and repairs. You can claim this deduction only if you use a part of your home regularly and exclusively: • As your principal place of business for any trade or business. • As a place to meet or deal with your patients, clients or customers in the normal course of your trade or business. Generally, the amount you can deduct depends on the percentage of your home that you used for business. Your deduction will be limited if your gross income from your business is less than your total business expenses.

I owe the IRS money. What are my options?

If you can afford to pay the amount you owe, it should be paid. But many times that is not the case. If you cannot afford to pay, you have several options. Ignoring the IRS should not be one of them! ? The first option is to enter into an installment agreement with the IRS. To do this you need to fill out Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request. This form is fairly easy to complete, but we strongly recommend that if you owe a substantial amount of money you work with us to secure your agreement. ? The second option, which is much harder to get approved, is an offer in compromise. The IRS will be reluctant to do this if they feel you have the resources to eventually pay. You should not attempt an offer in compromise without professional help you can trust. The IRS has also issued a consumer alert, advising taxpayers to beware of promoters’ claims that tax debts can be settled for “pennies on the dollar” through the Offer in Compromise Program.

What is the difference between a C and an S corporation?

A C Corporation and an S Corporation are exactly the same in respect to liability protection. The difference is in how you are taxed. A C Corporation has what is referred to as a double taxation. First the corporation is taxed, and secondly the dividends are taxed on the shareholders’ tax returns. An S Corporation is not taxed at the corporate level, only at the shareholder level. Most small businesses are eligible to file as S corporations. But the appropriate election must be made.

If I donate my vehicle to charity, how much can I deduct on my tax return?

In the past there were a lot of charities asking you to donate your car, and there were a lot overinflated appraisals of the fair market value for these vehicles. But recently the IRS has gotten stricter on the way you determine the value of your car. Now you must claim the actual amount the charity received at an auction to sell the car, and the charity should give you timely acknowledgment to claim the deduction. If the vehicle is actually used by the charity instead of sold at auction, then you may claim the vehicle’s fair market value.

What do I do if I receive a notice from the IRS about my taxes?

Don’t panic! the first thing to do is carefully read the notice—to determine why it was sent, what the IRS is requesting, and what they want you to do. It may be nothing of importance; it may even be a notice in your favor. After reading it you should bring it to our attention. Always fax us a copy first so we can read it with you.