FAQ
Why would I need a tax preparer? I can just do it online...
The increasingly complex tax system makes preparing your own return a risk. Tax programs are not designed to work for you. They may not clearly provide guidance in applying for all credits that are available to save you money. Tax preparation is not just 'punching some numbers in a computer.' Tax preparation is a skill-set consisting of knowledge and experience that cannot yet be replicated with a tax program.
Don't I need a CPA to do my taxes?
No, you do not need a CPA to do your taxes. A CPA has skills in dealing with complex financial situations and estate planning, corporate and partnership taxation, including mergers, acquisitions, forensic accounting, and corporate finance. An IRS registered tax preparer focuses on preparing and filing tax returns for individuals and small businesses. Their knowledge base is income tax, tax laws and form preparation and they do so at a lower fee rate than their CPA counterparts. Your tax preparer will refer you to a CPA if your tax situation calls for that level of intervention.
What are dependents? Who can I claim on my tax return?
Claiming dependents on your tax return can become very complex and this is why the IRS requires the tax preparer to pose questions and verify dependent information on each individual the taxpayer would like to claim. Improper or incomplete information on dependents is responsible for many returns being rejected by the IRS. Often, the taxpayer will receive a Letter of Adjustment, reducing or eliminating their refund