Getting a better grip on tax planning and preparation can be a complex task. However, it is really not that difficult once you understand the basic dos and don’ts. Once you have that sorted, you will know that both concepts and services are different, but they are equally important. Let’s begin!
Tax Preparation: A Basic Guide
Who is Who & What is What?
Tax preparation generally takes place once a year. It takes place right after the closure of the financial year – around tax season. You and your business are required to perform one or two exchanges. These exchanges are between you and your tax preparers.
The preparation usually takes the course of a few months. It will eventually lead up to the tax deadline. However, most taxpayers think that a tax preparer would minimize their annual tax bill. Other assumptions include that a taxpayer would save them a lot of money.
A good tax preparer can be efficient and may help you save, but that is not always the case. It is your responsibility to know if your tax preparer knows about tax credits and tax deductions. They should be applicable to your business or financial positioning.
Your tax preparer should be aware of state and federal laws – make sure that all the necessary forms are filled. These things are pivotal, especially during tax season. If you are a business owner or an individual, then this is the best way for you to stay out of trouble.
There are people who have found themselves tangled in legal affairs. Some have struggled for years, and some managed to escape. But if you don’t want to be one of them, then here are a few important things to remember:
- Tax laws and regulations can change on a yearly basis. Stay up to date.
- Organize your paperwork and ask your tax preparer to do the same.
- File your federal and state taxes.
- Seek help during tax season.
- Do not wait until the last minute.
- Be attentive at all times.
- You should know the filing requirements.
- If you are not working with a tax preparer, then visit the IRS website.
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Tax Planning: A Tax Perspective
What to Expect
Tax planning is quite different from tax preparation. It is a year-round process that requires scrutiny. The process considers past tax filings, existing financial situations, and regulations. The future of your financial stability is also considered. It can be a demanding process, but it is not that difficult.
Employing the right strategy can make the process swift and smooth. The strategy requires constant and ongoing communication. It is important for you and the tax planner to stay in touch at all times. You will be expected to host multiple onboard meetings.
Communication is key when it comes to tax planning. Through communication, all applicable tax laws will remain in place. And any situation will remain under control. Not only that, but the situations will evolve with time. They will prove to be beneficial for the individual and the business.
Here are a few things to remember for tax planning:
- Make sure that your documents are in order.
- Learn about the new and old taxation policies before you start filing.
- Ensure that you and your planner are using the right forms.
- Do not hide anything. Reveal all sources of income.
- Avoid giving false information. Disclose everything from bank records to postal addresses.
- Do not procrastinate. Just get to it and get started.
Tax Preparation: Credentials of Tax Preparers
Always Know What You Are Signing Up For
You must know that a tax preparer and a bookkeeper are two different occupations. Yes, they do deal in finances, but the types are different. So, if you think that a bookkeeper is the same as a tax preparer, then you are wrong. And here’s why:
Hiring a tax preparer is important. However, hiring the right one is even more important. The job requires someone who knows everything there is to know about tax preparation. As an individual or business owner, you should never settle for anything less.
Always make sure that the tax preparer has a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). It allows professional tax preparers to prepare for federal tax returns. The federal tax returns ensure compensation and settlement of your tax filings. Without such, tax preparation would be difficult.
If you are living in the United States of America, then there are states that require separate credentials. Those states include California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New York, and Oregon. However, most of the procedures are generally similar to the PTIN.
Anyone with a PTIN and state-level credentials can file annual tax returns. But the preparer must be an enrolled agent – a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). The preparer should be an attorney to represent his/her clients before the IRS. The tax preparer must be familiar with the laws and regulations.
Here’s why a tax preparer would be more than happy to help:
- You can save on your own taxes.
- There will be high-income potential.
- A fast-track professional career.
- There will be career stability.
- There will be personal satisfaction.
- A high demand for tax professionals.
- There will be a professional status.
- Work for flexible hours.
- There will be portability.
- A high chance of being recession resistant.
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Tax Planning: Credentials for Tax Planners
Mapping Out A Proper Plan
A tax planner is different from a tax preparer. If you think that hiring a tax preparer would be enough, then you are wrong. Not hiring a tax planner will lead to financial and legal problems. It is important to note that tax planning requires more than tax preparation.
Tax planning requires a planner who has a greater set of expertise and precise knowledge. But there are no federal or state-mandated requirements. For a tax planner to be effective, he/she must be equipped with industry-based knowledge that their client is associated with.
If a tax planner is not aware of the dos and don’ts, it can get difficult for you and your business. He/she should be aware of applicable tax laws. You should always hire a tax planner who is an accredited tax advisor and has experience in all fields.
As an individual who owns a business, you can hire a credible tax planner. The one who can discuss matters with investors, shareholders, and decision-makers. Multiple suggestions and inputs can be advantageous for you and your business.
Here’s why you should hire a tax planner and preparer:
- It will save you money.
- It will save you time.
- Your issues will be resolved.
- The tax code will be dealt with.
- You will have peace of mind.
- There will be no room for mistakes.
- You will save money with tax planning.
- Your previous returns will be reviewed.
- Reduce the risk of an audit.
- You will save yourself the hassle.
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Conclusion
Tax planning and tax preparation are essential for you and for your business. It will allow you to keep track of your tax returns. You will also keep track of what you owe to the state and other government bodies. There are multiple advantages involved when it comes to tax planning and preparation.
Through tax preparation and planning, you will have the aid to minimize liabilities. You can dodge them during the next tax return year by planning ahead. It is like preparing for a really long road trip with all the essentials.
There are certain objectives that are necessary. Other procedures that you may find difficult. But through the right steps and measures, tax planning and preparation can be accessible and easy for starters. Spending more time with an accountant is quite beneficial. Even if you do it on a quarterly or monthly basis, you will still reap the benefits.
The aid of an accountant will make sure that all the past returns are reviewed. Not only that, but an accountant will tell you how you can save money in the near future. A prosperous tax return year will be guaranteed by having an accountant around.
However, if you are going to neglect the necessary steps, then it will get difficult for you. You will have to face legal consequences and other issues. Other matters may lead to jurisdiction-based accountability enforced by the state(s). You must avoid all such at all times.
If your tax preparer or planner fails to qualify under the set credentials, things might get problematic. It is recommended that you know what you are signing up for. Remember, your taxes are more important to you than anyone else.
You can also keep yourself updated on compliance, financial consultation, registration, CFO services, and merchant acquisition. All such are important for maximizing returns and minimizing liabilities. They are the essentials that will lead you to a successful and steady financial future.
