In line at a post office at almost midnight, dropping off your taxes? Dreading going on an extension again – knowing if you owe and don't pay it on time, there will be penalties, but having no idea how much you need to send now?
April the 15th comes around every year. We all know it. We all hate it. We all know what we can do to not hate it so much – but do we do it? Let's take a look at some practical things you can do to make tax day a day of relaxation – since your taxes were sent in already.
Plan Ahead – Information Gathering
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When things come to you in the mail that are pertinent to your taxes, do you file them away carefully in one place so that you can find them when it is time? For example, your W2's, investment or banking information, tax forms and booklets – these are all important to be able to take with you to the CPA, or to the tax preparer, or to the kitchen table if you do your taxes yourself. Plan ahead – keep these mailed items in one place.
A Year Ahead? You've Got To Be Kidding!
Now that you've got a file folder for the stuff that arrived in January, be a little more ambitious for next year. Tax day will be smoother if you've been keeping all tax pertinent stuff in one spot all year long.
For example, your charitable contribution slips should be kept together. If you are filing a regular 1040, you will be able to itemize deductions – and for many people, charitable contributions is a major deduction. Whether those contributions came in the form of money into the collection plate at church or clothing and shoes donated to the local thrift shop, there are established ways to document your donation. Be sure you are keeping whatever records are needed to substantiate your donations.
You also need to keep track of your medical expenses. Doctor co-pays, prescription medicine, light treatments for your psoriasis – all count toward your medical deduction. Keep track of them.
Many of your business expenses will also be needed. Keep that information divided into the categories for tax purposes. And your childcare expense receipts – and education expenses. There are many things that need to have documentation if you don't want to be audited after tax day. Audits are best avoided at all costs – so no making up numbers for your taxes!
Call Your Tax Preparer Early
If you have someone help with your taxes, call them well before tax day. They will have more time to complete your taxes accurately, and you won't be nearly as stressed.
Enjoy Tax Day!
What Other Authors say about Taxes
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Who are the CPA Moms? Your Tax Professional Forever!!!!
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“CPA Moms - Tax Moms - EA Moms" are trade names given to Accounting and Tax Professionals who chose to work in an “relaxed” environment. Some "Moms" work from home, other work from personal offices. Not all are Moms, there are some Dads. We call them Mr. Tax Moms. CPA Dads or Enrolled Agents Dads.
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Each Mom is independent. Once a client starts working with a Mom, the client will keep the same “Mom” year after year regardless of where the client moves or relocates. Being in a “relaxed” environment has many advantages. Lower overhead, faster response time, more availability, etc.
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To be a member a CPA Mom, Tax Moms, or an Erolled Moms the Tax Professional must ALWAYS be in good standing with their state licensing agency, experienced, and must demonstrate a high level of ethics, professionalism and proficiency.
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Tax Net Inc, the parent company for all CPA Moms, Tax Moms and Enrolled Moms, developed the marketing and on-line systems to help qualified Tax Professionals who "choose" work from their “relaxed” environment and offer better service at a lower price to the consumer.
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Since the “Moms” do taxes and accounting of all complexities, there is always a Mom available for every level of work. Since each Mom has a private 800 number, you are just a phone call away, regardless of where you live.
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For reliability and dependability of Tax Net, Inc, the parent company of the “Moms” organization click on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) icon. To Join CPA Moms
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