How do I make the most of tax appointment?
- Plan for the new year: Tax planning for this tax year starts in the fall of the previous year. That is the best time to take advantage of making financial decisions that can have a possible positive impact (or at least avoiding a negative impact) on your tax return. Even though there are some deductions you can make after the first of the year, most tax years end on December 31st and so does your chance to make any change to your bottom line.
- Keep good records: Don't wait till the end of the year to compile your records. Keep up your record-keeping throughout the year and when it is time to review, it will be right at hand.
- Be prepared: Start a list of documents you expect to receive given your financial dealings last year. Check them off as they come and start a file to keep them all together. Use this document locator system to know where all your important papers are found.
- Gather what to bring: Whether you are an individual or a complex business, use this list to help you gather everything together. It will save time at your appointment and, chances are, you won't overlook any deductions.
- Review Questions: These questions may jog your memory about something that effects your tax return. It will also help you know what kinds of information we will need to collect from you.
- Use a Tax Organizer: A tax organizer puts the pieces of your tax puzzle all onto one form so that we can easily see if you are missing anything. If you use our online tax organizer, you can submit your information without a visit to our office. We will expedite your return and mail it out to you.
- Schedule Your Tax Appointment: For those wanting an in office visit, call our office or use this email form to schedule your appointment at a time that is convenient for you. The earlier in the season, the better. Please remember that any tax information received after March 30th for preparation by April 15th may be subject to an expedited return fee.
- Ask Questions: You don't need to wait till your appointment to ask any questions. While you are planning and waiting for your appointment, don't hesitate to just call (or email) and ask!
- Get directions: Find your way to our office by using our easy online driving directions.
- Bring original documents: For the most part, please bring your original documents to your appointment. If there are any discrepancies, they can be easily resolved at our visit without the need to return again. (Boxes of business or itemized receipts are not needed for our visit; please just summarize them by category and keep them for your records :)
- Children welcome at final appointments: Generally, your children are welcome to come with you. However for our initial appointment, it is suggested to leave small children at home. We usually have so much detail to go over and kids don't find our offices very fun. We do have some things to keep them busy, but usually not enough to hold their attention. This is purely just a suggestion and up for your discretion. (sidenote: Our own children have appealed, and occasionally won, on this request :)
- Plan for the new year: Yes, this is a duplicate, but it bears repeating. Schedule an appointment now for sometime later in the year to review what will then be your next year's tax information. This service may even be included in the cost of your tax preparation. As the old saying goes "Most people don't plan to fail, they just fail to plan."
