— Tax Preparation & Planning
Doing Your Taxes Doesn’t Need to Suck
Professional & reputable tax prep services that you kind of look forward to when tax time comes around.
Give Us a Call
We’ve mapped out the documents to collect, organizers to fill out, and worksheets to complete. All in a single place.
All Clients Checklist
1. Review the FAQ section of this page as it will answer many of the questions you have.
2. Utilize the Tax Appointment Checklist to help gather forms and reference your prior year’s tax return.
3. Decide whether or not you need/want a paper copy of your returns?
4. Create an IRS.gov account before you need it to prevent any delays if issues arise.
5. If you, your spouse, or any of your depedents have had to recently obtain an IP Pin (Identity Protection) from the IRS, I will need that as well.
New Clients Checklist
1. Fill out, sign and return the TCB Tax Organizer. (This can also be done through our online portal.)
2. Provide a copy of your prior year’s tax return
3. Provide a copy of all taxpayer’s photo ID
4. Collect ALL current year tax documents before requesting an appointment.
Returning Clients Checklist
1. Use the TCB Tax Organizer to provide any changes/updates to your information from last year (double check address and bank information)
2. Provide a copy of your current ID if you moved/renewed your license since you were last here
Things NOT to Do
1. Don’t staple stuff together, this can slow down our scanning & filing processes more than one would think. Suggestion: Use binder clips, paperclips, or simply fold the corners of similar documents together.
2. SCAN your documents, DON’T take photos. Images often lose quality remove the ability for us to ‘search’ through documents. Suggestion: Adobe has a FREE scanner app to download.
3. When filing married filing jointly, DO NOT separate your documents by person. Suggestion: Separate them by document type instead. Ex: All W-2s together, all 1099-Rs, all 1099-INTs, etc.
4. If you have dependents who work and earn wages, make sure that they are not claiming themselves if they qualify as your dependent. This will require work to fix down the road plus the risk of additional penalties. Suggestion: Find time that works for you and your dependent to schedule a Tax Prep appointment TOGETHER so all questions can be answered the first time around. (Most dependent return preparation is low to no cost.)
Business Owner Checklist
1. Please utilize the Business Organizer and other forms available in the Tax Library to gather/consolidate your income and expenses
Frequently Asked Tax Questions
We put together a list of almost everything you could potentially want to know when it comes to taxes. Now understanding it can be another story, but that’s what we’re here for.
When is the tax deadline?
The deadline is usually April 15, but it can change if it falls on a weekend or holiday. Extensions can be filed for more time to file.
How do I file my taxes?
If you understand the nuances of your local, state, and federal tax law, you can file electronically (e-file) using tax software. Otherwise it’s best to file taxes through a tax professional. Last resort would be by mailing a paper return to the IRS.
Do I need to file a tax return?
This depends on income level, filing status, and age. Even if you’re not required to file, you might want to if you qualify for a refund.
What documents are need to file taxes?
Common documents include: W-2 (for employees), 1099 forms (for contractors, freelancers, or investment income), Mortgage interest (1098), Receipts for deductions (charitable donations, medical expenses, etc.) For a full list of required documents, check out our Tax Library.
What tax deductions and credits can I claim?
Popular ones include: Standard deduction (or itemized deductions like mortgage interest, medical expenses), Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit, Education credits (American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning Credit).
Should I take the standard deduction or itemize?
The standard deduction is a set amount that lowers your taxable income. Itemizing makes sense if your deductible expenses (mortgage interest, medical costs, donations, etc.) exceed that amount.
How can I check my tax refund status?
Use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website or check through your tax software.
What happens if I can’t pay my taxes?
Options include: Payment plans with the IRS, Offer in Compromise (settling for less), Temporarily delaying collection if experiencing financial hardship
How long should I keep my tax records?
Generally, keep records for at least 3 years (but up to 7 years if claiming losses or in case of an audit).
What happens if I make a mistake on my tax return?
You can file an amended return (Form 1040-X) to correct errors. The IRS may also catch mistakes and notify you with adjustments.
Will The Casual Bookkeeper answer all of my questions about tax preparation?
Respectfully, no. We’ve already put together the previous information above that saves the time of having to do further research. By reaching out and scheduling a Tax Preparation appointment, it is assumed that you have already prepared the required documents needed to properly move forward with the assembly of your tax return and billed as such. ** We do not offer free “consultation” services. **
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Don’t let Tax Season be a burden. Our expert team is ready to help you stay organized & filed.