Do not be fooled by the DIY tax ads

Tax professionals may make doing taxes look easy but it's only easy because of the education and experience we have. Don't let boxed software convince you that it doesn't take a genius.

It does take a genius.

INCOME TAX CHECKLIST TO STAY ON TRACK

 

Tax time is upon us and that means gathering all of your documents needed and getting them in one place to make filing your taxes as easy as possible. We thought it would be helpful to send along this handy checklist to help with that. You can download and print the Year-End Checklist if you’d like to have a hard copy. You can also find a list of things to bring to your tax appointment on our Tax Resources page of our website.

Let us know if there is anything we can help with along the way.

Make 2020 Tax Filing a Breeze: 4 Organizational Tips

Make 2020 Tax Filing a Breeze: 4 Organizational Tips: If you’re like most, you likely started last year with good intentions. But then life happened and all of your organization aspirations went out the w

Tax Day's Coming...

Tax day's coming.  Don't get stuck doing your taxes with that guy in a Statue of Liberty costume waving a TAXES sign.  Get a real tax professional today. 

Alliance Financial & Income Tax is a Proud Participant in the Dave Ramsey Endorsed Local Provider program for Income Tax Services. 

Tips on a Successful Tax Season and Fee Schedule Guide

Your income tax preparation needs are as individual as you are.  Alliance Financial & Income Tax takes an active approach to our tax planning and tax preparation services, giving you the personalized guidance you need.  Today's tax laws are so complicated that filing taxes, no matter how simple, can quickly become confusing.

10 million tax payers missed out on a chance to receive a bigger refund last year simply because they neglected to fill out one line on their tax return.  Will you miss a similar opportunity this year?

 

Today's tax laws are increasingly complicated and the rules for deductions and credits change year by year.  Are you aware of all the deductions and credits that might be available to you this year, even on the most basic of tax returns?  Perhaps you feel secure in your do-it-yourself tax preparation software, but lets face it...There is not substitute for an experienced Enrolled Agent who can answer your questions and ask you the questions that might be key to saving you hundreds or even thousands in tax dollars. 

We  can help you get your paperwork organized with our tax preparation checklist of materials needed for individual and small businesses.

If  you own a small business and haven't kept up your bookkeeping, don't worry; we can help.  We'll prepare your small business bookkeeping for the year, prepare your business tax return, as well as your personal income tax return.  Then we'll help you set up an easy system that allows you keep your books in great shape for next year.

If you'd like to receive more information about our Blue Springs Tax Preparation Services, please contact us today. If you are ready to schedule a time for us to visit you may schedule a time online that is convenient for you.  

In-person meetings are typically conducted during normal weekday business hours, with evenings and weekend availability on an as needed basis. 

Not able to meet in person? Having trouble finding time to schedule a tax appointment? No problem! Our easy and secure client portal is available to all our clients to upload their scanned information right from their smartphone or home/office scanner. We can also schedule a video conference from the comfort of your home or office. 

Related Links

 

Income Tax Organizer

Individual Tax Preparation Checklist

Business Tax Preparation Checklist

 

Make 2020 Tax Filing a Breeze: 4 Organizational Tips

Maybe you’ve been filing your tax information away neatly in color-coded file folders all year. Or maybe you scanned and saved your receipts and other documents on your computer where you can find them in a second.

If that’s you, all you need now is your Form W-2 and a few other forms that arrive in January to file your return.

Most of us, however, aren’t quite that organized.

If you’re like most, you likely started last year with good intentions. But then life happened and all of your organization aspirations went out the window. If you spend a little time organizing our tax information now, however, will help us in preparing your tax return go a lot smoother.

Use these tips to easily organize your tax information:

1. Designate an easy-to-access place for tax documents

If the place you want to keep documents isn’t easy to get to, it won’t get used consistently.

Even if you intend to scan documents and upload them to our secure portal you need a place to store them temporarily. 

Consider choosing something you can reach with one hand, like a shelf or folder, even while holding a stack of mail.

If you don’t let that Form W-2 or Form 1099 hit the kitchen counter, it won’t get lost.

2. Group tax documents by category

Depending on the complexity of your tax return, you may want to use file folders, paper clips, boxes, or other methods to categorize documents.

If you have one or more businesses, you’ll need to keep each business’ information separate as well.

3. Find last year’s return

Last year’s return is a great starting point for this year’s filing.

By looking at your return from last year, you can quickly see what information you probably need now.

In addition, you may need to use some information from last years, such as depreciation or inventory information, to complete your new return.

4. Start worksheets and lists for 2020

If you plan to itemize your tax deductions, a good rule of thumb is to start a checklist of questions to gather pertinent information.

For example, you may need to get tax information from your child care provider, or you may need to figure out the number of square feet in your home office.

You should also keep a record showing how you estimated amounts or allocated them between different categories.

Aside from being necessary if the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) ever questions your return, that information may be useful in future tax years.

Have questions? Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at info@afitonline.com or by calling us at 816-220-2001.

For more useful tax resources visit us online at https://www.afitonline.com/

You need a butt-kicking tax pro

 

Alliance Financial & Income Tax is a Proud Participant in the Dave Ramsey Endorsed Local Provider program for Income Tax Services. 

Learn more about our income tax preparation services by visiting is online at https://www.afitonline.com/p/income-tax-preparation

We are here to help, please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or if we may be of any assistance.  816-220-2001

 

Need someone to prepare your tax return?

There are various types of tax return preparers, including certified public accountants, enrolled agents, attorneys, and many others who don't have a professional credential. You expect your preparer to be skilled in tax preparation and to accurately file your income tax return. You trust him or her with your most personal information. They know about your marriage, your income, your children, and your social security numbers – the details of your financial life.

Most tax return preparers provide outstanding and professional tax service. However, each year, some taxpayers are hurt financially because they choose the wrong tax return preparer. Be sure to check our tips for choosing a tax preparer and how to avoid unethical "ghost" return preparers.

What kind of tax preparer do I need?

Anyone can be a paid tax return preparer as long as they have an IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). However, tax return preparers have differing levels of skills, education, and expertise.

Learn about tax preparer credentials and qualifications. Watch Choose a Tax Preparer Wisely. Get information on the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

How can I check a tax preparer's credentials?

Our Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications can help you find preparers in your area who currently hold professional credentials recognized by the IRS, or who hold an Annual Filing Season Program Record of Completion. You can also check the professional organization's many tax preparers belong to.

What if I have a complaint about a tax preparer?

Tax return preparer fraud is among the list of common tax scams.

The IRS provides tips on avoiding unscrupulous tax preparers and is committed to investigating paid tax return preparers who act improperly.

Make a complaint if you have been financially impacted by a tax return preparer's misconduct or improper tax preparation practices.

Contact Alliance Financial & Income Tax located in Blue Springs Missouri for assistance with all your income tax needs.  816-220-2001