Posts tagged ‘tax returns’

Preparation of tax returns should be done very cautiously, because the tax payer is responsible for each and every word written on the tax return even though it is prepared by a professional. The preparer should be able to provide you with practical and convenient tips for tax saving.

You can find an efficient tax preparer online only if you put genuine efforts in searching for one.

Check while hiring tax preparer online

There are certain things that one should follow when hiring an individual or a firm for online tax preparation:

* Legally speaking, the professional preparer should sign the returns form in the preparer areas. He/she should furnish the identification number on the return. He or she should give a copy of the return to the tax payer.
* The preparer should be very accurate with filling in your details. Your personal information along with your registration number should be mentioned accurately.
* The tax preparer should be efficient in online accounting.
* Do not sign on blank tax returns form ever and do not use a pencil for signing as the signature can be easily erased and your signature replaced.
* You should present any notices and refund checks that you might have got from your attorney to the tax preparer for preparing the returns.
* Online bookkeeping is something that your tax preparer should be efficient in.
* The tax preparer should be adequately qualified and experienced for his/her job, because each and every word he or she writes in the return from is evaluated by the tax collection authorities, and there is every opportunity of the tax payer being penalized for terms that are vague or seem to be unreliable. Continue reading ‘Online Tax Preparation – Preparing Tax Returns’ »

It is a glorious event that takes place every year without fail. The month of April rolls around and the drama builds. Then it happens. You file tax returns? No. You file an extension! The folklore surrounding the act of filing an extension is extensive, but does it really impact your risk of being audited by the IRS? Let’s take a look.

As an individual taxpayer, you have the option of filing for an extension to file your tax form each year so long as you do it on or before April 15th. The magic document is Form 4868. It is shocking short and simple to fill out. Even better, the application is granted automatically by the IRS. You get a six month extension to October 15th to get your act together. Most people remember this deadline right around October 14th in the middle of the night, but that is another matter.

The filing of an extension is seen by some as an act that causes a reaction by the IRS. Depending on who you are talking to, this reaction can be good or it can be bad. The “good reaction” crowd believes that filing an extension is a good move because it lowers your risk of an audit. The thinking is the IRS hires extra employees to help it during the tax season around April and then lets them go. With fewer employees around, there is less chance you’ll get audited because there simply isn’t the manpower to do it.

The “bad reaction” crowd looks at the extension differently. They believe the filing of extensions, particularly when done year after year is indicates to the IRS that you are up to something. This, in turn, puts you on either a watch list or sends you straight to an audit. Either result is, of course, bad. Continue reading ‘Does Filing an Extension Change Your Risk of Being Audited?’ »