Going the Extra Mile. In most cases your tax preparer will do your taxes based on the information you provide them, from your documents, and questions relating to the prior year. If you have a pretty constant lifestyle, that may be fine. Part of the solution to tax savings is making sure I have all the pieces & putting those pieces together in the most beneficial way (make sure you have everything you did the prior year). However, lives change and something you thought was an unimportant detail can make a significant change on your taxes.
What I do differently: A full interview the first time I meet with you. A series of questions designed to trigger your memory regarding changes during the year.
For example, a person I did taxes for assumed she could not use health insurance for medical because she never did in the past & the CPA also assumed such was the case. I decided to ask and her medical was high enough to not only get her several thousand dollars refunded but questioning also found out she had qualified for years and those returns were amended. We can always use a few thousand dollars, can't we? Particularly when we were entitled to it in the first place?
What I do differently: FREE review of prior year income tax returns and other business returns because I know there is a very high liklihood prior returns have either missed something or have been done in error. It is my job to advise you if you could do something differently
The little things matter. For example, I even put postage on the forms to mail in so you don't have to wait in line at the post office.
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Convenience and affordability.
Convenience: I offer some weekend and evening hours. You can pay with credit card if you like. If you are a business, coming to your office is always an option. And I am conveniently located in Covington. I do all returns electronically unless you prefer otherwise. That includes all quarterly employment and business taxes.
Affordability: Because I believe so strongly that one person should do your bookkeeping and income tax, my rates are at rates charged typically by bookkeepers and tax franchises, or below. Not only are my rates low, but I save my clients so much money by correcting errors on previous returns that the savings pay not only for the fee involved but covers accounting fees for an entire year! See FAQ page.
Bookkeeping: For 2010 I charge $65 per hour (discounted to $55 for the first 3 months) I charge less for payroll and payroll taxes. Bookkeeping needed with tax return will be at $85/hour instead of $120/hour (call to see if you qualify for a further reduced rate)
Income Tax and Consulting: Personal returns start at $95 for W2s only (after $25 coupon has been applied). Returns without itemized deductions, rentals, schedule C, or other time consuming schedules can be prepared for $200 per return (after $25 coupon has been applied). Itemized deductions and w2 only will be prepared for $250 (after $25 coupon as been applied). Slightly more complex items will be an additional $40 such as children with earned income credit, tuition, dependent care, rental, schedule c with everything calculated ahead of time, office in home, other. Partnership, corporation, and S corporation tax returns will be prepared for $360 (additional if it is very complex or bookkeeping is needed). All returns include free Efile.
Review prior year returns and other prior business taxes for purposes
of amending: FREE. to review to give advice regarding how
well something was done and what changes would need to be
done $120/hour.
One time items such as setting up chart of accounts, designing internal use reports, setting up payroll for you to enter will be $65-$85 per hour depending on the type of work.
Why is Efile so great? You will get your refund in one week - no need to pay a tax franchise for an advance loan on your refund. If you owe money, you can epay. All you have to do it set up payment for April 17th & you don't have to worry about it. If you change your mind later, you can cancel the transaction.
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