Tax Preparation Services

Tax preparers have an essential job that requires earning the client’s trust. It is the responsibility of a taxpayer to prepare and submit an accurate income tax return to the Internal Revenue Service. If the preparer makes a mistake, the taxpayer can incur late fees and penalties. Tax preparers must keep updated on the continually changing tax codes and know federal and state tax laws. It’s a lot to take in. We’re here to help.

Tax Preparation

Tax preparation is preparing tax returns, often income tax returns. The taxpayer may do tax preparation with or without the help of a tax preparation service, tax software, or online service. Tax preparation is often done by a licensed professional such as a certified public accountant (CPA, like Brian Moore), enrolled agent (EA like our tax associates), or an unlicensed tax preparation business or individual. Because the United States income tax laws are considered to be complicated, many taxpayers seek outside assistance with getting their taxes prepared. It’s estimated that 60% of taxpayers seek outside help to prepare their tax returns.

The Preparer

A tax preparer is a professional qualified to calculate, file, and sign income tax returns for individuals and businesses. They can also represent the taxpayer during IRS examinations of tax returns. These professionals have various job titles and multiple certifications and educational levels; individuals need to choose which kind of tax professional will best suit their situation.

Moore Accounting Services and the offices of Brian Moore, CPA, have 15 years of experience with every kind of business and personal tax preparation. We hold an active CPA license from both the Ohio State and South Carolina state board of accountancy. We specialize in tax debt resolution nationwide and have a broad knowledge of complex federal, state, and local tax situations and complex tax-related issues.

Filing Taxes

ConPeople and companies have to file tax returns every year. There are various tax preparation professionals and multiple levels of experience and appropriateness to an individual’s tax situation. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires registration for all paid tax preparers. Tax preparation professionals must obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) and include it on all sign returns. We sign our names to your tax return – therefore, we are always cautious about submitting an accurate and complete tax return for every taxpayer. In the pool of United States taxpayers, there is a yearly audit of 2% of the population’s tax returns. We feel our tax preparation services are like audit insurance because we are cautious not to use ‘red flag’ triggers when preparing a tax return, and in rare cases, your taxes do get audited. We have the expertise to prove correct numbers to satisfy the auditors. We make it as painless as possible for a fraction of the cost of a tax attorney.

Before the preparer can begin preparing a return, the preparer must ask the appropriate questions to determine which tax form is required to prepare the client’s return. The tax preparer must discover the client’s annual income, exemptions, deductions, and expenses. It is also essential that the preparer determine whether the client owns a business. If the client hired the tax preparer to prepare last year’s taxes, the preparer might also examine the prior year’s tax forms and question any changes.

To complete an income tax return, the tax preparer must collect and discuss the client’s current year’s financial information. This information will typically include income statements, such as Form W-2; expense documents, such as receipts; the names and Social Security numbers of all dependents; and any other forms that the client received. These forms will determine whether any supporting documents are required to complete the return.

Why Moore Accounting

Moore Accounting Services uses income tax software to prepare income tax returns. These computer programs present the preparer with a checklist, which helps determine which forms are required to complete the return. For those preparers who do not use tax software, the IRS offers fillable forms, which perform the calculations automatically. While preparing the forms, the tax preparer will search for tax-saving deductions or credits and reduce or eliminate the client’s tax. If the client has an unusual tax situation, the preparer will refer to the IRS website or Publication 17 for assistance. Once the forms are completed, we will advise the client of the tax due or the refund amount.

Most tax preparers will file a client’s income tax returns electronically. If the preparer does not use software to prepare the tax returns, the IRS offers a free service to file them. Filing electronically provides several benefits to clients, including eliminating inaccuracies on a return, faster processing times, and prompt refunds. Clients who file electronically must present the preparer with last year’s adjusted gross income and PIN number. If the client does not have this information, the preparer can contact the IRS to obtain this information. For clients who would instead file the return through the mail, the preparer must assemble the return, request the client to sign the return, and prepare the envelope.

We hope this answers any questions you have about tax preparation and your choices for the process. Don’t go it alone. Enjoy the peace of mind you get when you let a professional tax preparer do the work for you. Contact Us today.  Have a blessed day.