Do it yourself? Sure! But consider the benefits of letting a professional do it.

There is an undeniable urge to do things yourself.  Weekend warriors remodel kitchens, and small business owners build their own websites (guilty).  We also clean our own houses and do our own landscaping.  With all the knowledge available to us at our finger tips, we feel that we can do these things ourselves.

When we have a project, we start learning about it, buy the tools, and get started.  I’ve done this countless times and I’m proud of the many remodeling projects I’ve completed…even when there are tell-tale signs that an amateur had been at work.

When we have projects that must be done regularly, the warm glow of doing it yourself can fade.  The joy of learning all the steps to completing a project fade a bit the second and third time around.  This is especially true when we know that the project could be done by a professional that does the work regularly and has the proper tools for the job.

Taxes are a good example of this.  Smart people may feel pride in doing their own taxes.  But they will often need to buy an updated version of tax software, and they will fret over the process for months before finally doing it.  Can you do your own taxes?  Yes, of course you can.  But how many times will the stress of doing it cross your mind before you get it done?

Who do you call when you find a problem?  I have done many remodeling projects, and when my wife or I see a little imperfection, even if it is small, I get to blame myself.  When we have contractors do work for us, we can give them a call.  Or if it is a small problem that we are willing to live with, we can blame the contractor instead of ourselves.

I’d like to invite you to consider me as your “contractor” for your taxes.  I’ve purchased the “tools” and I’ve studied the plans.  I also have a fair bit of practice and training to get the job done right.  Plus, if there is a problem, I’ll gladly fix it.  If the IRS calls, I can represent you.  If there are serious issues, I will call the Enrolled Agents and CPAs at Protection Plus to help resolve the problem.

I would think that the peace of mind might be worth it to you.  Call today and we can set up a time frame for getting your taxes done without the worry.

Simplified Tax Code?

While the Tax Cuts and Jobs Acts declares was touted to simplify the tax code, this is not the case for all tax payers.

One of the interesting goals is to allow tax payers to submit their tax return on a post card. Imagine mailing your tax return like that, all personal information exposed for the world to see on a post card! Well, they did it! You might have noticed there is no 1040EZ form….everyone uses the 1040 which was made into a two page form that is a half page on the front and a half page on the back….so technically it is the size of a post card! However, there were six numbered (1-6) schedules created to summarize information that would have normally been included on the 1040. So that made everything a bit simpler….

What you need to bring or send to process your return:

  • Proof of identification (photo ID)
  • Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents 
  • An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter may be substituted for you, your spouse and your dependents if you do not have a Social Security number
  • Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN
  • Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
  • Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R,1099-Misc) from all employers
  • Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
  • Health Insurance Exemption Certificate, if received
  • A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available
  • Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit such as a blank check
  • To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms
  • Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider’s tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number
  • Forms 1095-A, B and C, Health Coverage Statements
  • Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable

derived from: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/checklist-for-free-tax-return-preparation