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Choosing the Right Tax Professional - Part 2

In previous posts we have discussed steps to take when making a wise decision when it comes to choosing a tax professional. Our last post discussed why it’s important to look now and a couple of things to consider if that is what you need to do. We will now consider two major red flags that might come up in that search. Look out for “ghost” preparers. A ghost preparer is a paid tax preparer who will not sign the tax return after it is completed. They will insist that the taxpayer sign it and file it themselves. This is against the law. While the taxpayer is responsible for everything in the tax return, if someone is paid to prepare it, they must sign their name. When a person hides their actions in this way it is often a sign that fraud is being committed. If they based their fees on a percentage of the refund or promised to get a bigger refund than anyone else, this is another sign of potential fraud. A valid ID for tax preparers. Every paid preparer needs to have a valid Prepar...
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Choosing the Right Tax Professional

             Now is the time to make an appointment with your tax professional. It’s early in the tax season, so filing will usually be less stressful. That is especially true if you are returning to your regular tax professional. What if you are looking for someone new? Then starting early is absolutely essential. There should be a bond of trust between a taxpayer and their tax professional. This is needed because that person is entrusted with sensitive and personal information of their clients. In reality trust and respect are earned over time. How can someone choose the right tax professional for themselves right now?           There are many tips that can help in the search for a new tax professional. Making price the most important factor is not always best. If you pick a tax professional because they are the least expensive, remember that you often get what you pay for. Make sure to pick a preparer who is available th...
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Access to Funds During a Disaster

             There are many things that go through the minds of individuals and families during a disaster. One of the greatest concerns is how they can provide for their needs. This is especially true if they have been displaced or have lost a source of income. That is the situation of many in LA County right now. One source of relief that some may not think of is an Individual Retirement Account ( IRA ). Usually when taking an early distribution or withdrawal it would be limited and taxed. When it comes to a disaster situation, some of these things can be waived. This would only apply to those taxpayers who qualify. A person could qualify if they are displaced from their home, if their home is significantly damaged, or if they have temporary or permanent income loss. This could allow them to avoid the tax now and give them three years to pay back what is withdrawn. Check with your qualified tax professional to see if this is an option for you....
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The Start of Tax Season

        The Internal Revenue Service ( IRS ) has announced that the beginning of tax season will be January 27, 2025. It would be best to organize financial and tax related documents now. It will simplify the filing process and reduce overall stress. However, it must be stated that for many of us, these times are anything but simple.         The fires across the Los Angeles area have forever changed so many lives. For this reason, LA County has been declared a federal disaster area. That has allowed the IRS to postpone the filing deadline to October 15 . This allows for those impacted directly by the fires to focus on what is most important right now and work on rebuilding their lives one step at a time.
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Protect Yourself from Threats

            When it comes to data security threats, the challenges never end. The tactics that criminals use continue to change, but there are some basic things to keep in mind. When it comes to mass email messages or texts, the goal is to get someone to click on a link to steal information or download malware. This is phishing or smishing. An update to this scam is called clone phishing. In this variation, a real email is copied and sent to the recipient again. This time it has an attachment with malicious software or a link to a website designed to steal your personal information.           We can never be too sure how the attack will present itself, but we can be prepared with security measures to protect ourselves. Stop and be aware of warning signs. Unexpected messages with urgent tones telling you to click or download something should be examined closely. Getting a repeated message from a trusted source w...
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Early Results from Focused Efforts on High Income Tax Cheats

            Over the past year, the Internal Revenue Service ( IRS ) has used funding from the Inflation Reduction Act on audit activities for those who earn more than $1 million and have more than $250,000 in tax debt. In that time, the IRS collected $1 billion from the group that met these criteria. The increase in funding will allow for other goals to be reached as well.           More staff has been added and technology is being updated to provide better service to all taxpayers in the coming years. The IRS will now expand its enforcement activity to include complex partnerships, large corporations, and high-income high wealth individuals who do not file tax returns. In recent years the IRS was not consistent with enforcing tax rules in this area and had fallen behind in the ways some had gotten around their tax responsibilities. These new initiatives look to bridge that gap. If you are in need of t...
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Appealing an IRS Rejection: Offer in Compromise

            When it comes to paying a tax debt, dealing with the Internal Revenue Service ( IRS ) can be challenging. There are programs that are available to help in these situations. One of them is called Offer in Compromise. It allows a taxpayer to pay less than the full amount they owe when considering factors like ability to pay and income. However, an application to this program is not a guarantee of acceptance.           If the Offer in Compromise is rejected, it can be appealed. For that to be successful it must take place within 30 days of the rejection. The appeal must also be specific. There must be documentation to support each area of disagreement with the IRS . In a situation like this, it may be wise to consult a qualified tax professional .
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