Services Offered by Accounting Firms

An accounting firm offers an extensive array of services to meet a multitude of needs. They have highly trained CPAs that provide personalized guidance in financial matters of all types to maximize client profitability. They assist clients in creating strategies for the future, meeting financial goals, and minimizing tax liability.

Tax Services

Tax services encompass far more than simply filing taxes with the IRS at the appropriate time. Accounting firms help clients develop strategies and plans to reduce taxes on income, investments, and retirement distributions. An accounting firm will also assist clients in reducing taxes on gifts and their estate, along with optimizing available financial opportunities.

Accounting

Startups, established enterprises and sole proprietorships can all benefit from the services of an accounting firm for budgeting, corporate tax planning, and accounting systems. Many businesses provide profit sharing plans and employee benefits to attract and retain the best workers. An accounting firm will help clients establish those benefits in a cost-effective way.

Payroll

One of the biggest expenses for any company is its payroll and records must be kept meticulously. Accounting firms prepare payrolls, handle direct deposits and ACH payments, and take care of federal and state tax payments. An accounting firm will also prepare W-2s, 1099 statements, and provide clients with monthly and quarterly payroll reports.

Consulting

One of the many services provided by an accounting firm, and one of the most valuable, is consulting. Accounting firms help clients focus on what’s most important to them to achieve their financial goals through forecasting and cash flow budgeting. They create personal financial statements, provide ledger services, and clients receive litigation support.

Attestation

Individuals should choose an accounting firm that offers all three levels of attestation – audits, reviews and compilations. The firms conduct in-depth audits to confirm inventories, transactions, and account balances. Reviews are provided to ensure the integrity of information and compilations prepared for internal management.

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Accounting Firms
posted by Mark Battalini
March 20, 2022

The Difference Between CPAs and Accounting Firms

One of the most pressing questions for individuals and businesses is whether to hire a certified public accountant (CPA) or an accounting firm. The most important difference is that CPAs are allowed to sign tax returns for clients and represent them during a tax audit. Accountants don’t have the same standing with the IRS. All CPAs are accountants, but not all accountants are CPAs. A CPA has an advanced level of rigorous training, expertise and certification.

The success of any business relies on its financial health and individuals need to choose the right professional for their needs. The terms CPA and accountant are often used interchangeably, but there are distinct differences.

Accountant

An accountant provides basic bookkeeping tasks and can verify the work of an in-house bookkeeper. They create reports and analyze those documents to generate long-term business plans. The professionals file tax returns and provide tax planning advice. An accountant can perform cash flow management and provide projections, along with bookkeeping services.

Accountants record, maintain and interpret financial records. They ensure the accuracy of financial documents, evaluate operations and can recommend best practices for clients. Accountants can create forecasts, perform risk analysis, and provide guidance on reducing costs and enhancing revenues.

CPA

A CPA provides all the services of an accountant and more, especially forensic accounting. They’re able to detect irregularities ranging from embezzlement to tax evasion. In addition to passing the stringent CPA certification exam, to keep their license, CPAs must also complete yearly educational requirements.

CPAs can legally represent clients before the IRS in the event of an audit. A CPA can file taxes and they utilize the most advanced financial software on the market that’s not available to the average individual. They’re experts in financial planning, provide clients with profit and loss statements, and can assist with profit-sharing and employee benefit packages. CPAs provide the data that business owners need to make sound decisions for the future of their company.

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Accounting Firms
posted by Mark Battalini
March 20, 2022

How to Choose an Accounting Firm

Choosing an accounting firm to handle business interests, personal finances and/or taxes can be confusing. Compounding the problem is the inability to discern which financial services are actually needed or an insufficient budget to hire an accountant. Instead, people often try to navigate their financials on their own and leave money on the table.

Identify Needs

Private individuals and businesses will typically have vastly different needs, though they can intersect. The same is true for startups, established businesses and sole proprietors. Cryptocurrency investors, those with lottery winnings, stocks, and rental properties will need an accountant with experience in those areas.

Qualifications

An accounting firm should be willing to provide their qualifications and areas of specialization in the services for which they’re being hired. Don’t be hesitant about asking questions to discover if they’ve been involved in audits and the outcomes. Seeking referrals from family, friends and/or other business owners is a good way to learn about accounting firms that may be right for an individual’s needs. Don’t forget to contact the Better Business Bureau to determine if there have been any complaints about the firm.

Experience and Support

Having experience in the specific areas for which an accountant is hired can’t be overstated. They’ll know about tax laws, deductions and credits available within specific industries. They’ll also have the expertise to assist with future planning and goal setting. Audits are always a potential event and the accountant should provide support and services that represent the client’s interests in that eventuality.

Near or Far

The location of the accountant relative to the client is important. Individuals may not have the time to drop everything to meet with their accountant. That’s especially true for people that frequently travel or have overseas holdings.

Making Connections

Clients should feel comfortable discussing any facet of their financial or business interests with their accountant. If they don’t, it’s time to find a new accountant. The chosen accountant should be able to explain things in clear and understandable language without jargon specific to the accounting industry.

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Tax Deductions
posted by Mark Battalini
March 20, 2022

What Charities are Tax Deductible

Charitable organizations rely on the generosity of sources ranging from grants and bequests to personal donations. However, when it comes to tax time, individuals and businesses will want to be able to deduct those contributions. Child, animal and veteran’s organizations are three of the most popular choices for charitable donations. They range from small, local organizations to those based in the U.S. with global reach.

There are thousands of deserving and qualified organizations to which donations can be made, provided it qualifies under IRS rules as a tax-exempt organization as defined by section 501(c)(3). However, it’s important to know that an organization can have non-profit status, without meeting the 501(c)(3) specifications. That distinction is the difference in whether a contribution can be claimed on income taxes.

A major consideration is if the funds will be used generally or specifically. For instance, people can make a donation to a cemetery and it will be tax deductible if the money will be used for general upkeep and maintenance for the entire cemetery rather than a specific gravesite or mausoleum. If the individual received something in return for their donation, such as tickets, merchandise, or a dinner, it won’t be fully deductible.

Contributions to organizations such as the Red Cross and Salvation Army are tax deductible, but not when designated for a specific individual or family. Donations are tax deductible for museums, non-profit educational agencies, and for some religious organizations. Donations to volunteer fire departments and organizations that maintain public parks are also tax deductible, as are private foundations. Many animal shelters and organizations hold 501(c)(3) status.

Use Caution

Holidays and natural disasters are always prime opportunities for scammers to seek donations. There are numerous legitimate organizations that accept monetary contributions. It’s up to each individual or business to ascertain if the organization meets 501(c)(3) qualifications if they want to claim their contribution on their taxes.

It’s also a good idea to ask how much of the contribution will actually go toward the organization for the maximum good. Many people are surprised to learn that a scant 10 percent actually goes toward the organization. The IRS has an exempt organizations tool to help individuals and businesses identify qualifying organizations.

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Tax Preparation
posted by Mark Battalini
February 13, 2022

Rules for Amending Tax Returns

Nobody is perfect and mistakes happen, even on tax returns. Individuals may discover they didn’t claim all the credits or deductions for which they were eligible, forgot to claim income, or just made an error in addition or subtraction. Sometimes employers issue a corrected W2, which means the amounts used to file taxes are incorrect. All of those situations are good reasons to file an amended tax return.

Paper Copies

Don’t start over and try filing an entirely new tax return. The bad news is that individuals can’t e-file an amended return – it has to be a paper copy that’s mailed to the IRS. Individuals will also need to amend their state return. It’s best to seek the assistance of a tax professional for an amended tax return or if a superseding return is an option.

Time Limit

People that file an amended tax form must do so within 3 years from the date they filed the original return, or within 2 years from the date any tax was due – whichever is later. It can take up to 16 weeks for the IRS to process an amended return.

Additional Forms

It will also require filing additional IRS forms. A tax professional will know which IRS forms are applicable, based on the client’s particular situation. There are some special due dates that apply in the event of a natural disaster, service or injury in a combat one foreign tax credits, bad debts, and net operating losses.

The IRS will often catch simple errors and correct them. If a balance is owed due to the error or mistake, the IRS will send the taxpayer a letter indicating the nature of the problem and how much is owed.

Amended Returns & Audits

When filing an amended tax return, individuals can’t pick and choose the items to change or those that will obtain a bigger refund. Changes affect the entire return. Taxpayers should be aware that there’s a greater chance of being audited if they file an amended return.

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Tax Preparation
posted by Mark Battalini
February 13, 2022

E-File for a Quicker Tax Refund

E-filing a tax return is the quickest and easiest way to get a refund if one is due, prevent identity theft, and arrange for the financial resources required if a balance is owed. Despite the convenience and ease of filing digitally, many still don’t take advantage of the technology even though it has distinct advantages.

E-filing is offered by tax preparers, online tax services, and tax software programs. Filing digitally is an easy way to know if the return has been accepted by federal and state governments and track its progress.

Faster Refund

The biggest motivator for e-filing a tax return is a quicker refund for those that have money coming back. By choosing to file electronically, tax returns arrive quickly and individuals can have the funds deposited directly to their bank, a pre-paid card, or a cash app card. Paper tax returns take longer to arrive at the IRS and requires extra effort on the part of IRS workers to process. A return can take weeks to be processed.

Balance Due

For individuals that owe the IRS, filing early lets them know how much they owe and buys them extra time to come up with the money owed. The amount is due on the filing deadline. If the money owed is readily available, people can opt to have the money automatically withdrawn from their account.

Late Filers

There are those that always procrastinate and wait until the last minute to file their taxes. E-filing ensures that tax returns arrive at the IRS in a timely manner and prevents them from being late.

Avoid Extensions

Filing early can prevent tax payers from the need to apply for an extension. The IRS will charge interest and penalties on any outstanding tax debt until the balance is paid in full.

Identity Theft

The risk of identity theft and having a refund stolen increases the longer tax payers wait to file their return. The instances of fraudulent tax returns continue to increase and all the unscrupulous need to file a return and steal a tax return is an individual’s Social Security number. Tax payers at the highest risk are those that wait until the last minute to file.

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Tax Preparation
posted by Mark Battalini
February 13, 2022

Do you Have to Pay Taxes on Cryptocurrency?

Whether or not you pay taxes on your cryptocurrency holdings will rely on a variety of factors. Cryptocurrency is considered property by the IRS and is currently taxed in a similar way to stocks. However, if all you did was purchase digital currency with U.S. currency and it’s been sitting untouched in your wallet or an exchange, you may not need to report it.

Taxable Situations

You will need to report your cryptocurrency if you’ve traded one type of the digital currency for another or if you’ve sold cryptocurrency for government-issued currency known as fiat dollars. Similarly, the currency may be taxable if you’ve used it to purchase services or goods ranging from a cup of coffee to a new car.

Capital Gains

Using cryptocurrency doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll owe taxes on it, though you’ll need to report the transaction. Selling an asset such as cryptocurrency can be subject to a capital gains tax. Gains are taxed at either short or long-term rates. It will depend on when the digital currency was acquired and the date it was sold or disposed of, along with the amount you paid combined with any transaction fees.

Defer or Eliminate Taxes

You may be able to defer or completely eliminate, taxes on cryptocurrency holdings if you purchase inside an IRA, 401K or other retirement plan. Buying within a traditional IRA will defer taxes on the gains until you begin making distributions.

Hire a Professional

Cryptocurrency is still a gray area in the U.S. in many ways. It can be difficult and confusing to navigate the laws surrounding the digital currency. If your cryptocurrency history is complex, the expertise of a tax attorney can be invaluable when filing your yearly taxes. They can present you with strategies that are acceptable to the IRS for accounting for gains and losses.

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Tax
posted by Mark Battalini
February 13, 2022

Necessary Tax Forms for Independent Contractors

There’s a lot of confusion about the definition of independent contractor when filing tax returns. According to the IRS, “An individual is an independent contractor if the payer has the right to direct the result of work, but not how it’s done or how it will be done.” The definition by the IRS doesn’t necessarily provide clarity for tax filers and serves to create more confusion.

Self-Employed

Independent contractors are considered to be self-employed. That means their earnings are subject to taxes, and they’ll pay Social Security and Medicare related taxes. Individuals that operate a part-time business are also considered to be self-employed, along with those that receive money in connection with hobbies and similar activities.

Net earnings of $400 or more from self-employment activity must be reported or if they meet other filing requirements as determined by the IRS. The IRS tax form 1040 or 1040-SR will be needed, along with Schedule C for losses. A 1099-NEC should be obtained for non-employee compensation.

Gig Workers

An independent contractor, as defined by the IRS, is especially important for the increasing number of gig workers. Income taxes aren’t withheld from their earnings and the full tax burden falls on them at tax time since they’re considered self-employed. The same rules and forms apply to gig workers as those that are self-employed.

Consider a Professional

The tax laws governing the self-employed can be extremely difficult to navigate. While most online tax services may be adequate for completing filing requirements and providing the needed forms, individuals that are considered self-employed can benefit from a professional tax preparer or a tax attorney.

The professionals will know exactly what forms are needed for each individual situation, along with any related deductions. Whether an individual is operating a full-time or part-time business in which they’re paid for their services, they’re considered self-employed for the purposes of the IRS.

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Tax Deductions
posted by Mark Battalini
January 8, 2022

Can You Use Tax Credits and Tax Deductions?

You can definitely use tax credits and tax deductions to lower the amount of federal income tax you pay. Tax credits directly reduce your tax. Deductions reduce the amount of your taxable income, the taxes you pay and may increase the amount of your refund if you have one coming. However, taking some deductions and credits will depend on which tax bracket you fall within and your personal situation.

Tax Credits and Tax Deductions

Federal income taxes can be complex, even for low-income filers. The Advance Child Tax Credit payments that began in the summer of 2021 is an example. You may have been receiving them, but the amount is half of what the total would be. You can claim the other half when you file your federal income tax return. Corona Virus Impact payments and stimulus payments will also have to be considered.

Tax Credits

There are credits for Earned Income, dependent care, adoption, and the elderly or disabled. There’s a foreign tax credit, those for undistributed capital gains, excess Social Security and RRTA withholdings and retirement savings contributions. You may have a credit if you’re a homeowner or have costs from healthcare and education. Some have limits on the amount that can be claimed.

Deductions

Work deductions are one of the most common types of deductions, enabling you to deduct expenses such as union dues and uniforms, or the use of your car and a portion of your home space if you’re working from home. If you’re part of the gig economy or use an employment app for per-day jobs, you can still take those deductions.

If you use those apps or are part of the gig economy, you should be aware that you’ll be classified as self-employed by the federal government and that means you’ll be paying higher taxes. You’ll be liable for self-employment taxes, Social Security and Medicare taxes. The good news is that you can typically claim your earnings on your regular income tax form under “Other Income.”

Tax Preparation

There are a number of good online tax preparation software programs for those that have fairly straightforward tax forms. If your taxes are more complicated, you should definitely seek the services of a professional tax preparer or CPA.

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Tax
posted by Mark Battalini
January 8, 2022

Understanding Tax Brackets

The U.S. utilizes a progressive system of income tax in which individuals are taxed different amounts on each portion of their yearly income. It’s a confusing system that leaves taxpayers reeling. There are multiple tax brackets and each one is assigned a tax rate percentage. A person’s yearly income determines their tax rate.

Tax Brackets

When individuals file their annual taxes at the end of 2021, they’ll find 7 different tax brackets.

10 percent for $0 to $9,950
12 percent for $9,951 to $40,525
22 percent for $40, 526 to $86,375
24 percent for $88,376 to $164,925
32 percent for $164,926 to $209,425
35 percent for $209,426 to $523,600
37 percent for $523,601 ad over

The number of deductions claimed on federal income tax reduces the amount of taxable income. The more deductions an individual has, the less of their income will be taxed at a higher rate. There are a number of deductions that individuals can claim on their federal income tax to reduce their tax burden.

There are also dollar-for-dollar tax credits that can reduce the actual tax bill. Tax credits typically produce a better result than deductions. That doesn’t mean individuals will receive the difference in the form of a refund, just that they will have less to pay taxes on.

People can itemize deductions, but there are some types of itemizations that have limits on the dollar amount that can be claimed. However, deductions reduce the amount of taxable income, and thereby the amount of taxes to be paid. A number of life events, such as having a child, may qualify individuals for additional deductions and credits that reduce their tax liability.

Many individuals purchase income tax software or use an online tax service to do their taxes and those methods are acceptable for people with simple taxes to calculate. For those making $200,000 or more or who own a business, a tax accountant is a better option. The professionals are experts at finding legal ways to reduce tax burdens and the amount of taxes their clients have to pay.

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