The increasingly likely answer is yes, you would benefit from utilizing an accountant. Accounting practices and tax policy are lengthy and intricate. Tax policies can and often change and/or become more complicated each year. It can be difficult and time consuming to stay up to date on your own.

At other firms it is often the case that you interface with an EA or CPA, but their associates and/or interns do the substantive work while the EA or CPA reviews it at the end. With Clark & Addison, you work directly with one accountant from start to finish.

An Enrolled Agent is licensed at the federal level by the IRS and specializes specifically in taxation while a CPA is licensed by a state board and offers a broader spectrum of general accounting services. Both are licensed professionals, require annual continuing education, and are held to high ethical standards.

If your tax situation is or is assumed to be simple, you can still benefit from having a professional prepare your tax return. You’re purchasing the benefits of convenience and peace of mind. Furthermore, in today’s world, having a “simple” tax return is a fleeting scenario. You need to ensure that you aren’t omitting any deductions or tax credits that could reduce your tax liability as well as ensuring that your income is being reported correctly. Depending on its source and nature, income can be taxed in several different ways.

You can expect your work to be completed with the same level of care as if we were completing it for ourselves. This entails good communication, honest advice, care, and consideration.

We look at the big picture and not just the current year’s tax and financial situation. We implement a proactive approach that helps accomplish current and future objectives.

This is a simple 5 step process:

1. You notify us that a virtual appointment is preferred and we set up an account for you on our secure client portal.

2. You upload a scan or pictures of your tax information to the portal.

3. We prepare your tax return.

4. We follow up with you via your choice of email, phone call, or video chat to review the tax return and ensure nothing is overlooked.

5. You receive an email to electronically sign your tax return.

Our fees include the completion of your work as well as one hour of after-the-fact support. We are as flexible and accommodating as possible, but typically charge for additional time.

If you receive a letter (related or unrelated to the work we prepared) from the IRS, state taxing agency, secretary of state, etc. or just have tax questions, we’re here for you. Our experience is that it always cheaper, easier, and more efficient to be proactive instead of reactive.

We do not. However, we stand behind our work given the information, source documentation, etc. that was provided to us. We strive to make our work as audit-proof as possible by doing our due diligence and staying current on the latest tax codes and regulations.

The nature of tax work is that there is a busy season, a really busy season, and a calm season. As such, turn around times fluctuate, but our goal is to have a two week or less turnaround time for virtual and drop-off appointments. Clients that schedule an in-office appointment can expect their tax return to be completed at their appointment.

This answer is vague and specific at the same time: Potentially.

The IRS says taxpayers can deduct what is “ordinary and necessary” for your business. It is also common for the IRS to use language such as “facts and circumstances can apply”.

Essentially, you/we need to be able to reasonably justify your business expenses. This can mean several different things depending on the industry you are in and the characteristics of your business. For example, it is unlikely to expect a mechanic to have a similar deduction for business meals and client meetings as a realtor.

Clark & Addison emphasizes maximizing your tax and financial position while also staying within the applicable regulations.