Tax season may be coming to an end, but if you’re among the many Americans who has yet to file your taxes, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. Below is our list of the top 4 things your accounting firm wish you knew.
Have Realistic Expectations
When you hire an accountant, you’ll be working with an expert who is well versed with the ins and outs of the ever-changing tax code. Filing a tax return takes time and due diligence. If you walk into a tax appointment and say you need to have your return done in 30 minutes, you should know that setting an unrealistic time constraint may lead to errors. It’s best to give your accountant the time they need to prepare your return correctly.
You’re Not The Only Client
A growing number of Americans have started to use virtual tax preparation services. Virtual tax prep involves sending all your tax documents to a tax expert and having them prepare your return remotely. However, just because you’re working with someone remotely, does not mean they’ll have time to answer every one of your emails as soon as you send them. Your accountant has multiple in-office and virtual clients to manage, and if you expect to always be dealt with first, you’re likely to get frustrated. Remember- everyone has the same filing deadline.
Accountants Love Organized Clients
Take some time to get organized before your tax appointment. For example, if you have a shoebox full of receipts, it’s unrealistic to think you can hand that box to your accountant and expect them to know what to do with it. Before your appointment, organize your financial documents as much as possible. If you have business receipts, try to organize your expenses into a document or excel spreadsheet. Getting organized will not only save time, it will help prevent potential errors in your filing.
They’re Not In Charge Of The Law
Your accountant’s job is to make sure your return is filed correctly. They’re not in charge of how big of a refund you might get, or how much money you might owe. Accountants try to do the best job they can for every one of their clients, but if you’re refund check isn’t as big as you’d like, or you find out you owe the IRS more than you expected, it’s not their fault. Your accountant isn’t in charge of the law.
Do you still need to file your 2019 taxes? Call Hughes Snell & Co. today at 239-939-2233 to get started.
