April 17 will come up fast. If you haven’t started your 2017 tax prep, make some time this weekend to pull information together. If you start now, there’s still plenty of time for an on-time file without feeling stressed or rushed. It’s when you feel stressed that you’re more likely to make mistakes, so don’t wait!
If extenuating circumstances are detaining you from your file, it might be time to consider an extension. We can help with this process and then have a meeting to learn how we can get your documents in order to complete your file as quickly as possible. There’s no reason to wait until October, and remember, you’re still responsible to pay any money due on time!
For those of you who have started but are hung up on something, give us a call at 913.888.9100 and we’ll help you get back on track. Use our years of experience to get through any hang ups fast. We know everyone starts taxes with the best of intentions – but life and other priorities can easily get in the way. We are available to pick up where you left off and wrap things up for you quickly and on time. Twenty-four days and counting!
We get it! You don’t love tax season, but you’ve got to get through it. Go ahead and throw your hands up! We’re here to help. There is still plenty of time to complete your 2017 income tax file on time. Give us a call this week and let’s talk about what we need from you to make it happen. You can reach us at (913) 888-9100. 
After a call or brief appointment, we can help identify the deductions that may apply to your situation and the documents you will need to submit with your file for proper documentation. When you pass your tax prep to a professional, you not only save yourself time and stress trying to meet a not-so-fun deadline. You also gain peace of mind that everything was completed correctly.
Put our many years of experience in tax preparation and accounting to work for you. We are current and familiar with tax laws and deductions available. It’s our job to do our best to maximize your return or to decrease your payment as much as possible.
If you want to work with us, but don’t have time for in-person meetings or file delivery, no problem! This year we have implemented a portal service where you can securely upload documents and review your file. We can work you in quickly. Just give us a call to get set up!
Last week the IRS issued another scam alert urging taxpayers to be vigilant and protect their financial data during tax season. The agency warned of a new scam that involves erroneous refunds and calls to return the money to a collection agency. There are a few versions of the scam in practice – read up on how to protect yourself.
The IRS provided taxpayers with procedures to return an erroneous refund. It also encouraged tax payers to be in touch with financial institutions in the event of a breach to secure or close your accounts. If you suspect you have received an erroneous refund, you need to contact your tax preparer immediately as well.
Of course, identity theft continues to be an issue during tax season as well. Use these tips from the IRS to do your best to safeguard your information. While it’s difficult to be on top of every avenue a criminal may explore, it’s sound advice to be extra cautious this time of year. Keep a closer eye on your accounts. If you see – or receive – information that seems odd or suspicious act quickly. We are always available to help determine if your data may have been compromised.
Do not follow instructions you received from a call or email. First, determine if the information is from a valid source. This means locating the appropriate contract information apart from what you have been provided. Do a Google search for a contact or call on us to help – 913.888.9100. Remember, if it seems unusual or too good to be true, it probably is. We’re always available for your questions. The 2017 tax deadline is less than 2 months away. Let us know what we can do for you!
We’re excited to announce a new client portal feature for our clients this tax season! What does this mean for you? Less paperwork and a more convenient process and storage system! We have partnered with SecureFilePro to bring this service to you. This online file transfer service will eliminate the need for copies of tax returns and allow you to upload your documents directly to us.
We will provide you with a log in to a secure site where you can upload and download documents throughout your tax preparation. This streamlines the process by making the paperwork piece easier for everyone! You will be able to add documents as it suits your schedule and we will send notifications when it’s time to sign or for record keeping.
If you prefer a traditional paper file process, that’s perfectly fine, too! We strive to offer a variety services to match our clients’ needs. Just give us a call or schedule a meeting and we’ll determine what works best for you.
We hope you find value in this added service and the convenience it provides. Reach out to us today at 913.888.9100 to get your 2017 taxes started. We look forward to helping you!
When you hear “529 Plan,” many people automatically think of a savings plan for future college costs. And this is certainly the most widely-used approach for the plan at this time. But did you know this popular savings strategy can also be used to pay for private school tuition grades, K-12? According to Clark.com, “The money grows tax free and is spent tax free for eligible expenses such as tuition, books and fees.”
For those of you with children in private school, or who are considering private school, you know the cost can be significant. And investing in a 529 plan may offer special tax benefits, depending on your circumstances. We’re ready to meet anytime to review tax implications or deductions that may be available based on your financial situation.
If you’re in the market for a financial advisor to help with your savings goals, we also have trusted recommendations in the industry we’re happy to share with you. Call on us at 913.888.9100. We look forward to meeting with you soon.
When you run a small business you manage many roles – from client development and marketing to customer service and accounting. And, each part is integral to success, but the accounting piece affects everything. This is why it’s so important to determine an accounting system that will work well for your style and business, and implement it from the start!
Without a proper accounting structure in place, it’s easy to lose focus on business goals. You may overspend a bit here or not keep track of a significant expense there. You won’t be on a guided budget. And it won’t be easy to check your profit and expenses. These things need to be managed closely to be successful and have the ability to sustain growth.
This is where we come in! We have a long history of small business management and accounting experience. We can help with system implementation and oversight. We can do as much or little as you need. And when it comes tax time, we’ll have everything we need ready to go for a quick, accurate file for you.
We’re just a few weeks into the New Year. It’s not too late to get organized for 2018. Let’s find a time to talk soon. Call us anytime at 913.888.9100 to discuss or schedule an appointment.
As we come to the end of 2017, we want to take a moment to thank our clients and friends for your business and referrals. It is our pleasure to partner with you for your personal and small business accounting solutions and tax preparation. We value the trust you place with our firm to manage these important tasks for you.
We know there will be tax changes in coming in 2018 and we will be ready to help you navigate through those to make informed decisions for your family and business. We look forward to visiting with you after the first of the year.
Until then, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year!
You’ve likely seen news reports related to tax reform and mortgage interest. While it’s too early to say for certain, many predict the mortgage interest deduction will be eliminated in 2018. If you’re a homeowner, this may affect you.
For homeowners with a mortgage, one thing you could do yet this year would be to prepay your mortgage payment for January, if you’re able. Or, you could make a payment for interest only before December 31, 2017. Either of these strategies would allow you to take advantage of the deduction on your 2017 taxes.
It’s our job to help maximize your deductions or reduce your tax payment through close review of your circumstances and options available to you. If you want to discuss this deduction or other deductions that may match your situation, give us a call at (913) 888-9100.
We can review your circumstances together to come up with a plan for your 2017 tax prep and the documents that will be required to complete an on-time file.
If yo
u own a small business or are self-employed, this one’s for you! Based on your circumstances, it’s likely you need to make estimated tax payments. Generally, these should be paid before the end of the calendar year. Taxes can be complicated, but it’s important to pay enough through withholding and estimated tax payments, otherwise the IRS may charge you a penalty.
First, things first, you need to determine if estimated tax payments apply to you. The link above is a great resource to see who must pay estimated tax. And, of course, we’re here to help, too! Withholdings and payment amounts can be confusing. With a quick review of your circumstances, we can let you know if you need to make a payment yet this year, and if so, for how much.
To determine what you might owe, start with this resource from the IRS. For clients who are required to make estimated tax payments, we can provide quarterly coupons to submit to the IRS with payment. This not only keeps you on track, it spreads the cost across the year.
We still have some appointments available in December, if you’d like to meet for assistance with your estimated tax payment. We can make the process quick and easy for you! Call us anytime at (913) 888-9100. We’re available to start work for you right away.
Like your taxes! We get it. Believe me. We get it, we know it and we have seen it all! There’s nothing fun about taxes. But what’s worse than tax prep in the first place is procrastinated tax prep! For one thing, it doesn’t get any easier to pull information together the further you get out in time. And for another, you delay money that may be owed to you, while likely raking up penalties!
Remember, while the IRS will grant most people a six-month extension to file, this does NOT delay any tax payments due. Here’s a list of 8 facts on late filing and late payment penalties from the IRS. Check with us to find out if any of these apply to your situation. In addition to the compounded financial implications of late filing and payment, it’s also important to asses a value to the time and stress associated with completing an overdue (or several overdue) files.
If you find yourself late, behind or stressed, partnering with a tax professional may be your quickest relief. We have years of experience and are very familiar with the filing process, laws and potential fines. Once you provide us with your tax documents, we can get things in order and filed quickly. In fact, many find the cost associated with hiring a tax professional outweighs the cost from additional penalties or errors. The expense can sometimes be justified in time and stress savings alone!
For information about our tax prep services and a cost estimate, call us anytime at (913) 888-9100. We’re available to start work for you right away.
Richard Adams is a graduate of Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, with dual majors in Accounting and Business Administration. He is also a graduate of Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, Missouri.